The New York Herald Newspaper, August 3, 1871, Page 8

SUNDAYS SUAUGRTER, Further Details of the, Westfield Woe. Death of Two. More of the Victims. The Total—Ninety-three Dead and | 113 Wounded. Commencement of the Official Investigation, Testimony of United States Inspector Matthews and Captain Jaco Vanderbilt. Action of the Coroners of New York and Brooklyn. Scenes at Bellevue and the Morgue. . FURTHER OPINIONS BY EXPERTS. BELLEVUE AND IHS DEADHOUSE, Two more victims or breatued their last breath here in Bellevue Hospitat mince last reporis—August Grevelle on Tuesday might, and Josiah Abbott at twenty minutes to ten A. M. yesterday, The body of Abboit was removed | dispnted b the Westfield disaster | occurrences | Was perfectly within ihe bounds of human ingenuliy | to prevent. ‘There 13 @ responsibility resting upon NEW YORK ‘HERALD. THURSDAY. AUGUST % “1871.—WITH SUPPLEMENT ; roadway, un Foley, residence 20 East Seventy-third street, ia aker, 256 Broadwi ; gold pen mal ' BL Sherman, residence 12 West Forty-fourth street, safe manufacturer, of firm of Herring & Co. 261 Broadway. ©. L, Richards, residence No. 8 West Thirty-ninth stree, Machine Belung Company, 37 and 38 Park row. Edward L. Shipman, residence 185 East Eighty- | third street, mapulacturmyg stauloner, 26 Chambers street. Charles A. Kirtland, residence Clarendon Hotel, ornamental iren founder, No. 4 Reade street. | James Bryce, residence 119 East Eighteeuch street, | hardware merchant, 29 Chambers street. | Henry McKee, resicence 237 West Twenty-fourth | Street, foreman of machine shop of firm of Maurice & Cumnungs, 45 Duane street. ‘The inquest will be held on Wednesday, the oth | Ynst., at eleven o'clock, at the City Hall, when a a of engineers and other experts will be ex- amined. | Isaiah Abpott, azed fifty-five years, of Union ave. | nue and Grand street, died at nine o'clock yesterday morning, and the body was removed by permission of Coroner Keenan, | August Gesheimer, of 426 Broome street, died at ten o’clock on Tuesday nigit, and was also re- moved. Bernard Smith, the father of tne ill-fated Smith family, was picked up yesterday opposite pier No. 4 East Kiver, and conveyed to lis late residence, 73 Hamilton avenue, Brooklyn. THE INSPECTORS? INVESTIGATION. The United States Steam Commissioners at Their Work—Testimony of Joun K. Mate thews aud Jacob H. Vanderbilt. Yesterday morning at ten o'clock Messrs, Leonard | H. Boole and William fii), of Boston, two local United States inspectors of steam boilers, were con- stiruted as a board of inguiry uoder the direction of Messrs. Low and Beiknap, the chiefs of thai service, and commenced what, it has been alleged, will be a thorough investigation in the-causes that led tothe late lamentable disaster off the Battery. A great number of gentlemen assembled at the oMfices of Messrs. Matthews and Boole, In Pine street, being | chiefy witnesses or interested persons who had been requested to attend in consequence of the order transmitted from Washington by the Secretary of the Treasury. There was no undue excitement and everything was conducted im the most orderly man- ner. After the members of the Board were seated Mr. Low suid:— GENTLEMEN—I am directed by the Secretary of the ‘Treasuy to make a thorough and searching investi- gation of the causes attending the sad disaster to the steamer Westfield. For that purpose, and for the purpose of having a full aud minute examina- ton into the condition of the vessel, I have sum- moned Mr. Hill to assist and to near the evidence of the witnesses summoned. I suppose it wii not be anybody that, if itis not one of those hich could be foreseen, itis one that gone one, and the aim of our investigation will be to HX the responsibility in the proper quarter. INSPECTOR MATIHEWS’ TESTIMONY. for buria), but that of Grevelle was in tie Deadhouse esterday afternoon awaiting the convenience of Sriends 10 remove it. The body of Fred Smith, the | baker, of Uvrtlandt street, enclosed in a neat coin, | oontuining a plate. inscribed with his name, age and | date of death, also lies there, together with the re- | Maine of Mrs. Eliza Kochner, who died on Tuesday | evening on hearing the report of her husbani’s | funeral, which had just pefore taken place. 1t will be taken away to-day for inierment. The body of Bernard Snitth, aged thirty years, of 73 Hamilton @venue, Brooklyn, was picked up at pier 2 East | River yesterday morning and removed to the Dead- | house, from whence it was subsequently buried. | And thus this whole family, consisting of husband and wife and two children, has been SWEPT INTO ETERNITY TOGETHER and suddenly. Officer Foley, of the Twenty-ninth precinct, 18a brother of Mrs, Smith’s, and upon him @ione falls tne gric! and the expense of their death and burial. Besides the victims of the explosion of Sunday | there remain eight bodies tn the dead house, brouzht ‘hither from the hospitals and public institutions to give the frieuds an opportunity, if they desire it, to | bury them. Thirty-eight more bodics were taken up | Hart’s Island yesterday morning and buried. f ace @ week, Wednesdays and Saturdays, the | Sieamer Hope takes similar cargoes of human re- Wains to be interred in the same piace. Mr. David | © Brien, who has charge of the Deadhouse, has been | 4 that position for imrceen years, handling corpses ‘Bui they become in his hands hike 50 aot, stones ‘Or eticks in the hands of another. Not that his sym- | Fosine are not oiten aroused, but that long servica le made this to him a mere mecnanical business, very Olten manifests his sympathy toward the | warviviug relatives by litue acts of kindness, for ‘Which he accepts no reward, even when oftered. Ab examinaiion of the Coroner's permits yester- @ay showed that Coroner Keenan had granted forty mine, and as four more bodies await removal by his | @uihoriiy the total mortality from Bellevue will | Reach fifty-three. The additional names publisned im our list yesterday morning were of those who had cited at their bores in this cily or in Brooklyn | 4n hospital or at home. This list needs a few trifling | Porrections to make it as complete as probably any Jat cap be made. The name of George H. Korn four times in it—once under the name of Horn, Of No. 5 mott street, New York, and again | With hig first name omitied ‘and a different address | in Brookiyn given. The names, however, belong to | same men, Daniel Mahoney, of 361 Warren girect, Brooklyn (whose brother Matthew was killed | ‘Wiso) 18 duplicated by Dennis Mahoney, and another | miber in Warren street given. Christina Ouch 1s | giso duplicated wit Ernestinc—as manifest con- | founding of the Crristian name of the chiid. Rieh- | Harvey, or Harney, 18 aiso confounded with | nry Carney, of Brooklyn, ‘Vo the Philitps family | Must be added the name of Mrs. Saran Philips, ‘aged sixty-nine, wile of the old yenticiman who was Killed. Four of ' THIS FAMILY WERE SLAUGHTERED. a { ‘We must therefore deduct six names, but we must an five names—Chas. Ruppeil, Timothy Buckly, { h Philips, Josiah Abbott and August Grevelie. which stlil jeaves our list