US river tragedy

New York, July 8: The Illinois River excursion steamer Columbia had aboard 663 passengers and a crew of 30 when she capsized, and it is estimated that from 65 to 100 perished. In a dense fog the vessel struck a sunken log in the river, commenced to sink immediately, and then capsized. She was a threedecked vessel.

The excursionists were dancing and singing when the accident occurred. A panic ensued in which many women and children were pushed overboard, while many others jumped. There was no time to use either lifebelts or boats. The shrieks of the survivors were heard on the shore, and rowing boats were launched and went to the rescue.