The Indianapolis journal., 1883-02-17

OF the conyicts of the prison have been ell
gagged for two days in making rude boats,
which have proven to be of great
service. All kinds of water
vehicles are in great demand,
and some very dangerous crafts are in CON
stant use Thus far there has been little law
iessness and strict measures are employed to
prevent it.
WHAT MAYOR wARDER SAYS.
In conversation with the Journal CORE
spondent, Mayor Warder yesterday, said:
The destitution must last for months Not
a man can be regularly employed by the
glass-works or car-works for at least sixty
days, and they have absolutely nothing to
live upon in the meantime. l went over to
Louisville, yesterday, and bought $4,000
worth OF provisions, and it was not
days supplies in addition to that which
had already been donated l think the Leg
islature ought to appropriate every available
dollar that can be spared from the treasury
for the relief OF the sufferers along the river,
and then it would not be half enough. l
am going back to-day for as many more pro-
visions, and it will take 5000 worth day
for a week at least for this town alone We
have population of over 10000, and fully
1000 of these are unable to help themselves.
L have several families in my own house, and
l have been obliged to- buy provisions for
them, which 1 was only too glad to be able
to do. We have q peculiar popula-
ton here. They are mostly mechanics
and poor people. We are already heavily
taxed, and after the waters go down it will
cost us at least 1000 to put our streets in
as good shape as they were before the flood.
am receiving offers of aid from all parts OF
the State, and our people are deeply thankful
for them, but in the present condition OF
affairs too much cannot be sent US. We are
doing the best we can with the means we
have at our control, and l think we have af-
fairs under pretty good control"
THE INJURY TO BUSINESS
The injury done to the business interests
of the city is simply appalling. The glass
works, which employ 200 men, mostly
French and Belgian are damaged to the ex-
tent of $4,000, and the shipyards nearly as
much. On Spring street, the principal busi-
ness thoroughfare, every house for. four
blocks is filed with water to the second
floor. Comparatively nothing has been
saved and in drugs torres, groceries, dry goods
stores, furnishing establishments, boot and
shoe houses the goods are floating on the
water, near the ceiling, and in some in
stances in the street. The overflow came
up so suddenly that the business
l. l.x4I -; II
their stock, and even ii they had had the
time, there were no conveyances to take it to
place of safety. The damage done in this
direction is at this time absolutely incalula-
ble and it must result in the financial ruin
of many Of the leading firms
FLOOD NOTES.
The prison is about the only safe place in
town, and all reports that it is threatened
are erroneous.
The greatest ingenuity mas been displayed
in making boats, and almost every kind has
been found serviceable.
The ferry is now running regularly 10
Louisville and transporting passengers from
the O. & NJ. and j., NJ. e. |. railroads.
At noon to-day the water on the river
front was thirty-nine inches higher than at
the highest point in the famous flood of 1882.
There is need of quinine and other medi-
cines here and, above all, cooked food, for
there are absolutely no facilities for cooking.
All day to-day hundreds of poor people
congregated about the commissary and re-
ceived provisions for their families. They
told most pitiful tales of distress and suffer
ing.
Superintendent McKenna, of the j.,
NJ & l., estimates the loss to the road
1t $5000 which is mostly due to
the wash-out between New Albany
and Jacksonville. 1t is thought that after
to-day trains will he running regularly from
the last named place to Jacksonville.