Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-03-30
Water Famine Feared
and Disease MepaCeS
Residents of Dayton

DAYTON Ohio March 29.-The work
Of rehabilitating following the floods be-
gan here today as the work of rescue ap-
preached its end. The all-impOrtant
weather showed improvement as viewed
by refugees. for it was warmer and
pleasant to frost and water chilled
bones, but the sanitary experts accepted
the rise in temperature with mixed feel
ings, for the cold had retarded the de-
composition of animal matter and refuse.
Secretary of War Garrison conferred
with various officials and heads of COM
mittees. wired President Wilson that the
death list would not reach 500 and other
wise epitomized the situation and de-
Fasaed for Cincinnati after a fitting view
OF the city from an automobile. 1t is
probable that he will go to Columbus to-
slorrow. w. +. Blackwell in charge of
morgues, estimated the dead at go.
Water Famine Feared,
Members of the citizens relief COM
mittee are apprehensive of g water
famine. 1t is believed there is little
chance that the present supply can
be made to last until the water mains
are in use again.
r. III. Grant. head of the relief sup
plies committee. tonight issued an ap-
peal to all cities in the country ask
ing that much bottled water as
possible be shipped to Dayton imme-
diately. 1t is especially desired that
this water be strictly pure. as il is
practically Impossible to boil the wa
ter for drinking purposes.
Medical supplies We're reported woe
fully short by Mai. T. V. Dupuy, who
Is In charge of sanitary and medical
work. Drug stocks here were largely
destroyed and the medical chests of
the militia. well as supplies sent by
other cities, have, in many instances
been delayed by washouts and other
mishaps of the flood. However, a train
load OF supplies Is expected soon from
Washington.
Undertakers Called Ghouls.
The activity of certain local under
takers called forth the wrath OF Mai
Dupuy who issued statement in
which he called them "ghouls," for
their feverish activity in seeking out
Bodies, and. ii is alleged. sometimes
buryinG them without making report
10 the authorities He declared that
they were trying to work a hold up
ganf4 on helpless friends and relatives
OF those who have lost their lives"
Chairmen of the various committees
were unanimous today in asking that
word be spread broadcast that mere
sightseeinS visitors are not wanted here
The railroads have been informed of this
attitude and conductors are refusing to
accept passengers who cannot show that
their presence here is necessary. There
were thousands of visitors in the city
today. Most Of them We're from sur
rounding towns. The signs, Relief car. .
which many of them bore were manifest
lorgeries.
Probable Location of Bodies.
Tho majority of the bodies of flood VIC
! Tins VIII be found under the debris in
the Miami canal, under great piles OF
AT Miamisburg, Middetown and Hamil-
ION. in the opinion OF men who have ex-
amined the ground Few people were
caught in their homes. as most all oil
them had received sufficient warning OF
the approaching disaster TO enable then
TO get out before the flood assumed dan.
Serous proportions.
Those who We're drowned for the mos,
part, were caught in the streets eithe,
While on their way to their places of bust
get places OF safety when forced to flee
from their houses.
Saw Scores of Bodies.
Lieut.. Lutherman, surgeon of the &c
Regiment, o. y. G.. who went through
tge flood in West Dayton said that hi
saw scores Of dead bodies floating dowr
the Miami river and many people were
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