The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-03-28
Reports, Varying i'm Reliability,
of Fresh Disasters.
GENERAL OUTLOOK is HOPEFUL
Attention Can Be Devoted to
the Sick and Homeless.
VandaIS Rob in Flood Districts
of Indianapolis.

brought flood devastated Indiana cities
some relief through rapidly falling wa
ters, but from southern and southwest
ern portions of the state, where the
many flooded streams converge in the
Wabash river. reports varying in re-
liability brought tales of fresh disaster.
Peru and the most seriously affected
cities along the upper Wabash and
Broo1ville and other towns struck by
Whitewater river floods -oday may give
their attention largely to the care of
their homeless, hungry and sick refu-
gees.
Indianapolis has every reason to .ex-
pect partial restoration of water serv-
ice today and organization of relief
work is improving conditions among
tn homeless refugees.
West Indianapolis practically is up-
der martial law and none but organized
rescuers and persons bearing passes
frCm the governors office are permitted
to enter that section of the city. State
troops are patrolling the district to cap
ture vandals, who left plain traces of
robberieS of stores and abandoned
homes during the early evening. Trains
loaded with provisions have been able
to enter this district where the water
fell more than seven feet during the
night. Members of the board of public
safety and other city officials inspected
the entire flooded district from motor
boats and directed efficient organiza-
ton of the relief workers aiding the
state troops and state officials in
every possible way.
Streams Are Gorged.
Gorged streams carrying the water
away from all these points are empty
ing their floods, however, through the
Wabash river, below Terre Haute. and
the White river into that lower stretch
of the Wabash that for fifty miles
carries practically all the waters
drained from Indiana into the Ohio
river
Rumors not fully confirmed tell of
death and heavy property loss at
HowesviIle, 25 miles south of Terre
Haute, in Brown county, and in several
small towns. Terre Haute is suffering
greater danger than at any time since
the beginning of the floods and Vincennes
and smaller towns in Sullivan, Knox,
Gibson and Posey counties may suffer
repetitions of the damage at Peru and
West Indianapolis. Distressing condi-
tions prevail among the refugees who
are increasing in numbers the wa
ters open up formerly isolated districts.
Indianapolis relief workers and city
officials have Joined to investigate
statements concerning exorbitant prices
every merchant attempting to raise
prices.
Refugees Coming In.
Groups of half frozen, half starved
refugees are being found in isolated
parts of flooded West Indianapolis to-
day. but investigation trips into all
possible territories have revealed no
bodies so far.
An automobile moved a barn, block
ing West Michigan street, and reached
the northern portion of West Indian
apolis for the first time since Monday,
finding Captain of Police Coffin with
more than 20 suffering persons. The
rescue party brought back a hurryup
call for motortrucks that can get
through the still inundated streets to
bring supplies and remove the people,
half an inch of ice on the water having
stopped work with canoes and almost
shut off boats.
c. c. Hanch, president of the Cham
Der of Commerce is directing the ex-
ploration.
Improvement at Peru.
South Bend, Ind, March 2S.-The sftua-
ton at Peru today was much improved.
The water was fast receding and except
il South Peru, which is still under ten
feet of water, the conditions permit peo-
pie to wade about the main streets. It is
said that the dead will not be more than
fifty. Twenty-Five is said by p. A. Joyce,
controller of South Bed to be safe
estimate Two carloads of clothing were
sent to the sufferers from South Bend
today
AS Peru emerged from the flood to-
day it became apparent that the death
list would not run over twenty five.
Many cling to their statement that
fifty is a nearer estimate of the fatali-
ties, but a careful survey of the stiua
ton leads to the belief that the lower
number is nearer correct. Deaths fol-
lowing as result of the flood, how
ever, will total much higher, as scores
of aged men and women, who for
hours were forced to undergo terrible
exposure and later to endure horribly
unsanitary conditions, are certain to
die. Four persons died last night in
the courthouse as a direct result of
exposure. Conditions in the main
portion of Peru are rapidly improving,
the water having receded to such an
extent as to allow people to wade
about the streets. The conditions in
South Peru are still desperate. Ten
feet of water yet lies over that sec
ton.