The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1910-01-26
Conditions Are Warming.


Paris, January 25.-The floods have
brought disaster TO large part Of
France The Seine Is now raging
torrent, and rising al the rate of more
than half an inch an hour. AS 1t
furiously rushes seaward it sounds the
message OF increasing misery and de-
struction. The official estimate to-
night is thai the Seine will be at least
fifteen inches higher by to-morrow at
sternoon.
The victims of the flood number
more than 100000. and the money loss
is incalculable. Thousands OF people
are hopelessly ruined. and are fleeing
to Paris.
The government. by urgent meas
urcs, has prepared in army and navy
material to house the sufferers. and
boats for the rescue of the stricken,
houses In the food centres on all sides
Of Paris.
The region of inundation is steadily
charging. and villages. in scores OF
places. are completely submerged. the
people fleeing for their lives and aban-
doning everything. In many cases the
soldiers have been obliged to use
force in compelling the Inhabitants to
evacuate their homes. Hundreds OF
them refused to leave, clanoring only
for food and water.
Alarming situation in Paris.
In Paris the situation Is rapidly be-
coming worse, the floods sparing neith-
er the rich nor the poor.
The flood is insidiously invading
the compactly built area on either side
of the winding Seine, undermining the
residences and public buildings, and
forcing the evacuation of many houses.
All the streets in the southeastern sec
ton are running rivers. Every hour
helps to complete the tie-up of the tel
ephone. telegraph and railroads. The
subway and tram service are dimin-
ishing, and in every section gas and
electric lights are failing.
Paris is practically cut off south and
west, and IL the present conditions con-
tinue the question of food supplies
will become menacing. The Senats to-
day unanimously adopted an appropri-
alton OF 100000 tor national relief
and various societies are sending out
calls for aid. president Fallieres heads
the list, with $4,000, and. other gifts
aggregate $4,000.
The entire population of Ivry-Sur-
Seine and adjacent places, which are
completely covered with water, are in
desperate state. Only the tops OF
the houses at Alfortville are visible
the water averaging twelve feet in the
streets. AT this place, since o'clock
this morning, 5000 persons have beer
rescued by boats, and 10000 others
have found safety by thet. own efforts
In many towns along the rivers the
houses are collapsing and the wreck.
age is whirled of In the stream.
4 Apaches Engage In Piracy.
The rescue work at Alfortville was
hampered tonight by lack Of light
But the rescuers had more to contend
with than the turbulent waters. Groups
of Apaches had gathered and soon were
engaged in the work of piracy. The!
llselzed several of the boats and robbed
rescued and rescucrs alike. in some
cases they entered the houses and car
ried on their depredations. Finally.
force Of soldiers drove or the looters.
There were many cases of drowning
and death to the aged and sick as q re.
suit OF shock and exposure. Two In,
stances OF death were particularly pa,
thetic. Aged and infirm and finding
| themselves unable to move, a man ant
| woman hanged themselves to bee
Ipost.
patients. is surrounded by water, ant
/ grave results are feared.
President Fallieres and Premie
BRAND made an automobile trip tht
afternoon through the flooded district
/ In the eastern section of Paris. The,
walked through some OF the street
knee deep with mud and water, an,
saw the crowds fleeing. men tuEgin,
at valises and trunks. and weeptn;
women burdened with children and Al
sorts OF household belongings, nh
conditions were appalling. and tn
President and Premier hastened ava.
to seek means tof RELIEF for the sufrer
a Ing people. IN K ss Ss sissis M AN