The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-09-18
THE RECENT CYCLONE.
Enormous Losses of Lifc and Property on the
Islsnd Of Cubn.

Enormous Losses of Lifc and Property on the
Islsnd of Cuba.
New YORK, Sept. ia letter to the Sun
from Havana, under date Of Sept. 8, gives the
following particulars OF the recent cyclone which
swept over Cuba:
''The most terrific and destructive storm that
has visited the island OF Cuba within the MEM
ory of her oldest inhabitants passed through
this city on Sept and swept onward In its
wild course. causing general constern alton and
ruin. The losses foot up millions, and the num-
Der OF dead Is variously estimated at from 900
to LOO. The cyclone entered the island by
way of Sagus, and taking a westerly direction.
with . slight Dortherly inclination, its center
passed almost over Havana. For fifteen hours
ful havoc on life and property throughout the
island 1t demolished the principal buildings Of
the large cities and wiped out whole
towns situated near the seaboard
The water flooded large districts Of fertile land
richly planted with sugar, tobacco. fruit and
vegetables. destroying the valuable machinery
OF the plantations and irretrievably running the
crops. Going out TO sea the storm impaired its
fury to the ocean. which rose TO great height
aud inundated thsi water fronts, breaking down
the whsrves and occasioning great losses to
shipping and commerce. The water overcame
all obstacles aud made its way into the storage
and manufacturing houses near the coast. Some
buildings gave way under the great pressure.
anu In ali cases IDefr contents Woro seriously
damaged. Gigantic waves swept the decks Of
the vessels In the harbors aud crews were
washed overheard. Anchor chains were snapped
asunder ss If they had been threads, and the
vessels, like feathers, were carried hither. and
thither by the wind and hurled against the
coast or dashed against one another In some
instances crafts were carried half mile into
the cities whole blocks Of houses and trees be-
ing battered down as the vessels cut their pass
age through the streets
Havana presents q novel sight. Its streets
and public squares, piled high with tbs ruins Of
demolished buildings and debris of every de-
scription, give it the appearance OF boDbarded
city. The waters of Havana bay, being closely
pent ND within small harbor. acquired a tre-
mendous force, and destroyed everything with
In their reach. The northern part of Havana
was converted into o river, and many streets
were submerged. For some time people made
Of scows 10 their attempt to reach their
houses, but they were soon forced to cesist, the
violence Of the storm rendering it impossible 20
keep up traffic of any kind. Many barges con-
tanning valuable cargoes. and a great number Of
sailing vessels OF every description. lying in the
hsrbor, We're cspsized. The wind
played sad hayoc also. The magnificent
set OF palm trees in the public squares
ard boulevards we're blown down. Hardly
trss ra,nains IN the plazas de Tacon, de Armas,
del Cristo and De La Infanr.. Of cha hna-
dreds that extended In q continuous line from
La Punta to the Calzada del Monte. In this
artillery school the ceiling gave way and the
doors were smashed in. The fences and grand
stand Of the rival baseball clubs were de-
stroyed. The ceiling of the Louvre cafe and
the Irijoa Tbsater fell. and those Of the Cafe
Dominica and Tacon Theater are liable TO fall
at any moment Throughout the city many
lives have been lost Women and children have
suffered most. The poor people, who, for the
greater part. lived in the low lands near the
bay, have lost everything Reports of similar
damage come from sil parts of the island. The
loss at Cardsnas ID placed at 81. .0O0, 00Q The
rich Vuelta Absjo tobacco crop has been ruined,
and, it II said, 100000 cannot cover the
losses. Not q single house 10 left standing at
Guiana Jsyo. Many vessels were lost and their
crews drowned"