New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1871-10-04
Local Intelligence.
--H-Ao-

The LAST GREAT SroRM-Erects Of Wind
and Rdin.-As if to make verify of the
tidal wave hoax, an uncommon storm Of
wind and rain commenced Monday
evening and continued all night and yes
terday with scarce Q moments abatement
in violence until about two o'clock last
evening.
After twelve o'clock Monday night rain
began to fall in unusual quantities, not
the city awoke yesterday morning all
found themselves weather bound, no egress
from home being possible except by skiffs,
RATS or deep wading. This fact applied
more especially to the Fourth District and
to the rear portions Of our city, as it seems
that more rain fell in sections above Canal
street than below.
At daybreak sky and air were full of
water, while the wind blew almost hur-
ricane in strong gusts, driving drenching
sheets of penetrating mists into every nook
and corner. Very few streets escaped an
overflow, and all sorts Of people brought to
mind bits of history concerning . threat
ened tidal wave. Timid souls and, perhaps,
a few strong ones inclined toward the hoax,
nearly accepting the theory as an apparent
truth.
Going to market or grocery was next to
impossible-the family stood at doors and
windows, intently watching the progress of
the storm or wondering when the water
would subside sufficiently to permit emery
ing from the house.
1t is pleasant to say that there is not a
single fatal accident to report. and few
incidents Of any kind worthy Of extended
remark. Business was almost entirely
suspended; stores on Canal, Camp and
other central thoroughfares kept their
doors closed. and in some instances estab-
ishments suspended operations altogether.
Very few people were out until toward
evening, and then curiosity led most of
them to learn what mischief had been done.
Rain had so thoroughly penetrated the
ground that even an ordinary wind might
have uprooted trees. Frustrated trees were
visible on almost every street. One Of the
finest in Lafayette square lies low.
Branches strewed every banquette. CHM
ney tops disappeared. fences were hattened.
signs hung by single rod or were out Of
place entirely and the face Of our city bore
a desolate aspect.
Plying minds dwelt on the misery at
tending sufferers in the rear sections. who,
only four months ago, were drowned out.
So immense was the quantity Of water that
no one doubted but the canals must have
overfowed their banks and food from the
lake was rushing in. Fortunately this dis
aster did not befall US; consequently, if the
draining machines work successfully. the
inconvenience will not last longer than to-
day. ,.l
At midday trip out Canal street toward
Metairie ridge showed US that, although
most of the thoroughfares beyond Clai-
borne street were covered with water, there
was no immediate or even probable danger
to the inhabitants. Cars on Canal street
were not compelled to cease running, but at
one o'clock last evening an order was is
sued to the drivers to stable in case the
on the ridge that in two instances cars
were driven along the track, dragging the
surprised mules after them.
All lines of cars continued to make regu-
lar trips, be it said to their credit, notwith-
standing the dangers. Drivers were to be
pitied. for their duties were extraordinary.
Draining canals were quite obliterated,
streets on both sides being one sheet Of
water.
At Milneburg and at the mouths of Bayou
ST. John and the New canal the high wind
drove in the water to depth of nearly two
feet, and there was regular scare, for be- |
levers in the coming of tidal wave were
many. Before dark these aquatic citizens
settled down into belief that tidal wave
is no great show, after all. Brown hotel, at
the New canal end, was damaged slightly.
Dwellers in Mllneburg are familiar with
that sort of thing. and unless they expe-
rience food two or three times each year
become sickly and respondent. Little dam
age was done in this burg.
A locomotive on the Pontchartrain road
few the track, and for time made a quar-
antine between two cities.
Just before dark last evening we were in
formed that the two draining machines in
the Second District took rheumatic fits and
quit operating.
In the Third District, out from Rampant
Love- street down to Poland, every thor
oughtare was covered with water.
The Fourth District suffered in the morn
Ing until ten o'clock, at which time there |
was subsiding of water.