Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1892-05-26
PLUCKY SIOUX CITY
DOES NOT INTEND TO ASK FOR
OUTSIDE AID.

Waters Recede-Great Havoc wrought
by the Mad Rush of the Floyd--St Louis
and Neighborlng Towns Threatened
with Disaster.
SIOux CITY, Ia, May 2o-At the ordi-
nary stage of water the Floyd river is as
insignificant Il stream rs ever meandered
in pastoral quietude. But swollen by the
continual rains until its well-dehned
banks were obliterated,i it was in poor con
ditiou to carry away the immense Hood OF
water which fell from the cloudburst. a
wave, moving as solid wall of water
swept down the marrow valley OF TIC
stream. The Floyd flows through the
center of Sioux City, and along its banks
are the homes of thousands. To these the
flood brought death and demolition of their
homes. A million dollars will not cover
the loss by food to this city alone.
The water in Floyd river has receded
rapidly, but is still outside of its banks
and Il considerable portion of the bottom
lands is still covered, but to no great
depth for the most part. The scene which
is disclosed by The recession Of the flood
is one which
Beggars Description.
Throughout the flooded district it is one
story Of destruction and damage. Ihe
flood at its height extended from Court
street to the Floyd bluffs and from the
suburb of Lynn to the Missouri river.
This comprises district four miles long
and IA mile and half wide. For distance
of mile and half above the mouth Of
the Floyd the bottom is densey popu-
lated. 4 large portion of the inhabitants
are poor people who are employees of pack
ing houses, railroads, etc. There are n
great many retail shops throughout this
region. There is a confused scene of dcsola-
ton.
At the height of the food the current
struck straight through the residence
street. Among those nearest the river
scores of dwellings were swept from their
foundations and carried long distances
and either smashed or turned bottom side
up. 1t is no uncommon sight to see
building turned over on its side or roof
Many two story buildings were swept
away. The buildings which are twisted
or carried short distances are innumera-
BILE. it must he remembered that over all
this area for six or eight streets from the
river the water was
Far Above second Story windows
with a swift current and the wind blow
ing hurricane. Everywhere fences, out
houses, sidewalks, wooden pavements,
railroad ties and timbcrs, are scattered
about the contorted and overturned
dwellings. Many of the streets are paved
with cedar blocks, and the water drftod
hundreds of thousands of them and car
lied them away.
In some places there are immense masses
of debris piled on top OF houses. Several
thousand people closely followed the re-
cediug food to search for their homes and
missing ones. Only a few on the outer
edge of the flood will be able to occupy
their homes at present. The streets are
impossible. Dooryards are filled with
mud and driftngs. What houses are not
wrecked and carried away will be lett UNI
inhabitable. Furniture is destroyed and
many things in the houses lost The resell
ing parties are hard at work. One lady
named Mrs, Keely, aged 60 years, was
found up to her chin i'll water. she had
put trunk on table and sat on it tor
twcnty-four hours. She will recover.
Boats are plying over the flooded terri
tory, searching the houses remaining fol
Sick and Dead People,
and bringing to shore the valuables Of
their poor occupants. As the water re
oados th, lis+ If dn,tbs win cart,inlv h,
;nrraased
oscar anderson who worked like q
boro and who Witnessed the drownino ot
n Ii,fla rbiId torn away from is ,n1otbc,
'.bo,, no rescring n,rtv had almo.-
ranch.d hor lost nix rol.nn and is wayne
aho,,t Tho bonutifI,I L,hv that was SVEN,
undor Tho muddy ,vnvrS
No +rains ha,.n Ieft tbi. citr vat .vco,,+
~, tbo Niivn,,l.ee and n,l.ota Iino M,
,,,,to,. in tho etraet b,s fallen civ feat onr
g. !. bo,1od - la,..r,. 'ra,,t Of tho anodsd dis.
,,i,. ,,,p,. Iva n,,t ~ tho ,.ater todav ri.
! MI; ,t,.or fortnn,taIv has m9t ,.on,
ovcritS banks,
! point, ana the 4O9u' NAIcn mas zone al