Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1908-09-12
TOday's Telegraphic News
The Forest Fires.

Inc fOreSt Fifcbs
Duluth, Minu.,. Sept. 12.-With
Grand Marais, a town of 1900, on the
north shors, partly Destroyed and Beaver
Bay, eighty miles away, also attacked
by the hlmes, and o dozen smaller towns
10 great peril, 1t is apparent today that
unless rain comes within forty-eight
hours the entire list now being swept
by forest fires is doomed 10 obstruction.
Among the larger places in peril are
O,leraip, Bovey, Nsshwauk, Msrble,
HibbiDg, Bull, Big Bay, Chicago Bay,
Cotton, Aurora, 'Mountsin Iron, Rens-
hall, Fort Williams, Ont, Hymers, Ont
Port Arthur, Ost., Cascade and Nutson.
The Great Northern. Northern Pacific
and all ststs railroads have fire trains
out fighting to save property along the
lines and protect bridges and stations.
II is q battle In which all sble bodied men
throughout the threatened territory are
taking hand and hundreds are near ex-
haustion as a result of week struggle.
The Copper, the Minnesota training
ship, last night succeeding 10 removing
many refugees from Grand Marias.
The steamer America In response to an
appeal from Governor johnson has gone
to Beaver Bay to rescue the people there
There is little hope Of saving these towns.
The entire north shore is alive with
wild animals of sll kinds, driven out OF
the woods by the flames. Residents OF
small settlements also have deserted
their homes and fed TO the lake for pro-
lection.
The night scene along the shore is an
awe inspiring sight ss seen from the
water, according to rescuers who were
on the Copper. For distance of more
than hundred miles the flames appear
to be almost continuous. The roaring
of the FIRE can be heard for miles. The
great peat beds Of Minnesots are ablaze.
Even whils the flames are at work,
provision is being made as rapidly as
possible to relieve the suffering. In re-
spouse to Governor Johnson's appeal
$45. 900 has been raised by the Duluth
relief committee for the homeless ref
ugees. The supply OF provisions and
clothing now seems to be ample.
The fires have now been burning for
one week and are believed to be OF In
cendiarg origin. Ten towns aud mining
sentllemants, have been destroyed. and
twenty towns are in immineat danger
The total fire loss is estimated at over
$40, 900, 900; people homeless number
about Thirty thousand; and the property
of seven railroads Is In danger or dam
aged. Minnesota state troops are now
on the scene.
Detroit, Mich, Sept. l2.-Olouds OF
smoke drifted down upon Detroit from
the FIRE area in the northern psrs OF the
,tste this morning. The pail settled
over the river more dense than fog.
Up In Lake 81. Clair, giant whistles
rosred as warnings as vessels CROPPED
their way along the channel. 1t Is 80
dark today that lights are burning In
every efice building and store.
Information from Port Huron says
that navigation was suspended there
becsuse of the smoke and steamers have
tied up.
Fires are raging through the northern
part of the lower peninsula and several
towns are threatened, bat thus far 20
lives have been lost excep, 10 the upper
peninsula. 8.
Cleveland, Sept IA light north
east wind Is blowing ACROSS this morning
carrying with it heavy 6lm of smoke
from the forest fires in Michigan. 1t Is
impossible to sight boats any distance
from the shore and the entire business
section of Cleveland is enveloped by the
smoka