The New York Herald Newspaper, May 1, 1854, Page 1

WHOLE NO. 6459, THE GREAT RAIN STORM. TMMENSE DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY. THE CROTON DAM SWEPT AWAY. Stoppage of our Supply of Croton Water. UMPORTANT PROCLAMATION OF MAYOR WESTERVELT, Serious Damage to Railroads and Fac- , tories. TRACKS, BRIDGES AND MILLS DESTROYED, | Sense" {etter and from psttion on which the fal “SERIOUS ACCIDENT ON THE ERIE RAILROAD, Seven Men Drowned at Stairway Station, on the Delaware River. NUMEROUS LAND SLIDES.. APPEARANCE OF PASSAIC FALLS, &, kk, k&. The rain storm of last week was terrific. It extended over miles of territory, devastatmg the ‘country all @round us. Our reporters and correspondents have sent ‘us the particulars, as far as they could gather them on Bunday, of the effects of this storm. Wéhave not yet heard of one half of the damage done to railroads, ‘bridges, farms and factories, by this overwhelming flood. ‘The most serious of the disasters is probably that to the Ceoton dam; it is the most scrious to this city, at all events, and the authorities, in this view, call upon our citizens to govern themselves as the emergency requires. ‘Millions—perhaps over two millions of dollars—in pro- perty have been destroyed by this sudden melting of the snows, and the great fall of rain, in the last few days. THE DESTRUCTION OF A PORTION OF THE CROTON DAM—STOPPAGE OF OUR SUP- PLY OF WATER. Information, startling in its character, reached our city yesterday afternoon, respecting a very serious breach THE NEW YORK HERALD. MORNING EDITION—MONDAY, MAY 1, 1854. The dam is built of interlock## wood and stoner. tk, of sufficient strength to withstand the preasure of the '- | mense body of water in the lake, Hsing to the height of forty feet above the rocky bed of the river, which at thy," polatis two hundred and eighty feet wide. Tho face of ¢ dam, built of cut granite, is in two sections or parts, the east of which is ninety feet wide, havi: a fall of forty feet; the western division has a fall of the same ' height, with @ width of one hundred and eighty feet, over a beautifully formed facing of an ogee shape. Be | tween the divisions of this structure, a pier forms the foundation for the gate-house and slaice-way for reKiov. ing the structure of its pressure from the the discharge of the waters during the re, may be required on the dam, or the aprons of hewn tim ber which receive the water after the overflow. The gate-house is reached by a bridge from the eastern shore, running parallel with the dam immediately over the lip. ‘The waters after leaving the aprons overflow a gravelled bed for about two hundred fect, at the extre- | mity of which they are again broken by a brash dam gomiposed of hemlock logs, after passing which the river flows on in its natural channel until it reaches the Hud- fon, at about six miles from this point. Over the brash dam, and about three hundred feet below the face of the main structure, a bridge has been erected for the conye- atest advan’ the water on its jam presents a beautful lacowork-like citing the admiration of all who view it. By far the reater and most difficult part of this structure 1s hidden ‘rom the view, but sufficient will be found in this part of the work to arrest the attention of the tourist, aud willrepay the admirer of the beautiful in art and nature for.hig trouble in reaching this sequestered spot. ‘To-day we hope to receive information that will enable us to announce the extent of the damage done. At pre- over the tent we have every reason to believe that the breach is very extensive, and that many weeks, if not months, will elapse before the repairs are completed. THE DAMAGE ON THE LINE OF THE HAR- LEM RAILROAD. OVERFLOW OF THE MOUNTAIN STREAMS—FRESHET IN THE CROTON RIVER—COTTON MILLS AND DWELLING HOUSES SWEPT AWAY—BRIDGES, CUL~ VERTS, FENCES AND FARM HOUSES DESTROYED. The disastrous effects of the great rain storm are being made manifest along the course of the Harlem Railroad,. between Albany and New York, in a most extensive: destruction of both public and private property, caused: by the sudden overflowing of the Croton river, in conse- quence of its reception of the mountain streams which flow into it when in a swollen state. ‘The express train from Albany, which was due in this city at o quarter past nine’ o’closk on Saturday night, was not heard from at four o'clock yesterday evening, and great anxiety was felt here in consequence of a report being circulated to the effect that the dam of the aque- duct at Croton Falls had burst, and that some serious ac- cident had befallen the passengers on the road in conse- quence. We despatched reporters in various quarters in order to ascertain the facts of the matter, and the following is the result of their inquiries:— The Sunday express train of the Harlem railroad, which runs between White Plains and New York, arrived at the depot in Twenty-seventh strect at ten minutes past seven o’clock yesterday evening, having for its con- duetor Mr. Demarest, and bringing as-a passenger Mr. Burchill, the conductor of the Albany express train, which he had been compelled to abandon at Brewster’s station. Mr. Burchill left Albany at four o’clock on Saturday having taken place in the Croton dam, at Croton Falls, cutting off the supply to our reservoirs, which furnished the city with water. The continuous heavy rain from Thursday last to Sunday morning was the ‘cause of this lamentable breakage in the dam. A storm of such magnitude has not been known to take place since the construction of thedam. We are not fully in possession of the extent of the damage done, but we believe ,from all we can learn at present, that a tremen- dous breach hasbeen made, carrying away the north end of the dam, denominated Gravel Hill. The first intimation of the affair regched this city at about two o'clock yesterday afternoon, by a messenger sent directly from Mr. Adams, the superintendent of the dam at Croton Falls. This messenger arrived at Thirty- first street by the Hudson River Railroad, from Sing Sing, and proceeded forthwith to the residence cf Mr. John Finders, the Water Purveyor, in Elm street, and in breathless haste delivered his message, to wit:—That the north end of the dam had broken away, and the sup- ply of water was cut off, and for some one to come with instructions what to do in the matter.’’ Mr. Flinders immediately replied—“Go to Mr. Smith the President of the Board—. Stop! stop! Upon second thoughts, I’ll go myself.”? And off started Mr. Flinders to the residence of Mr. Smith, and announced the fact. Intelligence was then despatched to Mr. De Forest, one vof the Groton Aqueduct Board, and Mr. Craven, the En- gineer, who both left the city by the three o’elock train of the Hudson River Railroad, for the scene of the dis- aster. During the ‘afternoon a board of consultation was called and held in the Meyor’s office, consisting of Mayox Weatervelt, Mr. Smith. President of the Aqueduct De- partment, Mr. Ely, President or the Board of Aldermen, Mr. Trage, late of the Engineer corps of the Croton Aque- duet Department, Mr. Flinders, the Water Purveyor, and Mr: Matsell, Chief of Police. Their deliberations result. ed in the following proclamation:— Orrics of Croroy Aguepuct Department, April 30, 1854. } How. Jacon A. WEsTERVELT, Mayor of the city of New York— Sim—Intelligence was received this afternoon that the earthwork adjoining the dam on the Croton river has been carried away by the flood, caused by the immense fall of rain of yesterday and the day before. The supply for the aqueduct to this city is in consequence cut off. Measures have and will be taken to prevent the use of water by shipping, steamboats, manufadtories, bathing establishments, fountains, packing and slaughter houses, e.; and it will be necessary that citizens be cautioned to make no other use of-water than such as is absolutely necessary. The extent of the injury to the dam is not known, The messenger despatched by the superinten- dent of that district could only say that he was sent to say to Mr. Craven, the Engineer of the Croton Aqueduct Department, that the dam had given way, and that he was wanted there. Mr. Craven, and Mr. De Forest, one of the Croton Aqueduct Board, immediately left for the scene of the disaster by the 3 o‘elock train of the Hud- son River Railroad, and will make use of every possible means for temporary remedy of the accident. ELIAS L. SMITH, President. PROCLAMATION. Mayon’s Orrice, April 30, 1854. Whereas, information has been received by the Croton Aqueduct Department that the dam on the Croton river, Dy means of which the aqueduct is supplied, has been seriously injured by the recent freshet, and the supply for the city is at present cut off, and whereas, the quan- tity of water in the reservoirs is sufficient for but a very few days supply, I do hereby enjoin it upon all good citi- zens to observe the utmost economy in the use of water, refraining from any use but such as is sary, and earnestly request all persons to aid the Croton Aqueduct Department in observing the restrictions in the nse of water rendered ‘ndispensable by this disaster. JACOB A. WESTERVELT, Mayor. In addition to the above proclamation of the Mayor, instructions have begn given to the Chief of Police, who @ireeted the police captains of their respective districts to refrain from unnecessary use of water, and to notify the citirens of each ward in the like manner. The Water Purreyor proceoded forthwith, and shut off all the hydrants on the docks for the supply of the shipping, steamboats, &c., and by this time the manufacturers, bath houses, fountains, and, in fact, all places where water is used toany extent. We are informed by Mr. Tracy, formerly one of the en- gineers employed in the construction of the dam, that he cannot scarcely believe it to be possible that any of the mason work could have been swept away by the freshet. The breach, as he understands it, has taken place under the gravel hill; and if that is the case, the Joss of water cannot be supplied for some length of time. ‘The two reservoirs contain a supply of not more than about one hundred and fifty millions of gallons, and the city consumes near thirty millions daily; therefore, the reservoirs would last but a few days, and it behoves the people to be sparing of the water until the repairing of ‘the dam is completed. In order that our readers may be enabled to form some ides of the extent of the Croton lake and the constraction of the dam, we give « brief description of them:— The lake is irregular in shape, and so formed by the variations in iks of the river and the obstruction to the channel by the dam erected at the head of the works. The lake is four miles in length, and covers an area of four hundred acres, varying in depth from one to fifty feet, and holding an ‘available su of five hundred millions of gallons above the level will allow the aqueduct to discharge thirty five m of gallons per 22 such in the revolutionary history of ihe souaty. a» every visiter beauty of this sheet of water si pleasure, while the cleanliness of ite banks reflects credit om the keeper of this portion of the works, as well as ag the precautionary measures adopted by the projectors of ‘this magnificent undertaking. bsolutely nedces- | afternoon, in charge of an express train,consisting of the usual numBer of cars, which were then filled with male passengers only. As the train progressed, the country could be observed ‘as being completely flooded over al} the low lands; and the travellers saw that many barns had been swept away, and that here and’ there large portions of fences had been destroyed. ‘Trees were seen prostrate, and the, cattle had retreated from the fields lying near the base of the mountains, owing to the impetuosity with which the swollen streams rushed down. However, the train did not meet any obstruction, and kept its route until it reached Brewster's station, which is within fifty-two miles of New York. Here it was found that fifty feet of the railroad track had been torn up, owing to the overflowing of the Croton rivor, and the cars were halted. The passengers got out in perfect good humor, and some commenced to look for shelter in the neighborhood, whilst Mr. Burehill, accompanied by others, walked on to Purdy’s station. At Pardy’s station the water had torn up thirty or forty feet of track, levelled a large extent of wooden fence, and flooded several houses. Some wooden shan- ties were completely cacried wway. At Noweastle, one mile south, the volume of water had been