New-York tribune., 1903-06-03
TIE FLOOD OUTLOOK.

The scene Of danger from high water in the
West has been transferred from the mouth Of
the Kaw to that of the Missouri. The distance is
not far from $50 miles, and the crest of the
food wave ought not to take over two or three
days in travelling from Kansas City to St
Louis. That crest is far from sharp. and a
prompt change Of level is not to be anticipated,
even after the greatest height is reached. Still,
unless there should be a renewal of heavy
rainfall in the region which has been respon-
sbe for the present trouble, there should be a
perceptfble improvement In the situation in
the vicinity Of st. Louis before the week
closes. The upper Mississippi always contains
less water than the Missouri The former has
been greatly swollen for several days past.
and levees have given way in Iowa. The Des
Moines, which is 4 tributary of the Mississippi.
began TO subside before the kaw did though 4:
SO that for the present at least there is much
occasion for hoping that the worst of "the
June rise will soon be over Points below
Cairo are hardly likely to suffer again this
year IS they did in March and april They
have more to fear from the Ohio's discharge
than from that Of the Missouri.
If the peril at Topeka and in the suburbs of
Kansas City is less imminent to-day than OF
Sunday, the after effects Of the watery vista
ton will unquestionably be felt for weeks The
most pressing need. that for food and clothing,
is being relieved with splendid energy. But even
temporary quarters for those who have been
made homeless cannot be so readily supplied.
Months may elapse before the persons for
whom such provision is made are all once more
permanently established The number of peo-
pie who have thus been obliged TO effect a
change Of base can be scarcely less than twenty
+laa7 hall pT v1hp
are in the immediate vicinity of Kansas City.
A week or two may elapse before the bread
winners among them are able to resume work,
so general has been the paralysis of business.
1t VIII doubtless take still longer to make all
the repairs which are needed by railroads.
packing companies and municipalities Finally,
the health OF thousands is sure to be impaired
by exposure. loss of sleep and lack OF food, even
though there be no epidemic in consequence Of
bad sanitary conditions. Midsummer may ar
rive before the lately and still inundated regions
recover entirely from the varied injuries just
inflicted
One hardly knows which TO admire most, the
promptness with which other cities have of
fered aid or the selfreliance of the local au-
thorities and leading business men in Kansas.
Missouri and Iowa in ministering TO the neces-
stiles OF their OWL people. At first II looked as
If no outside aid would be required The Mayor
OF Topeka, however, telegraphed to The Tribune
yesterday, saying that help would be accept
able, and suggesting that contributions for that
city be sent 10 F. NJ Bonebrake, cashier of the
Central National Bank. in Topeka. AS yet Kan
sas City. Mo, feels able to extend necessary
relief ITO the needy on her side OF the river
but she thinks her namesake in Kansas is in
greater distress For the latter and for other
communities which the people of New York and
vicinity may wish to succor a proper channel
win be afforded by the appointment OF a relief
committee by Mayor Low. What is most