The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-09-19
Total of Identified Victims So Far In
1,S61, While Estimates Place the
Number at Over Five thousand.
NO OFFICIAL RECORDS KEPT
ACTUAL NUMBER OF CASUALTIES
WILL NEVER BE KNOWN.
Work Of Disinfecting the City Pro-
gressing-Trains to Cross the
Bridge ON Thursday.

GALVESTON, Tex, Sept. 1S.-The work
of clearing the streets of debris is pro-
pressing rapidly under the perfect organiza-
ton instituted by Adjutant General Scurry.
Over 1900 men are engaged on the work.
Ninety-eight bodies are reported as having
been found in the wreckage and removed
to-day, making total of 1861 victims SO
far recovered. This list is far short Of
the accurate number OF dead found. be-
cause no official records are kept Bodies
found are buried or cremated, and no
systematic record has been kept. The
storm wrecked almost every vault in the
six cemeteries and many of the dead were
washed to sea in metal cases. So far
only one casket has been found. 1t had
been carried three miles from the vault.
The extension of the electric lighting
system continues. BY tomorrow the dis
trict from Twentieth to Twenty-seventh
street and from the bay to Broadway will
be equipped with street lights. More than
200 skilled mechanics were brought here
to-day from Texas cities.
The total number of dead is still esti-
mated at i've to six thousand. The news
paper list is over 1000. The names of
many negroes, meAlcdnS, ltallanS ana
other foreigners can never be secured.
The work under the direction of the
health department was pushed with vigor
and rapidity to-day. AS fast as disinfect-
ants arrive they are being distributed
over the city. and large quantities are ar
irving daily. Over carload Of disinfect-
ants was taken from the wharves to-day
and sent to the health department supply
depot, and almost as much was taken from
that place and distributed over the city.
AS fast as II can be done the city is being
placed in a thoroughly sanitary condition.
Much was done to-day in the way of re-
moving debris and disposing of animal car
casses.
The sick and wounded are receiving the
best of treatment and the facilities are
such that anyone needing medical attention
can have it on application. Besides the
other hospitals and medical relief stations
already in service, the marine hospital
and refuge camp was opened this after
noon. and will accommodate large num-
ber of patients. Persons able TO travel
have been taken from the hospitals and
sent in the revenue cutters and by other
means of transportation 10 Houston and
other relief stations ON the main land
The outlook from health standpoint is
very encouraging.
Three pile-drivers are at work closing UP
the breach in the Galveston bay bridge,
made by the steamship Roma. The re-
building of the bridge is progressing rapid
ly. A message from General Superin-
tendent Nixon, OF the Santa Fe Railroad,
to General Manager Polk, this evening,
says trains will be able to cross on Thurs
day. Orders have been issued to allow
freight TO proceed to Galveston. The one
bridge will be heavily taxed to accommo-
date all the trains The tracks on Calves
ton island will be completed 10 the bridge
tomorrow noon. Engines are again run
ming into the Union Depot and switching
in the wharf yards. and are bringing
freight 10 the ships in port.
Miss Clara Barton, OF the Red Cross So
ciety, has been rendered he use of the old
Sealy building. formerly used by the gen
eral offices of the Santa Fe Railroad, and
has opened depot for supplies She has
sent orders for medicine and surgical dress
ings. food for the sick and clothing and
shoes. Otherwise she has recommended
that money oe sent here, as the merchants
can supply great many things needed.