The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-06-23
EXCURSI0NISTS IN DANGER.
TWO SUNDAY STEAMERS RUN A RISKY
RACE FROM ROCKAWAY.


Exciting and Perilous Diversion for Pnssen-
gers Aboard the Columbia nnd Plymouth
Rock A Contest aud Nearly - Collision.
Persons who sought the excursion steam
ers to Rockaway Beach. yesterday. were met by
runners from the rival vessels Plymouth Rock
and Columbia. Handbls setting forth the Pc
cular advantages OF the ono boat over tho other
woro thrust into their hands. and they were told
that safety. comfort and speed" could be had
only by taking tho famous steamer about to
start from n certain wharf. or that "the swift
excursion palace" might bo found at another
point. These energetic solicitations resulted
In about an equal division Of passengers. Once
having decided which way to go. they became
partisan. and shared the strong feeling evil
IDENTITY existing between the arrangements OF
the two boats. As the Columbia steamed by her
rival before tho latter had left her wharf. shouts
OF derision and defiance were exchanged. and
the band on the Columbia strained their lungs
to drown the music produced by the chime OF
RonRs on the upper deck OF the Plymouth Rock.
The boats did not have any encounter at the
beach. rs they have prudenty obtained separate
landing places.
On tho return trip tho Plymouth Rock gained
the advantage OF few minutes start. and the
Columbia whistled extra warnings to hurry its
passengers on board. in order to make up for
lost time. Tho Plymouth Rock was evidently
reservinR hor best efforts. for tho two boats were
soon side by side. Then all steam was crowded
on, and an exciting race began. Tho furnaces
were frequently thrown opcn TO receive moro
coal. and everything was done to get the great
est possible speed. The steamers kept nearly
the same relative positions for thrce or four
miles. except that they gradually drew nearer
together. At hrst tho passengers satisfied
themselves with waving handkerchief and
l III. Il. l..
understood as You will soon he lrft behind"
Now they were near enough tos at to one an-
other. and such remarks as why don't you
keep upp" and Shall wo throw you a line ?"
| could DO heard above tho chorus Of voices.
| Walters and deck hands leaned over the rails.
| shaking their fists. while the officers In the
| pilot houses looked Anxously at the rival boat.
and saw that Mother was getting any decided
advantage BY this time there was not person
on either boat who failed to appreciate that they
were taking part in n thrilling contest Men.
women. and children left the cabins. into which
they had been driven by the rain. 10 rush to the
| sides Of the bonts and lend their voices 10 the
| general shouts Of eXultation.
| So nearly equal was the speed OF tho two boats
nm ney S M & on 9s feN % & %
| excitement. however IL was observed that the
| Columbia was sud ienly dropping behind much
| to the surprise Of her officers. who believed her
| To be the faster boat. Men went along her decks
| asking everybody 10 stand back from the rails.
| to keep her on even keel. 50 that she would 20
faster Tn" passengers were sufficiently Inter-
| ested In the result to comply with this request
without murmur. With this change the vessel
| recovered her lost ground. and even gained n
| little. But the boats were getting dangerously
near together, They had gone out beyond the
| breakers. and 1t was time for them to turn in
and take a direction for the Narrows. The
| Plymouth Rock deviated from the outward
course FIRST so that ii seemed as though she
| must strike the bow of the Columbia. but the
| latter changed enough to clear, ana then
| made sudden turn. swinging her stern
so that 1t came within FIVE or six feet
| % striking the paddlebox OF tho Plymouth
| Rock, For an instant 1t seemed as though a
| collision could not be- avoided. The shouting
! ceased. Not voice was heard. The men stepped
back 10 tho outer sides Of the bonts. ami drew
after them tho women. who were pale with
| fright. The Columbia ohtuined the shorter
| course and secured n lead of two lengths. which
she kept until the two bonts separated AZ Gov
ernors Island. where the Plymouth Rock
| turned on TO her landing at Jewe'l's dock and
| the Columbia kent ON up the North River.
We leave the Rock behind every day." a
| waiter in a red packet and white apron was
heard 10 say. hut there will he collision some
| day. md IL wont mako much difference TO us
| after that whether we boat or ar beaten"