Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-07-03
ATTEMPTED TRAIN wRECKINa.
A Dynamite Cartridge Placed on the Tracks
Of the n. r., n. H. and III. Railroad.

A Dynamite Cartridge Placed on the Tracks
OF the N. r., n. HI. and HI. Railroad.
The place and hour we're veil chosen by the
wretch who placed n dynamite cartridge on
Wednesday night right in the path of the
steamboat train from New Haven to Spring.
held. The spot was at small bridge on the
New York, New Haven and Hartford railroad
about three miles north Of Hartford. There
the track is level in both directions for mile
and trains make fast time. The bridge. a
twenty-foot span, crosses a small stream which
drains stretch Of meadows to the west 1t is
fifteen or twenty feet to the water and the road
at this point runs for a considerable distance
on an embankment. There are houses in the
neighborhood. but none nearer than a quarter
OF mile. Close to the bridge is q thick clump
OF small trees and an underground, in which
the villain might safely have secreted himself
to watch the result of his work.
Tho train had a combination baggage and
smoking car and six passenger coaches, all well
nied with passengers. 1t was running fast.
just as the engine struck the bridge there was
crash OF glass in the cab and q startling re-
port The heavy engine felt as il lifted from
the track, but IL crossed the bridge, kept to the
rails and brought its train beyond in safety.
Several car windows were shattered
The train hands and scores of the passengers
hurried back to the bridge. One end was
party wrecked at the east track. The iron
Orders had held, but the woodwork and ties
were shattered to fragments. Five feet of
the nrst bridge tie we're gone. The next tie,
resting on the earth. was in fragments and
three feet Of the wooden guard rail had disap-
peared- The heavy granite block had large
piece blown of The rock ballast was blown in
every direction.
The most remarkable thing was the steel rail-
For nearly two feet the base and upright part,
nearly to the bearing surface. was cut out as
though by some huge cutting machine. Rail-
road men say there is no machine in use in
railroad work that could have torn out such a
piece from steel rail-
The train proceeded on its way and wreck
ing train repaired damages in a few hours.
An investigation was begun yesterday. Sec
ton Master Graaey found fragments of the
woodwork 200 feet distant in the meadow and
wood, but not particle to show in what the
dynamite was placed or how its explosion had
been arranged.
The destruction Of the under part of the rail
indicates that it must have been placed down
between the end ties next to the outside rail,
ana possibly may have been exploded by the
jar. To the strength of the rail and the strong
iron bridge structure must be attributed the
escape OF the engine from plunging down into
the stream, followed by its long train of cars
tumbling over the embankment.
The purpose of this dastardly work is prob
a later hour would probably have been chosen,
when the Adams Express train came along.
There Is nothing to support the theory of re-
venge, for the officials have had no recent
trouble with their workmen. and it is stated
that no person has recently been elected from
a train in that section.
Detectives at work on the case have dis
covered no ciews of Importance. 1t is theory
th&t the dynamite may have been placed on the
bridge merely for mischief, but the selection Of
such dangerous spot indicates a deliberate
design to wreck the train.
Superintendent Davidson said "Whoever the
person was he evidently understood the nature
OF dynamite and how to use it effectually. He
intended to ditch the train. l am confident
that dynamite was used, because of the greasy
appearance of the splintered woodwork. The
force OF the explosion may be judged from the
fact that We haven't been able to find the piece
OF rail torn out The stream, which is now
shallow, has been searched.
Il am inclined to the belief that this was the
work OF some one of an anarchical disposition,
determined to destroy life and property for
pure deviltry. You may rest assured that the
company win never rest until the fellow is
found
Four tramps were in the vicinity during the
afternoon and pile of hay had been used as a
iounging place. 1t is surmised that these fellows
may have found the cartridge at some place
where dynamite was used for rock blasting and
intended to make haul among the dead and
wounded passengers.