Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1877-12-01
The Flood.

The recent food at Hlrper's Ferry Is, in all its
minute details, little more than a repetition Of
the incidents of those Of 1870, with less loss Of hu
man life, but. perhaps, more Of property, and
some scenes Of more intense pathos and suffering.
As In the former case so this time the waters rose
suddenly and at night; rushing down aud over
vbeimiag an in its course with a truly fsightgul
force and velocity. TIE trestleing and bridges a
long the Winchester Branch OF the b. & o. r. K.
we're swept away like down before puff Of wind,
aud the houses on the Island and on Shenandoah
street were ia a little while irhuiersed-sole Of
them u2 90 their second story, while the violence
of the food made il a question OF doubt how soon
many OF them would be swept from their foundl-
uous. The Potomac was higher than previously,
having risen 20 feet above the ordinary water
mark. Byrnes Island was submerged-the tops
OF trees only appearing above the water. The
magnificent bridge OF the p. a D. K. r. over the
Potomac vas seriously threatened, but only very
slightly damaged, though immense canal boats
reightsd with coal were violently hurled aglinst
IT, The scenes in the town we're painful and heart
rcuding. Among those who were the principal
sufferers ia the destruction OF their property Or
damage thereto we may mention Messrs. Childs
and McCreight, at their Touring mill and their
private residences Messrs. James McGraw, inc.
JAY Giibrtt, N. Walsh, G.. L. Myers james Con
way, Israel Russell, N. Doran, K. Il. Cavalier,
Mrs. Decaulne and Mrs. Graham sustained losses,
some OF them to the extent Of thousands OF dollars
IN total destruction u or damage % merchandise.
Many families were driven from their homes IN
% the darkness aud pelting rain, thankful u es-
cape with tbtir lives, leaving their household
goods O. the mercy OF the angry waters. NJ.
Green. of the d" Mountain View Hotel is a con-
siderable su dercr by the flooding of the basement
OF bis hotel, IN bich were his b4rroom, stores OF
provision, ic. A building belonging 10 Mrs. Mar
4aett, occupied as a shoe-shop and barber shop,
was carried away the stone house OF Nj. samuel
Williams, partially destroyed Mr. Geo. W. kel-
nsou and family were driven from home and
household effects lost. Doubtless many oihers,
whose names we have failed 90 learn, have been
deprived cd property, and some have been reduced
90 fearful straits 90 weather the severity OF the in
coming Wiuter. The losses Of the r. Il. Compa-
uy are very heavy.
We are only mo. tai, and our pcr~-V tiors finite,
and ,.e cauuot penetrate the couusels % the Inf
ult.. or understand why he sends disaster aud sut-
tef.uE such as have been occls.1ued by the recent
t..t-essir. floods long the lines Of many Of our
wat.r-cou.s,s, and especially as being il oar
o. i-bboiload. Co the citizens of Hagper's Ferry.
For some wise purpose We doubt not hidden tho
b, De-. perhaps 90 lead 90 feel our Immediate de-
rerdeuce upon Him Who " ruleth the winds and
rte Wages perhaps 90 strengthen our Faith 10
E.. wisdom and love though soreiy tried in this
adversely; perhaps thatby improving this oppor-
tuujty ui administering 70 the necessities Ok the
needy, many Who have comfortable subsistence
may cultivate the grace OF Beuevolence, even to
che extent ot sri,-deuiil and show IN themselves
bow beautiful a trait Is Charity,-;ha' quality
5, Mercy which droppeth as TIE gentle dew
from heaven and which the poet tells US l.
" twice blessed IL bcss,;h him who gives and
bin WHO takes" From higher authority we
Save Che eeat.s reminder "The poor ye have
always nith You. and whatsoever sc viii ye may
Go them good, sud the hint OF a much safer III
restneut than 10 stocks and bonds, " lie that Civ
eth Oh tbe poor isa4ei 20 the Lord, and who that
has trusted in srcb security ever knew 10 90 fail
Therefore, we call GA ali who can 90 contribute,
rbether Ht,ls or much, the widows mite or the
rich man gold. 60 tas fund lor the sufferers by
tie recent food, assuring them that The blessings
of the needy Will rest upon them.
The suggestion of Mayor Green, that tho farm
era Riu had che Nlsai1gs Of the food upon the
streets 90 Harper, Ferry worth hauling away as
"a fertilizer. Is d wise one, and those who can spare
.sms 90 aid in i,s removal viii contribute to the
L.iIll ard comfort o.. that community, ald, az the
same time. enrich their lands.