vastly increased. About one hundred and fifty feet of the iron track waa completely uprooted. A large mill dam, which was situated at a distance of a mile and a half west from the road, bad burst, and the tremen- dous rush of water which followed immediately sub- merged a large cotton factory, with four or five buildings which were used for manufacturing purposes. It could not be ascertained whether the houses were totally de- stroyed or not, as the scene at the place baffled any at- tempt at adequate description. Bales of cotton, chairs, wagons, uprooted trees, broken fences, with a general miscellany of agricultural, manufacturing and domestic implements, were seen floating on the surface of the agitated waters. Mr. Burchill, being compelled to come on to New York in order to report himself, crossed the “stormy waters’” by piloting himself on a bale of cotton, which was a very dangerous feat, and presented an active railway con- ductor in rather a novel situation. Mr. Burchill continued bis journey in the train which started from White Plains. At Pleasantville, a culvert, which runs under the track, of about fifteen feet wide, had burst in consequence of the volume of water which rushed through it. A por- tion of the track of the road was swept away here also. The under portion of the bridge, between Williams’ and Hunt's bridges, was found to have been carried away, but on yesterday evening a great many workmen were repairing it, so that communication with White Plains it is hoped, will be resumed to-day. It was thought that the freshet was altogether the re- sult of the sudden overflowing of a number of mountain streams, usually insignificant, the aggregate of which, owing to the rain of the past few days, caused the river to overflow and produced the disastrous results des- cribed. i At nine o’clock last night Mr. Elliott, superintendent of the road, was actively engaged in arranging for the work of four hundred men, and hoped that communica- tion with Albany would be opened in three or four days. Mr. Demarest, conductor of the Sunday express. train from White Plains, stated that at Newcastle Corners the dam of the cotton factory of L. & V. Kirby, of New York, had suddenly burst, and that it had been reported to him that the water had swept away two or three houses, and that several hundred feet of the railroad track had been carried away. x At White Plains a bridge was carried off completely. At Pleasantville the abutment of the bridge was gone; | the embankment was torn away, and there was a huge hole, of about twomty feet wide, made in the bridge. Several of the buttresses which supported the iron bridge at Williamsbridge were gone, and the cars could not pass for a time, Several spiles were driven during the day, and it was hoped the injury would soon be re. medied. As far as Mr. Demarest travelled the country presented a strange, wild and melancholy appearance. Miniature lakes were visible in unasual places. Cotton bales and large trees were floating in company; a few rocking chairs were banging on the limbs of trees; the cattle had retreated, and no human being was visible. We have to thank Mr. Murphy, ticket-master of the Harlem Railroad, with Mr. Demarest and Mr. Burchill, for attention to our reporters. THE HUDSON RIVER ROAD. The Albany and Hudson River Railrond has by no means escaped the general destruction of the storm. On Saturday, the nine o’clock express train from Al- bany first encountered a land slide at Riverdale, about three miles this side of Yonkers. This slide was washed down by the floods of water from the hill side, near the track, upon the road, but it was soon cleared off, and the train was again under way. The next detention was at Manhattanville, just this side the bridge. Here a large portion of the hill side had been washed away, and eover- ed the track to the depth of five or six feet. The train was detained at this place about four hours, while an at tempt was made to clear the track. This being very. slow work, in consequence of the continual washing of the mud and sand upon the road by the excess of the waters,the conductor sent on to the city for an extra train, This was sent out to Manhattanyille, and (he passon- gers of the other train received and brought to the city, arriving at Chambers street about five hours after the time the train was due, The Saturday way train from Albany, starting at ayarter-past 11 o'clock A. M., arrived in the city yoster- day” morning about 8 o'clock. This side of Peckskill the tn, in encountered a heavy slide, through which thoy made way With a great deal of difseulty. The conductor reports sevens! [and slides all along the road, in addition to those recorded. Yesterday forenoon a report was brought to the city that forty feet of the Croton bridge had Yeon carriet away, in consequence of which no trains have arrived in the city since the way train above. Tho cars for Albany were sent out to the Tittty-first street station yesterday morning, but learning that tho bridge was broken, they could not go through. Th'con- ductor brought the train back to the city. We have heard of no loss of life by these Land slidev? THE ERIE RAILROAD. GREAT DAMAGE—THE ROAD CARRIED AWAY IN SEVE RAL PLACES—SEVEN MEN DROWNED, &TC. ‘The Cineinnati express train due at Jersey City at 2 P. M. Saturday arrived yeaterday at 2P. M. It lay over Saturday night at Hoboeus, a short distance beyond Paterson, which point it reached with great difficulty? having been obliged to remove the track around a spot where the embankment had been rendered dangerous. At the Passaic bridge, two miles west of Paterson, an- other break was discovered, and the passengers were transferred to # train this side of the break, and con- veyed 'o Paterson. At Ramapo the dam has given way, and the track is covered so deep with water that nothing could be done torepair it up to fast night. The bridge at Ramapo is removed from its foundations. At least one hundred feet of both tracks of the road are carried away at that point. Some report that five hundred feet have been washed away.” One mile east of Tarnor’s a portion of the track is also carried away, and the Tucksedo bridge is gone. There is ® break two miles west of Narrowaburg at Ieast fifty feet in length and ten im depth. Asad calamity