Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1886-07-12
OVER NIAGARA FALLS.
c. D. GRAHAM MAKES THE PERILOUS yOY-
AGE IN 4 CASK.
The Mad Current Catches the Imprisoned
Nan and the Cask Goes Bounding Over
the Roaring Cataract Graham
Uninjured.

BUFFALO, n. Y, July livery few of
the thousands Of persons who visited Mag
ara Falls to-day, had any idea that another
adventurous man would attempt to swim
the Whirlpool Rapids, in which Capt.
Webb lost his life For some time past c.
d. Graham has been making preparations
for the attempt, but few persons really be-
lieved that his courage would hold out
long enough for him to make it, Such,
however, was not the case, and at about
4 o'clock this afternoon Graham
started on his perilous voyage which
he successfully accomplished. Graham had
told reporter all about his plans and
stated that he would carry them out at the
time he did, but requesting that the tine
be not given in publishing the article for
fear that the authorities would prevent
him in his purpose. Accordingly very few
were among the spectators. Graham kept
the cask in which he intended to make
his trip in saloon in this
city. About eleven O'Clock last night
he loaded il on a wagon, and accompanied
by several friends, started for the falls.
They arrived there about 4 o'clock this
morning and unloaded the cask Mt point
on the American side of the river below
the falls and about 300 rods above the canti-
lever bridge. 4 policeman arrested him
on suspicion of being TOnawanda horse
thief, but his Buffalo friends secured his
release on bail. When every thing was
ready Graham got into the barrel and
closed the man-hole ut the top. Al this
point Ofthe river the current is very slight.
A TERRIBLE TRIP.
A small boat towed the cask out into the
river toa point where the current would
catch it and then Graham was started on
what might have turned out to be his trip
to eternity. The towing process took only
few moments and then the stream caught
the cask and started il towards the whirl-
pool. At first it moved slow and then faster
until the current rushed it with force. The
cask bounded up and down over the great
waves and several times turned complete
somersault, but the wider portion remain
ed uppcrmost, although it turned
around like top The cask kept pretty
well in the center of the river until it
reached the whirlpool, when it struck a
strong side current and was carried
rapidly through, reaching the waters
beyond in safety. From here the
journey was comparatively quiet. The
cask was picked up at Lewiston, about five
miles below the starting point, and Graham
crawled out of the barrel with only slight
bruise on his arm. lie remarked: when
| struck the eddy ii was one continued
round Of jerks, but am not hurt bit "
Graham is native of Philadelphia, 33
years old, and cooper by trade. He is a
poor man, and did this thing for glory.
The cask is Z tcet long, S inches in di-
ameter at the widest portion, 23 inches at
the top, and IL inches at the bottom. 1t
is bound around with iron hoops which
weigh 80 pounds. The ballast which was
attached to the cask to keep it in position
weighs 240 pounds. Graham will probably
repeat the trip. He says he will yet go
over Horse Shoe falls.