Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1893-08-30
TIE STORM AT CHARLESTON, S. G.
A Terrific Blow That Sent Trees and
HouserOOfs Flying-Rain Beat Into
Houses.

Terrific Blow That Sent Trees and
HouseroOfs FIying-Rain Beat Into
Houses.
CHARLESTON, S. c., August 29.-Tel-
eRraphic communication, which was
brought to stop by the cyclone, has
been partially restored, but the details
OF the havoc are still very meagre. 1t
is feared that there has been heavy loss
Of life, but particulars cannot be learn
ed until points along the coast are heard
from. The streets are still filled with
uprooted trees, roofs, lumber and the
wreckag Of sheds and shanties.
The cyclone swept up the coast and
across Charleston Sunday. Early Sat
urday morning the dreaded signal was
run ND and the city held its breath,
hoping that the storm might pass us by.
Saturday evening a heavy nOrthest gale
started shortly after midnight and blew
FOR several hours, but as partial lull
had preceded the dawn and continued
throughout the early hours Of the
morning, II was hoped that after all the
city would not fall within the track OF
the cyclone. But the wind rose again
to q gale and came In ftful, angry gusts
out OF the northeast.
There was no longer q doubt that the
dreadful cyclone was to descend upon
the city in all lts fury. The vessels
lying at anchor In the bay were first to
take alarm, and from all quarters OF the
harbOr they came hurrying in.
Fortunately there are comparatively
few large ships in port just now, else
the damage done might have been null
tiplied many times.
The attendance at the various
churches was small, and few people
who were not absolutely compelled to
do so ventured beyond their own doors.
But the Inquiries for details OF the
hurricane were anxious and endless.
A special dispatch OF the weather
bureau had simply stated that q cyclone
was central In South Florida and that
IL was now moving north by northwest.
The velocity was estimated al
FORTY To SIXTY MILES.
There was nothing to do but calmly
await the bursting OF the storm. II did
not come suddenly, but after warning,
increasing steadIlv but perceptibly in
force and fury. The wind strengthened
from a gale to q hurricane before the
darkness finally came, il was bowling
in fury over the houses and strewing
the city with wreckage and debris OF
every kind aud description.
The rain did not set 10 until about ?
o'clock, but when II did start it came in
torrents which deluged houses and
flooded the streets. The terrific force
OF the storm forced the water into the
cracks OF windows and doors in Quanti-
ties sufficient to drench dwellings, and
in some instances TO food the floors.
This was the storm in the day time, but
il grew worse as the night drew on.
The dying timbers, falling trees and
wreckage OF all descriptions made TEX
tremelY dangerous 20 walk the streets.
When night did come, it wrapped the
city in perfect darkness. The electric
wires were all down and Ii weuld have
been impossible 10 keep gas jets burn
ing.
II Of course out Of the question to
hazard even q guess IS to the loss which
has been oecasloned. Several Iatallties
and great damage are reported, ana an
inromplete inventory places the extent
oi damage at 81 Doc, 900. Estimates at
this writing are impossible.
Serious fears ne entertained for the
inhabitants Of S4lIivan's Island and the
coast The - er place was last heard
rom at unday.
The thus far reported In