The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-04-06

JACKSON. Mss. April s--A dispatch
from Greenvs1ls says. The whole delta
has been covered since the break at AUS
tin. on Flower lake
This overflow will be the most disas-
trous and widespread in the history or the
country. and famine and pestiience VIII
surely follow.
No crops will be made this year unless
the levees on the Louisiana and Arkansas
side go down and distribute the water.
Memphis Asks for Help
MEMPHIS. April 5.-The prediction
made in these dispatches on Friday that
greater disaster to the Mississippi delta
would follow the breaking OF the levee
at a point on the east side OF the river
north Of Helena. Arkansas. has been ter
rihly realized.
The break at Flower lake, which oc-
CURED yesterday morning. has rapidly
grown from a dozen feet In length TO q
thousand. This was the condition of the
crevaSse this afternoon at O'Clock when
an Associated Press representative lett
the levee north OF the break.
Effort is being made TO tie each end OF
the levee, but owing 10 difficulty in getting
material from the railroad four miles
away. the success OF the effort Is DOUBT
full This crevasse is at the head or the
delta, and viii cause an overflow OF the
northern tier OF counties IN Mississippi,
with the exception OF part OF Tunica.
The question that now confronts the
planters Is the duration Of the food IL
the water is out of the delta by May
crop OF cotton can be grown, but cotton
planted as late as May 10 has little chance
of maturing before frost.
There Is still another danger. These
crevasses must al oe closed before the
june RISE or there VIII be a second over
flow. The delta country produces annual
ly no less than 5000. 900 bales Of cotton
The river at Memphis is stationary to-
night Much suffering is reported from
the overlooked region. Relief steamers are
making daily trips Into Arkansas and Mis-
shssippi reSscutfig hundreds of people and
bringing them 10 Memphis. The local re-
lief committee Is doing everything possible
for the refugees. AT the meeting of the
committee today IL was decided to ask
other cities for help. and the following APP
peal was issued:
THE city of Memphis has been prcvid-
ing for the distressed flood sufferers from
the overtlowed district OF Arkansas and
Mississippi, with some little outside as
sistance, for several weeks. Few Ten
nssseeans are in need, but the demands on
Memphis for others are very great and
are increasing every day. Indeed the de-
mands on our people have grown to such
proportions that we feel unable TO meet
them alone.
Heretofore we have attempted TO carry
on this work without soliciting contribu-
tons from other cities. although many
cities have generously given voluntary
aid. II the kind people of other towns and
cities feel disposed TO lend helping hand
in this matter. all donations received by
the relief committee will be highly ap-
preciated and judiciously managed.
Donations Of meal, meat and money
are preferable. The relief committee is
well organized and can use money to the
best advantage. as 1t is fully cognizant
with the necessities OF the situation.
+. Price, Treasurer of the Citizens Relief
Committee. Memphis, Tenn"
Congress VIII Surely Respond.
WASHINGTON, April 5.-The situation
in the flo ,ded Mississippi districts is be-
ing earnestly inquired into by the presi-
dent. Today the Arkansas congressional
ed upon Mckinley to urge upon him the
advisability OF sending a special message
to congress urging appropriate legislation
for the relief OF flood sufferers. There are
several presidents for the appropriation OF
money for such purposes. In 1890, on the
occasion of the last big food. $4,000 was
appropriated
The president has received replies from
Cows. Foster. of louisiana; Jones. OF
Arkansas, and McLaurin, of Mississippi.
10 his inquiries regarding the food situa-
ton and the amount of funds needed.
While they could not give accurate state
merts, Gov. Jones estimated that fully
$50 600 would be needed to relieve the suf-
fering in his state. while Gov. McIaurfn
thought $40. 900 would meet present needs
in his.