With The Best of Intentions?
In 1925, Floyd Collins became a household name. People all over America were fascinated, horrified, and deeply moved by his dire plight. This extremely emotional response was naturally even stronger among the Cave City locals. Many of them were inspired to rush to Sand Cave and help in the best way they knew how to. As a result, for too long Collins was left to the zealous, unqualified, and amateurish attempts of the locals, who, because of their stubborn pride, did everything they could to expel the outsiders. Unfortunately, these outsiders were the only ones with the professional skill, rationality, and organization that Collins’ predicament demanded. While the outsiders could have saved Floyd Collins, the locals prevented his rescue.
It is clear that from the outset the outsiders had the necessary skill, rationality, and organization to rescue Collins. For instance, on Tuesday morning Henry Carmichael, a licensed engineer from Kyrock, Kentucky, organized a “systematic and coordinated operation” (Murray and Brucker 94). With his engineering efficiency, he soon realized that a shaft would be needed. However, it wouldn’t be started until Thursday, two days later. Carmichael and his Kyroc crew’s expertise also came into play late Wednesday night. Gerald sought him out for his experience in shoring while his own crew was too exhausted to continue (Murray and Brucker 122). By Thursday morning, outside experts and engineers were dominating the operation (Murray and Brucker 131). They were convinced that Floyd’s release was “no longer a caving problem but an engineering one” (Murray and Brucker 131). Now having free rein, these outsiders imposed discipline at the operation, ran an engineering survey of the Sand Cave passageway, and decided to sink a shaft (Murray and Brucker 141). These measures were effective and may have been able to Floyd’s life, had they been implemented earlier.
However, because of their excessive pride, the natives did everything they could to expel the outsiders. On Monday morning Isaac F. Woodson and Fred and Ernest Kratch of the Woodson and Kratch Monument Company came from Louisville to discuss their plan for rescuing Floyd (Murray and Brucker 93). Among other things, they had planned to survey the area a full four days before the experts-shocked that it hadn’t been already-got it done (Murray and Brucker 93). Johnnie Gerald refused to listen to their argument and immediately sent them back to Louisville (Murray and Brucker 93). In addition, Homer Collins stringently opposed Carmichael’s early scheme to sink a shaft, delaying its start by two critical days (Murray and Brucker 96). The natives even disputed Carmichael’s conservative plan to clear out the upper regions of the cave because of “their continuing desire to keep strangers out” (Murray and Brucker 96). Most of all, though, the natives resented General Denhardt’s arrival, despite the fact that he stopped the rowdiness, pickpocketing, and drinking at the cave entrance and brought authority and discipline to the operation (Murray and Brucker 130). Murray and Brucker attribute their attitude to the fact that Denhardt “showed little sensitivity in dealing with their [the locals'] pride” (Murray and Brucker 130). If the Cave City natives had risen above their petty pride and cooperated with the outsiders, rather than antagonizing them at every turn, Floyd could have been rescued.
Instead, Floyd was left to depend upon the zealous, but unqualified and amateurish, attempts of the locals for seven days. Outsiders arriving at the cave site found themselves in the midst of an effort lacking a sense of direction and coherence. For example, when Carmichael’s original ten Kyroc volunteers arrived on Monday, circumstances were so confusing that one of the workers had to call Carmichael and ask him to come and supervise their activities personally (Murray and Brucker 95). In addition, it took Woodson and the two Kratches all day Monday and part of Tuesday to find the person in charge (Johnnie Gerald) with whom they could discuss their ideas (Murray and Brucker 93). After Gerald left later Tuesday morning, “the rescue work at Sand Cave virtually halted” and “no one was paying the least bit of attention to?maintaining contact with Floyd and getting warm food and hot drink to him” (Murray and Brucker 94). This state of affairs continued through Wednesday. Murray and Brucker tell us Homer entered Sand Cave “angered and frustrated by the confusion and inaction on the surface” (Murray and Brucker 119). This state of disorganization lasted until Thursday, when the state took over, and seriously hampered any real progress in rescuing Floyd.
The locals’ attempts were not only unsystematic and disordered, but also completely ignorant. A major contributing factor to Floyd’s tragic death was starvation (Murray and Brucker 213). This could have been avoided if only the locals had thought to run a feeding tube down the passageway and put it close to Floyd’s mouth before the second cave-in, ensuring that he would continue to be fed (Murray and Brucker 120). The locals also failed to put a portable phone near Collins (Murray and Brucker 120). As Murray and Brucker say, “With light, heat, communication, and food, Floyd’s chance for survival and ultimate rescue would have remained good” (120).
The natives also showed their ignorance by continually entering Sand Cave, often with no clear purpose, until General Denhardt forbade unauthorized entry on Thursday (Murray and Brucker 132). Murray and Brucker report that as early as Tuesday morning Gerald “was more convinced than ever that final success depended on keeping excess traffic out of the cave. Nobody must be permitted to enter” (92). This clearly shows that the multitude of people entering Sand Cave was a problem right from the beginning. Later, the “excess traffic” caused a second cave-in, forcing rescuers to dig a shaft (Murray and Brucker). However, its construction took too long-Dr. Hazlett estimated that Floyd had died no more than three days before rescuers were able to reach him (Murray and Brucker 213). This total ignorance about rescue procedures unquestionably worked to prevent Floyd’s rescue.
