New-York tribune., 1917-12-11
Continued from page

5000 wounded stated that for them at
least the storm brought no added
danger, so we'll had they been provide
for.
The storm .ssd set in suddenly
After the rain of yesterday, which
changed the snow-fllcd streets into
rivers Of slush, the weather turned
clear and cold. At daylight furry OF
snow fell from low-hanGinG clouds, bGt
later the sun came out. Its stay was
brief. however. At noon the sto-m
broke with extreme violence. reaching
its climax when the wind swung 70
the southeast. Then, as suddenly as u
had begun, it ceased. Tonight the
stars were shining.
Figures officially given out tonight
of the casualties in the munitions cx-
plosion disaster in this city follow:
Known dead. 1880.
Identified. $40.
Unaccounted for, 1920.
Wounded. 5000.
Homeless, $4,000
Twenty Germans Arrested
Twenty German residents were ar
rested to-day upon military order.
After the party had been examined six
were released. The officials stated that
there was no unexplained significance
in these arrests. Until now Germans
have enjoyed virtually unrestricted
liberty. but in this time OF stress when
the public mind is excited and suscep-
tible to rumors that might lead 20
panic and further suffering every pre-
caution is being taken.
So serious is the problem Of housing
and feeding those already in the city
that strict embargo was issued to-
night against the admission of all per-
sons not connected with relief or recon
struction work. Military guards were
detailed 10 stop newcomers at Truro.
Among the first 10 feel this stringent
but necessary step were many Ameri-
cans who were halted at St. John.
The citizens and the authorities gen
orally recognize that the multitude of
visitors who have been hocking in since
railway communication was reestab-
lished are moved by the best of inten-
tions. The city appreciates their gen.
simply no accommodation for them. In
a community of $4,000 inhabitants 25.-
900 have been made suddenly homeless.
These must first be provided for, az
well as the army Of workmen needed
TO clear away the debris and rebuild
the city.
Assurance has been given that there
is food enough for the present, but it
will not be sufficient if the unexpected
throng is TO be fed, as it must. The
health authorities have been disturbed
by the thought OF an abnormal death
rate due TO long exposure and cold.
The cargo OF window glass. hospital
supplies and warm clothing which the
relief committee had looked forward 70
with eagerness did not arrive tonight
on the steamer Calvin Austin, as e%-
pec;ed. The ship left Boston yester-
day, but tonight was driven into Yas-
mouth by the storm. Her commando r
wired that she would arrive tomorrow
night and begin discharging her sup
plies early Wednesday morning.
Put Blame on Mont Blanc
Members of the crew of the Belgian
steamer limo assert that the French
munitions steamer Mont Blanc was 10
blame for the collision which caused
the terrible explosion last Thursday.
Employees of Pickford & Black. agents
OF the Imo. who have been providing
that crew with clothes and other COM
forts. made public to-day the stories
told them by the seamen.
According TO the account Of the men
OF the limo, they were entirely un-
aware of the nature of the cargo on the
Mont Blanc. Their version Of the trag-
edy is as follows:
The limo was proceeding down the
hsrbor toward the sea, when the Mont
Blanc was seen coming toward the
limo. apparently steamng for the Bed
ford Basin. The French vessel was on
the Dartmouth side OF the Nsrrows.
She blew two blasts OF the whistle, in
dicsting that he was going TO star
board. The limo replied with two blasts.
The Mont Blanc turned and the crew OF
the imo thought that they could pass
in safety. but the distance between the
two vessels was too short and the limo
rammed the Mont Blanc on the star
board side.
Neither vessel appeared TO be seri-
ously damaged by the collision. After
they separated the Mont Blanc headed
FOR one Of the city piers. The lmo went
on. the shippers intention being. the
crew believe. 10 get into shallow water
in order 70 find out exactly what dam
age had been done 10 his ship.
The seamen received their first warn
'r0 ~ danger when thev saw chemical