Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1883-07-27
Ghe 1ree Press.
PLUNGED IN THE RIVER
A Pier Breaks Down Under an Ex-
cursiOn Party.
Several Hundred People Thrown
Struggling in the Patapsco,
Desperate Efforts for Life Amid Terror
and Confusion go to 10 Lives Lost.


and Confusion go to 10 Lives Lost.
BALTIMORE, Md, July 24.-Between GO
and 10 lives were lost at North Point, Tivoli,
an excursion resort on the Patapsco river, ~
miles from Baltimore, about 10 o'clock Mon
day night, by the giving way OF the outer
portion of pier on the wharf. Several hun
dred people were congregated, awaiting the
boats return to the city. The cxcursionists
knowing there was only one boat to take
them back to the city dashed along the pier
until stopped by the gate. Noisy youths
tried to climb over and man and boy scat
cd on the rail were thrown into the water.
A commotion followed and before they were
rescued there was sudden crash and Choir
used shrek. Splnters flew in every dircc-
tion and 200 persons were struggling among
broken timbers in eight feet of water. Their
cries were heard two miles away. Eye wit
nesses state that the scene was sicken-
ing. The moon had gone down and
the only light was shed by. two feeble
lamps. The rescuers placed large
lanterns on the wharf. Two of these ex-
plodcd, adding TO the terror. Those on the
barge decks threw life preservers, slo ,ls and
benches into the water. These struck great
many on the head and knocked them insensi-
BILE. Others let down ropes and planks. In
descrbablc hopelessness and terror rclgned.
There were shrieks, curses, groans and heart
rending prayers for help. Darkness
impcded tho rescucrs. Charles Conner
saved six persons L. Fitzpatrick four,
Patrick Beatty six, John Conall four,
Jacob Barnet ten and James Burns ten. They
were expert swimmers. Some of the wo-
men were pulled on the wharf and Others
dragged to shallow water. The movements
of the barge caused wash that carried those
battling with the water under the wharf and
among the piles. The men generally strug-
gled out The males drowned were helping
women and children. A huge fire was built
on the shore for the saved, and their clothes
were soon drying. Dredging for bodies then
began
II is reported that the bodies of two more
children have been found AT the inquest
Officer Bonnet testified that he locked the
gates on the wharf by order of the proprie-
tor When the boat arrived witness opened
the gates. The people rushed through and
back as the wharf was not In coed condition.
Soon after he heard the crash. lie did not
consider the wharf safe with such a crowd.
There were 700 persons on it when 1t fell.
Three hundred went into the water. The
wharf flooring was repaired this season. The
break occurred between Two gales, not where
the boat lands. Examination showed that
the timbers were pretty rotten. Father Starr
testified that the pier was mass of patching
from ono end to the other. After the crash
he found the outer gate open, though it was
closed five minutes before.
The Patapsco is river of Maryland, .ris
ing in Baltimore county and entering Chcsa-
peake bay by broad estuary between North
Point aud Bodkiu's point, and navigab'e
for IA miles by vessels drawing Is iect OF
water. Baltimore is situated 10 miles up the
river on branch.
The verdict says the authorities at the pier
did not use proper care and precautlon 10
prevent the OccurrenCe.