The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-03-24
REPORTS OF 100
DEAD IN OMAHA
Portion of City Swept Away
by Terrific Winds.
Governor Places Tornado Zone
Under Martial Law.
MAYOR CALLS FOR TROOPS
Fears VandaIs Will Loot in
Stricken Area.
Many Small Villages in Ne
braska Wiped Out.
MAYOR CALLS FOR TROOPS

Omaha, March 24.-Fully 100 killed,
twice that number badly injured and
hundreds of thousands of dollars worth
of property destroyed, briefly tells the
story of the tornado which swept
through Omaha and suburbs at 6
O'Clock last evening in an almost
straight path from four to six blocks
wide and more than eight miles long
1t was by far the most appalling catas-
trophe that ever has visited Omaha
Throughout the stricken districts the
streets ere filed with masses of debris
from wrecked houses and uprooted
trees and tangled electric wires. maxi
ing street car service impossible, wagon
and automobile travel Utmost so, and
offering serious obstacles to pedes-
trians.
The list of known dead, although al
ready a long one, is believed by those
who have been over a good part of the
devastated territory to be but be-
ginning.
The storm came almost without
warning, the day which opened with
overcast skies having cleared in the
afternoon The little town of Ralston,
three miles west of South Omaha, first
felt the fury OF Jne SlOTIl, WHICH IuSAG
took a toll of half a dozen or more
lives and practically destroyed the
town.
In a northeasterly direction and in
almost a straight line it Travelled with
incredible speed, wrecking many hand
some homes in the fashionable West
Farnum and Bemis park districts.
Many business buildings in the vi
cinity of Twenty-fourth and Lake
streets were totally destroyed or badly
damaged. Here the heaviest loss of
life occurred. The Diamond motion
picture theater, a brick building, which
was partially filled with men, women
and children at the time, collapsed,
hardly a brick remaining in the walls.
The Id1ewild poolhall, patronized by
colored men, collapsed and the debris
caught fire. It is believed 40 or so per-
sons perished. From Twenty-fourth
and Lake, the storm seemed to Veer
little to the east and finally passed over
the state line into Iowa at Carter Lake,
where many summer cottages were de-
moIished Residences We're wrecked all
along the line. A dozen or more
fires were started by stoves and fur
naces and it is believed many bodies
were cremated-
Telephone, electric light and trolley
wires were carried down by the storm
Chicago, March 24.-The Western
Union Telegraph company has been
advised by the Omaha office that the
damage from the tornado Will amount
to more than $12,0O0,00O and tnat
more than 100 lives are lost
ST. Joseph, March 24.-The village
of Flag Spring, north of here, was
practically demolished and three OF
it's inhabitants killed by tornado last
night, according to reports reaching
of Luther Armfield, in the village, and
Mr. and Mrs. Armfield perished in
the flames when the ruins caught IRE,
according to the report Another
farmer named Reed was reported
killed.
Omaha, March 24.-Omaha and vicin-
ity was swept by two distinct wind
storms late yesterday afternoon potn
of cycIonic intensity, which spread
death and destruction in their wakes.
Fire which broke out in many of the
wrecked buildings added to the hor-
rors.
Reports Say 200 Dead.
Omaha, March 24.-By telephone
via Lincoln-Governor Morehead,
Mayor DahIman and Police Commits
sioner Ryder stated at noon today
that at least one hundred We're killed
in yesterdays storm here Reports
from Council Bluffs were to the effect
that four more bodies had been re-
covered from the ruins of homes
there.
reach seven hundred. Many have
been found today in the homes of
friends, where they took refuge after
the storm.
After visiting the scene of the storm
this morning, Governor Morehead is
sued orders for the mobilization of
three companies of militia from out
side the city. The local companies
are already at work assisting the po-
lice and regular soldiers from Fort
Crook, together wit hthe city firemen,
in the work of rescue. Three hun
dred regulars were called out.
A relief fund started for the stricken
city has already reached a good sized
total and more is constantly being
subscribed.
The morgues and hospitals were be-
sieged all the morning by friends and
relatives of the dead and injured and
others made frantic efforts to learn
of the fate of loved ones. The hos
pitfalls here and in Council Bluffs are
filled to capacity, and the less injured
are being cared for in homes and in
the halls and corridors of the hos
pitfalls.
Although a line of soldiers and po-