New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-09-10

Considerable damage is also reported to have
been done in Isabella and other counties in
the centre of the State, but as yet there is no
mention of loss of life in that section. The
deaths were chiefly in the lake shore region,
where a strong wind from the lake drove the
flames forward through the dry woods SO rap
idly as to overtake the fleeing farmers in the
roads.
1t is, no doubt, difficult for people living in
the well-cleared agricultural districts of the
East, or upon the open prairies of the West,
to realize how the inhabitants of farming
country could be so beset by flames as to find
escape impossible. To understand the stua-
ton of the people of the devastated Michigan
townships, when the flaming tempest of destruc-
ton cameupOn them, it must be borne in mind that
Northern Michigan is heavily timbered coun-
try only recently settled. Much of the land is
still covered with primeval forests of pine, oak,
maple and beech. Many of the farms are
small, isolated clearlngs. Sometimes three or
four farms lie together, but the horizon is al
ways bounded by wall of trees, and there is
rarely stretch of road over mile long which
does not at some point run through "piece
of woods" Escape from ore farm or group of
farms to another not menaced by the advanc-
ing flames could therefore only be had by
traversing the forests which fed the fire, and
often the fire ran faster than could the poor
creatures fleeing for their lives, and struck
them down in the roads with its hot breath.
The awful tragedy of the death of these unfor-
tunate Michigan farmers and their wives and
children can only be fully understood by those
who have seen great forest fires. The first warn
ing sign of the approach of the dreaded scourge
is vast black cloud of sitting smoke which
moves swiftly on, blotting out the sunlight
and covering the whole face of the land.
Then strange noises are heard like the crack
ling of musketry and the boom of cannon
mingled with the roar of a tempest at sea.
Cattle and horses run about in blind terror
uttering cries of distress. The smoke grows
denser and denser until it shuts out
all objects, and people endeavoring
to fly from the fast-coming danger often run
toward its deadly embrace. Soon there is q
lurid light in the sky; the sounds of falling
tree trunks, bursting limbs and cracking I'M
derbrush become more distinct, and the dull,
roaring undertone grows loud and menacing
showers of sparks and big blazing brands are
carried forward by the wind the air is like a
blast from furnace door the farm buildings
take fire, and the blazing fences look like
fiery serpents running across the fields
Soon the near woods are all afame, and the
whole earth seems to burn with fervent heat.
There is no assurance of safety in fight for
the beleaguered farmer and his family. They
are fortunate if they can find their way to a
swamp or wet meadow or field of green
corn or buckwheat. In some such refuge, ly-
ing with their faces close to the ground. they
may keep alive until the storm of fire passes
by but if the clearing is small the air
may become so heated as to cause
Al.
them. In the late disaster one family in SAM
lac County was sufocated in a WELL and many
persons died in the open fields out of the reach
of the fire. Indeed, it is probable that few of
the victims of the con1agration were actually
burned to death, although their bodies are
found in a charrcd condition. Nearly all
were no doubt asphyxiated by hot air and
smoke before the flames reached them.
1t is useless to dwell upon the heartrending
details of this awful tragedy. What should
be done, and what, we are glad to say, is be-
ing done already, is to take prompt measures
To give efficient aid to the survivors. Thou
sands of people who were, few days ago,
in the enjoyment of pleasant homes, well-filled
granaries and fields of corn rpenng for
the fall harvest. are now absolutely dcs-
titute Their houses and barns and fences
are swept away, and nothing is to be seen in
their ashs trewn fields but the blackcned car
casses of their domestic animals. All the fruits
OF years of patient toll were swept away in an
hour. Such calamity awakens the earnest
and helpful sympathies of all generous
people. Contributions of money should
be raised at once in all the great
cities. The country is rich and prosperous.
and can well afford to succor any of its people
who fall into sore and undeSorved afiliction.
An organization for the raising of funds has
already been formed in this city. To those
of our readers who may not have access to any
regular relief organization we may say that
The TRIBUNE will gladly receive any sums
they may desire to give, and Will see that they
are well applied.