The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-02-08
DEVASTATION AT PITTsBURG.
Both Rivers Failing Damage That Will
Reach Into Millions.

Both Rivers Failing Damage That Will
Reach Into Millions.
PITTsBURG, Feb THE rivers are receding
here and at all points along the Allegheny but
rising slowly at headwate1s of the Monongahela.
At IL A. NJ. the Monongahela marks indicated
thirty-two feet a fall of sixteen inches since
midnight. The Allegheny is declining less rap
idly, with thirty ythree feet ten inches, drop of
eight inches from the highest point reached. 1t
is believed the worst is over, and that the water
will now rapidly decline. Rain fell all night,
and the indications this morning are for con-
tinued light rains through the day. followed by
colder and clearing weather. No accurate figures
can yet be given as to the damage, but the most
conservative admit that it will mount up into
millions A calm review taken this morning
found between 1000 and 6,OOO buildings in the
two cities submerged, and residences of 5000
people, 10000 of whom are not able
to occupy their houses Fifty thousand men
are temporarily thrown out of employment by
the stoppage of mills and factories. The flooded
district last night presented vivid picture. All
night long police patrolled the districts in boats,
and all skiffs of which the occupants were un-
able to give good account of themselves were
taken in. 1t was feared thieves would take adj
vantage of the deserted stores and dwellings to
pillage them No gas was burning on the streets,
and intense darkness prevailed, which was re-
lieved by an occasional electric light There
were plenty of deserted residences where the
people had fled, but there were just as many who
stayed. Few slept While they declined to
seek safety by removing they had not the cour-
age to sleep while danger was imminent Cur
occupants who nervously inquired of the police
patrol as they passed in boats what was the
stage of the water, and if the rivers were still
rising. The gratifying news that the water was
stationary at midnight was received on all sides
with expressions of joy and thankfulness.
Measures for the relief of the sufferers by the
food will be taken to-day. The City Council
met this morning. and appointed committees to
receive subscriptions and to take such other
action as may be found necessary to relieve the
present wants of the needy; and this afternoon
public meeting will be held in this city for the
same purpose. Donations are already pouring
in from citizens, and attest that no difficulty will
be experienced in raising any amount needed.
Public halls of both cities are filed with women
and children rendered homeless and every
UnlnS possible Is DeluS uOu6 III Jne way OF Iuf-
nishing them food and raiment to alleviate their
sufferings. In the City Hall, number of women
and children are reported very i'll. Only one
casualty is reported to-day John Jacobs, of
Sharpsburg, was catching drift wood, when he
fell in the water and was drowned. Travel on
nearly all the railroads is still suspended, and
hundreds of strangers are unwillingly forced to
remain in the city. Heavy land-slides are re-
ported on all the roads. The Baltimore & Ohio
is running trains, but makes no effort to arrive
and depart on schedule time.
The decline in the rivers continued all day,
and at tonight the Monongahela marks regis
tered thirty feet six inches, fall OF nearly three
feet since midnight. The Allegheny shows
thirty-one feet and is falling about three inches
au hour. Many streets in this city are clear
of water, but in its stead barrels twisted boards
and ice are piled several feet deep i'll many
places, where they have been left there high and
dry. Communication with Allegheny by street.
cars is still cut off but by tomorrow morning
! it is thought the cars will be able to run. The