Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-03-26
RIVER MEN INDIGNANT.
steps Taken to Prevent Further Shooting
at the stea mboats

steps Taken to Prevent Further Shooting
the stea mboats.
Rivermen III general are very indig-
nant over the way in which the boats
have been treated during the present
high water Rivermen realize that in
times Of high water that there is dan
ger Of flooded property being wrecked
by the agitation Of the river, but con-
tend that according to law steamboats,
have g right to navigate through the
middle of the stream. Another thing,
they say that it should be borne In
mind that the boats have no intention
whatever Of destroying the submerged
property, which, of course, should be
understood, and ply the waters as
easily as possible. They hold that
property owners should therefore be
more considerate and not let their
temper at the moment lead them to the
commission of such rash act as the
usage of firearms.
The boats encountered their greatest
difficulty between Moundsville and
Bellaire, and the number of bullets
hurled at the passing steamers was
simply unreasonable. Such action
not only endangers the lives of the
passengers and crews, but lays the
persons committing such acts open to
the liability Of severe punishment in
case they are caught.
The Sam Clark, which is now tied
up at Bellaire was pierced with about
forty-eight bullets. This boat suffered
the most and is the next thing to be-
ing riddled The bullets pierced the
boats at all points, and the crew and
passengers We're compelled to take
refuge where the opportunity invited
itself.
The steamer Virginia, which passed
up to Pittsburg yesterday afternoon,
was struck with five missiles, causing
general fright among the crew and
passengers. Mate Alfred Penniwaite
had just left the mirror in the state
room, before which he had been stand
ing combing his hair, when bullet
came crashing through the window
and struck the mirror and smashed
the glass into pieces. 1t was quite a
narrow escape from serious injury or
death, as the bullet struck the mirror
at a point where his head had been
an instant before.
The t0wboat Tornado is lying at
in her sides, but no damage was sus-
tanned. The captain of the Sam Clark
says that he has list of the names of
some of those who are supposed to
have done the shooting, and intends
to push the thing as far as he can to
bring the guilty parties TO justice.
Captain Crockard yesterday talked
with Sheriff Doyle, of Marshall county,
asking him to notify his people to
cease further interference with steam
beat navigation. The sheriff expressed
his willingness Of taking such steps,
and it is likely now that the boats
may ply through the river between
these two points without fear Of being
put under fire.
Bay Brothers Urania arrived from
Pittsburg last night about $50 o'clock,
and after letting off freight at the
wharf boat moved up alongside of the
Lexington, opposite the Panhandle
station, and tied up for the night. Cap
tain William Bay was aboard, and in
talking of the boats which have been
shot at during the present high water
stated that 1T was one of the most I'M
reasonable things that rivermen have
to contend with. He further said that
steam boats could not be stopped I'M
der circumstances from running on
the river, as such had been proven in
the courts time and time again. He
also said that the guilty parties should
be found if possible and prosecuted.