The San Francisco call., 1905-05-12

3.
Clarence Jones.
Sarah Kidd.
John Lawson. Martha Lawson. Letta J.
LETTER Samuel Lee.
Millard. Mrs. Mary Mice. Mrs. DR.. Miller.
Al Orchard.
Jenna Pokon, c. c. Paulson.
Ruby Sutherland. Hudson Saunders, J. H.
Sigier, Mr.. String1eld Pearl Spears
John Townsend.
Mr.. Vance manager Of telephone exchange
Ms. P. BLY, Williamson, fatally.
FINANCIAL AID NEEDED.
1t is utterly impossible to arrive at
any definite idea of the property loss.
Considering the fact that not a single
building in the whole town of Snyder
was left undamaged, and the addition
al fact of the great damage to live
stock, fruit and crops, it is very prob
able that the total harm done by the
storm will reach high figure.
The storm formed near the Texas line
and it's path extended in a northerly
direction for over forty miles, causing
damage at Altus, Olustee and other
small towns and in the country, as well
as at Snyder. Reports indicate that the
casualties outside of Snyder will ag
gregate twenty-five, and may go
higher.
At Snyder the lack of means to bury
the dead is causing serious inconve-
nience. Financial aid is needed most.
Governor I. B. Ferguson to-day is
sued a request to the Mayors of vari-
Gus Oklahoma towns, the heads of
charitable organizations and the pas
tors of churches to collect funds for
the assistance of the sufferers, there
being no statutory means for the ap-
preparation of money for calamities
similar to the one at Snyder. A num-
Der of cities have responded and as
sistance Is being rendered as fast as
practicable Governor Ferguson has
ordered the signal corps of the Nation
al Guard to proceed to Snyder from
Lawton to aid in the rescue work.
Secretary Charles Cunningham oi
the Scottish Rite bodies of Oklahoma
and Indian Territory has announced
that there is on hand and Immediately
available for purposes of aid several
hundred dollars in the treasury of that
order.
HEED WARNING TOO LATE.
SNYDER, Okla, May 1.-THE havoc
wrought by the tornado is complete
Out Of q town of 1000 people not more
than a score of houses are intact, while
two-thirds of the buildings are totally
wrecked.
The storm formed south Of Olustee
near the Texas line, and took a north
easterly course through well-settled
section. At o'clock 1t was observed
by the people of Snyder, but the usual
, funnel-shaped formation was lacking
and though the roar was plainly heard
for some time before the storm broke
many were of the opinion that it was
a hailstorm. Within few minutes the
sky became suddenly dark and a ter
rife downpour Of rain began, lasting
for several minutes, when 1t stopped
al 1u oc hod
menced. A few moments of ominous
calm followed and then the tornado
struck, tearing buildings to pieces as
though they were made Of paper.
Many people who had thought to take
advantage of the calm to seek refuge
In cellars were caught In the streets
and between buildings, where some
were lifted high in the air and dashed
to the ground as though hurled from
e. catapult, while others were struck by
flying debris and crushed almost be-
yond recognition. Those who remained
in their houses, except in a few blocks
in the southeastern corner of the town
Jared no better. The frame structures
collapsed like eggshells, burying occu-
pants under the debris, killing, crush
ing and manning.
Six OF the eight hotels were torn to
pieces, burying many in the wreckage
MOTH OF the IdliTOaQ Track, Wdere
many cottages stood, not one il left
and the wreckage is mostly carried
away.
DEADLY WORK QUICKLY DONE
In few moments it was all over
and the air was filled with shrieks
of injured, mingled with cries of those
who had escaped and were seeking lost
ones. Within short time messengers
were dispatched to Mountain Park. two
and half miles away, where the news
was sent by telephone to Hobart. Ply
sicians and nurses were called for and
relief trains were made up at Mangun
Hobart, Chickasha and Lawton and
hurried to the scene by the Frisco
Meantime the able-bodied survivors in
Snyder were working heroicaIly ali
through the night amid the most heart
rending scenes. A building was util-
lied for a temporary hospital and an
other was used as morgue. The lat
ter, dry goods building, presented q
grewsome appearance when day