The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1905-07-04
HUNDREDS DIE
IN GREAT FLOOD.
CONTINUED From First paee.)


with masonry burst through. augmcnting
the flood and the scene became ono OF
terror and CONSERVATION. Tho people
made haste to gather their yaluables
and fee, aud many did SO at the risk OF
their lives. for the streets In the lower
part of the city were filled with rushing
waters and the roar of wind and rain
added to the general panic.
With one rush tho mighty flood burst
Its bound. foundation Of solldly built
masonry and houses being undermined.
Their Inmates In many cases were crush
ed. In those houses near the river
the water rose rapidly and the in
habitants went to the upper floors and
even to the roofs where they were cx-
posed to the full force OF the storm.
Many people thus seeking refuge In their
own houses went down In the crash OF
their dwellings. From the center OF the
city the food rushed TO both sides OF
the town and tho people. rushing out
to flee 20 the mountains, were caught
and swept away.
Merrynakers Drowned.
AT the time when the storm seemed
likely TO abatc, and before its great
est intensity was felt. there was great
crowd OF merrymakcrs In the plaza.
Gaming operators had scarcely time to
set up their tables and place their money
thereon when the flood rushed down
from tho hills. sweeping away booths.
money and tables. Many people Were
then and there drowned.
large number OF people had sought
refuge in tho church OF San Diego. but
soon were crushed to death under Its fall
Ing walls.
THE priest. who was addressing words
OF hope and consolation to the people,
was killed. Four hotels and some large
shops were demolished or badly DAM
aged. and some OF the handsomest man
s!ons In the city were wrecked. with
their rich furnishing. The second floor
>of the Hotel Union Is under five feet
of water.
Officers arc trying to preserve order
and to control the bands OF thieves who
are at work plllaglng shops and man--
sions. The Federal telegraph lines were
interrupted for some time, but the SER
vice is now resumed though the water
stands two feet in the building.
Searching for the Dead.
The BODIES OF the people drowned are
being taken to houses In the higher
streets, and the spectacle is a sorrowful
one, as the streets are filled with mourn
Ing survivors looking for their dead. It
Is probable that many bodies Will be
found under the ruins of houses
The famous La Ollo dam Is intact,
though at one time 1t was believed to
have burst. Many people are still camp
Ing in the mountains. The authorities
and tho telegraph officials have done
everything possible to maintain order
and keep communication open.
Guantajuato. capital OF the, Mexican
province of that name. Is 100 miles north
west from Mexico City and has a popuh.
ton of 65.N0O persons. It is the centre OF
an extensive gold and silver mining coun.
try Tho town is formed OF a number OF
villages placed around the mines. an OF
files. COLT feet above the sea, peculiarly
ut the mercy of torrents from higher
grounds or of an onrush or water IN case
or the collapse OF reservoir. such rs
occurred at YOUNGSTOWN. The houses or
the town arc we'll built, many Of them
of stone, Those occupied by the owners
and chief officials of the various mining
concerns are of imposing proportions. Tho
town contains several splendid churches,
numerous chapels and other religious
edifices. The. Ahondlga. a large public
Eranary. is remarkable edhce, The
mines tGuantajuato are the richest In
Mexico A large mint In the town sup
plies the bulk of the Mexican currency.
In addition to the mining industry there
are In the town number OF manufac- /
tories Of soap. WOODEN cloth, linen, pow
der and tobacco together with number
of tanneries Theftown was founded by
the Spaniards in 1545, constituted a town
In 1919 and invested with the privileges
of a city in 17h1.