It is clear that although the natives were certainly motivated by the best of intentions in attempting to save Floyd Collins, they inadvertently prevented his rescue in several ways. It was the outsiders such as Woodson and the two Kratches, Thomas Carmichael, General Denhardt, Professor Funkhouser, and many others who had the professional skill, rationality, and organization needed to save Floyd Collins. Rather than cooperating with these experts, however, the natives’ pride caused them to consistently defy and antagonize the outsiders, undoubtedly preventing his rescue. As a result, for seven long days Floyd was left to the fervent, but unqualified and amateurish, efforts of the locals. These people were shockingly inept. Under Gerald’s informal command, the operation lacked any organization or coherence. In addition, it is evident that the natives had no idea what they were doing. They not only failed to rig up a feeding tube and portable telephone for Floyd, but also continually entered Sand Cave, causing the second cave-in. I’m sure that almost everyone can understand the natives’ motivations; still, it is important to admit and learn from their mistakes so as not to repeat them in the future. No matter how much you want to help a loved one, it is essential that you leave their care to qualified professionals. As the natives of Cave City learned the hard way, by trying to help you may unwittingly cause harm.
Bibliography
Murray, Robert K. and Roger Brucker. Trapped! The Story of Floyd Collins. Lexington: Kentucky UP, 1982.
Другие работы по теме:
An Old Proverb Essay Research Paper An
An Old Proverb Essay, Research Paper An old proverb once said ? tis not the path to hell, but hell itself that is paved with good intentions?. Indeed, good intentions were what lead the people of Salem Village to act as irrational as they did when they falsely accused innocent God-fearing people of witchcraft.
Romeo An Juliet Essay Research Paper hi
Romeo An Juliet Essay, Research Paper hi i need an essay about a character in romeo and juliet that demonsrtated maturity. in a well developed multi pagraph essay and say why you think the character’s maturity was greater than the other characters in the play.
Kiss Essay Research Paper Eyes are said
Kiss Essay, Research Paper Eyes are said to be the doorway to the soul. Lips, then, are the passageway to the mind. Lips react to the minds thoughts in so many different ways. They can show happiness with a smile, express its thoughts and feelings, possibly with words of love, and show its intentions, sometimes with a kiss.
The Great Gatsby Essay Research Paper Love
The Great Gatsby Essay, Research Paper Love is an intense of feeling of deep affection or fondness for a person or a thing. In the novel, The Great Gatsby, Daisy’s love for Gatsby is very shallow. The affections she has for him are only feelings of admiration of his success because Gatsby prospers in all his intentions.
Two Hearted River Essay Research Paper In
Two Hearted River Essay, Research Paper In this story Nick and the fish at the bottom of the river share many similarities. Of course the do not look alike but they seem to think the same in a way. They both have reasons to be where they are.
Social Control Theory Essay Research Paper The
Social Control Theory Essay, Research Paper The article “Arizona wants special prison for foreiners” is one example of how ethnicity and crime are an issue and how some feel it should be delt with. As some may see this as a positive thing to do inorder to help the process of deportation or what ever the consequences may be, many others are calling it a plan that would segregate Mexican inmates, being that 89 percent of the foreign inmates would fall under that race.
Words Essay Research Paper What is a
Words Essay, Research Paper What is a word? A word is defined as a speech sound, or series of them, serving to communicate meaning. People have been taught that certain words have certain meanings, some good, some bad and some both. A word is not responsible for the meaning it is intended to have, and therefore, no word is a bad word.
Oh Really Essay Research Paper Oh Reallyyou
Oh Really? Essay, Research Paper Oh Really, you think i am a lark, the dogs they run and bark, but when i say to them, shut up shut up shut up, you say to be nice to them,
Arguement Definition Essay Research Paper Right Intentions
Arguement Definition Essay, Research Paper Right Intentions Wrong Choice In an earlier story that was reported, one Samuel Mohammed burnt down a house in his West Palm Beach community. However, the question is not if Mohammed burnt the house down or not, because he admit to doing so. The question is did Mr.
Macbeth Character Sketch Essay Research Paper MacbethMacbeth
Macbeth Character Sketch Essay, Research Paper Macbeth Macbeth is the main character in the play. In the beginning of the play he is a nobleman and Scottish general in King Duncan’s army. Macbeth later becomes the Thane of Glamis and Cawdor and King of Scotland. Macbeth is a man who is easily persuaded, brave, good-hearted, and overly-ambitious.
Tale Of Two Cities Comparison Of Charles
And Sydney Essay, Research Paper Charles and Sydney Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton, two charachters in A Tale of Two Cities, have a few similarities and a few differences. One for example
Lawgrtt Essay Research Paper The Constitution of
Lawgrtt Essay, Research Paper The Constitution of the United States and Madison’s Federalist Paper 51 draw upon the philosophy of John Locke, as expressed in his Second Treatise of Government. Madison and the framers of the Constitution looked to Locke’s ideas for justification and guidance. The Preamble of the Constitution reflects the intentions of its authors and shows the influence of Locke’s ideas.
