Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-06-14

1t went right up the main street of the
town. destroying every building In the
business centre. | immediately began
the work OF rescue.
1T WAS AWFUL
ut was awful. God keep me from
seeing the like again. Everywhere
means. shrieks, and calls for help were
heard. The wounded cried out for pray
ers. / gave them absoiu;ion while as
sisting I'm the work Of rescue. Catholics
and Protestants prayed for them"
BRICK BLOCKS CRUSHED.
ST. PAUL, MINI. June ia reporter
for tho Dispatch, who went 10 New Rich
mond last night, says
The storm struck the town full In the
centre and in ten minutes awful destruc-
ton had been wrought. The largest brick
blocks crumbed like eggshclls. The light
err frame structures were whisked away
like so much straw, and many houses
were carried for blocks and dashed TO the
earth.
"Five hundred buildings, the finest in
the town, were demolished, and when the
storm had passed about the only struc-
lures of any note left standing were the
Catholic and Baptist churches.
NOT A RESIDENCE UNTOUCHED.
Not a residence was left untouched,
and few people escaped without injury
Lumber yards went up In the clouds, the
huge planks being split into shingles. The
large iron bridge over the Apple river was
blown into fragments, and the parts us
tributed along the banks half-mie
away. Two large iron safes were caught
up and carried distance of about a
block.
within space of few blocks lay
dozens OF bodies. Legs and arms were
missing in many eases. and one body was
found with the head clipped off the trunk,
as though II had been severed with an
axe. All who sought refuge In cellars es-
capped. Some persons over whom houses
collapsed were entOmbed. To add TO the
horror of the situation, fires were started
here and there by overturning stoves. and
many wounded, unable TO drag themselves
out of the danger, suffered death by burn
ing.
A CIRCUS IN TOWN.
'Galman Brothers circus was in New
Richmond yesterday, and the farmers
from the surrounding country, with their
families. had gathered to see the show. n
few minutes before the storm struck a
large part OF those who had just come
from the circus rushed to a brick building
close at hand, where they took refuge.
This building was among those destroy
ed. and IL is difficult to say how many
persisted there.
~ A. Carroll. OF Portage City. was
stopping at the Hotel Nicolet. The guests
were at supper when the storm began,
and all hands sought the cellar. So far
as known, most OF those in this house
were saved.
"As nearly as can be ascertained. the
storm first struck at place called Catilsh
Bar. a short distance below saltwater,
and laid waste the entire country from
that point to New Richmond.
TOWN PRACTICALLY WIPED OUT.
MILWAUKEE, WIS, June 13-The fol-
lowing telegram was received from Con-
gresham John H. Jenkins, at New Rich
mind Wis, addressed to the Governor
and Chamber OF Commerce:
1.-THE city wiped out by storm. Every
business building and contents, and over
half the dwellings and contents total
loss. Many hundred dwellings and con-
tents partly injured over one hundred
wounded. Forty dead bodies many MISS
ing, and ruins burning. Local people
making heroic efforts, and giving freely Of
what little they have left. They can
supply tue ueSu'utS W. " 'N"iN ''''N
but with few exceptions there is no food
or clothing. Not an article of goods.
wares, or merchandise left by noon. There
will not be mouthful to cat: so must
have immediate relief. VIII require aid
for some time.
NOT 4 COFFIN.
Not a coffin or article 10 bury the
dead. Practical destitution prevails. VIII
you notify the public, and ask them that
aid be forwarded as soon as POSSIBLE?
a committee has been appointed by
President Cottrell, of the Chamber Of
Commerce. to supply the needs of the
suffering people.
The Wisconsin Central railway has or
dered two boarding trains 10 the stricken
town. Lots OF worthy people az a time
will be fed on these trains.