standing at nmety-two killed. Our wounded jist aiso needs reduction On ac- eount Of deatis since last report and anplication, vy | Which the totai will foot up 113 wounded, The grand Zotal will therefore make 200, instead of 4% It ia | Probable, however, that additional bodies may be | joked up Goa ing In the water alter a few days, and | Bat two or three Otvers LOW im hospital will aie. in | Which events the list may be imereased beyond its griginel number. ‘The great majority of the victims | Bellevue yesterday were in an improved condi- | In further Uiustration of the utter impossibility of | gbtalning anything like a correct list of the dead | and wounded at bellevue, Whose names were taken go husriediy on Sunday iast, the following Wil serve this time:—The name of George M. Fissasser ts | Spelled on the office book “Melshaseer,” while the | maine of Louisa, bis daughter, is written “Elsir.”” Of | pourse it Would require MORE THAN ORDINARY ACUMEN Sn reporters or any other persons to guess that those Swo were father and chtid. Eaward Roddy’s name 46 epelied “Koodie,” and his residence is given as 10 | Lansborgh street—if any one can teil where such a | street is—whiie bis brother, Patrick, 1s made to re- | fide at 10 Ganswell sire both streets | being intended for Ganesv stian Ouch was “% written Christian Oaks, the ‘Oaks was | subsequently canceled and the correct surname Written; but the “Christian” stands. Josiah Abbott's t name is written ‘Isa,’ Mra, Abby Phillips ts | ire. Philips; Charies W. Kochendorf is | Spelled “Kochdref,” and so on. Of course this | misspelling and confounding of persons aud names | Goes not imply carelessness on the part of THE OPLIGING CLERK, Gor in the hurry and bostie of the occasion he had to take the names 43 he got them, following the sound as near as he could in the spelling, But while one Feporter copied thie listof names and another re- ceived a ditierent set of names from the patients Themselves, weir friends or the cards over their beds, @nd a third took the names of the dead from an- | other quarter, it was the most natural thiug imagin- | able, under the clicumstances, to duplicate aud | craple names, and thus without any intention $f exaugeratin Tor, large and ghastly as It iu itself, to iucrease the total very greatly. But the truth will probably never be known about this fearful calamiiy, which has overshadowed the city | with grief. ACTION OF CORONER KUEVAN. The Inquest on Wednesday Next—Seven Jurors Sworn In—More Victims. Coroner Keenan yesterday attended at the Morgne, | and of ten gentlemen summoned to serve as jurors | @wore in seven, the other three being excused for | @atisfactory reasons. To them were added during | ‘the day eight more, making a total of fifteen, from | Which the jury will be empanelied. The following 13 4 list containing the names ena | Fesidences of thagentiemen, who are of the highest | Pespectability and intelligence: { L, M. Bates, residence 10 West Thirty-nfhth street; importer and jobber of silks, place of business 461 and 408 Broadway. George E. Nichols, residence 163 West Forty-#ixth street, furrier at 477 Broadway. Jobn Thompson, residence 126 West Twenty-ninth strect, importer of fancy goods, 441 Broadway. Wiliam Thompson, resicence corner of Emily and Commerce streets, Brooklyn, clerk in the importing Doure 46 Howard street, L, H. Oliver, residence 27 West Seventeenth street, Merchant, 640 Broad way, 4. H. Mallory, residence 66 Pineapple street, Brook- dyn, wholesale notions, 463 Broadway. Charles T. Debost, residence 4¥¢ Lexington ave- Bye, merchant, 3 Mercer street, | Water used, and It was Very sensitive in its action. The first witness for examination was John R. Matthews, one of tho inspecting engineers of tne port. LEONARD W. BOoLE—Mr. Matthews, ip teating the bouler of the Westfeld, will you be good enough to make your statement as to that? MATTHEWS—I tested the boiler of the Westfield at South ferry, on the Brooklyn side, on the 12th day of June last, and subjected it to a pressure of thirty- four pounds to the square Inch, allowing the vessel to carry twenty-five pounds of steam. Q Unthe 12th day ef June last? A. Yes. That pressure was put upon the boiler by a hydrostatic pump; Isaw the boiler and made a thorough ex- amination all round; J saw nothing wrong, no Signs of weakness or alteration of shape; I set the perfect vaive for that pressure of steam, Q, What was the pressure allowed? a. Twenty- five pounds to the square inch. Q Mr. Matthews, in making that test did yon allow the usual time im tension? A, I did, sir, It Was as close an inspection as I ever made, Q. Was there any weakness pointed ont to you by anybody before you made the inspection, or was there anything eald in reference to the conaition of the boiier? A, No; I tested it myself. Q. What was the position of the gauge? A, The gauge was not quite at the top ef the steam chim- nies; probably a little more than half way. Q. Are the dimensions of the boiler, as given, cor- rect? A. Ten feet in diameter; that is correct, I think, Q. Where wes the gauge? A. About half way high up toward the steam chimney. Q. Was the presgure put un the boiler by the boat pump, or did you use yourown pump? A. It was réaidence Gienwood, N.Y., music pub- | the steam ontmner? A. ‘Yes; that much below, as near as 1 can recoll a Q. Did you know how thick this boiler was. A. year eee one-quarter inch tron in most portions of shel Qa how thick was the shell when it was new? A. ed nave been fully One-quarter—probably over t. ‘ Q. What is the diameter of the shell? A. I don't er yl we have it On our books. (Books pro- duced. ‘Mr. Marrnews (after referring to the books)—The boiler is ten feet in diameter, Q. Have you any idea how thick the iron was at the time you last tested it? A, I had no means of ascertaining that, sir; it must be a fair thickness, Cs I undersiow! it was the shell that was re- paired. A. Yes, sir. Q. What would you suppose the thickness of the iron 1s now? A. As near as I can judge it is about the quarter of an inch still. Q. From your experience do you know or remiem- ber seeing 2 saiety valve and it not working unless it was assisted by the engineer, or ever hear of ong sticking fast? A. No, sit, I did pot; I never knew @ valve that was the size of this working pene . What was its area? A, It had an area of thirty- eight imches. bs ed in your opinion ampletorelieve the boller ? A. Yes, sir. 4 Q. Did you know the engineer of this boat? A, Yes, sir; he is a colored man, and has oeen in the | employ of the company for some years past. Q. Did you ever have any conversation with him regarding his qnalification? A, No, sir, 1 did not. Q. Had he any license? A, No, sir; the construc- tion of the law exempts him while running in the waters of tne State, Q. Under what law ts heexempt? A. Not under the law, but the constraction of the law made by the Seoretary of the Treasury; it 1s not soin running into foreign waters, Q. From what you saw of this engineer did you conskler him competent? A. Well, he seemed to be very smart, intelligent feliow; I couldn't tell