oceurred at Stairway, station, on the Delaware river, ten or twelve miles west of Port Jervis. A large portion of an embankment gave way yesterday morning at 8 o’clock, and nine men, laborers on the road, were carried with it into the river, Seven were immediately drowned; the others were resoued a short a@itance below. Beyond Stairway we hear of no acceunt of serious damage. West of Delaware division the storm did little er no damage to the road. At Dunkirk six inches of snow fell. The rafta on the Delaware river wers completely demo- shed, and floated down the river in fragments. MORRIS AND BSSEX RAILROAD. We learn that the trains on this road experienced some detention, but to what extent the road was damaged we have no reliable information. CAMDEN AND AMBOY ROADS. In regard to the Gamden and Amboy it was rumored that in several spots.the road had been broken, and the communication with Philadelphia over this line inter- rupted. These are: flying reports, and we give them for what they are worth. APPEARANCE OF THE PASSAIC PALLS. GREAT RISE IN THE PASSAIC RIVER—THE FALLS AT PATERSON. We learn that the recent flood has caused a rise in the Passaic river to a greater height than has been known for forty years. The falls of the river at Paterson, Now Jersey, sixteen miles from New York, sre. said to be at Present # most sublime view. At Paterson the river pours itself in an unbroken cataract of sixty feet wide, fifty feet descent, and a total fall of seventy feet. It affords a great water power, and is at the same time agreat resort for lovers of romantic scenery. At the present time the view, for the reasons above namod, is magnificent. Persons who wish to participate in the pleasure which our New Jersey friends are enjoying, are informed that they can reach Paterson at any hour dur- ing§the day, by railway. ‘As the course of the Passaic river is mostly through marshes, the present flood must have overflowed a very large section of country. ; THE BROOKL' LAND SLIDE. THE ACCIDENT IN FURMAN 8TREAT—CORONER’S IN- QUEST UPON THE BODIES—ADDITIONAL PARTICU- LARS. Coroner Ball yesterday summoned @ jury and held in- quests upon the bodies of Miss Margaret McColligan and Mr. William Curren, who were killed by the falling of a building in Furman street on Saturday afternoon, kept by Mrs. Mary McColligan as a boarding house. ‘The body of the deceased female was conveyed to the house of her aunt, Mrs. Patrick McKinney, No. 33 Main street, and that of Curren to the house of Joshua L. Pope, Ksq., No. 20 Sands street, at which places the in- quests were held. After empannching a jury at the house of Mrs. Mc- Kinney, the following evidence was taken, it being deem. ed unnecessary by the Coroner to enter into a lengthy investigation. John Noonan affirmed:—I boarded with Mrs. Mc Jolli- gan; was in the house at the time of the accident; it was about ten minutes after one o'clock; the family were at the time; Mrs. McColligan, Ma h servant girl, James Fallon and William Conner were in the dining room; in the same room with me were John Kelly, a fittie son of Henry McColgan and John Snel- rove; Mr. Conway was upstairs; he was saved; walked nto the dining room to see deceased when I heard the turned to the bar-room door to go out, when I heard a roaring noise, and turning round to see What it was saw I bad no to spare and went to go out; I was over- taken and buried; I got out without injury; Ma ret was sitting at the rear of the table near the clock ai and the rest of the family were sitting opposite to her; { was the only person that escaped from the room before | the house broke down. To a Juror—The noise was oceasioned by wood and stones coming against the house, with the earth sliding down from above. corner @ Main an’ York streets, and informed him of the occurrence; he immediately proceeded towards Fur- he found several men carrying Mra. McColligan in, He found several wounds upon her, which he sewed up, and discovered that she kad been scalded, but as he did not consider her in a critical condition he went to the fallen building; it leaned over considerable, but was not quite down; fe entered, and on the left saw Fullon, buriet wn- feet distant lay Curran, dead, and on the right of de ceased, he saw Mary MeColligan, with her boty under the timbers, her head and shoulders only appearing; he took body clear, but as they got one pile of rubbish out of the in getting her out; she is severely, but not fatally in- jured; he did not ‘sce the body of Margaret under the ruins. The case was then given to the Jury, who rendered the verdict—That Margaret MoColligan died from injuries re- ceived by the falling of a building in Furman street, caused by the caving inof a bank of earth in consequence of the heavy rains of Friday and Saturday. The Coroner and Jury then proceeded to No. 20 Sands street, and held an inquest upon the body of William Curren. The same evidence was taken, and a similar verdict rendered. Both bodies were conveyed to the Catholic cemetery at Flatbush yesterday afternoon, followed by a large procession of sympathising friends and relatives. At the time of the accident those taken out of the tuins alive were conveyed across tho street into the house of Mr. Johnson, where overy necessary aid was rendered by the family. Drs. Ball and Gilfillen admin- istered to them ‘there, and during the afternoon Dr. Cochran placed Mrs. McColligan, Mary, her daughter, and the servant in his carriage, and conveyed them to the house of Mrs. McKinney, No. 38 Main street. James Fallon was taken to No. 9 Hicks street. The injured were all visited several times yesterday by the above named medical gentlemen, who have been censélees in their attentions upon them since the melan- choly occurrence. ‘The names of those injured are James Fallon, affected im the spine; John Kelly, arm and body bruised; Mra McColligan, bruised about the head; Hannah 0’Conner, severely injured about the body; Mary MoColligan, legs badly bruised, and otherwise injured; Philip MoColligan, arm hurt. With the exception of Miss MoColligan, they are all ina fair way of recovery. Her injuries are of & serioas chargeter, but it is Yoongh{ phe will eventually just seating themselves at the dinner fable, the boarders | faving finished; I was in the bar-room part of the house | ret, Philip, Mary, the | first indication of what followed; 1 spoke to him and | Dr. George Cochran testified that about twenty minutes to two o'clock, a boy came running to his office, on the | ° man street; and when he came to the First Ward Hotel, | der the timbers, and aided in getting him out; about two | —— PRICE TWO CENTS. get well. Fallon was yesterday” &etting a'ons finely, con. sidering the extent of his hurts. The sister of the decoased, Curren’: Fesides at the house Of Mr. Joshua L. Pope. No. 20 Sands Street. As soon as he became acquainted with the etrouna ‘ances of the mo- lsneholy affair, he gave permission to2ave the body brought to his house, from whence 6 wae taken to Flat- bush, Among who labored assiduously int exstricating the dead and from tho ruins, and are deq’rving of praise for their noble conduct, cre James Tine, W.