Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1878-10-12
THE OLD COLONY DISASTER.

Investigation Showing How the Accident
Observation-Disclosures Arrested for Man
EMBELLISHMENTS of the Victims.
Boston, Oct. 1.-THE evidence taken in the
investigation by the railroad commissioners
into the cause of the late accident on the Old
Colony railway goes to show that while Hurl-
burt, engineer of the freight train. cross
ing the inward track with his locomotive and
five cars, he discovered the excursion train APP
preaching at great speed. He put on steam
and reached the outward track in safety, at the
same time swinging red lantern as warning
to the engineer of the excursion train. The
lantern was seen by Westgate, engineer
of the Easton, who gave the signal for
down brakes. At this moment Hart
we'll, conductor of the freight train, was run
ming to throw the switch of the side track to
the main line switch, over which the five empty
freight cars passed. and which had been left
open after they passed, but the switch being
what is known as patent safety switch, it was
thrown back into its proper place on the flange
OF the forward wheels of the first locomotive
touching it. So far as learned the evidence
went to show that the moment the excursion
train reached the switch Hartwell was in the
act of adjusting the other and had 1T just half
over when the train reached it, The hange of
the wheels of the engines struck square on the
end of the straight rail where the switch should
have joined and both engines jumped the track,
followed by the baggage car, the English coach
and several Of the succeeding cars. Hartwell,
who had hold of the bar of the switch the mo-
ment the engine struck the disconnected rail,
was thrown violent and some distance into
field close by. On Thursday evening the scene
of the accident was visited by the railroad
commissioners in company with President
Chote and Superintendent Kendrick, with a
view of fully comprehending the State of af-
fairs at the time Of the accident. locomo-
tive was run over the switch to indicate the
passage of the engine and the five freight cars
from the siding and the spot Indicated just
where Hubert swung the lantern to warn the
doomed train. The misplaced switch was then
turned half over and showed red and white
light as it did the night of the accident, and
which was seen by Westgate when he was al
most on to it.
FUNERAL OF THE VICTIMS.
| BosToN, Oct. lin this city and vicinity
| to-day occurred the funeral ceremonies over
the remains Of several of the victims Of the
Wollaston disaster. Those of ex-Councilman
| Michael F. Wells took place in St. Josephs
church. The funeral services of James Boyle
| were conducted at st. Stephens church and
Edward Doherty's at ST. Mary's.
The funeral Of Patrick Reagan the oarsmen,
this forenoon at st. Mary's church in the
Charleston district. The church was densely
crowded, and hundreds thronged the streets tc
await the passage Of the funeral cortege.
/ MANSLAUGHTER.
BOSTON, Oct. 11-Attorney General Train
acting upon the evidence taken by the beard o.
railroad commissioners in the investigation
into the cause of the accident on the Old Colon,
road, caused the arrest of Charles B.. Hartweli
conductor of the freight train, who will be helt
for examination on charge of manslaughter
ANOTHER VICTIM.
Boston, Oct. 11.-John Lannehan, the las
one rescued from the wreck at Wallastin, die.
tonight.
strike of winders and doublers in the Dial