Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-04-06

TIPTONVILLE, Tenn, April 6-Hun-
dreds Of refugees from the flooded Reel
foot lake territory have gathered at
Ridgley, where there is high ground.
Whether the racing waters of the Mis-
sissippi flood caught many persons OF the
Reelfoot lowlands as they scurr!ed for
high ground last night has not been de-
termtned. Practically all the live stock
that grazed on the lowlands OF Lake
county has been drowned, and it is re-
ported two children lost their lives as
they fed.
When the levee near Hickman. Ky.
broke yesterday afternoon. letting the
flood waters Of the Mississippi into the
Reelfoot lake country. the warning was
flashed by telephone, and where the wires
did not reach couriers were dispatched.
Farmers and villagers who previously
had declined to abandon their homes
were anxiously awaiting world of the re-
were ready to fee for the highlands as
soon as the warning reached them.
Cattle Caught In Flood.
In their flight they were obliged TO
leave their livestock and hundreds OF cat
tie were caught in the floods rush. Great
numbers of the refugees. travelling in
all sorts OF conveyances. made their way
to Ridgley. where the high ground af-
fords protection from the water.
Because Of the break in the levee at
Hickman. the Mississippi here is not ris-
ing this morning. the flood waters run
ing through the lake country east OF here.
here.
Now It is feared there may be a break
in the Mississippi levee on the state line.
II this happens. water will rush through
the northwestern counties from two
sources
1t is estimated this morning that five
hundred square miles of territory in
the northwestern counties Of Tennes-
see are wholly or in part submerged
Comparatively few houses were swept
away. but scores are under water.
The first OF the refugees arrived here
this morning in boats. With persons
who had come here previous to yes
terday the number Of homeless seek
ing shelter here is six hundred.
Reports that there will be q big death
list in the Reelfot territory are not
credited. While scores Of persons have
been marooned on housetops, on an
chored RATS and possibly in treetops
In the inundated district, IL is believed
they will be rescued by parties that
put out in boats from many points.
Four Hundred at Ridgley.
There are 400 hundred refugees at Ridg-
ley. eight miles south of here. Shelter has
been provided for the homeless in both
towns. There probably will be short
age of food. however, and the supply OF
bedclothes Is short. An appeal was sent
to Gov. Hooper today asking that the
state help feed the refugees. and that sup
plies be sent to the highlands where hum
dreds of cattle were driven before the
Hickman levee broke.
All of Over county, I'm the northwest
section. and part of the southern section
OF Obion county are affected by the over
flow, as well as strip OF country extend
ing into Gibson county, where. II is re-
ported, water reaches the vicinity OF
Dyer. but the people escaped
Three villages in Lake county are en-
serted by their Inhabitants. They are
Hathaway, Reelfoot and Bessie.
No mail has been received at Upton
vile for seven days.
Rescuers Start Out.
HICKMAN, KY, April ga rescuing
party OF twenty picked men. with twelve
serviceable boats. left here early today
on a special relief train to take on many
persons said to be marooned on house.
tops. moored RATS and treetops in the
Reelfoot section nearest this place af-
fected by the breaking OF the government
levee west Of Hickman.
No definite news Of loss Of life has
been received here.
Persons acquainted with the Hooded
area said today that the water now
covers country ten miles wide and nifty
miles in length. This will be greatly
Increased, it is believed. within twenty
four hours.
Flood refugees in this water-burdened
town had cause .cr cheer last night.
when the outside world began to re-
spond to appeal 8 for help. One check
FOR s2. 200 was deceived from Louisville;
Mayfield sent several carloads of bed
ding and clothing and three wagonloads
Of provisions and bedding were received
from Fulton, two more from Union City
and one from Woodland Mills.
Refugees Given Tents.
Tents have been stretched on the
grounds Of the Carnegie Library and In
open fields In the southern part of the
city for the white people. The negroes
are uuartered in another tent settle-
ment in the eastern outskirts Refugees
range in ages from a few weeks to
eighty years. Health conditions are