-M. Collins, Patrick Daley, Patrick Word, W. M. Ati‘inso,”, Dennis Kearney and Joseph Kelly. They worked un- ceasingty, and without reward, from (io o’cloek till te at night, in a drenching rain. THE CAUSE OF THE TREMENDSUS RAWS. 70 THE EDITOR OF THE NEW YORE HERALD. ‘The “astonishing showers’’ sinco last @¥éniig, (and still prevailing,) have excited much inquiry and conjeo- ture It is not with the expectation of establishing « new theory, but more with the hope of eliciting some elucidation by more competewt meteorologists, that these suggestions are made. The snow storm, two weeks ago, was no doubt owing tothe umasual proximity to these Istitades and the extraordinary magnitude of the icebergs wiich were Moated by continuous north and essterly winds, and other causes, in'this dfrection. Their unpr¢: codented numbe: and dimeusions would undoubtedly cxert an umusual and refrigerating: influence upon the atrzes- phere; and, therefore, what wonld’ then have been a cold northeast rain storm became storm of snow and winter sleet. The rapid congelation iy the air was then the: gato of the boisterous snow storm; as well as the terri- ‘ble wind that accompanied it; mud for a similar reassn, the sudden warm weather we have had during the last —an had a contrary By the rapid melt- ing Gf these immense bodies , & corresponding ova- has been prodveed— is have been sud- ly surctiarged; and here we have the results. The “squall? of Thi |, Was merely an introduc- tion to the present “windy storm and tempest. Although was ‘erly yesterday morning, and promised falr woather, I did not suspect if, and, therefore atall surprised when the t begax afresh « Without claimi: adr continuance of the:storm % least twelve hours from the prea writing, (1 P. he Pose as has beew said, . aye an ¢: ion & 001 the writer will be Stinined. rs 1. Oe Saturday, April 29, 1863. DAMAGE TO THE CANALS, FROBABLE DELAY IN THE OPENING OF NAVIGATION. (From the Albany Argus, April 20.} We regret to learn from the Canal Department that Of the Hele eanal, which will probaly delay the openiog which will probably‘delay the openi of that division entire on the day fixed as i fe The dau t Wood Creek, near Rome, aa; al weya or {eosince. ‘This, however, will no doubt be ropx pea the section to which it belongs bein order by the first of 8 dam, t yesterday Van Patten’s between. Rome aad Utica, gave ae in uence of the heavy rains in geet, carrying with it *h’s dam also,.and fill- ing the canal with earth. will probably. delay the A nena, Sel that section a day or two beyond the ist of y—the snow in that quarter. being somo ela inches deep. ‘there is also a rumor of a land slide in the vicinity of Schenectady, which has more or leas choked up the canal at that point, It needs confirmation. These accidents will uot, of course, hinder bonts from starting from either end of’ the canal ‘on the 1st of May, Nor fsem most cities along the line. 4 The Utica Gazette of yesterday states that it is.report- ed that the Cupron aqueduct over the Saquoit ersek, on the Chenan; ane way on haters afternoon. If #0, the disaster wi delay tite opening of that canal for several days. TELEGRAPHIC, ANTICIPATED FRESHET OX THE OHIO RIVER. Basrimors, April 30,1854. A despatch from Whecling, Va., to-day, statos that there is. probability of a great freshet. The rain con- tinues, and there is twenty-two feet of water in the channel. Brooklyn City batter aeons Hicnway Roxsery By Bors.—About 2 o’clock on-Satur- day night last, a man named John Nelson was attacked in Court street, near Atlantie street, by ogan of boys, who knocked him down, and robbed him eight dollars’ Dougherty, Russell and Stiger, of the: Third Tirta Den Peeeeneted to the spot by ‘noise, and arrested four of the boys, whose names are James Michael Ryan, TMiote "Conner, O'Neil, McGlore. «ad were Surcipr BY SHoorma Himsxuy A Prstor.—Coroner Gamble yesterday heldan inquest at the public house wrt Mr. fo. 203 South street, on the body ofa man named Wm. McGee, who committed suicide by shooting himself with a pistol. The deceased took lodgings the previous night, and was shown to his roem, and in the morning Was found on the floor dead, with a pistol laying near bis right hand. The re- pee ce itol was heard by one of the inmates of the ouse, Who gave the alarm, when, on going to his room, deceased was found on the floor as above ribed. On the = of was found another pistol, which was heavily loaded, also powder and balls. _In his wallet he had The wm gig of the deceased was not as- certained. He looked to be about 30 years of age, with sandy hair and w! . The jury rendered a verdict of “ ney caused by suicide by biowing out his brains with a . Deranrone or Unitep States Troors ror Cani- Mae rr yetioy ay D, G, Land K, of the Third artillery, landed at Old Point Comfort by the Falcon on hor last in- tended trip to Aspinwall, owing to tho failure of her fur- paces to draw, willbe taken up by the Illinois on her wee to the Isthmus, starting from New York on the ry Domestic Miscellany. There has been a new post office established at Amherst, Erie county, N. ¥., on the Canandaigua and Niagara Falls Railroad, and John Longmate appointed Postmas- ter. There wasn prise boat race on Canandaigua Lake a fey daye ago, in which one of the competing rowers pulled bis boat with a pair of sculls four miles in thirty- six minutes and a half. At an affray near Reel’s mill, in Putnam county, Ia., on