The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1900-09-12

Houston, Tex Sept. 9, 10 p N
The West Indian storm which reach
ed the Cuff cost yesterday morning
wrought awful havoc in Texas Re
ports are conflicting, but it is known
that ap appealing disaster has befalieE
the city of Galveston, where it is re
ported, a thousand or more lives have
blotted out aud the tremendous pro
perty damage incurred Meagre
reports from Sabine Pass and Port
Arthur also indicate heavy loss O.
life, but these reports canno: be con
frmed at this hour
The first news to reach this city
from the stricken city of Galveston
was received tonight James G.
TimHons. who resides in Houston,
aud who is the general superintend
ent of the National Compress com
pany, arrived in the city at 8 O'Clock
tonight f:om Galveston. He was one
Of the first to reach here with tidings
of the great disaster which bas be-
fallen that city and the magnitude Of
that disaster remains to be told be
cause of his endesvors 70 reach home
After remaining through the hurri
cane Of Saturday, he departed from
Galveston on schooner and came
across the bay to Morgan's Point,
where he caught q train for Houston
The hurricane, Mr Timmons said, vas
she worst ever known.
The estimates made by citizens OF
Galveston was tina: 1900 houses,
most of them residences, have been
destroyed and that at least 1000
people have been drowned, killed O:
are missing Some business houses
were also destroyed, but most of
them stood, though badly damaged
The city, Nj Timmons AYERS, is a
complete wreck, SO far as he could
see from the water front and from
the fremont hotel. Water was
blown over the island by the hurri
cane, the wind blowing at the rate Of
so miles an hour. straight from the
Suit, and forcing the sea water
before it in b,g waves. The gale was
q steady one. the heart of it striking
the city about 5 O'Clock yesterday
evening and continuing without in
termissiou until midnight last night,
when it abated somewhat, although
it continued all night.
Of his knowledge, Mr. Timmons
knew of only one house succumbing
With fatal results. though he heard Of
many residences being carried away
with inmates. The house that he saw
DESTROYED was Ritter's saloon and
restaurant, at 2l09 Brand street. q
principal business street of the city
This three story building was blown
down and nine men, prominent citi
zens, were killed
Secretary Bailey of the Wharf
company and several walters and
customers saved themselves by jump
ing from the upper story just before
the crash came.
I. is reported that the orphan asylum
and both hospitals we're destroyed. and
IL this proves true the loss of life will
be great. as these institutions were
generally crowded, aud as they we're
sobs,autial buildings the chances are
that many had taken refuge 10 them
The water extended across the island
Mr. Tim Minis said it was three feet deeE
IN the ro.uoda Of the fremont hote
.nd Was six feet deep in Market street
Along the water front the damag'
Vas very great The roofs bad beer
blown from all the elevators. and th'
sheds sloog the wbarves were eitbe
wrecked or had lost their sides aut
we're of 10 protection to the contents
Most of the small sailing craft wer
wrecked aud we're either piled up Of
the wharves or floating side up 10 tn
bay. There is small steamsbi
ashore three miles north of Pellca
island, but Mr. Tiumius could no
distinguish her name. She vas dy,n'
= British flag. Another big vessel ha
been driven ashore at Virginia Poln
aud still aoo,ber is aground at Texa
City. At the south point of Hous'o
island an unkoowo chip lies 10 help
less condition.
The ligh;ship that marks Galvesto
par is bard and fast aground at Boll1
var Point.