The herald., 1897-03-21
Add to Misery of People
of Kansas
THE SITUATION AT MEMPHIS
Most Serious Since the Gfeat Flood
Set Ia
Relief Supplies Are Urgently Needed and
Everything Will Be Welcome, From
Cash to Cast Off Clothing
Associated Press Special wire.

Associated Press Special Wire.
MEMPHIS. Tenn, March 20.-Alarm-
ing reports are being received in this
city tonight Of breaks in the levee both
north and south of Memphis. Govern
ment officials state that the levee broke
at San Souchi Ark, last night and that
a great torrent Is pouring into the low
lands of Arkansas adding to the misery
and suffering already prevalent there
Other reports are to the effect that the
levee has broken between Memphis and
Helena, but nothing definite can be learn
ed as yet. 1t is known. however. that
the river is pouring over the levee at
Modoc near Helena, Ark. and a break
is momentarily expected.
While the river is reported as station
airy at Memphis by the weather bureau.
the situation is regarded by them as the
most serious since the big flood set In.
OF the eleven railroads entering the city,
all but two are tied up on account Of the
deluge. The Kansas City, Memphis and
Birmingham sent it's night train on its
eastern journey and the Illinois Central
is reported all clear to New Orleans. The
official bulletin sent out by the weather
bureau tonight indicates that the river
has remained stationary during the
thirty-six hours ending tonight. In the
face of the warning sent out from Wash
ington yesterday calling upon residents
of the districts threatened by floods to
prepare for an even greater rise during
the next ten days. the fact that the river
has been stationary during the past
l. IL l. I>< k11~ t.
dicating that the crest of the high water
has been reached.
The river is rising at Cincinnati ana
throughout the Ohio valley.
AT Cairo the river continues to rise and
this fact is of special interest here. It
is known that no cessation Of the high
water can be expected here SO long az
1t continued to rise at Cairo. This
morning the gauge at Cairo indicated
rise of $40 of foot during the twenty
four hours ending this morning. This ID
1917 feet above the danger line.
At Paducah the rise In the same period
was 4-10 of foot, which is 9.3 feet above
the danger line.
At Helena a rise of Clio Of foot was
indicated this morning which showed
above the danger line.
At Greenville big rise occurred dur
ing the twenty-four hours ending this
morning. This rise was LIS feet. The
gauge indicated at this point height Of
AZ feet, which is two feet above the dan
ger line.
At Vicksburg and points on the lower
Mississippi the river is rising steadily.
The relief boats continue to make reg
ular trips over the district, both above
and below the city, rescuing people and
stock which are brought to Memphis to
re cared for.
The members of the relief committee
find it necessary to give almost their
whole time to this work.
Citizens are reminded that all kinds
of cast-off clothing can be put to good
use, as many Of the refugees are with.
OF change of clothing when they are
picked up and brought to the city.
Clothing of all kinds for men. women
and children of all ages; hats. all kinda
of clothing are needed to supply the
necessities of the unfortunate ones who
are landed upon the river front in such
lamentably destitute condition.
DESPERATE WORK
HELENA, Ark, March 20.-The river
has reached point higher than ever
known here, the reading being forty
nine feet. which is eight-tenths Of foot
above the highest water ever recorded
here. Every effort Is being made to
strengthen the levee in weak spots. Dirt
is being hauled from the hills. Some of
the higher streets are being plowed up
.und the dirt is being flied In sacks ana
wheeled to the lower and weaker places
in the levee. The old levee that has
done service for many years In keep
ing the water out of the northIern
suburbs. has at last been abandoned.
In that section of the city are about
200 residences and cabins. After u Wno
decided to abandon the levee, the WateR
beginning to overflow the top In sevocal
places. it was cut at the point where g,
comes to the hills. All forces are now
concentrated on the Walker-street ana
main levees.
IN WISCONSIN
MILWAUKEE,. March 20.--An ~
jam at Humboldt on the Mifwaulcee river
six miles above the city. threatened u
cause a disastrous flood this afternoon,
The jam was broken by dynamite. alG
the great mass Of ice swept down ~
river, carrying with 1t summer houeor
boat houses and other properly, ~
night it is lodged against the plox1 q {
North avenue bridge, an iron struoturosN u
1900 feet long and 60 feet high ana ~
bridge is In imminent danger o. bo11~ s
carried out II the gorge breaks Il r.
feared 1t viii carry out the stouo 111
at that point and send the water 6cW1
the Milwaukee river. which runs thro1
the heart Of the city ana q Ilne6 IA
business houseA In That 4x@lk1
damage to property woslnn - u