any- thing about his qualifications unless I examined him, Q. Would you bave felt yourself safe on that boat with him? A. Ishould, sir, and should not have had the slightest hesitation to Nave gone aboara of the boat at that tine, from what I know ot him, Q. Was there any means of raising the sufety valve by @ line leading into the engine room? Yes, sir. Q. You say it was possible to have some stop on this? A. Yes, that is rote possibie, Q, If he had removed it beyond the point at which it would go at twenty-five pounds, would the gov- ernment safety valve have relieved the boiler in case of the steam being brought to that point? A. No sir; none of them will, Q. Iffrom any cause the steam should have been raised above the allowed pressure on the govern- mont safety vaive, ihe ordinary safety valve being open, notwithstanding its being open the steam Might have got beyond that? A. Yes, sir, if they kept on generating steam. ’. Mr. Matthews, from your knowledge of this voller afler you nad inspected and tested It to thirty. four pounds to the square inch, would you have felt in imminent danger if you had raised ‘the steam to that prea eas four pounus? A. No, sir, 1 should not. Q. What part of a steam boiler is most Mable to aecay’ A. The water bottom, furuace boxes and bees abun naes are the portions that generaily give out first Q. Do they give out generally in this order? A, The water bottoms are liable to give out frst from the effects of biige water and other causes, when it stands low in the boat. Q. Had this boiler a water bottom or legs? A. At the time of the last inspection she had legs. Her Water bottom was cut off last fall and new legs pat in, qQ. At that time did you know anything about the character of the boiler otherwise than testing 1t? A. I did not, sir, Q. Was this boller “stayed” in the usual manner after boilers of this class? A. Yes, Q. Did you know anything ag to about the dis- tance the “stays” were apart? A. I presume the: would probably be the usual distance, as in all boil- ers of this class, . ‘The stays’? did not break in this case? A. No; if they hau they woyid have cat tue shell. Q. What part gave out first? A. I cannot say. (. Have you seen it since the explosion? A. Yes; Thave seen tt among the débris; it broke away round the shell; one sheet it tore entirely off, and that is now lying forwara in the vessel, it haviug been struck with such violence against the inner part of the hull that i¢ has accommodated itself to the pn of the vessel; that is the part where it was. repaired. . Then zen do not know where the fracture com. menced? A. No, sir, 1 do not; have not the slightest idea of It Q. is a boiler of that shape less liable to break at or near the bottom of the shell, or would the top be more affected when the pressure was on it? A, It would be most likely at the bottom. Q. Could the bottom of the botler (inside) pave been easier seen from the inside than the top’ A. phe tried to examine it once, and could not for the bolts, Q. Can yon see the bottom of the bofier to ascer- tain its condivion? A, It would be impossibie on ac- count of the fines. Q, 1 understood yon exammed the outside of the botier. A. Yes; 1¢ appeared fairand frm, and there were no signs of fracture. Q. You had 00 otuer means of testing the boiler but by @ hydrostatic pump? A. We have no other means for testing every part of It. Q. Was there any patching of seams of this botler ? A. itbink there were afew patches over the seams. Q. Were they, put on with rivets or were they “sort patches?” A. Soft patches over the seams o2 the bottom of the boiler. Q. From your experience, Mr. Matthews, is that or io it not consittered by engineers the best or most available way of securing seams when they seem to be weak? A. It ts, sir; I have known a steamboat put on by the Brooklyn water and regulated by the stop cock from the dock; the hydrant had a pres- sure of about sixty pounds; I tested it by that water. Q. Do you know the age of the boller’ A. I be- lieve it was built at the same time as the.boat—in 1862. Q. In this test what. was the temperature of the water in the boiler—was it cold orhow? A, The Waier iu the boller was at some considerable tem- perature. The boat had just come in and the tire Was not out, only lowered, in order to allow the test to be made, Of course the water was not at the full heat, whatever if might be. They allowed for a portion of steam. Q. When you leit tne boat had you any misgiving in your mind as to her safety? A, None whatever. Had I desired to travel or gone on that boat on Sun- day I should bave thought it perfectly sate, . Did you use any test gauge when you inspected the boat? A. | used the one belonging to the boat. Q. Did you Know the condiilon of that gauge? A. [had every reason to know it was correct, and I will state my reasons: the reason 1s that that gauge indicated the exact pressure which would correspond with the pressure of the column of ©, Do you remember how much the gauge indl- cared when the boiler was fall? A. Ido not at pres ent; | understood it at the time It was uscd so as vo satisfy myself it was correct. Q. In testing this boiler how did you prevent the full pressure coming on or golpg beyond what you required inthe hydrant? A. By regulating it from the supply. Q. When the hydrant pressure waa on etther you yourself or some one attended to that part? A. Yes. Q. Did you nse the safety valve when it was in order? A. I imagine it was in order. We lowered it down when we had got the wager in the boiler anu allowed the water to escape; it worked very well. q. She had a lock-up safety jvalve? A. She had, sir—a three-tuch valve, Q. Was itsetto any particular pressure? A. It was «ct at @ pressure of twenty-seven pounds, allowing two pounds, which is the rule. Q. Was the weight on the lock-up safety valve set that it would not allow of twenty-five pounds? A, It was at that time; that is, I did not touca it at that; It was set as it always ts set, Q. What was the character of the valve? A, It ‘was the “America Valve.” Q. In for experience (id these valves work easilyy A, I never had much of an opinion of thein, or of any lockup valve. Q. Do you know if this one had wokked preli? A. I don’t know, sir; from the structure and welght of the valve, it would be impossible to itft it; no man could lift them of when there is no ateam on them to assist. Q. Mr. Mattecws, has not the government-valve the means of ratsing at any time by the engtneer? A. There is one Which woala be ample for onegnan to lit, Q. [understand that at a pressure of twenty-fre pounds to the square imch on that valve it should open, but you lave no means of raising it suppos- ing It doed not (of itself) open? A. No, sir, I have not. Q. Did you Know that it was frec—at liberty to~ open? A. Yea. Q. How did yon know that? A. By the look of it, Q. Did you feel it or litt at? A, No, gir, 1 did not; I could not lift it. Q. Mr, Matthews, Iuiink you sald this valve was three inches in diameter; what is the area of that? A. The area is about seven square inches, Q. If there were means of Iliting 1t at the