The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1890-02-14
PORTLAND FLOODED.
unprecedented High Water in the
Causing Much DAM

PORTLAND, Or, Specialize Postal Tclc.
graph and Cable company furnishes the
following information to the world regard
Ing the unprecedented floods in Oregon
and Washington: The Willamette river
At this city is higher than it
hes been since the great flood of 1851. The
rise is caused by the unusually heavy rains,
and the melting OF snow in the mountains.
In this city all the merchants along the
water front, and for two streets back from
!he river have been compelled to
suspend business, and move their stocks
10 higher places. The water rose SO
fapidly that many of them were unable to
move their goods out, and in consequence
heavy damage will be the result. The only
means of travel OH Front street, the princi-
pal Wholesale street Of the city,
h by boats. Throughout Willamette
valley heavy losses are reported.
Many bridges have been washed away and
large amount of grain stored in tho ware
iouses along the river has been ruined. Tho
wagon bridge across the Willamette river,
1t Salem was swept away Monday night.
The structure was about one thousand feet
long. It cost in the neighborhood of $75,-
100. No less than 10,00O, 600 saw logs
HAVE BEEN SWEET AWAY
on tho Willamette and Columbia rivers in
the last few days. Large quantities of sawed
lumber and Q number of saw mills OH the
river have also been carried away. The situ-
alton on the Southern Pacific road between
here and California remains virtually un-
changed, and the officials do not venture
an opinion as to when the road will be
open. All communication south and east
Of here has been cut off for five days. and
no trains are arriving over the Southern
Pacific or the Union Pacific. The trains
are running to Tacoma, WASH. over the
Northern Pacific, but heavy storm in the
tiop to the East. 1t is impossible to closely
estimate the damage at present, but 1t will
probably reach 100000. The rain has
ceased throughout the Willamette
valley, but the river at this
point is still OH the rise. The
river is still rising tonight, though reports
from south as far as Corvallis state that It
began falling at noon, and tile weather is
cold and clear. The water is rushing
through Front and First streets very rapid
ly, and this makes navigation by means
boats very dangerous. Many of the
SIDEWALKS ARE FLOATING,
and several accidents have occurred by pc
destrians falling through holes in side
walks. The Oregonian and Telegram were
compelled TO move their business offices
further back from the river, there being at
present several feet of water on the
first floor. The editorial rooms. which arc
on the second floor, are reached by boats.
Great anxiety is felt for two bridges which
span the river at this point. The Morrison
street wagon bridge is liable to be swept
away at any moment, and in case this
bridge Is carried down stream against the
steel bridge Of the Union Pacific railroad,
the latter is almost certain to go out as the
space between the bridge and the water Is
not sufficient to permit any large drift to
pass nnder. The river at present is COM
paratively free from drift, 1t having
been carried down before the
Press reporter in order to filc dispatches is
compelled to wade through water three
feet deep. A dispatch from Nc Mlnville,
Or. states that the town of Wheatland is
almost swept away, much stock drowned
and Q large amount of grain has been dc.
stroyed.
AROUND JACKSONVILLE.
JACKSONVILLE, Or, Special-A rhenom-
enal rain storm has prevailed in Southern
Oregon since Friday, which, in connection
with the melting of the snow in the mount
aims, has cansed the greatest flood known
since tile country was settled. The damage
to Southern Oregon cannot be estimated as
yet. for postal communication is so un-
certain and limite,l that only surmises can
be made Of the ravages of the water on the
line of the numerous tributaries of the
Rogue river.
THE PEOPLE TERROR. STRICKEN.
Later reports from Burke indicate that no
lives have been lost there. Mr.. and Mrs.
Wise, Jack Wait and wife were buried in
the snow slide, but all were rescued with
slight injury. At Custer mine, however, the
disaster was worse than at first reported.
Blk men were killed outright. Among
these were Jack Galbraitll. foreman of the
mine; Mike Flynn, cook. and Tom Ma
honey. young miner. Forty men are em-
ployed at the mine In two shifts, one shit
nef at the time of the avalanche.
rushed upon the boarding house. Many
other avalsnches have occurred in the
C@ur d'Alcnc district. Canyons are full of
snow, rocks and great trees. The people of
shat whole section arc tesror-stricken and
are not asleep tonight.
TWO MINERS KILLED.
HDcLA. Mont, special-Lvon City, min
Ing camp which lies at the base Of Lyon
mountain, has been completely buried bya
snow Glide. Two miners were killed and
large amount Of property destroyed.