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Show EXCISION STEAMER BUIISJLL SAVED Coalncss and Energy of Captain and Crew Prevent Loss of Life. By Associated Press. LACROSSE. Wis.. June 25. With 1500 excursionists on board tho Acmo Packet compnny's steamer J. S.,, caught fire In the Mississippi river between Genoa, and Victory tonight, and although the steamer steam-er was burned to the wator's edge, prompt action of Captain Strockfus in beaching the boat saved every person on board. Onlv one woman was injured in the mad rush from the boat to the island on which the boat wus bcachod. Tim steamer brought 1000 people from Lansing, la., and 500 from Intermediate points to Lacrosse today, loavlng hero on the return trip at i tonight. The boat caught fire when two miles above Victory. Wis., the blaze breaking out close to the boiler room. Putting on full speod, Captain Strockfus headed the boat direct for Bad Axo Island, nearby. Beforo the general alarm was sounded the vessel had grounded on the sand. The crew worked valiantly to control tho excursionists and although there wus a great rush only one woman was Injured. The excursionists, stranded on an Island 500 feet long and 300 feet wide with only a few launches and rowboats available, made slow headway in getting to tho mainland. |