The National tribune., 1890-04-03
AcYCLoNE's DEADLY WORK

Louisville, Ety.. Visited by Tornado watch Leaves
Oath aud Destruction In It's Path.
A cyclone struck Louisville. KY. last Thurs
day evening. and resulted five minutes aiber IN
one of the most awful disasters that hAs svsr
happened to a large city in this country The
calamity came without warning. and is found
men and women engaged in their usual ave-
cations.
Early in the evening the clouds west and
southwest OF the city had threatening aEpsek
and a brisk wind with rain prevailed for Two
or three hours, but. although the violence Of
the storm increased as darkness appeared. no
alarm was excited. About half past siEhb
o'clock the storm struck Louisville. The spaes
traversed was not less than three miles, and on
every side widespread desOlafiOn was visible
Massive buildings of brick and stone we're
crushed and scattered on every side. and hardly
a residence fell that some OF the inmates were
not killed or injured.
The principal loss Of life was At the Falls
City Hall. On the upper floors q society was
holding meeting and on The lower dance
was in progress. The building was completely
wrecked. and il is wonderful that any Of the
inmates escaped alive. The Union depot
was completely wrecked, and a train Of ears
blown into the river. IN all, about 400 build
ings were destroyed. and the number Of people
killed is at least 100. while many more viii
undoubtedly die from their injuries. No ont
side assistance will be asked. as the city ID
shundantly able to take care of the homsls@
and destitute.
The storm also visited some of the adjacent
towns and did considerable damage. although
the loss of life was not great At Je6eFsonVilbs
the damage 20 property was very great AZ
Metropolis. H.. about 200 houses were unroOEea
and otherwise damaged. A number Of people
were killed aud many more Injured.
Palm Sunday was truly day Of mourning
in the beTeaved city. Snow began falling In
the afternoon and melted as fast IS it fell.
having the effect Ofa gentle rain. Everywhere
measures were taken TO protect property in the
roO1ess territory. In many places temporary
roofs of long pIauks were put on, and in few
instances permanent work was nearly hnished.
TaTpanlinS and whatever else viii turn water
were pressed into service. and the damage less-
ened. AT the tobacco warehouses nearly every
thing WAS under tarpaslius or other protection.
Crowds OF men were set TO work in them when
il plain that snow OF rain would fall aud
farmers consiguments, along with manufAo-
tuTeFs purchases, were made IS secure a. pos
sible. In spite of all. however. the loss viii Be
considerable, aud may reach 100000
Funeral professions followed each other all
day long. Every church in the city had a.
least one funeral service. and some more. Tha
force of undertak ers was wholly inadequate And
outside assistance had TO bs called. Many 81
the funerals were with military, Masonic q
other hOnOFS. Masses were said AZ the Catholic
churches and sermons preached At the Protest.
ant churches.
Miss Clara Barton, president Of the American
National Association of the Red Cross, IL IN
louisville, together with several officers Of the
Society. in an interview she said:
81 find that there will be no need OF our as
sistanee here The first news We had placed
the loss OF life so high and the report that Bow
ling Green was entirely swept away indicated
SO terrible distress then, that in spite of strong
reluctance. we left work already before rs to
come. 1t appeared that there were points in
the storms track where there was much more
need Of our help than at Louisville. and No
hoped TO learn of these moro definitely hers.
j find that the calamity at Louisville has been
met with admirable courage and good sense.
In a large experience have never seen any
disaster so efficiently handled, nor have
known efforts of relief to be better directed.
When see hew carefully and well everything
has been done, i am ready to believe your Au-
thOrities when they tell me you do not now
need assistance, and that they will almost car
tainly DO able 20 take care of your wounded