the 20th ult., John Rice was shot dead by Joshua Fur- ney. There had been a fight the day before between Hi- ram Furney and Rice, in which the former was badly beaten by the latter. On Thursday Joshua went to take away his brother, who had been left at a neighbor's, when Rice interfered to prevent it. An altercation took place, ond Rice was shot dead by Joshua Furney or some other person t—the former, however, before fall- ing, turned and shot ‘nto the crowd, badly, if not mor- tally pee $2 Mr. Berry. Furney and Rice were both armed with rifles. ‘The grand of Kent county, Md., has granted twenty-two licenses to sell spiritous liquors, as a‘ medi- in that county. We suppose this isdone under a special law. Scarlet fever, mad dors, and rheumatisma are very prevalent at present in Albany. On the 224 inst., at Deavertown, Morgan county, Ohio, | during the performance of Barnum’s show, the contre hold and exerted himself, with others, in getting the , way, another mass of earth came pouring in upon them: | t sm ee after two hours of labor, they succeeled | | pole was struck with lightning. One man was instantly killed, and twenty-four others more or less injured. The post office, with most of its contents, and several shops and dwelling houses at Sag Harbor, L. 1., were burnt on the 27th ult. Loss $5,000, There is now living in the town of Corinth, near Ban- gor, Me., a woman who has attained the remarkable age of one hundred and twelve years. She is a pauper and an inveterate snyff-taker, using on an average three boxes full per day, with'a prospect of coutinuing to do +o for some time yet before her ‘candle of life is snuff- ed ont. ‘Miss Delia Webster, who has been a lo1 rance vile at Bedford, Ky., charged with away slaves, has been acquitted. The Rev. Geo. L. Adams, to whom a Hennicker, N. H., had given a power of attorney to col- lect $6,000 due her from the railroad as a compensation for the loss of her husband and chfd, in the Norwalk catastegphe, has absconded with the money. ince in an affra: , died on the 7tl time in da- ving enticed bee! widow of Rev. W. M. Collom, of Mt. Holly, N. J., has challenged any one to meet him on phe discussion of the Maine law. He maintains that it @{ opposed to the Bible, and Rev. Samuel Aaron has to meet him. An arrival at bos it on the 18th instant reports that the Arkansas Indian delegation hat come in from their visit to the Seminoles, and accom; thing ards their removal, had returned to New Or- leans. Capt. Casey, U.8. A., Indian t, was still in the nation. He was to meet ‘Billy Bow in grand coun- cil on the 10th, when a final talk was to come off. The Maryland State Bible Society, which has just held ite twentieth anniversary, reports having issued during the last year 17,426 copies of the Scriptures, being an increase of 862 copies over the previous year. The num- ber of families visited was 18,591, and the number of copies of the Bible distributed, 2,348. A new Bible house bas been erected, at a cost of $11,500. Surror To THE Haynse Squaw—We recent; ~ iof to yr 4 daughter tribe. A young man by Kellogeviile, NY. sup- required, says he will ac. THE FIREMEN NS FUNERAL ig BARGE PROCHSSION. DELEGATIONS FROM OTHER CITIES. GREAT TURNOUT OF OUR CITIZENS, ANOTHER ADDED TO THE LIST OF DEAD, &., &., &e. Tim obsequies of the unfortunate men who were kitted a\t the late fire in Broadway wero performed yesterday, The turnout of the Fire Department to pay the lant tri, Ute of ri spect to theirdeparte 1 brethren was unanimous, a 24 the inmmense concourse of citizens that lined the vario, \ streets through whieh the procession passed, was-beyo, 04 any display yo have heretofore wit- nessed. The day set'in with darkoverhanging clouds, unpro- pitious for shie occask, ‘ which called so many to join the fureral ftraia; Notwh standing the threateaing rains every member of the Fit ¢ Departizent was at lis post, not heeding the-wehthme;in tho discSarge of sucl-an im- portant duty to the dead. At an easly hour every com- pany formed at their'variog * houses, and at 11 o'clock marchet t6 the head'of Etea dway, the place designated by the authorities for tie Lormation of-the line of th» Procession, The Chisf Engineer, Alfred Ca,"son, actechas the Grand’ | Marshal, axd the Assistant Fngiaeers as hisaida. Those companies who had members amaong the killed formed at the variows engine houses, amd .marched to receive the body of their departed friend to escort it to tite general | line. The place designatod for the reception of: the bo- dies into the procession was the Park, where all the hearses assembled before the procsss’on began to-mdve from Fourteenth street, which: was a1) about the hour of tworo’clock in the afternoon. ‘The line began to form at 11 o’oleck in the mornig in Broadway, the right resting om Fourteemth strect, and at the hour stated above commenced the march déwn Broadway, six abreast, and through the Park to the City Hallywhere the different companies then Ccongregased, during the march but the even measured tréad of tho thousands who wero in the funeral line. This wass new movement, proseribing music upon auch an.occasion, but it did not lessen its solemnity. The dull heavy booming of the City Hall bell, and the measured ringing of the chureh bells, during the mov- ing of the procession, was more impressive than thedirge of @ brass band. Much praise is due to those who managed this affair, for the excellent manner in which it was conducted. During the day the flags floated from half-mast of the City Hall, and from most of our public Buildings. Alon: the line of march houses were dressed. in black, and other evidences given of a general deep-felt sorrow. The Meade Brothers, next door to Jennings? store, had, on black ground work between the second and third stories, the following inscribed in white letters: PF 20S9909909000500000000000 . IN Tm Mim or oF Lar: rs Wr ane in Darn. 990009000000000000000000000 Over this hung suspended from the beak of an eagle a black velvet pall. The Astor House had its flag at halt mast, and from the flag pole a long streamer of crape. ‘The procession ended at about five o’clock, the differ- ent companies of the department breaking the line at the South ferry, and taking their course homeward, mostig tired out by the long march. THE DAY