Friar Laurence Essay Research Paper The Friar
Friar Laurence Essay, Research Paper The Friar in Romeo and Juliet had been trying to get two rivals, the Montegues and the Capulets, to unite and end their rivalry. Romeo and Juliet, each from the different families, fall in love and want to be married. Romeo asks Friar Laurence to help him wed Juliet, and the Friar has severe doubts at first about the true intentions of Romeo.
Lady Macbeth
’s Actions And Effects In Macbeth Essay, Research Paper Lady MacBeth has an important role in the events of Shakespeare?s play ?MacBeth.? Her intentions and actions directly influenced MacBeth, however the results did not always come out as she intended them. A.C. Bradley states, ?They [the characters] strike into the existing order of things in pursuance of their ideas.
Oresteia Agamemnon FateS Agent Essay Research Paper
ORESTEIA: AGAMEMNON FATE?S AGENT In the Oresteia, instead of being a victim of fate, Agamemnon is its agent, because of the way he is shown in the story. He is it?s agent because he doesn?t fully come into play that he is a full victim that he is a man of confused intentions and acts. He is not a victim of fate because he chooses to make the wrong decisions.
What Makes A Successful Relationship Essay Research
Paper A successful relationship is the Holy Grail in life for most people. We are constantly searching and striving to attain that bond with someone with out fully understanding the components involved in making it happen. In a time of serial monogamy, marriage drive thrus, and quickie divorces, we don t have much incentive to invest that sort of time.
Antony Analysis Essay Research Paper Antony Analysis
Antony Analysis Essay, Research Paper Antony Analysis Short Essay The beauty of William Shakespeare s writing does not lie in his actual writing, but the themes in which his plays suggest. Almost all of his plays can be connected to a higher theme, one that most people can relate. In the play, Antony and Cleopatra, the theme of manipulation runs ramped.
Contrast Papers Essay Research Paper A Summary
Contrast Papers Essay, Research Paper A Summary of Poe s Short Story The Cask Of Amontillado One of the main themes of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Cask Of Amontillado is revenge. In this summary theme I intend to demonstrate how dramatic irony is used all along the short story as a way of reminding us the true intentions of the character who vowed revenge.
War Measures Act Essay Research Paper War
War Measures Act Essay, Research Paper War Measures Act: 1942 As the Wong s were lead away from their house the general in charge was promising the family that they were only doing this as a precaution and that their house would be there awaiting there return when the government thought it to be appropriate. But Mr.
Secrets Of Life Essay Research Paper There
Secrets Of Life Essay, Research Paper There is one part of my life that no one knows about. This secret has caused me to act in ways I thought I wasn’t capable of doing. For the past five years, I
Society Is Evil Essay Research Paper Humans
Society Is Evil Essay, Research Paper Humans are both good and evil. I heard somebody say that society makes you evil, but I don?t agree. Society labels you as evil. Con-artists are at
A Simple Life Essay Research Paper Analysis
A Simple Life Essay, Research Paper Analysis of ?A Simple Life? What made Felicite so special was everything she acted upon embraced nothing but good intentions her entire life. Her whole was lived with complete love and devotion towards everything she did and everyone she knew.
Capitalism Essay Research Paper The protection from
Capitalism Essay, Research Paper The protection from force, that is, the protection of individual rights, would be achieved through the use of a police force to protect the rights of citizens at home; a military, to protect the rights of citizens from foreign aggression; and a court system to enforce contracts and settle disputes between citizens.
Song Of Solomn Essay Research Paper Guitar
Song Of Solomn Essay, Research Paper Guitar loves his race and will do anything for it. He wants to keep the number of black and white people equal so that the whites do not become the dominant race. Guitar wants the blacks to have the ability to achieve a better life. But his love and attempts to preserve and advance his race actually turn him against himself and his race.
Night On Earth Essay Research Paper The
Night On Earth Essay, Research Paper The film “Night on Earth” portrays taxi drivers in different cities around the world. Our focus will be the story of the taxi driver in Rome, Italy. In this section the film centers on a taxi driver and a priest, two unlikely people in an unlikely situation at 4:00 in the morning.
Roosevelt Corollary Essay Research Paper In 1823
Roosevelt Corollary Essay, Research Paper In 1823, U.S. President James Monroe issued the Monroe Doctrine. It stated that no European nation should intervene in any situations in North or South America, and in return, the United States would not meddle in European affairs. It was originally intended to protect the newly freed South American countries, once Spanish colonies.
GatsbySympathy Essay Research Paper In the scene
Gatsby-Sympathy Essay, Research Paper In the scene at the Plaza Hotel, there is a moment of truth as Tom confronts Gatsby and Daisy and resolves some issues. By the end of this chapter, we know that Tom and Daisy will stay together, and that while Daisy was once infatuated with Gatsby, it is definitely over with the two of them.