time could you not have lifted the valve? A, I.suppose 1 could; if aman got purchase on it he could lift it, 4. Is not that top (of valve) in such @ state of order that it can be ratsed by any one taking hoid of it? A. The engineer could tel that. Q. When you tested the boiler did you have occa- sion \o fasten itdown’ A. I had ttiocked; I had it in @ line apout one-half the he'ght of the steant culmney; J bad it paruy locked wuen it got neces- sary. Q. Lunderstood you to say you tested to thirty- four pound You took the gange half way up to the steam chimney, and you determined bee taking off half the “main’’ the guage indicated. Or bow did youdo it? A. By allowing the difers ence of the height of thé chimney and the ,“main” the guage indicated, Q. Wien you had got the pressnre from the hy- draut, hew much above thirty-four pounds dit the gauge indicate? A, It indteated the diserence be- tween the height of the gauge and the top of the chimney. don't know exacuy how much; f¢ might bave been four or five feet. Having this work to do every day it 18 impossible to remember all thee thin, Q. Where was the located? A, I took the sieam chest of tne engine, and drawing a line where that was, striking probably one-third below the bottom of steam cbimney, four, five or perhaps wix feet below stock of steam chimney; that measuiement was determined, and that pressure corresponded exactly to tpirty-four pounds on the equare inch, @ Did Ianderstand you four pr Ave feet below owner to put patches on his boilers over the seams when they were quite new, for It is weil known they are always required in a year or eighteen months afterwards—that 18, on the lower pari of the botlers; I have covered new furnace boxes myself with atches when they were perfectly good and sound, In order to prevent their betng eaten away by salt water; this was done merely as 4 precautionary measure. Q. Do you know what wonld be the difference in the temperature, or can you imagine what would be the vemperature of the boiler when under the usual pressure of steam? A. I cout! not tell you the exact number of degrees; cold water falls generally to the bottom, a, Is the feed water taken from the tanks directly? . Yes. Q. Is it cold? A, It 18 the usual temperature When it is put in tue tank. Q. Do they biow the exhaust into the tanks dur.ng the summer season? A. Perhaps. «. Do you kuow if the difference of temperature between the top and the bottom of the boiler wonld bave @ tenuency to Weaken It by unequal expan- sion? A. It might bave some such effect in the oiler. Q. Where wonld it be likely to show fself If there was an unequal expansion? A. I should think down at the bottom, Q. Why down atthe bottom, sir? A. That por- tion of the boller is bound together more firmly, while the upper part of the shell is comparative’ free; this 18 just the cause, im case of unequal cX- pansion, to tear away the under part. Q, De you suppose that such a canse had anything to do with the explosion? A. I do not think it had, sir. 2 Q. How jong have you been an engineer, Mr. Matthews? A. Thirty-five years. Q. Did you serve a reguiar apprenticeship? A. I did; with James P, Allaire (?). Q Twish you would state what your experience has been’ A. I served seven years in the naval service and have been ranning in the merchant service; I had charge of a steamship between New York and #nrope for nine years and I had seven years’ service in charge of one of the Pacific Mail Company's steamers. «. Have you been on the river steamers? A. Yes; I have, sir, and on the lakes, Q. During this ume have you ever had any acci- dents of any kind? A. Never, élr, in my own expe- rience. Q. How long have you been an inspector? A. Five ears, 2 JACOB VANDERBILT ON THR STAND, Jacob H. Vanderbilt then took the stand, and was duly sworn by the Commissioner, Mr. BooLE—Mr. Vanderbilt wko do you represent here to-day? Mr. VANDERBIIT—I am president of the company. Q. What is the name of the company? A. The Btaren Island Kailroad Company; tus incluaes the jerry. Mr. Hitt—Mr. Vanderbilt, will you give us what information you may have, or make a statement of all you know in reference (6 tis accident? Mr. VANDERBILT—At What point would you have me begin? Mr. HiLt—I should like to have as fullan ac- count of the company, &c., a8 possible, with What- ever you know of this affair. Mr. VANDERBILT—We have three hoats which we run in order—runuing two at a tme—the Nocth- fleld, Westtield and Miadictown. Two ran con- stantly ata time, but one is always leftin for re- paws, aad 13 what we call @ spare boat. Une ta ways in and gets a little rest or Is belug repaired, There is no difference in the boats or lu their ap- intments; they are exactly the same. There 1s Heute ulrterence fa the age of the boats—this one 18 @ little older than the others. The Westfleld was built im 1862, the Northfeld in 1863 and the Middletown in 1865 or 66. They are nearly the same In ali reapects. Q. Was this a regular boat on Sunday? A. Let me explains this one had been running a8 a regular boat up to thie tume; then the Northtieid came up to take the regular work for the afternoon; the North- field commenced hali-hour trips, and she was com- ing up; this oat ity in the elip when the wd other came up a little béfare her thme; I don’t know how she came to #0 cary; she left in the usnal manner; on sunda; ey are not quite so particular as to fime, for they come and go as quickly as the: ij and if one boat is In the siip she waite unti! the other gets close 1u before she moves out; they run in @t apy time then instead of at the half hour; the Nowthfield was close up to the slip at the time of the exppaion, aud when the accident occurred the Westfield was just going to start; the pilot had rung the bell .Wwd Was standing looking at that part which would have been the bow—the boats are double-enders—| voking at the other boat; he was in the house betwe.™ the bow and the chimney, right over the boiler; the’ C8p- tain wasin the cupola at the other end, had pu the whistle and was just about to give the signa: 40 start the engine when the accident occurred, . Have you any idea how many there were on board? A. We do not think more than two hun- dred. Q. How can you tell? By the tickets? aA. We don't iasue tickets; passengers pay their fare as they pass in. Q. Well,, how munch money was there? A. The money was mixed, you see, #0 that we could not tell; but waging trom what the young fellow in eaeeaot ine wolle ene cane eanse haiee See enens nh ‘What is the name of yourengineer? A, Henry long has he been in youremploy? A. He been om the boats na lokg a0 have baa any. thing to do with them seven years ago; I bought the ferry at that ; he had been tn tl ferry long before that; he was chef engineer at the time of the pei he was not always in her; these crew! Q Do you know tf or the fireman attended to the ler? A. It is the duty of the engineer to pull the feed on, I | the feed into the engine room and Is under th control of the engineer. Q e communicate with the fireman? A. 2 has @ speaking tube, communicating with the ireman, Q. Has the fireman anything else to do than attend tothe fire? A. They attend to the furnace and repair the engine, . Has the engineer no means of seeing the height of the water by the gauge inthe enginé room? A. No, sir, he has to communicate with the fireman, or go down in’o the fire room hun-eif. jad you any personal knowiedge of the con- dition of the boiler at the ume? A. No, only by hearsay. 