Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1899-07-08
THE TEXAS FLOODS.
ALI Former Disasters Eclipsed by the
Calamity Around Brookshire.
TWOHUyDREDLIVES ESTIMATEDLOST
The Property Loss WIN Reach into the
Miilions-Ths Statement Of Deputy
sheriff swsarinssn-The Gov
ernment Asked for Relief.

L
Dallas, Tex, July e.-All former food
disasters in Texas river districts have
been eclipscd by the appalling calamity
now central in the vicinity Of Sealey
and Brookshire. 1t is estimated that
200 lives have heen lost and the number
may be much larger. The property
loss will reach so far into the millions
as 10 make the Calvert flood appear In
significant by comparison. Last night
Deputy Sheriff Swearington made this
statement over the long distance tele-
phone from Sealey:
I am NO dnmbfounded by the extent Of the
disaster that hardly know how 10 talk about
II. Fully 30 lives have been lost within radius
OF Is miles Of Sealey. Tuesday night and yes
tcrday nearly 100 have been drowned In the
vicinity OF what Is locally known rs THE
Mound" This Is small piece Of high land
three miles from Sealey, near old San
Felipe. At first, when the flood rushed
down upon the negro cabins In the bot
toms Of the Brnzos three days ago, the
alarmed black population ran for this piece OF
high land for safety. driving their live stock
with them. The rush OF the waters was so sud-
den that they could not get 70 Sealey or San
Felipe. Gradually the waters rose and en-
croached upon their place Of refuge until last
light not more than half nm acre OF the ground
IL out OF water ind that not more than one foot
above the raging torrent surrounding It for
miles, On this half acre mound were huddled
together last night raving, surging, gesticu-
inting. screaming ind praying nsscmblaee Of 3O0
negroes, death staring them In the face In vari-
Gus forms.
Drowning seems certain, but starvation, ex-
posture and exhaustion also nre doing fatal
fatal work. Crowded In among these poor hui
mans are cattle. horses, hogs, mules md other
domestic animals, rs frantic and uncomfortable
rs the poor negroes. There IL not q cabin or
other bit Of shelter-not SO much rs q tree-on
The Mound" There Is not mouthful OF food
to cat, clean water to drink or spot
where the tired md weak and sick can
rest. The nearest point OF land IL more than
three miles away md no human can live
In the raging torrents who would try to reach
It. Many have been drowned In making the 1T
tempt The wild. rushing waters are filled with
all kinds OF floating bodies Of live stock, and
with houses outbuildngs, fences, logs, trees,
lumber. farm implements, furniture, merchan-
disc and other material Clinging TO many Of
these objects are negroes doomed TO almost GER
tain death.
have given you the situation rs Il exists In
and about Sealey; It IL equally bad ut and
around Brookshire, but can give no details rs
we are cut OF. know there are at least 400
negroes on q small island three or four miles
from Brookshire. in n condition similar TO that
OF "The Mound" From present indications the
loss Of life is likely to reach 800 unless relief
comes promptly.
THE GOVERNMENT ASKED FOR RELIEF.
Austin, Tex. July 6.-The governor
wired the following to Washington:
Austin. Tex. July $40 the Secretary Of
War: Please Immediately order By wire boats
ut Galveston TO ascend rivers, using launches
and yawls TO rescue people from the waters
which are widespread over the lands Of
the lower Brazos Please also order
commanding officer ut San Antonio TO plnce nj
nv disposal for immediate distribution 1000
rations. viii recommend TO Legislature to re-
fund to the United States their value when Il
meets and do not doubt that IL will be promptly
done. Devastation great. Immense loss Of life
probable. Prompt action very important An
swer.-Joseph d. Savers Governor.