Omaha daily bee., 1908-09-29
DROUTH IS BROKEN
Rain General Over United States,
Bringing Relief
COOL WEATHER FOLLOWS AFTER
FroSt, kIIIinR In Character, Falls
over kansas, Missouri and Even
in Texas-RaIn in the
East.

Hope at last is seemingly justified that
the drouth which has prevailed over the
entire eastern section of the United states
for months Is about to be broken. Although
only light rains have fallen thus far. the
precipitation has been general over the en-
tire affected area. While It has not yet
been Of sufficient volume to have any
marked effect on the disastrous forest and
brush fires which have been sweeping hun
dreds OF thousands of acres. or on water
courses, which have fallen to the lowest
points in many years, the prospect of heav-
Ter and continued rains throughout the east
Is held out by weather forecasters. IL
these expectations are realized the work OF
the fire fighters will be relieved, the wheels
Of many factories which ceased TO turn
because of lack of water power will again
become active and farmers, for the first
time in many weeks, will be assured ade-
auate supplies OF water for their live stock.
-
WASHINGTON, Sept. 2s.-The breaking
of the prolonged drouth throughout the
country lie announced In reports to the
weather bureau today. Rain has fallen
generally in the United States and For
caster Garriott Of the weather bureau
announced early today that It would con-
tlnue today and tomorrow through the east
en states, followed by clear and decidedly
cooler weather. The rains now prevailing
in the territory east Of the Mississippi river
started in the far west several days ago.
PHILADELPHIA. Sept. 2S.-Rain began
falling Throughout eastern Pennsylvania
early today. The present rain is expected
to moisten the soil sufficiently to save
crops that have not already been ruined by
lack of water.
Today's rain is the first in this city in
more than three weeks.
CLEVELAND, Ohio. Sept. 2s.-The dis
astrous drouth which has prevailed in this
section for many weeks, was broken early
today. Reports show that showers fell
at many points in Ohio during the night
and early today.
Ohio River at Low Stage.
CINCINNATI, Ohio, Sept 2s.-Before the
rain OF today which broke a six weeks
drouth throughout the Ohio valley, the Ohio
river had dropped below three feet at this
point, reaching the lowest stage in thirteen
years. The last rain fell here on August II
Vegetation had dried up and the river
business was forced to a standstill. II
IL estimated that at least 100000 bushel,
Of coal has been loaded at Pittsburg and ii
the KT1awha region ready for shipment
Just as soon as the rise comes.
MARINETTE, wis, Sept. 2S.-A soakinI
rain which began Sunday evening and con
tinued until this morning has extingulsheC
the many forest fires in Marinette county
Before the rain came, the towns OF Col
and Kinsman on the Wisconsin and Mich
lgan railway were wiped out and six o.
eight families in each place had to flee foi
their lives.
The town Of McAllister was saved by tn,
residents. assisted by volunteers from Mar
inette.
The loss 90 the y. Ludington company
Senator Stephenson and the Sawyer Good
man company in standing timber will b.
large.
Other companies on the Menominee rive
also lost heavily in standing timber. Nil
lions of feet OF pine and hard wood wer,
burned.