Daily new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1897-1906, 1902-04-21

Cairo, Ills. April 21.--One Of the
worst disasters in the history of
Ohio river navigation occurred short
ly after O'Clock Sunday morning.
near Ogden's landing. near this city.
While almost all aboard were sleep
ing the steamer City of Pittsburg was
discovered to be on fire and in few
moments was burned to the waters
edge. The loss of over $4,000 on
the steamer does not include the
cargo. both being a total loss. The
latest estimates last night were that
$50 persons were aboard and that
not more than half of them were
saved. Many of the latter were
burned or injured. AS the register
of the steamer was burned. no list
could be given, either of the victims
or Of the survivors, and in the con-
fusion it was impossible to get com
plete lists. Captain Phillips admitted
that the death list may reach GO.
Two boats and all available craft
from this city went to the scene
for relief Efforts were made to
catch the New South Of the same
line, at Paducah, and have her steam
back for relief, but the steamer had
passed Paducah, upward bound. be-
fore the telegram was received.
Most of Passengers In Bed.
Most Of the passengers were still
in bed when Second Clerk Oliver
Phillips gave the alarm. The en-
gineers at once started all the pump
ing engines, while the crew brought
all the hose into play. Amid the
streams of water on all sides, the
flames from the lower deck and dense
clouds OF smoke, the passengers
rushed from their staterooms and a
frightful panic ensued. The appeals
of the officers and crew could not APP
pease the terror-stricken crowds that
interfered with those throwing water
on the flames as we'll as with those
working with the Iifeboats. Few
could adjust life preservers or do any
thing for themselves.
The smoke was sitting. Great
clouds fioated through the blazing
steamer, choking the passengers and
adding to the terror. Children cried
pitifully, begging that they be saved.
Lifeboats were manned and every
effort was made to save the passer-
gers from the floating furnace of
flames.
Seen from the river banks, the
sparks from the burning craft and
the dense clouds of smoke. tinged
with flames, made a most impressive
and weird spectacle.
Boats Did Rescue Work.
Boats were sent from shore to help
In the work of rescue. Boats, laden
to their limit with passengers In the
scant attire they were to gather, We're
landed at the river banks. AS fast as
the boats could be emptied they re-
turned to the Inflated steamer, the
work.
The burning steamer was quickly
headed to the bank, but passengers
were forced TO jump from the stern.
and trying to swim ashore through
the swift current many were drown
ed. Many also persisted in the flames.
Only one yawl was saved. without
oars, and the women were taken OF.
About 20 or 80 were taken off in the
yawl The rest were picked up ont
of the water.
Help, except from people living
nearby, did not arrive until 2:30
o'clock Sunday afternoon, and pas
Bengers, with only night clothes, and
without food, suffered terribly.
Child From Pittsburg Missing.
Among the missing are child OF
Pilot AL Pritchard and Clay Breeze.
his wife and son, and son of Archie
M. Allen. OF Pittshurg.