IN BROOKLYN. When the funeral procession of the deceased New York firemen arrived on this side of the river, they were mot by the Brooklyn Fire Department, bearing at thoir head’ the department banner,draped in the emblems of mourn- ing, who escorted tham through the city towards Green- wood Cemetery. A detachment of Brooklym police walked in advance, followed by the Captains of the four dis- tricts, after which came the Chief Engineer and firemen: Vy companies. Tho bells along the route were tolled” during the march, and the streets were crowded with spectators. ANOTHER FIREMAN DEAD. Still another is added to the list of dend—Witiant Mo- rand, who was severely injured ot the burning-of Jea- nings’ store, died on Saturday night, at the City Hospitad, at the h@br of 11 0’clock. He was member of Engine Company No. 21. This makes, in all, eleven deaths frou the late catastrophe. with the bedies of the deceased, took thoir places in the solema train. The procession then ‘moved on to Chat- ham street, up Chatham strect to the Bowery, through: the Bowery to Astor place, thence through Astor placo- to Broadway, and down Broadway again to the South» ferry, in the following order :— ¥ THE PROCESSION. First came Lady Washington Hose No. 49, bearing the magnificent silk banner presented to the Fire Department by the corporation of the city in 1849. Each member was Gressed in black, wearing crape-upon the arm, and upon the breast the badge of their company, enveloped with crape. The banner itself was handsomely festooned with the emblems of sorrow. Following camo the various fire companies of the city, marching six abreast, and in their regular order as they are numbered in the department, excepting those who had suffered by the late calamity, and who were accom- panying the hearses in the rear. Every company formed aseparate platoon by themselves, each member wearing his badge upon his loft breast, shrouded with crape, and every foreman carrying his trumpot, which was also dressed in black. After the line of the regular firemen came the exempt firemen, preceded by their banner, and numbering about three hundred. Upon the bosom of each was a badge with this inscription. orocococoooc oc ooOosCOsCo se oy . Assocation oy Exemrr Fireman, ®esocoecccccecococooescoore3 His Honor Mayor Westervelt, on foot, and surrounded by aataff of officers, came next, heading the City Fa- thers, both those of the Bowrd of Aldermen and the Boord of Councilmen, all guarded by a large police force, Every member of the municipal goverernment carciod his staff of office, to which was tied a piece of crape. Next to this body came the ex-Chiofs and Assistant En- gineers and other public officers, and the trustees of the Fire Department. Now came thp bodies of the deceasod—the first hearse | carrying the remains of the two McKays. This hearse | Was drawn by four large gray horses, covered by a black pall, and neatly dressed with waving plumes of black and white. The coffins. of these two brothers lay ex- pored to view in the hearse, side by side, upon each lay- ing the fire cap of the oocupant. Upon the black lining of the sides of the hearse, in silver letters, were in. seribed— ooocooescacccococcOsoRsCCS Dantmt McKay, Exainz Comraxy No. 21, Augxanper McKay, Enorvz Comrany No. 21. doccco0a2000000000000500008 The members of this company, wearing their badge, was the body guard of this hearse, forming a hollow square around, over a block in extent. The next hearse carried James McNulty, also drawn by four grey horses, dressed with pall and plume. On this hearse read, in silver letterg like the above— 2 ecoosecgo00000000C 900009000 James McNwiay, Enarne Company No. 20. SeooccocccccooccocccccscCes Company No. 20 surrounded the remains of their de- ceased brother as his body guard. Following wero the remains of John A. Keyser, borne | upon @ hearse like those which were before. His namo, and the company to which he belonged, Hose No. 8, was | written in silver letters upon the outside linings of his hearse. His company guarded him, forming a great square around his remains. The next was the coffin of Andrew C. Schenck, who be- longed to Hook and Ladder Co. No.1. Over his coffin was thrown a large velvet pall, upon which lay his fire cap, charred and crushed by the flames and ruins which destroyed the heroic being to whom it once belonged. | ‘This hearse was richly decked with plumes, and on each side was the name of the deceased, and the company of which he was. a member, and which was now following him to bis grave. | Now followed the coffin of John B. O'Donnell, who be- longed to Engine Co, No. 42, attended by his com- pany; and next and last came the remains of James E. Deegan, of Hose Co. No. 18. These companigs sur: | rounded their respective friends, end on the hearse of | each of the departed were their names, in silver letters, | after the manner of those who preceded them. : The members of all the companies attending the dead | wore crape upon the left arm, and the foreman of each company carried his trumpet, tied up in black. THE FOREIGN DELEGATIONS. In the procession were several companies from some of | our neighboring cities, who were assigned positions in | the rear of the line after the bearses. The first company after the deceased was Engine Co. No. 8, of Williamsburg; next Hose Co. No, 1 and a Hook and Ladder company from the same place. This was a fine body of men. o Now followed Engine No. 1, Hose No. 2, and Engine Co. No, 8, of Jersey City, each member wearing his badge dressed in mourning. ‘The Newark Firemen brought up the rear of those on foot. This wasa fine conipany, and seemed deeply to appreciate the solemnity of the occasion. ‘A long ling of carriages, filled with the rolatives and friends of the deceased, ended the procession, which™ reached from the South ferry above Canal street, march ing six abreast. THE TURNOUT OF CITIZENS. The crowd of spectators along the streets was greater than called forth by any former occasion of the kind. was almost one jam from the Battery to Union nd the Bowery and Chatham street were equally an excessively filled up with men, women and children, anxious to catch a glance of the passing procession. In the Park there were congregated at ieast ten thou- sand people, crowding the entire front