The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1889-09-18
ON THE Jersey COAST.
Atlantic City Not So Bad as at First Re-
ported.

Atlantic City Not So bad at First Re-
ported.
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 11.-Supt Dayton, Of
the West Jersey and the Camden & Allan tic
railroads, was seen tonight ana was able to
give a very favorable report as TO the condition
of affairs at Atlantic City. When the tide re-
ceded this afternoon gangs OF men made their
way from Pleasantville almost into Atlantic
CRY over the Camden & Atlantic railroad,
which is the older and more solidly built line
Telegraphic communication was at the same
time established to within a short distance of
the water.bound city, and the reports received
showed that place to be in much better shape
than had been anticipated. Wild rumOrs had
gained circulation here to the effect that a con-
fagration was raging there. Mr.. Dayton
is informed that half dozen shnnties the
beach, near Georglaaye., situated at the ex-
treme end Of the island were destroyed by fire
late last night or early this morning. The re-
port of the demolition OF the board walk is
confirmed. and the booths, paviliOns and places
of amusement located thereon were likewise
destroyed. No other serious damage TO prop
erty is reported, and il is stated that there was
no loss of life. A dispatch says: Even the
Shelbourne hotel was not damaged 10 any great
extent" As the ShelbOurne is one OF the most
exposed houses at Atlantic City, this serves to
indicate that the damage cannot be very great.
Supt. Dayton says there Is now but one big
washout on the Camden K Atlantic road be-
tween Pleasantville and Atlantic City, and as
large force of workmen are there il is expected
that this break will be closed in four or FIVE
hours. Dir. Dayton declares that he will be
able 10 run trains over this route 10 Atlantic
City tomorrow morning unless the coming high
tide. which is due after midnight, inflicts more
damage, and this contingency is rather remote,
es the wind is reported to have shifted toward
the northwest which will have the effect of
keeping the water down.
On the West Jersey road the situation is
more serious and it will be at least three days
before the trains can be run over il between
Pleasantville and Atlantic City. The Reading
railroad is also said 10 be in bad shape, and
some time must elapse before trains can be
run but with the Camden Il Atlantic in proper
condition Atlantic City will be once more able
20 communicate with the outside world. An
attempt was made this afternoon to run a
steamer from SOmers Point TO Atlantic
City but owing to the force of wind and waves
the attempt had to be abandoned. The rail-
road people will try again tomorrow 10 get
this steamer over, and she will be utilized in
transferring to Atlantic City the people at
places along the ocean front south of there
who have been cut of by the washing away of
the railroad tracks.
Communication was also had indirectly this
afternoon with Sea Isle City. Postmaster Ches-
ter, Of that place made his way to the main
land, and reports things in very bad shape
there The sea wall, which was built 70 protect
the place from the sea, has been destroyed.
About fifteen houses have been washed away,
including the new Newland house, the Star
house, and the Shakespeare hotel. The Cont
mental hotel. which Is the largest and most inn
pOriant hotel there, is all right. The Excursion
house, which is directly on the sea front and
the Surf house are said by Mr.. Chester to be in
danger of destruction tonight. The Townsend
Inlet bridge which is a very important struc-
ture and one that il will be hard to replace, is
reported TO have been washed away. No accu-
rate estimate of the damage to the railroad
tracks can be made by the officials, owing to
the meager telegraphic facilities available, but
IL is known that many miles have been carried
away, and that weeks will be required to place
the lines where they we're before the storm.