4 Q. Was this boiler repairea recently? A. Yes, air, last fatt. ee How old ts the boiler? A, Same age as the te Q. Have you used fresh or salt water init? A. Fresi water; I don’t think there bas ever been any salt water iu tr, . How long is it since there were any important repairs to the voller? A, I think between October and December of last year; there have been no re- pairs since that I know of. Q Do you know what was donethen? A. Yes; fue cutting off of her water bottom and substituting legs. : es Q. Were there no other repairs at the time? A. I don’t kuow, sir; 1 can’t teil you; all] Know 1s about ES repairs; I considered her im first rate order; considered the boiler the best we had in tie three boats, notwithstanding 1ts age; 1t was built before the war, and the tron appeared to be of better quality; our erent always told me he cou- sidered it the best in the three boats; it was not nite like the others; there was a littie aliference in the shape; 10 was as large as in the other boate; I should have taken that boller as the best, for the reason that I considered tt was made of a better quality of iron. Q Do you know what kind of tron it was made off A. ; the Commodore, my brother, built this boat; she was constracted by ‘I. F. Secor. Q. You think the reason why this boiler was bet- ter than the other two was because of the betier quality of the iron? A. At that time, ver; you could get beter iron before the war came on; after. wards there was arush for iron and we could not get good iron. Q. And you considered hers the best? A. Ishould | have said so before the accident—not now; there Was nothing extra in her beside; there was the same power in all three boats and the same regula- tions in every respect. Q. I suppose you considered It the stronger boiler? . 1 did. Q. What do you consider to be the cause of the explosion? A. That is what has been troubling my heaq; it certainly is beyond my comprehension; I always sat oa top of it—or, rather, over tt—every day; I was there in my accustomed seat reading my newspaper on that very boat the day belore, Q. Do you ever visit the engine room? A. Yes. q. Do you know if tney ever carry any more steam than is allowed by law? A. ‘The steam will vary; it goes from twenty-two pounds, and might reacli twenty-seven pounds, Q. You know it varies from this? A. I know it does, Q. In the newspapers it 1s stated to have been twenty-five pounds, A. [ cannot say anything about | ‘ou can imagine two inches of steam to be mighty smail; we tuink nothing of it; I have never cousidered two incbes Of steam of any account (Mr. Hill—Two pounds you mean’); we should not wink of ruunmg the boat to within two pounds of its capacity. it might have seemed to be twenty-five pounds or twenty-seven pounds? A. Ishould not suppose the man looked; 1 should think the valve would biow oi if there was over twenty-five pounds of steain. Q. Don’t you suppose it is his duty to look, sir? A. He swears he did, Q. You considered the boat so safe that you would have gone by her that very trip? A. I was on board of her, with several of my family. Q. Are Xou in the habit of looking in at the engi- neers to see if they are carrying too much steam? A. That is not my duty; only being President of the company I take a little more notice than anyboay else; never knew them to carry more steam than is allowed, Dor ever had any complaints of bis neglect of duty; on the contrary, whenever there 1s any- thing special or anything extraordinary this mau is always selected for his skill and cautuon, Q. Captain, was the ooiler built by the day or by contract? A. That 1 realiy can’t tell; symonson buLt the hull and the other works putin the in- gine. Q. I saw a statement in the Papers that you were about to lay up the Westfleld for repairs; is that so? A. She had been ruuning 4 long time this time, and she was to have goue in for “recuperation,”? put , nothing was lo be done to her boiler; [| saw that in pote ea ang? but.there Was nothing to be done to her boilers, Q. How often do you “lay them up?” A. They go 4n turns for monthly inspection; you will aiways see one of them eng, cleaning flues at the dock— a up); we have never used salt water; I have no idea whatever of the cause-or the expio- sion; I have not héen able to examine It yet, ax we Coroner has charge of the matter. Q. Have you been before te Coroner? A, No, sir, not yet; ne has not sat. Mr. HILt—Uaptain, 1 do not know that there is anything more regarding tne affair that we need ask you, unless you wish to make @ statement far. ther than that we have received, A. You have the whole story; Ihave said [am in the habit of going up to town in these boats almost every day, aud have the general supervision. You had no choice in reverence to safety? A. No; but I think I should have taken thai boiler and that engineer for perfect safety. Q. How long have you been in the steamship business? A. Thiriy odd years, " Q. Ever run one by yourself? A. Yes, sir; Irana boat for twenty-five years, from 1825 up to 1890; I commanded a boat avout twenty-five or tuirty ears. : Q. And you felt as safe on this boat, the Westfield, as you had on any other boat A. I had great cause to wink there Was no danger; if my house had fallen avout me I shuuld ikive been just as much surprised; 1 nave always been engaged in boata, Q. Have you ever inspected boilers? A. Yes, sir; 1 don’t know anytuing else; it has been my business all my life, since I was a youth; at apy time you may send for me and want anything more'l suali be | glad to give It. Counse! for C. Vanderbilt offered to produce any furtner employes or testimony aud give every faci- bey Ang the investigation. r. BOOLB—Mr. Low has subpoenaed a number of experts—Hassiand, Copeland and others—but we are unable (o proceed further to-day, knap has just been summoned away, aud I tunk it best te adjourn to visit the Westiela for our. | selves, Jacos VANDERSILT—1 ought to say that the only reason wily I toox hold of the ferry Was thas tt was the only means of connecting us with the outer World; there we were cut off and could do nothing without {t; but, as regards its pecuniary benefits and its paying heavy dividends, it ts ® mistake; | there 1s no money in it, none whatever; we on)! wanted to have the vest ferry in tne world, and believe it 1s generally conceded that we have it. Aiter sundry passages of such @ character the Board adjourned until to-day, It 1s somewhat to be regretted that a better room has not been provided for so important an ajifair, for in this the reporters have a diiicuity ja hearing What the witnesses say. EXAMINATION OF THE WESTFIELD BY PECTOR HILL, Hundreas continue to visit the wreck of the Weetfield, lying at pier 13 East