Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-10-29

of the family circle might still be breathing
beneath. Here and there some frantic
mother could be seen eagerly running up
hope that some missing nttle one would be
found K
In some places the waves, instead of
covering up with q layer of sand, had
themselves taken to, digging, and the VII,
1iage purying ground was disgusting beyond
description. Tombstones overthrown, here
and there hole suggestive of a recently
exhumed occupant. white the neighboring
temple had its trappingsgqf embroidery torn
to shreds and the few remaining upright
posts ornamented Herewith. And while
the dead are being sought for provision
must be made for the living, and the weary
workers themselves would have to pause to
obtain nourishment for themselves and
those dependent on them, and that unre-
lenting anxiety, that heartrending sus-
loss of home and of all which that means
even to the so-called .uncivilized,' unnerved
even the strongest and drove them to a
state of madness.
Hungry Children. :.
"One little band of about fifteen children
huddled together on one of the sand heaps,
the elder ones trying to soothe and quiet
two moaning little tots who just knew they
were hungry and could not think Of any
thing else. Presently woman approached
with her apron caught up at the corners,
anu when she TedCncO the 1lttIe groups she
disclosed six lean sweet potatoes. How
those little eyes glfstened, and eager little
hands stretched out for that all too scanty
provision. And thirty little hands tore at
the food and fifteen little mouths munched
with feverish haste which told they had
not suffered from overlooking during the
preceding twenty-four hours.
1T seems hardhearted to discuss such
commonplace things as railways, bridges,
&C.. In the presence of such sad sights, but
gangs of workmen are already at work
trying to restore some means of communi-
cation. In many places the electric tram
way Will have to be entirely relaid, and
many of the bridges reconstructed. The
old wooden structure known as the Shi-
kawa bashi Is now beyond repair, being
hopelessly wrecked and impossible except
for those who have sufficiently steady
nerves to Chamber along a single pole over
rushing torrent. 1t will require months
Of hard work before the electric traction
and light systems are again at work, while
the reconstruction of houses, boats, schools,
temples, &C., seems almost too tremendous
task TO be undertaken at all.
Nikko's Sacred Bridge.
One of the unfortunate results of the
great storm was the destruction Of the
famous Red bridge at Nikko. The destruc-
tion of this Red brigde, or Mi-hashi, de-
prives Nikko Of one of it's most valued pos
sessions. 1t crossed the Daiya-gawa, a
stream about forty feet wide. The fol-
lowing details appear in Murray's Guide:
THE bridge is supported on stone piers of
great solidity, fixed into the rocks between
which the stream flows, and its color forms
a striking contrast to the deep green of the
cryptomerias on the opposite bank 1t was
formerly closed to all persons except the
Shotgun save twice a year, when 1t was
opened to pilgrims. 1t stands on the spot
where, according to the legend, Shodo
Shonin crossed the river. His hut stood on
the site overlooking it, now occupied by the
Kanaya Hotel. The present structure,
which is eighty-four feet long and eighteen
feet wide, was built in 1888 and last re-
paired in 1892. The gates at each end are
kept constantly closed. Forty yards or SO
lower down the stream Is the so-called
Temporary bridge (Kari ?bashD, which is
open to ordinary mortals."