Arizona republican., 1903-05-31
Twin Elements for DeStruC-
 tiOn of North Topeka
SCORES ARE DROWNED
Others on House Tops to Their Necks in the Rising Water Crying for Help Which Cannot Be Given-A Mysterious Fire Burns Many to Death Flaming Buildings Float ing on the Flood.

Topeka, Kas., May 30.-People who did not leave North Topeka last night when they had chance are now in the greatest danger of losing their lives As near as can be estimated there are over 500 people beyond reach of the rescuers and the Kansas river is rising at the rate of three inches al hour. Thirty are known to be dead, and the list will be much larger. Hundreds are missing. People are drowning and others are burning to death.
 If any portion of North Topeka es- capes destruction by the flood it seems tonight as though fire would finish the work. The large lumber yard of Jona- than Thomas caught fire this after noon. and whole blocks of houses are burned Burning houses are floating through the streets and setting fire to others. It is reported that the Union Pacific depot and hotel has been burn ed There is TO possible way of quench- ing the flames Aside from the fact that the loss of life will be appalling, the property loss will be three million dollars or more. Nobody can tell just what has been destroyed. The water extends around Shorrey and other sub 1lrbs
 Every foot of North Topeka, inhabit- od by l0.G0o people, is under water. The current is so swift that no boat can live in it. Seven thousand people have escaped to the south side and are be- ing cared Tor as well as possible. The remaining large numbers have not vt hCen accounted for. They have been seen on tops of houses and waiting for the water to subside or carry them down the stream. They are safe on-s as long as the houses stand.
 Below town. scores of men are ta tree tops, yelling fer help. Thousands of revolver shots and screams have teen heard on the north side as sig rals for aid. Women and children in the west part of North Topeka where the water is probably deeper than at any other point in the immediate part of the city. are standing on the highest points in reach and yet in water to their necks. It is reported by men who have been in sight of the district that hundreds of people there are suf- ferin2 and sick.
 The current is so strong that oars are useless and early in the afternoon a gang was being organized to row as far as possible and to swim the rest of the distance. Several boats and wag- ons have been overturned, ard men and women have been seen struggling in the water. The river reached the Rock Island depot. on First street this morning. The water on Crane street is eight feet deep. and the current is like a mill race. Perhaps hundred people have been dumped into the water at that point. The river is twenty five feet above low water mark. and is still rising.
 The weather is cold and the -eoDle who have not been rescued are suffer ing intensely. Unless they have help soon it is feared that many will die of exposure
 In the E Street Colored' Baptist church. located on the north side. more than q hundred victims of the flood are gathered. The people are standing on pews in order to keep their heads above water.
 The work of rescuing and caring for the flood survivors is being carried forward systematically. Contributions are being rushed into the relief com mittee. Citizens are opening their homes to survivors and every indica- tiOn is that the committee will be well able to care for those who have lost their homes. Every public building in the city is sheltering scores of homeless people.
 The Rock Island has received a re- port that the river is falling at Man haitian. Offsetting this comes q re- port that a watersDout has started foot rise down the Blue rive~.
 Flood conditions are getting worse al Lawrence. Over 800 people in the northern part of the town are homeless. The large flour mill belonging to Con-