The record-union., 1891-01-27
Terrible Wreckage of Wires in
New York City.
A FOREST OF POLES STREWN ABOUT
THE STREETS.
The Same Condition of Affairs Reported
at Jersey City, Boston, Philadelphia,
and Towns Throughout the New
England States = Houses Unroofed
Along the Jersey Coast.
Special to the REcoRp.UN1oN.

NEW YORK, Jan. 26.-Yesterday's
storm was by far the worst that the tele-
graph companies have ever had to deal
with. An idea of the wreckage may be
gathered from the fact that out of /, 800
wires running into this city, the Western
Union had but three wires working this
morning. The others, with many of the
poles, lie beside railway tracks, across
fields and in trees.
The Postal Telegraph Company had
not one wire working out from this city,
while the Metropolitan Telegraph and
Telephone Company estimates $500 of it's
wires laid low.
The total damage to the companies
named will not be far from 100000
Two weeks unceasing effort will be re-
quired to get the wires back into the con-
dition which existed before the storm.
In New York City proper the number
of wires down is roughly estimated at
$500, and the poles down $50. In addi-
ton to the forest of poles strewn about
the streets, as many more were hanging
i'll dangerous condition. Immense
gangs of men were busy all day remoy-
ing the snow and wreck.
1t was impossible to report any coming
vessels from the Highlands or Sandy
Hook, as not only were the wires down,
but q heavy veil of mist hung over the
bay. The steamships Bretagne and Au-
rania came in this morning incrusted in
snow and ice. They were due yesterday,
but owing to the severity Of the storm
were compelled to Slacken speed. As far
as could be seen from the barge office to-
day the bay was strewn with vessels with
their rigging and canvas coated with ice.
The damage done to telegraph and tele-
phone service in Brooklyn is estimated
at Sl50.000.
At Jersey City the fire-alarm system
was rendered useless.
The New York Stock Exchange was
completely cut Off from all quarters, but
the London and bear traders had great
fun in hammering everything i'll sight.
IN PENNSYLVANIA.
WILKESBARRE Pa.), Jan. 26.-Yester-
days storm was very severe throughout
this section Of the State. Telegraph, tele-
phone and electric light wires are down
in all directions, and communication is
interrupted in the country. Much dam
age was done by the snow breaking down
trees, crushing barn roofs, etc. ~ q
NEW ENGLAND STATES.
Boston, Jan. 26.-The storm in this
city yesterday completely demoralized
the fire-alarm telegraph, and the entire
force of firemen patrolled the city all
night. The telegraph, telephone and
electric light companies also suffered
heavy losses. The same condition of af-
fairs is reported from several other points
in New England.
Fall River reports that the sound boats
had hard time, but arrived safely.
AT Manchester, N. H., the storm lasted
nine hours, fifteen inches of snow falling.
Nashua, N. H., reports the worst storm
of the season, with twelve inches of snow,
obstructing travel.
Advices from Sea Grit, Ashbury Park,
Long Branch and other points report
great damage along the Jersey coast. The
surf cut into the bluff and beach at many
points, houses were unroofed and all wires
blown down. AS far as can be learned,
no vessels are ashore, although several
have been seen in distress outside.
AT 10 o'clock tonight the Western
Union reported fifteen wires to the West,
a gain of twelve since morning. There
is no communication yet with Philadel-
phia, Washington or Southern points.
TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION CUT OFF.
BELvIDERF N. ]. Jan. 26.-The storm
was very seN ere all through northern
New Jersey. All telegraphic and tele-
phone communication is cut off and rail-
road trains delayed. In some parts of
this county the snowfall was very heavy