The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-06-01
FOOD AND FUEL FAMINE


DIES MONIES, Ia, May On more
hope has been inspired in the breasts Of the
six thousand flood refugees by the report
that the river has begun to slowly decline.
After rising all night, a fall of two inches
was noted between S o'clock and noon.
The condition of the sufferers has been
slightly alleviated by the better organiza-
ton for their relief. But isolated instances
of extreme need of food have been dis
covered and those who were living in rain
soaked tents have nearly all been re-
moved to places of comfort in public build
ings. The need of bed covering is still
imperative. Not a wheel is turning in the
factory district and no effort is made to
open any business houses. Boats afford the
only means of communication between
north. south and east sections and the main
Gus. So far. by this communication, but
received. Reports Of a score more from
that section of the city which is cut off
from communication nave been received.
but cannot be verified.
The Northwestern operated one train out
from the city limits to-day, mail being con-
veyed to IL in q boat. The Rock Island is
trying to get trains through to the west.
The main line east is tied up. The Mil
waukee is also making spasmodic attempts
to operate trains. The Great Western,
Wabash and Burlington roads have com,
pletely abandoned their lines in this city.
The water and electric light and power
plants are still running. but it is only by
the employment OF several hundred men
TO man pumps and work on the levees.
For over two days it has rained constantly
and the mercury has fallen close to the
freezing point. Scores of men, women and
children have spent hours at. a time in
soaking wet garments, sitting on the roofs
of their homes, awaiting the arrival of
rescuers. The last or these was removed
at 10 o'clock.
More fatalities will result from exposure
than from drowning. The property loss will
amount TO millions. The situation at
Ottumwa and other points on the Des
Moines river below here is little better.
This afternoon the relief authorities an
nounced that they were confronted with a
over the city declare they have but two
or three days stock on hand. Their Is no
train entering the city and no prospect of
getting a shipment of freight into sDes
Moines in less than three or four DAYS.
Bakeries are overtaxed by reason of the
demand of the six thousand food refugees
through the relief association.
The temperature of the past three DAVIS
has been such as to. cause great suffering
and TO threaten great loss OF life through
exposure. Now IL transpires that there ia
light and power plant and the waterworks
have an Insufficient supply. Roads are i'm
passapie ior haniins amu no coal can be
his afternoon IL was stated that the situa-
ton was alarming, and notice was sent TO
every resident in the city TO draw an extra
ing OF the plant. Owing 10 the breaking
OF another levee. the Commons. on which
sixty tents were placed for flood refugees.
was flooded. completely submerging the
tents. The occupants escaped.
A telegram from Ottumwa late this after
noon stated that the situation there Is most
critical. The flood Is two feet higher there