The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1897-06-25
TO MEET HEAD ON
FATE ARRANGED FOR TWO LAKE
ERIE & WESTERN ENGINES.
Program of the Collision at Muskegon,
Monday, July 5th, 1897. . q

Program of the Collision at Muskegon
Monday, July 5th, 1897. = q
On the afternoon of Monday, July 5th,
thousands Of men, women and children will
be within huge enclosure in or near the
city Of Muskegon, watching two engineers
driving two locomotives up and down the
track. The men of the grimy overalls will
pet their steel steeds, as the typical engineer
always does, gazing lovingly at each shin
ing rod and brass, watching the sensitive
needle Of the steam guage, trying the sand
and preparing for the last sensational run.
AS the hour of o'clock approaches the
excitement of the great crowd will increase
and every eye will have been fixed upon
the engines, which will have drawn half
mile apart. Sharp as the minute hand
passes the figure twelve, white cloud Of
steam will rise from each of the black mon
sters so soon to be hurled forward at head
long speed, and the sharp scream of whist
les will break the air. With simultaneous
movement each engineer will give steam to
the machine he controls, and the driving
wheels will begin to reyolve.
MAKE A FLYING JUMP.
AS the engines move forward each man
will watch every motion and when the trem-
bling and vibration which attends the start
ing of every train ceases, and the steady
turning has begun, the throttle will be
pulled wide open. Each engineer will
make flying jump, and gaining speed
every second the locomotives with whistles
screeching and bells ringing will rush for
ward to meet in that most fearful embrace
known as head-on collision. The impact
will be tremendous and the spectsc,o long
to be remembered. A flying locomotive is
alone wonderful sight, but when two are
rushing together there is no other concep-
ton of gigantic visible force half so impress
siye and awe-inspiring. Every spectator
will hold his breath and there will be no
sound except the rush and roar of the huge
engines and the final crash as they meet and
rear up to fall mangled mass Of hopeless
confusion.
BECOMES A REALITY.
This pen picture becomes reality on
day at the time stated.
The engines that are to be used will be
supplied by the Lake Erie 81 Western Ry.
company and will come from Indianapolis.
They will each weigh 10000 pounds and
have 15x24 inch cylinders and four drivers.
Geo. l.. Bradbury, the vice president and
general manager of the company, has taken
great interest in this enterprise. The loco
motives will be sent upon weeks notifca-
ton, and their boilers will be subjected to a
cold water test.
1t is possible that one or more militia
companies will be used as guards, and there
will be large force of special officers.
Every precautlon will be taken to keep the
crowds back out of danger.
LARGE EXCURSIONS.
There will be large excursions run in
from all directions. The Grand Trunk sys-
tenn is making arrangements for two large
trains that will bring at least 5000 persons.
There will be extra coaches on every train
running In here over the @. & w. M. and
g. r. & 1. roads. Boats will add large
quotas to the crush and Muskegon can
count upon having the largest number of
visitors In Its history.