The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1881-04-22

THE WATER IN ROCK RIVER lis
SUBSIDING.
Railroad Bridge partially
Destroyed.

The situation at Milan this morning re-
manned unchanged, and the town and mills
are still in critical condition Milan
proper is cut off from this city and the only
means of reaching it is by boats In tact,
| that species of conveyance is utilized TO
reach certain residences located along
| Water street
The improvised dixie which was thrown
up to protect the city still remains intact
and, BY careful watching, it is hopet that
this artificial bank will serve its purpose
and protect the place from a serious mum
dation.
This morning at late hour the wind
commenced blowing, and, should TINS con
tinue, the damage will be fearful, as the
dam will not withstand such combined
| forces.
Last evening George Clippenger the old
man who was carried away with the road
hri.loe at the time of its destruction by the
food. diei from the injuries received at
the time. lie il said to have expired in
fearful agony His injuries were or an
internal nature, and early gave evidence
of their fatal character.
The deceased was quite advanced in
wears, was a widower, and leaves three
children, all with whom were with him at
the time of his death. His demise marks
the first loss of life which has been caused
by the the present flood in the vicinity of
Milan.
RAILROAD BRIDGE
Yesterday afternoon the middle railroad
bridge at Milan was pronounced unsafe.
Trains accordingly are not allowed to pass
over. The transfer of passengers and
baggage was made at this point.
This morning the second pier of that
bridge caved in and the stone forming
were washed away. The span erected on
this pier swayed but held together. 1t was
heldkin position by Che bents which are
supported by the piers still remain
ing In case the span drops
so to come in contact with
the swift current of the river below, it is
pro bable that the entire structure viii be
carried away.
All travel over the dangerous bridge has
been stopped, and even foot-passengers
are not allowed to venture over. Guards
are stationed at both approaches to carry
out the orders and prevent any accident.
Transfers will still be carried on by
means of boats.
EXHAUSTED MEN.
The citizen workmen OF Milan, who, by
their united efforts, have maintained the
dixie from the city to mill creek since the
first intimation of danger, are about ex-
hausted. They were on duty all night,
and have been more or less engaged in
protecting the town since last Monday.
The greater portion of them are tired out,
and unless the water comes to a stand,
outside assistance will be required
Immediately The interests of Rock Island
in the road bridges over that river are care
fully looked after by Mayor Carse and the
Superintendent of Streets, Mr. Warren. A
force of men are still watching the remain
ing bridges and where effective work can
be accomplished, it is done.
The Milan paper mill is still surrounded
by water, the improvised embankment |
along the edge of the island has thus far
prevented water from injuring the machin
cry.
WATER FALLING
The water is now falling in the river,
the decline being about one half inch since
5 o'clock this morning. The greatest dan
ger is now from the wind, which created
quite a ripple on the surface of the water.
Danger is not yet past, but hopes are
that no more damage will be
caused to farming lands than has already
been accomplished.
- Base Music. To be reused from sweet
and delicious slumber by ''cat serenade,'