The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1903-05-31

Topeka, Kan, May 3U.-EOur nun
dred houses have burned in North To-
neka. and that whole section Of the
city will be burned.
As far as can be learned about Isl
burned to death.
Burning houses are floating about
setting fire to others. The lower story
of the burning buildings contain ter
feet of water The current is so strong
that no boat can approach any of the
burning buildings.
People are gathered on the tops OF
houses, and will meet death either by
fire or drowning. The cries for help
can be distinctly heard mile away.
The whole city is wildly excited be-
cause no aid can be extended to the
sufferers. The river at North Topeka
is five miles wide.
No possible estimate Of the financial
loss is obtainable, but it can be stated
that it will reach into the millions.
Great Mills Destroyed.
North Topeka was the manufacturing
district of the city. Three large flour
mills, three wooden mills and other
manufacturing enterprises are entire
~ destroyed.
Abe water supply of the whole city
been cut off. The water from
tie river extends nearly a mile on
the south side. The Rock Island de-
pot has been abandoned, and more
than 500 people on this side of the
river are also homeless, but no loss
OF life has resulted in South Topeka.
The Kansas avenue bridge is the
only one across the river for miles,
and the approaches to that bridge are
flooded by thirty feet of water. A
pontoon bridge is being erected, in an
effort to reach the sufferers.
Seven thousand or more people are
on this side of the river. sheltered in
the public buildings. Topeka is now
able to take care of all the unfor-
Inmates. The work of caring for the
refugees is being pushed with the ut
most rapidity.
Eighty Fires Raging.
From the State House dome as many
as eighty fires can be counted in differ
ent parts of North Topeka. The en-
tire central portion of the city had been
burned out at 10 o'clock tonight, and
it is safe to say that by morning not
a house in the main part of North To-
peka will be left standing.
When it is stated that North Topeka
has 10000 inhabitants. the extent OF
the disaster can be realized.
People are sticking to the roofs OF
houses and to trees, and many are CIV
ing up in despair and dropping into
the waters below to be carried away
by the swift current. 1t is death by
fire or drowning to 400 persons, unless
means can be found for their rescue.
Great efforts are being made to con-
struct steam launch to go to the aid
of the sufferers and whatever is done
must be done promptly, or the loss of
life will be appalling.
Thrilling Rescues Effected.
A. P. Baldwin who at great risk
of his life. crossed in a boat to the
north side, returned late tonight and
reports that nothing can possibly be
done to save the city from burning.
Miss lola Troutman. sister of ex-
Lieut.. Gov. Troutman, was rescued
with her aged father late tonight. The
two had spent the entire day on the
roof of their house. and were just about
to drop into the water when aid came.
Chief of Police Doff, Thomas Page
and A C. Holman. all of prominent
families of the North Side, are among
the victims
Mayor Bergundthal was rescued by
DR.. L. L. Powell in a boat, after re-
manning in a boat all night.
Congressman Charles Curtis. with his
family. left the flooded district this
morning, but his aged mother refused
to go. saying she had seen much worse
Hoods than this. This evening two
men. at the risk of their own lives
succeeded in getting the old lady away
safely.
Mrs. A. F. Snyder with her -four
children, all stricken with the measles,
we're rescued. Many thrilling escapes
are told
A company OF militia has taken
charge Of the work Of rescue, and ow-
ing 10 their efforts. several hundred
people have been saved who otherwise
would have persisted.
Situation Desperate.
The situation OF the belsa guersd peo-
De tonight IL desperate IN the ex-
tene. Not only are they threatened
~ IRE ana water, but through Ions
exposure IN me colo dismal atf0osphere,
without suncieut clothing. fbsy would