River. On Yester- day afternoon a large number of visitors were on board, as it was rumored that the United States in- spectors were to make an official examination of | the vessel, and it was also rumored that the Coroner's jury were to visit the ruins preparatory to holding the inquest, The visitors were, however, disappointed, ag the only ofiicial who came on board was Mr. Hil, the boiler inspector of the Poston district, who “is associated with In- spector Booth making an inquiry ag to the cause or causes wilech led to the disaster. Under ordinary circumstances Inspectors Matthews and Booth would hotd the in- vestigauion, but as Mr. Matthews recently gave & certificate to the owners of the Westfield the Saper- vising Inspector of the district did noc consider it might to permit Mr. Matthews to hold the present inquiry, and he therefore sent for Mr, Mill to Boston to take the place of Mr, Matthews. Mr. Fill’s vistt to ‘he Westfleid iy gw afternoon and his subse- quent examination of the boiler were made for his own personal information, and any information which he may have derived from his examination will not at present be divaiged to the pubilc, The Inquiry ig ikeiy, he said, to last for three or four days, and when completed he and Mr. Booth will make their report to the Supervisors, Messrs. Bel- Knap and Low. ’ FUNERALS OF THE VICTIMS IN THIS CiTY. Michael Finn, who was kilied in the disaeter, was buried yesterday, from his iate residence, 6239 Canal street, He was sixteen years of age, and resided with an aged aunt, Previous to the funeral ceremony the body lay on tee in @ front garret, iN 4 small seven-by-nine room, It resented a ghastly sight. The we appeared as if potled. ‘The lower part of the Jaw was of a leaden color, while the forehead and eyelids wero of varie- ted purple and black, ‘Ihe devoutness of the reiatives was evidenced by the rosary wuich sur. rounded the head of the corpse, Ann Finn, his grandmother, has been nearly pros- wed by the sudden aiiiiction, She moaned pite- Aimy during the preparations for interment over the q.‘ath of “poor Michael,” and declared with tear- Hg wae a Vs Just stagger- abe ny had Jn the world. he floor." ing a eai's Father, who Hyee 10 Epringvilie, Pa., bag chia 8 General Bel- | poor before, bur this feribie amiiction has made Tess Probate recovery from their Aldvew Coyle’s Funeral. Andrew Coyle, another victim, was Yesterday at Calvary Cemetery. The Grand of the Republic, of which he was a member, ld the last tribute of wo the re Pains, Coyle served with distinction in the navy during the rebelliog, receiving medal a Congress for gallantry in the action at Fort | Fisher. With a moe aatlor's insunct he saved the | life of a child after he was fatally injured. The skin and flesh peeled irom his hands and arms ashe bore the onlid'to a piace of safety. ‘Ihe funeral took place from 61 Monroe street at two o'clock. Another Funeral. Frederick Kreichner, who was severely scaided in the explosion, was buried on Tuesday from Bellevue Hospital, The members of the K. W. Verein Hum- | boldt Society accompanied the cortége to the Hous- | ton street ferry. fhe body was interred in the Lutheran Cemetery, Jamaica, Mrs, Kreichner is still sudfering in Bellevue, Funeral of Other Victims. The funeral of Samuel Philhys, aged seventy-one years, and Sarah Phillips, aged sixty-nine years, two of the victims of tne late terrible explosion, who resided at 130 East Forty-fifth street, took place at ten o’clock yesterday morning. Tho two co‘tins, containing the remains of the deceased, were placed side by side in the spacions parlors oi the house, in the presence of a large gathering. of friends and relatives. The minister, Rey. 5. M, [saacg, delivered a very beta address on the brevity and uncer- | tain duration of life. ‘The deceased, who were weil known for their benevolence and charity, were highly respected in the netghborhood, and the awful calamity has thrown a gloom all around, ‘They were of the Jewish persuasio>, and were buried at Cy- ge Huis Cemetery, The son and daughter-in-law recovering rapidly. THE BROOKLYN The Favernl Ceremonies Over the Chenevicre and Uhlma:n Families—Sermon by the Rev. A. P. Putnam. A very large assemblage of persons congregated with the walls of the Church of the Saviour, on Pierrepont street, Brookiyn Heights, at four o'clock yesterday afternoon, for the purpose of witnessing the performance of the last rites of that Church over the bodies of five of the victims of the West- field explosion of Sunday last. The remains were those of the Cheneviere and Uhimann families, which had been laid out since their arrival in Brook- lyn at an undertaker's establishment on Fulton ave nue. From the latter place they were removed to the church in two hearses shortly before four o’clock, and the caskets were arranged tn order and were strewn with Sowers and immortelies, The plates bore the following inscriptions:— eoncee reer VICTIMS. ALLELE LELEDPI DIODE PELE LELE PELE LEDIEDE DN JEAN RODOLPH UHLMANN, Died July 30, 187k. Aged 53 years, 3 months, 13 days. ONLOL TE EOLREELE LOLOL LEDE SIAL LEDOLE LORE HORE REIDD The deceased, who was dressed in a black coat, white collar and black cravat, was very much dls- | figured about the face. Beside the casket contain- ing the body of Mr. Unimann was the last narrow | earthly habitation of his daughter, a very beautiful young girl, with dark hair, There were no marks of disfigurement about her save a slight bruise over the left eye. The inscription on this coffin was:— ORO LELE NTE OLE EIEN BOE TOE LENE tt at bbe) JEANNE UHLMANN, Died July 30, 1371, Aged 17 years, 10 months, 26 days. OOO LEE BOLE ELOLE DOLE IELELOLEPE TELE DODO CCH In the next Casket was the sadly disfigured body of the little granddaughter of Mr. Uhimann. The face was brown aud the features shrivelled from pain. Tho inscription on the coflin lid was:— OOO LC SEIDEL DOPE OETA ONES LOL E IONE SE OE: MARI£ ANNA CHENBVIERE, 3 Died July 31, 1871. Aged 5 years, 9 months, 13 davs. Qe neneeeeeseee-teLe atte Nene ts E-BCE PEE LOOT DEDEDE DE The body of the father of the latter looked rather natural. He was attired in black. The plate was inscribed as follows:— ee nneese ne rete te. nenerere rece ne j MARC CHENEVIERE. Died July, 1871. Aged 35 years, 28 days. Scccenicnccorenncerenatnapes” rarreerncec crater tee) The fifth and last casket contained the fatr re- | Mains of the son of the latter, aud the face was | withont a bruise, The inscription was:— eeeenese rere sete reenee seneI ere reCLE TE Terese tt tote hed a CHARLES ARTHUR CHENEVIERE, 3 Died July 30, 1871. Aged 3 years, 4 months, OLLI 00 BED DOMC OO LELERERE LtAODOLO DO ne bp ne nn ne Several relatives and friends of the deceased oc- cupied seats in the main aisle, and were much over. come by their feelings during the solemn services, | A splendid chow of artists, who volunteered their services for the occasion, Jent the harmony of their voices, and shed au air of sympathetic comfort throughout the house of worship which was In con- sonance with all the surroundings, The sermon, which was preached by