Mexico Missouri message. (Mexico, Audrain County, Mo.) 1899-1918, 1913-04-03

Dayton. O.-Hcro is the problem
presented to Dayton as summarized
by George T. Burba. secretary 10 Gov
Cox and representing the latter here
Forty thousand persons must be fed,
clothed and housed for week more.
Twenty thousand persons must be
cared for indefinitely. These are
persons who lost their all when their
household goods we're swept away.
They must be provided with few
necessary household articles and
few dollars. A half million dollars
could be used in this way by the re-
lief committee.
Fifteen thousand houses and bpsi-
ness buildings must be rehabiitated.
Two thousand houses and other
must be pulled down.
Thousands Of tons of debris must
be removed.
Following are some OF the accom-
rlishments since the food broke over
the city:
The waterworks pumping station is
in operation. but the distribution of
water is greatly retarded by open
pipes in wrecked houses.
The main sanitary sewer Is in oper-
alton, although many CT the laterals
leading from houses are Clogged with
mud or backed-up water.
The food sewers separate from the
oil IL,
sewers carry off the rainfall from the
cutters and are needed to remove the
water being pumped from Easements.
Telegraph service ia fast catching
up With requirements, which still hre
enormous.
\ There is enough food and clothing
for present needs. but relief will be
required on a diminishing scale Cor
another month.
Chairman John II. Patterson of the
general relief committee announced
that w. F. Bippus will act as treas
urer for all contributions and will
make a strict accounting TO all con
tributors.
Whole County Under Martial Law.
BY order Of Gov Cox the reign of
martial law was extended to take in
the whole county. The food did more
than sweep away property, for Il
swept away the city administration,
temporarily at least, and brought in
what amounts 10 a commission form
OF government
Immediately martial law was pro-
claimed the municipal administration
was eclipsed. Adjt. Gen. Wood be-
came supreme under the governor. On
I the heels Of this Mr.. Patterson was
appointed chairman of a committee to
administer the affairs of the city. The
militia was instructed TO obey his or
ders and thus become a police force.
| II is doubtful il the martial law order
soon will be repealed, as under the
| present arrangements the city has the
| free services Of the biggest business
and professional men in the county.
The extension of the area under
| martial law developed from action
taken by local dealers whose places
are closed. They complained that sa-
{ looms in the outskirts were sending
whisky into the city, and that consid-
/ cradle drunkenness has been noted.
Adjt. Gen. Wood reported the situa-
ton TO the governor and his action
| was decisive.
Gen. Wood lmpresses Autos.
The telephone system is still a
wreck. which is a great handicap in
administering the affairs Of the city.
! Street cars are unable to run and au-
tomobiles are unobtainable for other
than relief work except by bringing
them here from Cincinnati
Sightseers in motor cars felt the
heavy hand of public necessity when
Gen. Wood began impressing ma
chimes. The sightseers were ordered
from their cars and the latter were
pressed into public service. Protests
were unayailing. The more stubborn
surrendered at the point OF rifles and
gave up their cars until released by
order OF Chairman Patterson" as tho
placards placed on them read"
The Sixth regiment, o. n. G., from
Toledo and northern Ohio towns
which has been on duty here, com
Wandered a train when ordered tC
Cincinnati and departed before night
fall The naval reserves from Tole
do went on the same train.
Coroner McKemy estimated thai
100 bodies have been recovered, al
though there are records OF only 20
He said many had been buried with
ont official action and that in many
cases he did not expect to get rec
urds