The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-11-21
THE WINTRY STORM.
clustering Winds, Heavy Seas and
Weather-BOund Ships.
LOSS OF LIFE ON THE LAKES.
Snow Falling Over a Wide Belt
of Territory.

The wind yesterday was biting, and as it main
tanned it's strength all day the cold northern blast sent
the thermometer down. down. down. till at ten p M.
it registered twenty-three degrees with indications
Of getting still to zero before dawn to-day.
Its effects noticeable in all directions. Down
the bay the gale beat up heavy sea. compelling
craft OF every dimension to seek the shelter
afforded by the shore. ono hundred vessels max
ing an anchorage off Staten Island to ride out the
storm. Steam vessels only made their way through
the Narrows. sailing craft dare not make the ven
ture even when closely reefed. The Staten Island
ferry boats Rugged the Jersey shore as closely as
possible to avoid the heavy in the upper bay
and small craft made no appearance what
ever, except when in spirit Of daring the
Battery boatman put off in the afternoon
in the hope of rescuing the crew of the sinking
schooner Jane. The wind and the cold combined
kept many would-be prcmenader within DOORS
and after nighttal only those who felt it duty
90 went out into the streets to be bufeted by the
wind.
Many of those accustomed to ride on the "L"
roads who had conquered the first feelings of
vous trepidaton by repeated journeys Oh the iron
stills much affected by the wind last even
ing to venture the seemingly fragile structure.
This was more marked on the west side. where the
eKreme height OF the trestle work the Ninth
nue. line from Ninetieth to 135th street, to avoid
grades. deferred many from making the journey
that way.
ASSURANCES or SAFETY.
In order to ascertain il there was any danger from
this source HERALD reporter visited the offices of
the east and west side railroads last night Superin
tendent Van Brockin OF the west side said there
not the least danger as the weight and
equilibrium Of the trains were so arranged that it
would be almost an impossbility for train
to be blown from the track. and the height of
the trese work made not the least difference in the
probability. "As to the effect Of cold weathef." he
said if temperature injured the tensile strength of
iron IL would be used bridges and railroads.
Science demonstrated
elevated roads are built with more strength
and material than any railroad bridge. The
road bed is under examination every minute of
the day and though greater precautions taken
than usual. every one is presumed to be more the
alert 1t this OF the year. and the engineers
especially careful IN going round curves and at GER
tain places where caution Is deemed necessary along
the road. The passengers looked after also
Though on this side have not commenced heat
time on ali trains and so protecting the vari-
parts OF the engine from the effects of
the sudden changes of temperature steady pres
sure OF cold that such an accident as the freezing OF
its water such other cause of delay is
dered impossible All the engine IL boxed and every
exposed part covered with felt and canvas The
HERALD assure its readers that there need be
apprehension of train blowing of the track of
the cold weather causing any accident this season..
Mr.. Edward Burns. train dispatcher the east
side lines. said that. while some nervous people
might refuse TO ride on an ''L'' road during the
prevalence of such storm. he did not think it
added particle the danger OF its traffic. Tho
travel on the east side road was very heavy during
the evening on account OF the Seventh regi-
ment fair. that he could not tell that the
storm had compelled one passenger to defer riding
on the IL road. But none need be afraid of being
blown from the tracks. lie did not know that cold
snap heavy frost would add to the risk of such
travel but tie company took extra precautions; the
tracks more carefully looked after and some
what lower rate OF speed was the general rule This
not enough to delay passengers. but still sufi
cient to insure their safety. such weather. he
thought. could have no possible effect on the road
and Il was folly to think Of such thing.