Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-10-04
PLACING THE BLAME
Gov. Tener Starts Inquiry Into
Austin Flood Disaster.
SMALL OFFICE FOR DEAD
Victims Committed to the Grave
With But Scant Ceremony.
GUARD OVER STRICKEN CITY
Sightseers and Idlers Kept Away,
and None Admitted Without
Police Authority.
SMALL OFFICE FOR DEAD
GUARD OVER STRICKEN CITY

AUSTIN. Pa. October l-In a drizzling
rain, with roads washed by mountain
streams, Gov. John X Tener, who ar
rived here last night from Harrisburg,
started today on his tour of inspection of
the destroyed district. including the dam
of the Bsyless Pulp and Paper Company.
the going out of which resulted in the
death, distress and privation which has
overspread this village
Stronger than ever this morning was
the general opinion that the governors
visit indicated that the state officials are
looking over the situation with a view to
ascertalning their authority in conduct
ing an investigation as to the liability and
responsibility for the condition of the
dam. 1t is positively asserted by Gen.
Fred W. Fleitz. vice president of the
state water supply commission, that at
time was the state made cognizant
of the construction, repair or condition Of
the dam.
Denied by Gen. Fleitz.
1t had been said that at the time the
dam was repaired a year or more ago q
state engineer had inspected ii at the
request OF the company, and his report
was that it was unsafe. This report.
Gen. Fleitz says. is untrue. the state
has never been consulted in this con-
nectiOn.
State Senator F. f. Baldwin of counsel
for the Bayless Pulp and Paper Company
was among those in close touch with Gov.
Tener during his visit here.
Aside from the governors sojourn, the
situation early today assumed the rou-
tine OF clearing away wreckage, the
search for more bodies and renewed eff
forts to get men. not only as laborers.
but as cooks, whose services are sorely
needed. The replenishng of food sup
plies. too. is taxing the energies of the
commissary, as well the railroads. The
seventeen nurses from the state dispen-
sary have been worked almost to the
limit OF their strength having been fore
ed to do duty at the morgue as well as
cook, and as serving maids at the COM
missary, because the necessary help has
been understandable. Several have already
been forced temporarily to relinquish duty
to obtain rest.
Committed With Little Ceremony.
There has been remarkable absence of
ceremony in the burial of the dead. There
are no carriages or vehicles beyond one
undertakers rough wagon. In most in
stances when a body is turned over to
relatives a simple service is read and the
casket is borne to one of the two little
Eeveral OF the bodies have been shipped
away TO other towns or cities to be
buried by relatives.
A strict guard is still kept on the in
coming roads and none is allowed to pass
without authority. Incoming trains carry
only necessary baggage or freight, and
passenger coaches are locked at Keat ting
Summit to keep the idle curious from
crowding aboard and coming on TO Aus
tin.
Sees Need for Legislation.
Gov Tener left Austin at o'clock.
Upon his return from the trip of inspec-
ton he said he had gone over much OF
the destroyed section and visited the hos
pital, where he spoke words Of cheer to
the injured The governor said:
Il am more than ever convinced that
the states experience at Johnstown and
the destruction of this place demand leg
isIation that will give the state control
over all these dams and the surrounding
conditions.
Commissioner Dixon, with his aids.
has done all that is possible, and, If il is
necessary, Highway Commissioner Bige-
low will place his entire force at Com
missioner DiXon's disposal for the relief
of Austin.
The governor would not discuss the
matter of investigation, which, ii is now
thought, will not be begun until cfter the
inquest.