The record-union., 1897-04-06
The Break at Flower Lake Has Grown In
Length TO a Thousand Feet,
OVERLOOKING an Immense Territory OF
Valuable Farming Land.
Much Suffering Reported From the
Flooded Regions The Citizens
Relief Committee of Memphis Issues
an Appeal for Help-The Missouri
River Rising at the Rate of Six
Feet an Hour at Bismarck, North
Dakota.


Dakota.
MEMPHIS CTenn), 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,
Ark, has been terribly realized. The
break at Flower Lake, which occurred
yesterday morning, has rapidly grown
from a dozen feet in length to thou
sand This was the condition of the
crevasse this afternoon at o'clock,
when an Associated Press representa-
tive left the levee north of the break.
Effort is being made to tie each end OF
the levee, but owing to the olfhcuity
in getting material from the railroad
four miles away, the success OF the
effort is doubtful.
This crevasse is at the head OF the
delta, and will cause an overflow OF the
northern tier of counties in Mlsslss-
ippi, with the exception of part or
Tunica. The question that now con-
fronts the planters is the duration OF
the flood If the water is out of the
delta by May 9Th crop of cotton can
be grown, but cotton planted as late
as May 10th has little chance of ma
turing before frost. There is still an
other danger. These crevasses must
all be closed before the June rise, or
there will be a second overflow. The
delta country produces annually no less
than 100000 bales of cotton.
The river at Memphis is stationary
tonight. Much suffering is reported
from the overlooked region. Relief
steamers are making daily trips into
Arkansas and Mississippi, rescuing
hundreds of people, and bringing them
to Memphis. The local relief commit
tee is doing everything possible for the
refugees. At d meeting of the COM
mittee this afternoon it was decided to
ask other cities for help. The follow
ing appeal was issued:
The city Of Memphis has been pro-
viding for the distressed flood sufferers
from the overlooked district of Arkan-
sas and Mississippi, with some little
outside assistance for several weeks.
Few Tennesseeans are in need, but the
demands on Memphis for others are
very great, and are increasing every
pie have grown to such proportions
that we feel unable to meet them alone.
Heretofore we have attempted to carry
on this work without soliciting contri-
buttons from other cities. although
many cities have generously given up
voluntary aid If the kind people of
other towns and cities feel disposed to
lend a helping hand in this matter, all
Il = 90
mittee will be highly appreciated 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 it is fully
cognizant with the necessities of the
situation. All remittances should be
made TO 3. F. Price, Treasurer of the
Citizens. Relief Comittee, Memphis
Tenn
PROTECTING THE LEVEE.
NEW ORLEANS Ga.), April s.
Governor Foster last night issued a
proclamation to the people. He calls
attention to the fact that the ''levee
system although not yet entirely per-
fected, is the bulwark of the States
salvation. Government and State aid
has been extended, and the future de-
ponds upon the people. Trusted lead
ers are in charge of the work and il
the people help them properly, despite
the fact that the flood is apparently
the greatest ever known, all, or most
of the levees can be held. and the flu
ture will be bright, because the system
will be strengthened and completed
and the country will have confidence
in Louisiana, her enterprise and he,
opportunities.
The sentiment expressed took root
before ii was uttered for all along the
Mississippi Valley road, between this
city and Baton Rouge mass meetings
We're held, and volunteer forces organ
lied to keep strict watch on the banks
and to labor day and night to strength
en- them, So far, there is not q breal
in the entire Louisiana levee, not
counting the tributary, Bayou La
Fourch, where the levees We're washed
away.
Yesterday, sunshine raised the hope.
and quickened the work of the army o.
protection, and a few more DAYS fair
calm weather will see giant stride.
made in raising the barriers agains
the ONtfHONS.
Last night General Manager Thorne
of the Texas Pacific and Genera
Agent Spellman. of the Illinois Central
who is also President of the Ponchar
Train Levee Board, spent the night
one at Lutcherd, and the other in st
James, distributing material to plant
ers. who say if they are given supplies
they will furnish labor and hold tn
line.
CONGRESS TO BE ASKED FOR AID
WASHINGTON, April 5.--The stu
alton in the flooded districts is bein,
earnestly inquired into by the Presi
dent. and to-day the Arkansas Con
gressional delegation, headed by Sen
ator Jones, called upon President Nc
kinley to urge upon him the advisa
bility of sending a special message t
Congress urging appropriate Legislation
for the relief of the food sufferers. !
delegation of citizens of Memphis
headed by Representative CarmacB
also called on the same mission. Presi
dent Mckinley practically decided I
send special message to Congress to
morrow on the subject.