Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-05-26
rHe CANADA DISASTER.
The Causes of the Dreadful Disaster
One hundred and Sevsnty Bodies Thus
Far Recovered.
4 Monument to be Erected Near the
Scene Of the Disaster.

is received concerning the disaster to the
steamer Victoria. All is in the deepest con-
fusion. Newspaper stats. like all else, are
sadly demorallzed. all having friends involved
in the calamity. The whole city Is almost
demeDred The accident is certainly due to
gross carelessness.
The boat was overcrowded to a disgraceful
extent The manager. George Parish. was
expostuiated with by several at Spring Bank,
and urged not TO let the boat go out IN ihat
overcrowded condition, bnt he is reported to
have replied: 'Al right know my ousi-
ness"
Mr. Samuel Stewart, one of those who
protested left the boa, at Spring Bank with
his family. Several hundred more remained
there unable to get passage. and had 10 walk
home. distance of four miles, at night
This disaster will put an end ~ pleasure
steamer business. people will hot venture
again on the river which is in many places
twenty or thirty feet deep.
Up To = 80 NJ. hundred and seventy
bodies have been recovered. Most OF them
were brought to the city. All the undertake
ers' shops are beseiged, and coffus are going
out by the score. The crowds at the river
bank and the steamer landing have not di-
minished. The excitement continues as the
night advances. The list of the identified
is still incomplete. Large numbers Of bodies
remain on the grounds at Sulphur Springs
Baths awaiting claimants.
The cause of the disaster to the steamer
Victoria, is said by some, to have been the
playful pranks of number of youths on
the lower deck. and BY others is ascribed
Ia the boat striking on a snag, which caused
the crowd, out of curiosity, 10 rush to one
side, and that side of the boat sank with the
additional weight. A volume of water a
foot in depth poured upon the lower deck,
which was crowded with passengers.
Instantly the crowd on boti. decks rushed
to the opposite side. and their weight, with
that OF the water shipped caused lurch in
the opposite direction. Then it was that the
disaster occurred. The side of the boat sunk
in the water to the depth of one or two feet
and while the crowd on the lower deck were
struggling to save themselves from slipping
into the river, the stanchions supporting the
upper deck gave away and the whole Struc-
ture with its load of human beings came
down on those below, crushing them on the
deck and rendering escape impossible.
The boat on its side continued sinking
deeper in the water, taking with it many of
the passengers, who were stunned by the
fall of the upper deck, and unable to help
themselves.
Scores sunk in the water without an effort,
while many were precipitated into the
river unhurt, and rent the air with their vain
appeal for help while the passengers who
were safe were unable to extend aid. The
utmost exertions were put forth to rescue as
many of the drowning as possible, and many
were saved from a watery grave.
As soon as possible help was secured, and
the work of recovering the bodies from the
river was proceeded with.
Great confusion prevails Many promi-
nent citizens and their families are included
among thc.vctims. The number of bodies
recoverered is estimated from 1870 to lG0,
and no more will probably be found.
When the waters was let off by the remov-
al of plash boards, a morning search cOntin-
ued for those under the lower deck, and %
more bodies were brought to the surface
making about two hundred in all recovered
1t is not known how many more. if any are
lost
The City Council to-day. passed resolu-
tons of coincidence. 4 settled gloom pre-
walls over the city. Many business places
are closed. X. MOntgomery,a merchant of Tor
onto was on board, but escaped, and sue
ceeded in saving many others. The burial
of the victims is proceeding, and a solemn
stiffness prevails in the city. Flags are at
half mast and the bells toling.
LONDON, Ont, May %, 1890 p. NJ. Up
to the present time, 23S bodies have been re-
covered 1t is believed that there are sew
eral yet beneath the wreck. A committee
of citizens will meet this afternoon and con-
slider the situation. 1t is decided to ask the
mayor to proclaim tomorrow day of pub
lie mourning, by the suspension of business,
and call upon those in Strengthened circum-
stances and extend the necessary relief, and
care for such bodies as are neglected, and
devise means for the erection of a monu-
ment. 1t is probable that such a monu-
ment will be erected in Woodlands Gene
terry, on the bank of the river overlooking
the scene of the disaster. An inquest begun
this evening. The jury formally viewed the
body of Miss +. Cooper and adjourned until
tomorrow.
field battery was called out this after
noon for the purpose of blowing up the boil
er. under which several bodies are supposed
to be: large number of bodies have been
taken to drill shed, there to await further
action. The people throughout the city feel
stunned and stupefied by the blow. and peo-
pie are seen weeping on every side.