The Portland daily press., 1883-05-14
DISASTROUS CYCLONE.
The Loss Estimated at Hundreds oi
Thousands-Sorne Loss OF Life.

The Loss Estimated at Hundreds Of
Thousands Some Loss OF Life.
KANSAS CRY, No, May ia destructive
cyclone swept across the southern part OF this
city shortly after o'clock this evening, un-
roofing and demoiishing buildings for a dis
tanee Of two miles, the track of the storm
ranging from half block 20 two blocks in
Width A number Of persons we're injured
and some fatalities are reported, but the loss
of life is probably not so great as might be
expect IN view Of the extent Of the destrnc-
ton Of property. Nothing definite can be Civ
en- but tho loss of property is estimated at
hundreds OF thousands.
The day throughout has been stormy. From
early morning heavy showers fell at intervales
accompanied at times by gusty winds. At
half-past four the clouds which had been es-
peciaily threatening along the western horizon
gathered densely over and little
Mest of Wyandotte. Out Of them
grew dark funnel shaped cloud which started
northward across the farming lands west Of
Wyandotte and crossing the Missouri river
passed into the country northwest Of the city.
About ten minutes later second cloud formed
near the same place where the first originated
and followed the course of the kaw river TO
the Missouri and down the latter to Randolph's
point, five miles below, where ii seems to have
disappeared in the river, throwing large vol
umes of water TO a great height. This cloud
did very little damage, but was followed few
minutes later by third and terrific one which
laid waste buildings, trees and fences in It's
path across the southern portion Of the city.
1t seems 20 have started near the place, preced-
ing ovel the southwest portion OF the city and
touching a portion of the suburb Of ARM
strong moved in an eesterly course with ten
dency slightly nortaward across the city. At
the stnckyards the exchange was unroofea
and other buildings damaged or destroyed.
Then passing on II struck the summit of the
bluff which marks the western line Of the city
proper at the corner of Dripps aud 10th street
street; moving southerly IL passed along be-
tween 10th and 10th streets, veering slightly
az times until IL reached Maiu street and its
course changed somewhat toward the north
west swerving gradually until IL reached
Olive street near the eastern limits When IL
had travelled as far northward as Smith street
its advance was checked and as far as known
It's force seems 10 have been spent at this
ming OF the first 70 the third cloud occupied
hall an hour. At 1l,30 o'clock three
dead bodies had been reported
and as many more are not likely to recover.
Many persons were more or lesa Injured but
only few dangerously. The loss of property
is now roughly estimated at 100000. While
none Of the finest residences of the city auf-
fered yet many houses OF well-to-do citizens
are ruined and cottages aud shanties innumer-
able are torn TO pieces. The escape OF those In
the path of destruction is marvellous and
stories OF almost miraculous delivery are be-
you'd number. The English Lutheran church,
at the corner OF Oak aud 14th streets, brick
building was completely wrecked, the walls
seeming literally TO meet and fall IN TO the
earth. But fifteen minutes before large Sun
day school gathered In the building had been
dismissed. Had the scholars been within the
church The loss OF life must have been fearful.