Gilpin observer., 1902-03-06
FLOODS IN THE EAST
HUNDREDS OF FAMILIES HOME
LESS,
Paterson, New Jersey, the Chief SUI
ferer-Railroad Traffic lmpeded.
Influenza in London,

InuuenZd IN IOn0ons
New York, March 3-The food in
northern New York state is reported
in many places to be the worst since
that OF 1866. Railroad traffic Is tied
up and trains between New York and
Rochester are stalled.
In Paterson, New Jersey, the suffer
ing caused by the inundation to the
city Is more intense than that occa-
stoned by the eight million dollar fire
Of three weeks ago.
From all parts of the flooded section
come reports of disaster and only in
Philadelphia, Pittsburg and Allegheny
Is the situation improving.
The floods along the line of the New
York Central Il Hudson River railroad
are interfering extensively with traf-
tic, according to reports given out at
the Grand Central station in this city.
No through trains for the West We're
being despatched in the afternoon and
evening. The 1886 p. m. train for AL
bany left on time, but went only to
Hudson. No passengers would be
taken beyond the point, as bridges are
down and tracks washed away be-
tween Hudson and Albany.
Fort Plain, n. Y, March 3.-The
here, has been almost entirely wiped
out by the combined forces of water
and fire. Speakers is made up of fifty
families, and has been under water
for two days. Great masses Of ice
came down the river and. struck the
houses, some of which were so shaken
that stoves We're overturned and the
dwellings were burned.
Paterson, n. j., March 3.-This city,
so recently swept by fire, is now over
whelmed by flood. Three weeks ago
the greater part of it's business section
was burned out and to-day the quar-
ter occupied by the houses of the poor
er class is inundated. Hundreds of
families have been made homeless by
the overflow of the Passaic river and
the country for miles around the city
is under water.
So far but one death has been re-
ported.
The great peril now is that the Spruce
street raceway, which supplies water
power for most of the mills along the
water front, will overflow. This would
cause great loss to the manufacturing
district. Expert engineers have placed
dynamite below the Spruce street
bridge and ii necessary it will be
touched off. This will open a new
channel for the immense volume Of
water held there and diverting it, save
good deal of property.
The fire of three weeks ago, while
causing a damage to property to the
extent of nearly $S,OOO,OOO, did not
create such suffering and widespread
desOlation as the flood of to-day. The
district for a mile along the river
front from Spruce street hill to
Straight street, and two blocks north
and five blocks south of the river, near
ly half mile in width, is covered with
water which in many instances
reached to the second story of the
| dwellings. In this district are situated
! the Rogers locomotive works and sew
eral silk mills and dye works. Nearby
| live fully 600 families who have been
| driven from their tenements. Several
| hundred Of these people were taken
| from their houses in boats and barges
| amid scenes of much excitement.
Tonight more than a hundred
homeless families are sheltered in the
Fifth Regiment armory. Citizens
| from all parts of the city have poured
| in loads of blankets, clothing and pro-
visions. City employees of every de-
partment worked like beavers in their
| efforts to relieve the distress. There
was a lack of boats to cope with the
emergency and a wagon load was sent
| over from Newark in good time to give
| excellent service.