Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1903-03-26
BREAKS IN LEVEES.
Crave Reports Received from Sew
eral Mississippi Points.
81. FRANCIS LEVEES GIVE WAY.


Memphis, Tenn, March 21.-The
feeling of hope that was produced
Thursday night by the Mississippi
river coming to stand at this point
with IL feet on the gauge, was dis
PEELED yesterday by the occurrence
Of two additional breaks in the st.
Francis levees north of the first
crevasse at Trice's landing, Ark, and
the grave reports that were received
from Mississippi points, as well as
by rise of OIL here.
Yesterday the st. Francis levees
gave way at Random Shot and Shaw
nee village, Ark, the first about AZ
miles from Memphis and the second
about IS. Both crevasses are report
ed to be serious, the one at Shaw
nee being the worst of the two. The
two breaks probably will increase
slightly the water in the territory of
Arkansas, which was flooded by the
break at Trice's landing and, in ad-
dition, they are flooding a vast
scope Of country which has thus far
been free from any considerable
amount Of water. The situation,
therefore, in Arkansas is more more
grave than at any time during the
food. Relief measures have been
and must be for several days COM
pletely inadequate. The long line
Of levees that guard the river front
of Mississippi and protect the vast
and fertile delta region of that state,
and which have thus far stood firm
against the great food, are reported
to be in critical condition at many
points and news Of disasters from
that country will not be surprising.
At points the water is sweeping
through the embankments, flooding
villages and plantations, and at
other places the embanlment is over
topped by the flood and enormous
quantities of water are being dis
charged into the country.
Refugees are continuing to arrive
in great numbers and the facilities
are too limited to care for them.
In response to telegram asking for
aid from Mayor Williams, of this
city, Secretary of War Root has an
swered that he will supply all need
ed tents as well as provisions for the
food sufferers. These tents will be
pitched on vacant lots and commits
saries will be established, so that
all the destitute may be cared for.
From the protected sections able
bodied negro men and their entire
families are coming to the city in
large numbers, ostensibly as food
refugees, but their real purpose
seems to be to escape work and be
cared for by the city and charitable
organizations. This is not only In
creasing the city's burden, but is
working great hardship upon the
planters, as they cannot secure the
laborers so badly needed at present.
Developments yesterday tend to
show that the reports from Marion,
Ark. Thursday night were somewhat
The levee was not dy-
yesterday and no relief boat
has been sent TO Marion
A Private Lsvss DynAmttsd.
vicksburg. Miss, March 21.-Show-
cru, accompanied by a stiff north
west wind, have caused increased
anxiety for the safety Of the levees
In this section Reports from Du-
vall's late yesterday evening stated
hat the main levee there is In no Inn
danger, but that from the
end of the loop to Chotard, g dis
lance Of four miles. the old protec-
lion levee Is in bad shape and the
water Is washing over at several
points. Back water from steeleis
bayou has attacked the lsvee from
he rear. This, IL Is feared, win have
he effect Of weakening the base.
Inspector Duianey has q large force
u men sacling the top Of the line
from DuvalTs to Chotard and strenu-
,us efforts are being made TO with
ItAnd the rapidly rising food
The private levee at Davis island
,outh Of here was dynamited last ,
light in several places. This was :
lone with the object Of eaHing the ,
ruter through and preventing the
.Feat damage that would result from
sudden rush
Gov. BroUc. o. Afi1ona yetutamg
ssosd .As hn for g''nt'as IqHnP