the Rey. Dr. | Putnam, was attentively listened to throughout. | The reverend gentleman said:—“It was buta few | Short months ago that the impressive tidings reached us of the death of the venerable and disupguished Dr. Chenevtire, of Geneva, one | of the great lights of Mberal Protestant- ;ism in Europe forty years ago. In his frequent letters to his son, who had come to seek his fortune ta America, and here married one of his own countrywomen, He had often expressed it as the earnest wish of his heart that pe might live to sce the little grandchildren, Who came one by one, in the new bome so faraway. Just as the intelligence | of the decease of the aged patriarch was received in Brooklyn one of these little grandchildren sicke ened aid died, and what was dented to the feshly vision began thus to be graufled to their spiritual sight when the two homes so widely sundered on earth met in heaven, Litttedid we think then how 800n the heart’s desire of the aged saint was to be fully | realized; how in a few neeting weeks tt would pe his to greet at once on those happier shores, not only te two remaining little ones, but the long absent son limsetf, aad others, too, of the family circle, Entering a boat togother for an alterngon visit to friends on the beautiful isiand in thé bay, the; embark ail bee ana on an invisible ship boun for the isleof the blessed. A more delightful voyage for them, indeed, than they had drearaed of, but for | those who are lett benind What sorrow and anguish! Yet it 18 not mine to dwell upon what 13 dark and dread.ni tn the event which has startled the whole community from its accustomed repose and filled so | Many houses with distress, bat I point, tf I may, the , light which fringes the awful cloud and near if I can the sweet voice of God that speaks to us even amid all the painful noises of the hour, and that whispers Foros, For even at such a time as this, or especially at such a time as this, we cling to | our faith that God ts over all and in all; that He ts infinitely good and that His whole rule of things 1s beneficence and beauty. Almighty love! Ever; thing speaks to us of law—stern, pitiless, unresisil- bie. We can, indeed, see how, notwithstanding men and nations are often crashed beneath the ope- rations of such vast forees, She general system of nature is yet beneficial. Still, tts no wonder that 80 many in ast, witnessing this supreme rule of Jaw, 80 apparently regardiess of the individual soul, should naturalists and fatalists, or should believe that there were in the outward un- verse two wighty powers or priaciples between which were an eternal antagon- ym, What the universal heart of man las ever de- mended is the assurance in all these works and ways of nature~in what 18 dark and vivlent as well as What 13 right and peacefui—that there trobs even there the loving heart of an Intinite Father, cry has always been that some one should break through tne reali of relentess and eternal order and say that the Power that governs ali is not heedless of human souls, out that its care over all isa great leal more watchful than that of a mother over her child, Nay, nature needs an interpreter; and finds its interpreier in Jesus Christ. When God would) make known to us His deepest and richest thoughts he communicates them through some being created in His own image, aud inspired with His owndivineiife. tspecially has He realized Himself In and through Him who ts the brightness of His glory and the especial image of His person. In Christ He comes near to us in un- speakable sympathy and blessings, so that when Jesus tells us thateven the hairs of our heads are humbered, and that not a sparrow can fall to the round without the Father Knowing it, we feel and ‘mow that these are the very accents of Heaven it- self, and thatin every nour of calamity, not less in every season of joy, we are each one of us in the dear hands of God, who doeth all things weil God 1s law, but Ho ts also love. However the event is caused He is there—there in the dire explosion or the overwhelming flood and in the consuming fire, When thou passeth through the waters I will be with thee and the waves shall not overwhelm thee, Thou shalt not be burned; neither spall the flame kindle upon thee. This is the peace of the soul, to Know that whatever betides that which 19 outward and sensible, we ourselves, these death- less entities which we are, are safe in the eternal keeping of our sleepless God. We want Him—Him train of ages git faith in life’s green spring, anc full strength of years, matron more bitter farewells, no more ness tears nor sorrows nor death! This gives ua n ower to bear and to do; this also brings us np an ars us on in the giad immortal hope that vanished ones shall be ours that wi | once more clasp them as our own and gaze intal thelr dear eyes and hear their familiar voices and) be with them for ever. ‘ May the God of all comfort and consolation com@s with His blessed promises and power to the crushed; and bleeding hearts ‘of His children and fill themtj even in their sorrow and desolation rh eee and holy joy as they think of the love that is 0 them and the heaven which awaits them. R The remains were interred in Greenwood Cemes tery, wither they were followed by a large numb bet re ov DEFOTY SHERIFF JOHN MADDEN. FUNERAL OF DEP" a Tue funeral of Deputy Sheri John Madden, victim of the.late disaster, took place y« jay the Church of Sts, eter and Paul, Williams! | the pastor, Father Malone, delivering an Soquel | address on the occasion. The remains of the | lamented gentleman were conveyed to Calvary, | Cemetery, followed by a large number of citizel sition Aan “paitayaia setouging to Hope, Hose gation from Philadelphia belong! Company, of which Mr, Madden had been a mem ber for twenty years. } ADDITIONAL VICTIMS. In addition to the deaths already mentioned th® following are given as the deaths of yesterday:— Tra Abbott died at 9:40 A. M. j Patrick Finnigan died at 9:15 P. M. OPINIONS OF THE PEOPLE. ware | A Civil Engineer on the Boiler. | To Tae Epiror oF THR HERALD:— ! Having assisted professionally in the investigae tion of many cases of boiler explosions, and ag much difference of opinion appears to prevail as to the cause of the terrible calamity on the: Westflela,: it may be usetul at the present juncture to give @ few of the results of a considerable practical expes, rience connected with steam boiler construction, and explosions. ‘The boiler of the Westtield ts of an inferior dest; and weakiy constructed, It had already had longer life (nine years) than is usually allowed marine boilers in well conducted companies. r Testing tnis boiler, intended to work at twenty-) five pounds pressure per square inch, by a cold! water test of thirty-tour pounds, 18 @ test of little on no practical value. Moreover, a thorough Inapeos { uonof a bolier under pressure can only be uset when every part of the outside shell is exposed view and the other portions readily accessible, An efficient hydrosta'ic proof pressure of such boiler should, according to experience, be dout its ordinary working pressure