Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1901-07-23
THE TORRID WAVE.

as that whichthe west is now experience
ing been inflicted upon the people and
industries of the United States. Both
east and west OF the Mississippi river
yesterday the mercury rose to such
heights that even the weather officials
were astonished. 10 almost every sec
ton of the great farming lands more
than one hundred degrees o! heat was
registered. The actual heat 90 ex-
perienced by humanity is always great
or than the reading shown by the
Weather Bureau. Bot tho harm iD-
dcted upon the products of the soil is,
in sense, much greater. Not only is
IL hot In the United States, but IN
Europe and Asia the same conditions
are being experienced. 10 Siberia in
tensely hot weather is sweeping over
the country. The crops OF European
aud Asiaiic Russia are being damaged
From these countries, together with
the United States, come the food sup
plies for millions of the human race.
rhe effects OF the heat are therefore
likely to be iar-reachiDg, affecting the
very life of myriads OF human beings.
The Weather Bureau Cannot explain
Why this great heat wave, which sp-
pears to be passing over almost
lbe whole world, should be. Barome-
tric conditions are approximately the
same as those which prevailed at this
season two years ego, comparatively
cool summer. Yet the heat OF this
present spell has never been equaled.
The bureau cannot grasp the cause.
But its figures are as accurate ss ex'
perts can make them, and they tell
story of impending far-reachirg disaster
should the weather continue for
great length OF time in the direction In
which 1t has been going.
This section enjoyed cool weather,
compared with the scorching blasts OF
furnace-like heat which has settled
down upon the West. Boston suffered
a slightly higher temperature. Nine
ty-four degrees was registered there,
while even Portland, Me-, on the coast
of tie northernmost State, sweltered
with 90 degrees. This WAS also the
temperature Of New York when the
mercury had succeeded in doing its
worst.
A new hot weather record OF l07 de-
grees was the temperature registered
in St., Lou s yesterday. Mexico reports
liz and Jackson i'll. From the gov
ernment experiment station at Column
bia comes the report that advlces from
all over Missouri tell OF the practical
total destruction OF corn. The rains Of
last v eek had encouraged farmers into
the belief that at least the forage crop
would be partially saved, but the steam
thrown of by the psrchedsground kill
ed the roots of the corn and the loss OF
fodder Is almost total. Conditions have
now assumed a terrifying aspect.
Henry county reports that less than
900 bushels OF merchantsble corn will
be CLEANED there this season. and the
old corn 10 bins Is insufficient to carry
stock through the winter. Farmers all
over the State are either marketing
their beevss, though in poor condition,
or else shipping them to western
ranges, with the hope Of saving their
| cattle.
The University of Kansas, ut Law.
renee, reports the record established
there thirty-iour years ago, 1865 in the
shade, was exceeded yesterday, the
temperature attaining an altitude oi
1868.
The same conditions exist in south
ern Illinois. Murphysboro and Eidora
each report Ill in the shade, with the
corn crop a total failure and live stock
suffering greatly owing TO the scarcity
OF water. TheTa are no indications o
rain.
All Kansas City's hot weather record
were broken yesterday for tn
fourth time 10 three weeks. AT 3:3'
Yesterday afternoon the mercury scOret
LOG The old record of other year
wes 102. As result OF the continue;
high temperature, eliminating in tn
oppres sive heat OF Sunday and yesteT
day. sixteen deaths and many prostre
tions are reported both in Kansas City
KAN, and Kansas City, Mo-, since Snn
day night. Yesterday ambulance call
came frequently and several person
we're removed 10 the hospitals for trea'
ment for heat prostrstion.
The corn is 10 worse shape than eve
1t is doubtful If rain would help II !
many parts of Kansas aDd western Nil
souri. Farmers are cnopping II II
fodder. Cattle are being shipped T.
Wisconsin where it is reported ths
there is grss, Calves are selling 10
81. The local stock yards receive
%. $50 heed Cf cattle yesterday &
O.. against $500 the corresponding dat
last year.
Oae hundred and four was the max
mum at Lucolo, Neb., yesterda.
: Practically the same temperatures vel
recorded elsewhere in the State, an
; many deaths and prOstrstious are II
ported. Five deaths and four almo
certain to follow are reported In Lii
!, coin. This was the eighteenth day
the drought. No such period of col
tinuous heat is contained in the record
The ministers have faally induce
Governor Savage to fix a day for ge
= ersl prayer for rain. He has nsm'
,. Friday. July 26.
'r At Des Moines the temperature We
coora than fonr degrees above anvthil