New-York tribune., 1908-07-07

Lincoln Neb.. July 6-Temporary Chairman
theodore A. Bell. who had become almost hopeless
about reaching Denver in time for the opening of
the convention account of the high water, which
put railroads in and out of Lincoln out of busi-
ness, left the scene of the washout for Denver at
p. m. The Rock Island lines were able by un-
usual effort to arrange for special train from the
west side of the washout near Rokeby. Neb
Chairman Bell and Associated Press representatives,
were able to the swollen stream and board
the waiting train which will reach Belleville in
time to catch Rock Islands fast Colorado ex-
press from Kansas City-which will be held for the
plrpose-due in Denver at 8 o'clock tomorrow
morning Unless further unexpected trouble arises
Mr. Bell should reach Denver practically on time
hours ahead of the time for the opening of the
convention.
General Manager Melchers instructions to
.'get there on time if the train has to be
split into two sections TO do it.
Train service has practically been annulled and
floods have stopped all traffic in Lincoln. More
than three inches of rain fell last night. I he
water this morning three feet above the
maximum records of 1892 Train service all rail-
roads stopped Burlington train l IS IN the
Lincoln yards surrounded by water. Serious wash
outs are reported IN all directions the Burling-
ton and regular train service probably will not be
resumed for week. The Rock Island tracks are
submerged, and the Union Pacific. the Missouri
Pacific and the Northwestern are helpless
Streetcar traffic stopped this morning The Lin
coin Traction Company maintained service OH d
few lines. but Fairview. Havelock and the state
farm were cut off The Citizens Railway Company
did not operate cars on its road.
The foundation of the Hughes block was under
mined and the buildings tumbed into the Antelope.
Twenty persons escaped without injury.
The Northwestern and Burlington railway bridges
over Salt Creek threatened The plant of the
Lincoln Gas and Electric Light Company was in
undated this morning, and it was estimated that
the gas supply would not last longer than this
afternoon.
With telephone wires out of commission and
Fairview cut off from Lincoln by washout on
the trolley line, W. J. Bryan had ample oppor-
tunity to peruse the structures upon himself de-
vered yesterday by J. VI. Gufey, national COM
mitteeInan from Pennsylvania, in response to Mr..
Iryan's attack upon himself in a speech on July 4.
Il have nothing TO say Mr. Bryan's
sponse inquiry about the Guffey statement.
Last nights rain torrential accompanied by
vivid flashes of lightning and terrific rolls of
thunder for hours. The last trolley from the
city to Fairview compelled to turn back. The
rain ceased at about daybreak. and a large party
of repairmen swarmed along the line to drain off
the flood and make restorations where needed.
Robert Rose Mr.. Bryan's private secretary, was
driven from the tent which he occupied the
Fair View lawn. He rescued his bedding, but his
extra supply of clothing soaked through AS
the Bryan household had retired for the night, Mr.
Rose received shelter at the cottage of E. T.
Grantham This morning Mr. Bryan furnished
TO a bedraggled newspaper man who had been
marooned night at Fair View collar to re-
place one wrecked by the storm. He Informed
Mr. Rose that on any similar occasion in the
future Fair View was to be life saving station
for all outCasts.
Mr. and Mrs. Bryan narrowly escaped being
caught in the first downpnur. They had driven to
the Rock Island station to greet Central Iowa
Democrats who were passing through. and reached
Fair View just ahead of the food. A half hour
leading down the hill from the
Rrvan home to the trolley line shallow
Niagara.
The Bryan hay crop suffered damage, ana the
no1es ON one sire of the newspaper mems tent
thrown down by the sheer weight OF water Whlch
soaked the canvas
For a time The Associated Press wire TO Fair View
was the only communication between Fair View
and the outside world. When the telephone wires
were restored Mr.. Bryan endeavored to get news
of Theodore A. Bell, the Californian. who is to be
temporary chairman of the convention at Denver.
and who was the most important visitor expected
to-day.
Repair men who reached Fair View at O'Clock
renorfed ;hat the trolley bridge Antelope
Creek a mile east of Fair View, had been washed
away, together with considerable trackage. They
thought 1t possible that a carriage might get
through by roundabout route, but automobiles
could not by any means make the trip. That this
condition of affairs should exist at this particular
regarded as peculiarly unfortunate as the down
nour was ore of the heaviest in many years in
this vicinity.