Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-09-02
THE NEWS IN SAVANNAH.
The First Reports of the Ruin in
Charleston.

charleston.
At the Savannah, Florida and Western
railway office the officials were besieged
for information. A few minutes before 10
O'Clock Superintendent Fleming re-
oeived dispatch from Capt. J. w. Craig,
Master OF Roadway and Train Service of
the Charleston and Savannah railway. 1t
was dated Rayenels. and Mr.. Craig went
along the road on foot the greater part of
the way.
The dispatch Is as follows:
"We have suffered serious damage from
an earthquake which struck Charleston
at 10 o'clock last night. We need all the
assistance you can render us. Our track
from Ashley junction to Ravenels, "a
miles, is impassable In many places, owing
to the shifting Of the road bed from one to
two feet. The expansion and contraction
has bentour rails In many places so that
they cannot be used. hope to be able to
pass trains at speed Of ten miles per
hour tonight or early tomorrow morn
ing.
81 cannot find language able quite TO ex-
press the damage and suffering in Charles
ton. Many are killed and wounded aud
the suffering is terrible. The people are
all huddled together in the middle Of the
streets.
"Since last night the South Carolina
railway has had two trains of the
track between Charleston and Summer
vile. Atlantic Coast Line No. 40 not yet
arrived. No telling when IL Will. From
what can learn the earthquake extern
ded in radius Of 80 to 100 miles. Our
trains have not met with an accident 30
far. Later on will wire you further as
to the damage In Charleston"
SENDING OUT RELIEF TRAINS.
1t was not long before Capt Fleming
had an extra with large force Of hands
and utensils ready, and the extra with
the force left the depot at 1915. standard
time for the scene TO aid the Charleston
and Savannah Railway in repairing dam
ages.
Capt. Fleming was In the telegraph Of
fee when reporter of the MORNING
NEWS called on him, where be could be
in constant communication with all
points along the lines OF railway affected
by the great break this side OF Charleston.
An anxious crowd OF officials and others
interested were in the Office
lmpatiently awaiting further details, and
discussing the extraordinary phenomena,
exhibited here and elsewhere, 80 far as
heard from. The serious disturbance OF
the railway service by an earthquake is
By no means common. The information
that the officers Of the road have Is very
meagre, but from all that can be learned
the shock was more severe on the south
Carolina coast than any where else,
AT THE TELEGRAPH OFFICES.
The Western Union telegraph Office
was thronged all night, and Manager Dill
lon, the operators and employees remained
faithfully at their posts. Messages were
rapidly piled up on the desks, and the
business was handled with great speed
aud promptness. Early In the morning
fresh crowds gathered in the lobby and
about the building. Still the seemingly
untiring officials and employees remained
at their posts, and never for an instant
did they flag, or hesitate or show impa-
tience.
The Southern Telegraph Company got a
wire open TO Charleston by way OF Rich
mond about O'clock, and it was at once
overwhelmed, as IL were, with private
messages announcing the results OF the
earthquake and individual experiences.
Scores OF messages were received AT the
Savannah Office saying: "We are safe"
THANK the Lord, our family escaped a
terrible visitation" etc. Up TO II O'clock
no names of persons killed or injured
were received at the Savannah office.
Manager Gustln and mis- assistants were
kept buzz sending and receiving messa-
Qes and attending 10 persons anxious TO
inquIre as TO the fate or safety OF loved
ones In the City by the Sea.
The Columbia manager OF the Southern
Telegraph Company reached Summerville
this morning, and Immediately bulletined
the scene exhibited at that place. The
beautiful town appeared TO be almost de-