Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-12-04
AT CHIPPEWA FALLS.
WRITER'S OF THE RIVER STILL
CREEP INTO THE CITY.
HEAVY SNOW STORM AND MORE ICE.
The People Panic-strfcken, and
Asking Each other Where IL VIII
End-Dynsmite Being Used ON the
Gorge.

Gorge.
CHIPPEWA FALLS, WIS, December
3.-The waters OF the Chippewa still creep
slowly into the city. and the prospect Of
an early end Of the trouble is still remote.
The water extends half way to Central
street now, and buildings that were occu-
pied yesterday ere inundated. That por-
ton of the town which il was expected
would be the first 10 suffer-the block on
the bank of the creek between Spring and
Central streets-has escaped 50 far, ana
most Of the business houses there con-
tinue to transact business, although II
now appears that they will be forced TO
yacate in a short time.
Colonel Jones. the government engineer
who is here examining the situation. has
few encouraging words TO offer. He be-
lieves the gorge VIII not 80 out suddenly
but is not prepared TO say whether or
not dynamite can bulge it. 1t is believed
he will not authorize such an attempt to
be made. Up to o'clock tonight. 900
pounds Of dynamite had been used on the
gorge. but with little effect 10 make
matters worse a heavy sn0w-storm has
set in, and more Zee IS forming The
people are panic-stricken, and men are
asking each other where u will end. Bust
ness is demoralized, and the loss will be
very heavy.
Reports from the farming country are
hprnNlUea all
their personal effects having been swept
away by the relentless waters. The gov
eminent will be asked tomorrow TO send
men 20 try and blow up the gorge. This
Is believed 10 be the only hope now 10
save the entire city from being inundated.
WATERS STILL HIGHER.
The water began rising at about 4
o'clock this morning, and came up with
a rush. In two hours it had passed far
beyond its maximum height Of yesterday.
Those who had vacated their stores had
the satisfaction of knowing that the
move was not an unnecessary one. and
they were the only persons who claimed
any measure of consolation in the cheer
less situation. The water filled every
basement in the affected blocks 10 the top
and furnaces that escaped yesterday were
drowned out to-day.
The hustle and excitement Of yesterday
were followed by a day Of comparative
inactivity. The only business that was
transacted was such as the flood made
necessary. Few merchants got out Of
the way this morning; but. inasmuch as
the majority had moved yesterday, the
scene was not nearly as busy to-day
The water threw business farther up
town, and the post-ofice on the corner
Of Bridge and Willow streets. became
the centre of active business lie. The
freight and passenger depots Of the Wis
consin Central and Milwaukee roads are
In a sadly demoralzed condition. The
Milwaukee freight depot stands at an
angle Of 45 degrees from its former po-
sltion. and the fact that 1t is tied to the
railroad tracks with strong cables alone
prevents it from falling into the river.
The water e1died around ii all day, slow
~ eating it's foundation from under H.
and its total collapse will follow before
morning. As much care was not taken
by the Wisconsin Central Company TO
preserve its passenger station. The Ola
structure stands out gloOmly IN its bed
of water. and will never be fit for use
again. on every side of # is water, and
the current runs swiftly over the plat
form. The tracks are twisted and
snarled. and will not De NJ for use for
some time.
Afavor Llndley has received numerous
kilograms prodering assistance, IN case
aid Is required Governor Upham teie-
craphed for information this afternoon
asking II any help could be given by the
state 10 remove the danger. Mayor kau-
schenberger. OF Milwaukee telegraphed
that his city stood ready to do all IN us
mower to offer relief, in the event of dis-
tress. ,,r.,.
To all kilograms the Mayor replied that
no assistance was yet required, ana thaI
the city was in good condition so iar as
danger 70 life IS concerned.
1t is impossible 10 get room for all VINO
have been Obliged 10 move. and the mer-
chants have been Obliged to store goods
I'm private residences on the hill scores
Of draws have been kept busy all day,
and every barn and shed is being utilized,
I'm addition 10 the houses. on RIVER
street the water IL about four feet deep.
The Ottawa House and Cardinal House.
and adjoining buildings have about two
feet of water on the first floor, and the
goods were moved 10 the upper story
The ladies Of the city held meeting
and made arrangements for n conference
n the Stanley House tomorrow, 70 ar
RANGE for taking care Of the loor, who
have been driven from home by the high
water.
The Board OF Health has asked that the
people refrain as much as possible from
using the sewers. There are numbee
OF cases OF typhoid-fever. and with the
sewers In the business part Of the city
stopped up. the health Of the community
will be greatly impaired unless precau-
ton is used.
Colonel Jones the army engineer says
that he cannot give an opinion yet as
10 what Is best 70 DO He finds that the
ice-pack Tor gorge extends eighteen
miles. and that while the water is rising
in Chippewa Falls. the river itself is
falling and he does not believe that the
danger is so very great just now. Fur
Their than this. he will not speak until he
has investigated more thoroughly.
War nt Louisville Again.