to give a proper indi’ cation of defects. If a margin of only nine to pounds on tlie working pressure of twenty-tive wi considered to be at or near the bursting pressure o! ae boiler it was obviously 1n an unserviceable ion. A boiler that will not admit of a test of double ita} intended working pressure without permanent in: jury to its structure 1s of an improper design an Construction. ‘This will be readily understood by taking for ex: ample an ordinary cylindrical fue boiler, with fiat ends, 7feet in diameter by 25 feet long; shell | three-eighth inch boiler plate and fines in proj tion, Properly constructed and of good mate! the tensile strain which such a boiler will resi before bursting (due to sectional area of the Tiai) will be about three hundred pounds pressu per square inch, Now, the safe or regular work): Tressure for boilers when new should not ex one-fifth of the estimated bursting pressure, or sixty pounds per square inch for the boiler ferred to. This margin of st his a sary provision for safety in boilers. is 80 © =hecessary provision opeingy u deterioration arising from the thinning of the plates; by corrosion and strain and stress cat by expan! petiee contraction of the metal in heating and, cvoilng. ‘ The plating of the Westfeld boller 1s throughout; much thinner wan the best bolier making practica! ‘would permit.’ Horizontal seams were smngie rivet-) SP ear of ae a ean ere double riveted. In illustration of this point may be mentioned thet fact that the French government has adopted a pre-} cise formula (with which I need oot trouble you: readers}, which determines the relative thickn of plate and pressure in atmospheres to be aged 1 isin var.ety of diameter or form of steam genera, 1. GI designed and constructed recently several bofl- ers and engines for use in France, Before bein Worked the official Inspector examined them, an on applying his formula the boiler plating was déy clared to be nearly one-sixteenth too ght for t load on the salety vaive, which was ordered to reauced from sixty pounds per square incl to forty4 five pounds, beiore a certificate was granted or thi bollers in question allowed to be used, although proof certificate of their testing to 120 pounds pr Square inch was furnished. “d ‘The result of this Freach law 1s that boiler explo~/ sions are almost unknown in that country, aithoug! it 13 nothing uncommon to see locomotive and othe! boliers working at very high pressures up to 1s pounds per square ich with perfect safety, proving “ conciustvely that safety lies not in diminishing tir eS but in increasing the strengwn of th olier. } ‘Loo much stress canno* be put.on the great value of preliminary examinations and tests of boilers betore they are put in use. 3 , Pas Ms scm of meny boilers is only a question’ Many boilers constructed by me have been tested” to double their intended working pressure under, Sicam at the request of the steam users, @n eXxcel-| leut practice, especially in boilers of untried! design, us it will Indicate sources of defect more, © certainly than cold-water pressure, ‘ There is no danger provided the boilers are de-' signed and constructed by parties qualiéied and exe pecined in the busiuess, 5 Jompulsory governiuent imspection periodically, of all steam (innepech cl by inspectors of woven ability and probity, under specific rules ‘aetining tn maxtuum steam pressure permitted 1 boilers an applicable to oO Variecy of construction, seem: tobe the best mode of preventing in futare suc! terrible disasters to Qu:nan life as that of Sunday + last. D. A. ROBINSON, 0. Be Inspection of the Steam Gauge. To THE EpITOR OF mms HERALD:— The accident that occurred to the boiler of the ferryboat Westfield has brought forth many. state<. Ments and probavilitios of the cause, &0., and yet there appears to be out few, in my humble opinion, except Inspector Matthews, that attribute it to the right one—viz., to an excess of steam, The engineer of the steamer admits at the ume of the accident twq- oe pressure in excess of that allowed by the: Inspector's certificate; therefore, would 16 not be ay Judicions plan to Inspec: the steam gauge of the ill-+ fated steamer by & mercury column and ascertain, Whether satd gauge at the pressure of twenty-seven) ” pounds (which the engincer saul was recorded at th Ume of the explosion) dees not indicate nearer: forty-seven pounds by the column? It 1s universal): known $0 all first class engineers that spri gauges, from their complicated cogs, wheels, sprin; and Jever, are rendered by oxyd, dust or wear ale) most entirely unrellabie, and Seer £2 when the engineer neglects the safety valve, which should raised from its seat every morning. } Feeling this opinion way be of service in develop ing the right cause, I rematu an interested ENGINEER. “f Parsimony of -t! mpany. To THE Epitor or THE HERALD:— ‘The terrible loss of life occasioned by the explo= sion of the Staten Islana ferryboat Westfield yestere day, which has plunged so many families into tha depths of aMiction anda filled the minds of the publig, generally with constervation and horror, will, © / trust, meet with a rigid iuvestigation, which will, without doubt, prove the company entirciy to bial The boats of this ferry are owned and ron by the Staton Island Railroad Company, which, though one of the best paying roads of its lengti, in the country, 1s run on the cheapest plan concetva- ble, without regard to the comtort or safety of its Numerous passengers, Some months since a pors, tion of the bridge at the ferry house on the New York side—which, from extreme age, was In a very. dangerous condition—gave way just as the pas. sengers were svepping ashore, severely tnjurin, soveral, There no doubt that most of tn accidents which occur from time to time, wittr terri. the Father—tim, whose name is Lord, And Him Wwe have through Christ our Love. But why tne great fact of human sufering? Why these fearful calamities that tnvoive the my and the tunocent alike ma common doom, or that even spare the ped and: overwhelm the imnocent? hy the ightful waste of life, scarred and mangled ies, the agonies of little children scorched by Qames, broken families and weeping Households low can the idea of love supreme be reconcll with facte like these when we must walt and patient’ Hence we mast walk by faith. Then wo shall walk by sight. Fromftho otner wae we shall Jook back and gee things tat now look dark and bie loss of life, are the result of parsimony an carelessness On the part of steamboat and railroa compantes, nnd if inspectors wero appointed whi erfectiy understood their business and atrended t it many of them would be avoided. There are hundreds of people residing on the south side of the island who areengaged in business in the city and e datly obliged to endanger their lives by passin, over tho Staten Island ferry aod railroad, whic! consists of about sixteen miles of the most defecti' track éver seen, sume eight or ten cheap bul het aires Rp pd rokety, Lest, ot jocomo' ich are likely at any moment their bollers or fall to pieces, The road is under” , ) | * i* | |