The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-11-09
BROKE A SOLDIERS LEG,
Keeper Perigo Sustained a Seri-
GUS Injury in Fort Point
Battery.
He Himself Failed to Follow the AID.
vice Which He Gave to
Others.

Fortkeeper Perigo had his right leg
broken while directing repairs in one of
the mortar battery pits at Fort Point yes
terday morning. During the practice
firing of the new Finch breech- loading
mortars in the battery at Fort Point Lieu
tenant Miley has had force of men from
the Preside steadily engaged in putting
the new guns in condition. The several
parts of each of the sixteen guns are re-
ceiving the closest inspection and the
slightest imperfection is sought to be rem
edied. In the firing of one of the big fell
lows recently 1t was discovered that one
set of the heavy springs located in the
framework, whose purpose is the forcing
of the mortar back to position after the
shot has been fired, did not operate
smoothly.
Fortkeeper Perigo, experienced in the
setting up and handling of artillery, ad-
vised the removal of that side of the frame
containing the ill-working springs. 1t was
found necessary, in order to locate the
cause of the trouble, to open the cylinder
which holds the spring in place. This was
peculiarly difficult task, as the immense
power of the springs had bound the ma
chinery in such way that there was dan
ger of a sudden breakage or falling apart
of the huge pieces of iron comprising the
mechanism of the frame.
The advice of Eng ineer Kuhn of the Sig
nal Corps was sought, and device was set
in operation which encouraged the belief
that the object would be ultimately accom-
plished.
Perigo urgently advised the workmen to
keep away from the end of the frame. He
was of the opinion that the iron cap
which held the spring and should move
freely in the cylinder had expanded and
become only temporarily lodged. 1t was
his opinion also that when released from
its Judgment the springs would act sud-
denly with such force as to endanger the
life of any one in proximity to the end of
the frame, but Perigo was SO intent upon
his work and so anxious for the accom-
plishment of the undertaking that he
failed to realize that he was as liable to
danger as any one else.
He moved about the framework and
superintendent the operations with the ap-
parent abstraction of one who compre-
hended only the necessity for the success.
full outcome of his task.
With a suddenness that shocked the
entire force of men the great pieces of iron
separated and the smaller part, weighing
1000 pounds or more, was thrown from its
position by the pressure of the springs,
which are capable of fifteen tons of power.
Perigo was in the exact locality when the
accident occurred that he had warned
Lieutenant Miley ten minutes previously
to avoid. He caught the full force of the
heavy piece on his leg and was thrown to
the pavement, held tightly under the
enormous weight until the workmen could
release him.
The shock sustained by Perigo was so
great that he was for a few seconds after
being released unable to comprehend what
had occurred. Had the injury occurred to
any portion of his trunk the result of the
contact would have been sudden death.
He considered himself fortunate when he
realized that only leg was broken, and as
he is man OF strong physique and good
health, though 60 years Of age, he will soon
recover,