Arizona republican., 1903-05-31
II BECOMES A HORROR
There Has Been Nothing Like the To-
 peka Disaster Since JOhnstOwn.

Topeka, Kas, May 30.-Four hundred houses are burned and the whole of North Topeka will go. As near as can be learned about 150 persons are dead Most of these were burned to death Burning houses are floating about set ting fire to others. The lower stories of the burning buildings contain many feet of water. The current is so strong that no boat can approach any of the burning buildings. People are gath cred on the tops of houses and will meet death either by fire CT drowning. The cries for help can be distinctly heard mile away. The whole city is wildly excited, because of the fact that no aid can be extended to the sufferers.
 The river at North Topeka is live miles wide. Nc possible estimate of the financial loss is obtainable, but it can be stated that it will reach into the millions. North Topeka was the man ufacturing district of the city. Three large flour mills. three wooden mills and and other manufacturing enterprise are entirely destroyed. The water supply of the whole city has been cut off. The water from the river extends nearly a mile on the south side. The Rock Isl- and depot has been abandoned. and more than 800 people on this side of the river are also homeless, but no loss of life has resulted in South Topeka.
 The Kansas avenue bridge is the only one across the river for miles and the approaches to that bridge are flooded by thirty feet of water. A pontoon bridge is being erected in an effort to reach the sufferers. Seven thousand or more people are on this side of the river sheltered in public buildings and in the homes of citizens. Topeka is now able to take care of all the unforutnates. The work of caring for the refugees is being pushed with the utmost rapidity.
 Standing on the statehouse dome, as many as eighty fires can be counted in different parts of North Topeka. The whole central portion of the city had been burned out at 10 o'clock tonight and it is safe to say that by morning not house in the main part of North Topeka will be left standing. When it is stated that North Topeka has 10000 inhabitants the extent of the disaster can be realized.
 People are clinging to the roofs of houses and the limbs of trees and many are giving up in despair and dropping to the waters below, to be carried away
 
 fire or drowning to 400 people unless other manufacturing enterprises are means can be found for their rescue. Great efforts are being made to con- struct steam launch to go to the aid of the sufferers. but whatever is done must be done promptly or the loss of life will be appalling.
 A. P. Baldwin, who, at great risk of his life, crossed in a boat to the north side. returned at 10 o'clock tonight and reports that nothing possibly can be done to save the city from burning. Mayor Bergundthal was rescued by Dr. l.. l.. Powell in a boat after remaining on boat all night.
 Congressman Charles L. Curtis with his family left the flooded district this morning. but his aged mother refused to go, saying she had seen much worse floods than this. This evening two men, at the risk of their own lives, succeed ed in getting the old lady away safely.
 A company of militia has taken charge of the work of rescue, and, ow- ing to their efforts, several hundred people have been saved who otherwise would have Derished
 The situation of the beleagured peo- pie tonight is desperate in the extreme -NOl OHly are they bHItdlSleu ny lIt and water, but, through long exposure in the cold, dismal atmosphere, without sufficient clothing, they have died in any event. Delicate women and child ren have been without food or shelter since early last evening.
 Several of the persons rescued told of witnessing the drowning of persons during the day. The names of the drowned cannot be given tonight. Will Wright who manned one of the boats. told of the death of mother and child which he witnessed and which so af- fected him that he could not continue his work. The insane asylum is very near the river on the south side and on account of the rapidly rising water
 (COntinued on Pace Three