Birmingham state herald., 1896-05-29
IN EAST ST. LOUIS.
Property Loss S2, GOO, ,000- Governor Altgeld Orders Out the MiIitary-An Appeal
 to the Country.

St. Louis. May 28.-The destruction to property in East St. Louis is estimated at over $2,OOO, 900. The burned district embraced five blocks.
 The telegraph wires are all down and the freight trains have all been side tracked, so as to minimize the chances for collisions and accidents to the pas Senger trains. All the northbound, west bound and the roads which can go south by western outlets are passing over the Merchants bridge, which remains prac- tically unharmed. But the Louisville and Nashville; Baltimore and Ohio; Cai- TO Short Line; Illinois Central; Wabash; Eastern Illinois; Evansville and St. Lou Is; the Big Four and all the roads run nfhg east or south are entirely blockaded. Not only is the Eads bridge impossible, but the railroad yards in St. Louis and relay depot the whole network of tracks and switches from the Mississippi river east. northeast and south as far as Pinckneyville is impossible for traffic and will remain so for several days. It is reported that over dozen heavily loaded passenger trains coming here from the east. and south were caught last night and this morning in the oy- clone and the ruin which it caused, and are either ditched or blockaded from three to ten miles out on the prairies of Illinois.
 Almost a reign of terror prevails in East St. Louis tonight Save for a tug and few row boats, placed at the ser vice of the newspaper men and others whose duties called them to the scene, the place has been cut off from commu- nication with this city since last night, section of the upper or railroad portion of the Ead's bridge having been carried away, while guards were stationed at either end to prevent pedestrians using the foot bridge. The thieves and toughs of the city, however reinforced by scores from the country surrounding, started in this afternoon to plllage the over turned trucks in the streets and the freight cars on the sidings, and which were filled with valuable merchandise, groceries and provisions. The small po- lice force had been detailed to aid the in- jured and assist in the task of searching the ruins, and, realizing that they were powerless to preserve order or prevent pillaging, Mayor Bader called upon Gov ernor Altgeld for aid. He quickly re- sponded by ordering two companies of militia to the scene. The first company arrived from Bellevile at 3 o'clock and the second en route from Greenville on a special train and will be on the ground at Ia. m. The governor himself arrived late tonight and directed the de- tailing of troops about the various prop critics to be protected. Prior to his ar rival a meeting of the leading citizens was held in response to a call hurriedly issued by Ex-Congressman w. s. For man and others, and, after full discus sion of the situation, it was decided to is sue the following appeal and the South ern Associated Press was requested to give it circulation:
 "To the People of the United States: The city of East St. Louis has been vis- ited by one of the most terrible and de- structye tornadoes in the history of the country. As a result of its fearful work, al least 200 lives have been lost, while the number of maimed and wounded we are unable as yet to estimate, but it will probably run into the thousands. The amount of damage to property is very great, and 1t is impossible at this time to ascertain, but 1t Is safe to say at least 600 families are rendered homeless. A great number of these depend upon charity for shelter.
 While the loss appears to fall upon the poorer classes of people, almost every citizen has directly or indirectly suffered damage.
 While we regret exceedingly to call upon the country at large in this ex- tremity, we feel utterly unable to supply the absolute necessaries of these afflicted people, although our own citizens are putting forth every effort and are con- tributing as literally, and, indeed. more liberally than their means allow We therefore appeal to the generosity of our sister cities and our communities for help in this hour of trouble. We will be pleased to receive subscriptions and as- sistance in any form which may be deem- ed advisable. The executive committee has appointed Paul w. Apt, president of the First National bank of this city, treasurer, to who all contributions can be sent H. F. BADER,
 Mayor"