The Richmond palladium. (Richmond, Ind.) 1906-1907, 1906-10-20
Publishers Press1

Havana. Oct. 19-Not since the is
land republic was born has such
chaotic condition prevailed as at pre-
sent, the result of the tornado which
swept over that island during the
past As hours. All land wires are
down and the rain, which followed
the wind, has caused washouts all
along the line of the railroads, SO
that communication with the various
points on the island is at present abb
solutely impossible.
While it impossible to make even
an ordinarily correct estimate of the
casualties caused by the storm it
seems that the early statements of
81 killed in Havana, is erroneous.
and the list will not exceed II at the
outside.
Six of these were killed in Inquis-
idor street by falling walls. the
structures in that section being Of a
fiimsy character and giving way be-
fore the force of the wind that swept
across the city. Four others were
killed in the suburbs.
The coasting steamer Elvira cap
sized off the harbor and her crew
of five men were drowned. The ma
rine casualties We're very great, but
no effort has yet been made to COM
pile them. The ward line steamship
company had 81 of their big lighters
demolished by being dashed against
the wharves and the Southern Paci-
fic lost II in the same way Ma,U
coasting ships are reported on the
sands along the south coast, but it is
believed that the crews escaped.
Estimate of Damage Done.
A conservative estimate of the
damage done in the city of Havana
by the storm is s350,000. All of the
modern constructed buildings with
stood the storm. but the ancient edi-
fees that antedate the time of repub-
lie rules, were smashed.
There is much destitution as the
result. and the authorities under the
direction of Governor General Ma
goon are taking prompt measures to
relieve any distress.
All transportation lines in the city
are out of business. but the authorit-
les are doing their best, and one car
was run this afternoon for several
blocks. Railway communication to
the east. west and south will hardly
be restored before the midaie of next
week.
Prado is Total Loss.
The beautiful Prado, the real show
place in the minds of all Cubans. and
which has been referred to as the
Fifth Avenue of Havana is a total
loss. badly wrecked This is a double
4 ,l,f
channel opposite Morro Castle to Col
on Park for distance of about a
mile The inner ellipse is lined with
popular trees, and on the sides of the
roadway are the magnificent dwell
ings of the richer residents of the
city
The storm blew over the trees. over
turned statues and nearly dismantled
the park. while the residences on
both sides show the effects of the
severe window, windows being shat
tered and chimneys demolished
The conditions in the Prado are du-
plicated in every part of the city,sand
The many beautiful trees that have
been the pride of the citizens, are be-
reft of their branches.
Took City Unawares.
The cyclone took the city unawar !
II was preceded by a light rain which |
started in the afternoon and steadily |
Increased in volume, accompanied by |
very severe wind The lighter con- |
structed buildings were the first to
leel the effects, and reports of edifices |
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