The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-03-19
All Roads Entering Memphis from the
West Rendered Imperative by
High Water.
MARION, ARK, IN A PLIGHT
RESIDENTS OF THE TOWN NOW
LIVING IN SECOND STORIES.
No Further Crevasses I'm the Missis-
sippi Levees-Conditionsa at vicks-
burg and New Orleans.

MEMPHIS. Tenn, March 1S.-The flood
situation to-nigf' shows a number OF new
and serious developments. and there Is
scarcely a ray of hope for improved condi-
tions yet. except the fact that tributaries
of the Mississippi to the north of Memphis
are reported to be falling. One Of the most
serious developments OF the last twenty
four hours is the washing out of all lines of
railroad entering the city from the west
and the complete tying up Of railroad traf-
fic through the Memphis gateway to that
section. There have been no trains either
into or out of the city to-day over the Men,
phis bridge and there, is every indication
that traffic cannot be resumed until the
flood has subsidized to a considerable de-
gree.
So suddenly did the rise come in the Sec
tion Of Arkansas across the river from
Memphis after the ST. Francis ievee broke
at Trice's Landing that two passenger
trains were caught between washed-out
points and are now surrounded by water on
blind tracks In the overflow territory about
three miles west of Bridge Junction. Ark.
Aboard these trains were about seventy
fve passengers and crews each. and to-
night over one hundred of these persons
remain on the trains with no prospect of
being taken Off until tomorrow or later
However. they are not considered to be In
any danger. and those who have returned
from the surrounded trains report that the
other passengers are being well cared for
by the railroad company.
wAsHOUTs BEFORE AND BEHIND
The breaks occurred shortly after 9
o'clock last night just after a west-bound
train on the Cotton Belt and Frisco had
left Memphis. The Cotton Belt train left
at O'Clock and had proceeded but a few
miles when It encountered a section of
flooded track. In attempting to cross the
rails spread and the engine was partially
deraiied. preventing the train from moving
in either direction. While in this condi-
ton the Frisco fast Kansas City passenger
train approached from Memphis. and with
its assistance the Cotton Belt engine was
pulled back on the track. In the meantime
serious washout had occurred between
the trains and Memphis and retreat to this
city was cut of. All nighs the passengers
were compelled to remain in the coaches,
while the water rose on every side. and this
morning there was not particle of land in
sight within mile of their position.
The trains are on the tracks of the Iron
Mountain near Altman. Ark. Before them
are washed out tracks and on this side the
foundation has been carried away until
passage Is unsafe In the extreme BY TAX
Ing risks several handcars succeeded in
reaching the water-bound trains to-day and
about fifty passengers were brought to this
city over submerged and shaky tracks The
remainder refused to attempt the return
and are housed in the coaches, being fed
by the railroad companies. Attached 10 the
Frisco train Is a dining car, and ADEQUATE
supplies were sent to them to-day on the
handcars.
HIGHEST EVER RECORDED.
The river here tonight shows 1915 feet on
the gauge. the highest stage ever recorded
and a rise OF two inches since last night
The river is about stationary. and 1t is
possible that a fall may set in at any mo-
ment- But this prediction would be ex-
tremely uncertain. as. in spite OF the fact
that the river Is being drained by the break
at Trices Landing. the rise at Memphis
was almost at the rate of an inch an hour
The situation In this area Is growing
worse with each hour, and 1t Is evident
that general rise OF foot more must oc-
cur over the entire submerged area unless
very material fall takes place before the
gap at Trice's can let through this volume
OF water alone, or with the assistance of
other crevasses which may occur. An effort
was made to-day To send a steamboat and
barges through the gap for the rescue OF
persons and live stock in that district by
President Kiilough, OF the ST. Francis leyee
board On the way up the river the steam
er was disabled. and 1t returned TO Mem
phis for repairs. A second effort will he
made tomorrow. and II Is thought IL will
be successful. although IL is sure to be at
tended by considerable danger to those In
charge of the boat
Some persons were rescued from Marion
Ark. by means of skiffs. and the situation
there Is somewhat relieved. Eight white
families and fully two hundred negroes re.
main there in the second stories OF build
ings. Over a thousand head OF live stock
has been gathered at the village.
The city all day has been filled with
travellers who have been delayed on ac-
count of the washouts west OF the river
but the railroads have made plans TO relieve
this congestion Refugees continue to ar