The Ketchikan miner., 1908-09-05

stance of unselfish heroism with but few parallels occurred here yesterday, the heroine being Mrs. Rooke, a young woman employed in the tele- phone exchange. When the terrify- l ing news was received that the Ar kansas River had overflowed it's banks and that rolling wave of water was
 seeping down the valley, destroying levery hing in it's path, Mrs. Rooke re- 1 usec to leave her post in the ex- change but with deliberate self con- lrol immediately began to call up and notify the subscribers. The progress Of the wave toward the doomed town WIS reported at frequent intervals but Mrs. Rooke went steadily down the lis, calling home after home and giv- ing them quick but clear warning to run for their lives. Suddenly the flood reached the telephone building and the girl was swept away to her death after saving the lives of at least forty persons. It is impossible to es- tima,e the total loss of life, but be- tween twenty and thirty are now known to have perished, while the property loss will be very high. It is the worst disaster on the river for many years, since this same stream rose suddenly and swept away load ed train which was standing on a bridge.
 Seattle, Aug. 3l.-Marshal Perry of the third division of Alaska, today stated that he was utterly at loss to explain his peremptory removal from office. He declares that there has been little or no friction in the con- duct of the office, except in one in- stance, and that he would leave at once for Washington to ascertain why ne had been dropped from the service. The one case of serious trouble which had marred his administration, Perry said, had arisen from a letter written by deputy named Dillow, while Perry was away. Perry supposed that this matter had been cleared up by Dillow's discharge which occurred some time ago.
 New Orleans, Aug. 31.-While near ly all members-.of the local fire de- partment were on their annual picnic yesterday, a blaze broke out in the business district which soon grew to proportions beyond the control of the handful of fire fighters who had been left on duty. Hurry calls were sent to the members of the depart ment who were away, and the citizens attempted to handle the heavy appa- ratus with but little success. The flames spread from store to store and before the regular department could be assembled and the fire checked, fully million dollars worth of prop erty had been destroyed.
 Chicago, Aug. 3l.-One of the big gest mining deals ever made in Alas kan property is reported to have been consummated here today, after nego- tiations which have continued for many months. It is stated today on good authority that l.. Hirsch x Con- pany, an old and prominent banking firm of London and Paris, have agreed to take over the Hubbard FL liott mines in the.Valdez district for consideration of seven and half million dollars. Of this amount Elliot will receive two million, Hubbard of Valdez mil illion and a half, Ellitt' s father and brother million and half and other share holders will receive pro rata clen two million and half. The buyers will obtain full control not only of the mines, but of the terminals and rights of the Valdez Yukon railway, which will in all probability be pushed through with ample capital to insure its completion. It is reported that the plans of the new company include the construction of huge smelling plant at Valdez, to which the ores will be taken for treatment. The plans of the new owners have not been fully an- nounced, but are supposed to cover a most elaborate program of develop ment. It is reported that Henry Bert, the South African diamond king is an associate of the banking firm in the enterprise and that practically unlim-
 ted millions of dollars will be avail able for the carrying out of the project.
 Portsmouth, Eng land, Sept. D. The entire coast of England was swept last night with one of the most ter rife gales in modern maritime his- tory. Many wires are down this morn- ing, but reports are coming in from dozens of points on the coast, each one describing the storm as unusu- ally severe. Scores of small boats were caught off shore and the beach is said to be practically strewn with wrecks for miles. At the height of the storm, rescue parties were formed at several different points, but the terrific seas rendered the life-savers helpless. If is reported that several