The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1908-06-10

ton OF the structure that was demol-
ished. a frightful eddy surged around
the pier during the early stages Of the
food, and Saturday afternoon it was
apparent that the pier was being un.
dermined by the current. but nothing
could be done to protect it.. During
the evening hours the superstructure
began leaning toward the current, and
about ll:3O p. m. the draw fell from
its support with a crash that could be
heard all owe town. The disaster was
q most spectacular incident. according
to witnesses of the aft air. 1t was pre-
coded by a grating, cracking noise,
and 10 a few seconds the big draw
swung or its center with its head
pointing up stream; it then swung
back to its former position, where the
iron framework began to split to
pieces as the structure fell into the
raging torrent. The breaking metal
emitted showers Of sparkle IS the SUI
perstructure was demolished, making
Q wierd scene in the darkness.
Efforts will be made to replace the
draw at as early q date as possible,
and arrangements have already been
made to build q ferry that will accom-
modate all kinds Of traffic until the
bridge is repaired. A gasoline launch
will also be in operation to transfer
passengers and light freight across
the river.
Some Of the residents OF the inun-
dated districts remained at their homes
during the food, but most of them re.
moved Saturday evening to the more
elev ated sections of the town. A mum.
Der Of families made their temporary
home in the court house and public
school building, while others we're
Hospitality entertained by their friends
in the dry district. Open house was
kept at the residences of c. E. Duer,
John Harris, Geo. L. Overfield, Geo.
w. Frields and q number of other
residents OF that part Of town, where
accommoda atoms we're awaiting all
who were suffering temporary incon-
venience from the excessive moisture.
The situation was accepted with good
nature by the refugees, who soon
adopted plans for amusement until the
flood receded.
The water began to subside abou,
10 O'Clock Sunday morning, but dur.
ing the greater part OF the day 1t was
impossible to reach many parts OF
town except by boat. horseback, or
by vehicle. Two gasoline launches.
several row boats and a large canoe
were kept busy carrying sight.seers
to varions parts of the flooded area,
Occasionally q Of the crafts would
run aground on a street crossing OF
some other obstacle, and one of 1T
occupants would have to jump over
board and perform the "cordelle'
stunt of pioneer days.
The town was In darkness Saturday
night, owing to the flooded condition
Of the electric light plant. Men were
at work protecting the building Sat
urday afternoon with bags of dirt ant
coal slack, but the water gained OF
them and finally found entrance
through the windows. A long bias
from the steam whistle announced tn
suspension OF service at the city pump
ing station and electric light compan.
plant.
Several wild rumors were anon,
the things that we're ahoat Sunda,
morning. 1t was reported that o.
Fellows hall, the Harry Gould resi-
dence and the Reeder saloon had bee
wrecked by the food, but investiga
ton showed that In each instance tn
story was without foundation. 1t wa
a!so reported that the food would b
increased by the breaking Of the Blac
Eagle dam at Great Falls. but late
: advices from that city dispelled =,
Z apprehension caused by the false RI
. NOR.
. The young people appeared to enjo
the novel experience of flood cond;
. tions in the public streets. Boatin
parties we're organized, vehicles {
all kinds were brought into requis
ton, while others made the rounds o
~improvised RATS. Several venture
some small boys took cold baths l
" the muddy waters while navig attn
y the streets on pieces Of drifting sid
walk, but there was no serious acc
q dent during the day. Wading partie
of citizens provided with gum boo
and water proof clothing we're e.
e gagged in removing property from Sc,
y eral of the flooded dwellings, or a.
s sisting in transporting women az
J. children to homes that we're M
reached by the food. Most of II
evicted families returned to their res
y dences Sunday evening, and Wei
busily engaged Monday in repairiu
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