Gilpin observer., 1903-03-19
BREAK IN THE LEVEE
MISSISSIPPI RIVER TEARS AWAY
PROTECTING EMBANkMENTs.
St. Francis Levee Near Memphis olvea
Way and Situation is Critical at
Three Other Points-RagIne Waters
Cut Crevasse Near Natehez.

Three Other Points-Raglne Waters
Cut Crevasse Near Natchez.
Memphis, March 1.-THE st. Fran
els levee gave way at Trice's Landing,
Ark, twenty miles north of the city,
and the waters Of the Mississippi river
are rushing through three-quarter
mile crevasse in the embanlment with
roar that can be heard for miles.
This is the first break that has been
made in the vicinity of Memphis. but
the water is still rising at rapid rate
and three other points on the Arlkan-
sas levee north of Memphis are In a
precarious condition.
The water had been on level with
the crest of the levee at Holly Bush
and the rise carried it over a foot
higher, sweeping away the temporary
embankments at Trice's and tearing
the levee itself from its foundation,
giving new channel for the flood.
The break was of such extent that the
engineers realized the hopelessnoss of
attempting to repair the breach, and
it was abandoned after the ends of the
levees at either side of the crevasse
AtSo DCtA ltNGliGu Will oGAQ stlChS
and stones to prevent further cutting
away Of the emhankment. The situa-
tion in the meantime had become
critical at three other points. and it
is considered doubtful if these places
can be held in the face of the rising
food.
At Pecan Point, Fcsleman's Landing
and ST. Thomas the food is abreast of
the crown of the levees and hundreds
| of men are at each place working to
save the day. So rapid is the advance
of the river that reports from these
positions are awaited with dread. and
1t will be no surprise If a crevasse
| has develo0ed at each before night.
The encineers on the levee board
say that the damage from the break
at Holly Bush will not be as severe
as would have been the case had the
crevasse occurred at any other point
on the enbankment. From this point
draw leads into the st. Francis river
through several bayous and lakes and
this will hol' the water to a great ex-
tent and prevent It's spreading out.
But even under this favorable condi-
tion, there will be considerable dam
age in Crlttenden county, Arkansas,
from the break.
Tho break above win not tend to re-
lieve the situation below Memphis,
as the water will flow back into the
Mississippi through the st. Francis.
and it is feared that several serious
breaks may occur on both the Arkan-
sas and Mississippi sides before the
week is ended.
In the city the situation is the worst
that has so far been reached. In
North and South Memphis many
homes and business houses have been
flooded. Street car traffic practically
has been suspended in North Mem
phis. The tracks of the Illinois Cen
trail along Wolf river are under water.
Appeals are pouring into the city
from all directions for aid by those
who have taken refuge on high points
along the river and who are now sur
rounded by the water. All local pack
cts have gone strictly into the rescue
business. but their capacity is over
taxed and they are unable to respond
to all demands that are received. All
day cargoes of refugees and their
property have been discharged at
the wharf here and there are several
hundred dest 'tute persons in the city
who are being cared for by charity.