Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1874-04-28
No Trains on Roads Out of New Or
leans-The City Complete
Iy Cut Of-No Nails
Telegraph the only
Reliance.
Supplies from the Government
Contributions from Northern
and Southern Cities
Incidents, Accidents,
Etc., Etc.
RUHORs AND STREET GOSSIP.


There is no doubt as to the great des-
titutiOn among the Inhabitants of the
flooded country along the st. Francis,
1 White, Arkansas and Mississippi rivers.
Hundreds Of men, women and helpless
children have been driven from their
homes to seek shelter wherever it could
be found, and to live as best they could
upon the charity of friends or strangers.
As yet Memphis has done nothing to al
Ieviate the wants of these unfortunate
people, although their cries of distress
and appeals for help are ringing con-
stantly ia our ears. Many merchants
Of our city, however, have needed these
appeals, and generously donated
both money and provisions. There has
been some talk about chartering boat,
procuring competent officers and crew,
load it with provisions and clothing, and
send it to the relief Of the Inhabitants OF
the overflowed district. So far this
measure is all talk, for the scheme has
not assumed g definite shape. We are
reliably informed that both the cotton
exchange and chamber of commerce are
willing and anxious to carry out what
ever measure the mayor and city cOun-
ell may suggest or inaugurate. The
mayor does not feel himself authorized
TO convene the council for such purpose,
unless public opinion desire it.
While Memphis is largely in debt, and
has both orphans and paupers within
her limits, still the city authorities could
do much to assist the stricken people of
the loWlands if they only inaugurated or
gave shape to some plan Of relief.
Boston, st. Louis, Chicago, Ctncin-
natl aud other cities have done much to
relieve, and are continuing toShelp the
unfortunaies who have been driven from
their homes in Louisiana. The United
States government has also made pro-
vision for these people. Memphis could
well donate something for the people
living in the overflOwed country from
here TO Chicot City. 1t is doubtless true
that four-fifths of the bottom land on the
right bank of the Mississippi river from
here to the gulf is under water. The
damage to property is unprecedent-
ed, and the destitution of the people is
frightful to think of. Officers of steamers
that arrived yesterday, report a crevasse
at Nesbitt's landing on the Arkansas
shore, twelve miles below Napoleon.
OF course the extent of the damage
that will be OccasiOned, cannot be es-
timated. That section of country, it is
reported, was already inundated and
perhaps it is impossible for the water to
do any more damage in that region.
Hushpuckany crevasse is widening four
feet daily, the deep side being of quick
sand. The volume Of water pouring
through this crevasse is very great, and
is sweeping everything before it. At
Friar's Point, the levee still resists the
encroachiDg water and will withstand
a foot rise. 1t has been strengthened
with sands-bags, planks and piles. AL
persons who stop at Friar's Point, are
compelled to contribute their quota OF
work ID the levee, which is closely
watched by q large force of hands.
Portions OF the lower part of Coshoma
county are inundated by the back water,
which will not cause any material
! damage as long rs the levee remains
unbroken, so as to prevent the current
| sweeping over the country; no damage
can be done by the river. At this point
| the river was about stationary
| at dark last night, though some fears
| Of another rise are entertained. There
/ is no direct rail communication to New
! Orleans, the only route being by way OF
/ Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile
/ 1t was reported last night that a large
/ bridge on the Mobile aud New Orleans
railroad had been washed away by the
food, thereby severing communication
between those cities. The Little Rock
railroad is above water and trains make
regular trips.