of the City Hall, nearly half way to the lower end of the Park, and reach ing from the cast to the west gate. While the procession was coming down Broadway the second time, it com- menced raining when the head of it arrived at Canal street, but it continued only for a few minutes, and the march was completed without any interruption. ‘There was gg music in the line, and nothing was beard ° ° ° ° o eoooe ° ° ° | Potter, THANKS TO THE FIREMEN. Mr. L. W. Parks, whose son was buried beneath the ruins at the late fire, has gent usa letter, returning his heartfelt thanks to the Fire Department for their heroic exertions im saving his sowfrom death. He particularly thanks Harry Howard, Noah Farnham, James Leonard, Franeis Clark, I. R. Platt, and J. F. Wenman, for their special efforts upon this trying occasion. FIREMEN’S MEBTING IN BROOKLYN. A meeting of the firemen of Breesklyn is called this evening, at Harrison & Hill’s, No. 283 Fulton street, Brooklyn, to make the necessary arrangements for a- benefit in aid of the sufferers by the fre of the 25th ef April. SYMPATHY MEETING IN WILLIAMSBURG. A meeting of the enginosrs and officers of the Wil- Mamsburg Fire Department was held on Saturday evening at Freemen’s Hall. The following preamble and regolu- tions, drawn up by Messrs. Wm. M. Scott, Wm, Wall, H. Browning, and L. R. Rhodes, were unanimously adopted: Whereas, The obsequies of the firemen killed at tho recené faein new Yorleare to take place to-morrow, tion in caused them; therefore, with the view of expression of the sentiment of this Board, be jesalved, That the mournful evert which so mang into eternity, create pression of cur sympathy: That we share i men at the sad discharge of their duty, grief with that of the relatiy 1 bores ment, and assure them of & fi hoartfelt sympath; solved, That while we mourn this sacrifice upon the of our noble calling, we would not forget th ded, tut assure thom of our high appreciati brave conduct in the hour of da ved, body, and recommend the several companies to acoompamy of our respee- y: forencon the officers of the Fire Depart- fher with a large number of fitemen, proceed- Yesterd: ment, t ed to New York to jom inthe funeral procession. The oy ae and flags of the fire companies were displayed. if mast. Personal Inte! mee, Rev. J. F. Stearns, 1). D., and hialady, were among the pebenyess on Saturday, from New York to Le rr. S. ix a graduate of Harvard, and brother to the Rev. Dr. Stearns, of Cambridgeport. ‘He was formert: of Federal street society in Newburyport. Mrs. 8. is the accomplished sister of the late Hon. Sargent 3. Prentiss, of Mississippi, moro recently of New Orleans. Their ex- penses for a six months tour are very generously and amply met by the Firs’ Presbyterian Society in Newasiy N. J., of which he is pastor. His salary also is to continued, and his pulpit supplied during their absence. Judge F, P. Tracy, San Francisco; James Leeds, Boston; EW. Rollins, do; V. Habbell, Charleston; Hon, . Dick, n. A, D. Bury, Ei 0. Sheppa: i Jno. H. Cheden, Auburn Do Witt Chatome Buffalo; FE. Codman, Boston; Capt. Edwards, Buffalo rived yesterday at the St. Nicholas Hotel. About fifty passengers from the St. Nicholas Hotel sailed for Europe in the Arctic, on Saturday. Hon, T. Butler King, Georgla; A. V. Barrin H. B, Bennett, Yates county; W. G. Rankin, U. 8. army? Hon, W. L. He¥enstein, Pennsylvania; 8. Shelby, Kinga ton, C. W.; Thomas H. Faton, Detroit, S. M. Allen, Bos ton; Hon. A. 8. Linn, Schenectady, were among the late arrivals at the Metropolitan Hotel, E. 8, Plumb, San Francisco; W. Haseltine, Charleston, 8. C.; Hon. Geo Bliss, Springfield; Hon. . Schenck, Ohio; Benj. Perley Poor and family, ; Sidney Web- ster, Exq., Private Secretary to President Pierce, Wash- ington Giy; Chas. Lanman, Esq., do.; Col. W. A. Ha: Charleston; Wm. Gavery and Indy, Miss Schenck, rida; Gov. Baker, Concord, N. H., were among the arri- vals at the Astor House yesterday. John G. Burnap, Saratoga; J. S. Paine, Boston; P. Fitzsimons, Maryland; Wm. Devlin, Cincinnati, 0.; ward Gibson, Wisconsin; John 8. Orne, Philadelphia, ar- rived yesterday at the Prescott House. at r, Ohio Miss Johnston, Miss Storm and lady, § D Doar, N G Ca. and lady, T Doming: D Domi) and lady, J G Gott D W Clar! = wae yt atuger, lady. J Brooks, 'J, Ohatel, D Horsey, 8 Norris, Mr Oxle Phillip, MP Gardin ‘hurehill, 00 “den Brown si 1, EChurehiil, ‘ard, Gon Brown G'Brown, Geo Chausey, A Chausey—40 In the ke—J Butterfiel Whar M C Brod King and indy, Ib Vanderpool, W Chacon, Mr Indy. Master G " te " From Norfolk, ao, JW Johnson, JC rick, Mrs I, 1 Squi: in peneale q 6. be 4 Savanna, in brig Empire—J P Bridges and iady, & Moback. City Intelligence. Tan New York Law Ixstrrvts —The annual election 0& this Institute is held to-day, at No. 67 Chambers street. This is the library that so nearly escaped burn! the destraction of the City Hall, and it in one in which the entire bar of New York are much interested. The office, the mort important to fill, is thatof Librarian, and Mr. O. Bainbridge Smith, we beliove, is the prominent if not ihe only, candidate. The present issue is, whether the libra~ ry thail or not be opened during evenings, and Mr. Smittx espouses this movement. Any opposition to him will ba to oppose this measure. The Law library has been estab- lig at an expense of near $100,000, and every member of the bar should take an interest in the suecess of an is= sue like this, which is to extend the usefulness of the ina. stitution. Frre.—The alarm of fire 10 o'clock, was caused ven on Saturday night about’ bby the goods taking’ fire from (her qas in the window of William A. Morris's fancy good store, No. 208 Grand street. Damage about $900. Ina sured in National Insurance Company. Waxtox Coxpvct.—A man, of the name of Michael Kelat ly, maliciously overturned the large cast iron ron of Mr. White's, the batter's, ore, onthe see ion street and Broadway, . White $120. The offender was in the Thi police station. Grant was discovered in the Bap' ‘¢ Ewen streets. It extinguished fehnegs ‘The fire cooght from the heater under floors. : Onpimance.—On Saturday Mr. A. Firth, corner of Grand and Fourth streste, Thomas Smith, No. 128 Grand street, were t fore Mayor Wall, and fined $10 each, {qr placing tions on the sidewalls