The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-09-16
HURRICANE DEAD
lcontinued from Page one)
No one was killed at Sinton, but
property damage was high
Eu,hAIuaAra N S<>S.ue

EmbaImers 70 Scene.
Undertakers from Houston arrived
early today and have begun the work
of embalming turnout this territory.
Bodies are being held at ranch houses
and schools.
Corpus Christi, Tex, Sept. 10
With troops patrolling the main
streets and relief trains headed this
way from many parts of the state.
Corpus Christi today began slowly
emerging from the wreckage caused
by the gulf hurricane which struck
the city early Sunday, bringing death
to an unknown number of persons and
doing property damage of millions.
previous reports placed it at over
SO, o0o. 0oo.) 1t was impossible this
estimate of the fatalities. In the city
proper the death list was placed by
some officials at between fifteen and
twenty five. but that was regarded by
many as far too conservative.
Find 12o Bodies.
One report in circulation today, but
as yet unconfirmed, was that 100
bodies, most of them recognized as
residents of Corpus Christi had been
| taken from reef near Portland on
Nueces Bay, upon which Corpus
Christi Is situated.
homeless by the storm and the prob
lem of taking care of them was one
officials faced when they began. the
day. However, with the coming Of re-
lief trains it was expected that by
night most of those made destitute by
the storm could be taken care of.
Considerable anxiety was expressed
regarding the fate of the launch
Waldo. with fifteen persons on board.
which left Corpus Christi Saturday
Since the storm no word has been re-
ceived from the party, which included
four women.
Fears also are entertained that
heavy casualty list will be reported
from surrounding towns. several of
storm.
Speed Relief Trains.
The dispatch of relief trains fol-
lowed energetic action taken last night
by Governor William P. Hobby and
General Joseph T. Dickman. COM
mander of the Southern department
of the United States army. At the re-
quest of the governor, General Dick
man Immediately dispatched q train
with food, medical supplies and blan-
kets. In the meantime the governor
issued a proclamation calling upon all
of the citizens of the state to lend as
sistance to the storm sufferers. Indi-
cations early today were that the gov
ernor's appeal was meeting with q
generous response.
Some relief was afforded the home
less shortly after midnight when the
first train to reach the city In almost
so hours. arrived with foodstuffs and
other supplies from Kingsville and
Robstown. Altho both of the latter
places were damaged by the storm to
some extent, word of the more serious
plight of Corpus Christi caused the
residents of those place to forget their
own troubles and lend assistance.
Warning Saved Many.
That the death list In connection
with the storm was not huge, was due
to the fact. officials believed. shat
most persons were given ample warn
ing of its coming.
The storm struck early Sunday
morning and was ACCOMPANYING by a
tidal wave that sent a wall of water
ten feet high sweeping into the bust
ness district of the city. When the
tidal wave was at its height, virtually
every second floor down town was un-
der water.
By the time the worst of the wind
had passed, the United States soldiers
stationed here had taken charge of
the situation and continued ceaselessly
at work until all danger was over.
All day Sunday soldiers wearing
trench helmets could be seen Drawing
the heavy gale while doing rescue
work.
Martial Law Invoked.
Military rule was invoked late yes
terday and no one was allowed to en-
ter the wrecked portions of the city.
All foodstuffs that had escaped dam
age by water were sold under direc-
ton of city officials. one days rations
being allowed TO the customer
The city was in darkness last night
and a large portion was without water
ana sewage facilities. Railroad lines
| are reported to have been badly dam
aged and only a few lines will be
disable for days to come.
Absence of authentic reports from
Arkansas Pass. Port Arkansas and Rock
| port today caused some uneasiness.
Boats will be run to Portland late to-
| Day in an effort TO determine the ex-
tent OF the damage to the causeway.
| railroad line and telephone equipment
which pass over the reef.
Literally Rained Oil.
:. Many stories were being detailed to-
day of the bravery of the soldiers. who
| included members of Company 1,
| S7th in fantry. Citizens by the score
also were coming in for their share
OF praise for daring acts performed in
saving lives. Members of Company l
| took up the rescue work shortly after
their camp was demolished and today
were still lending valuable assistance
| IN taking off marooned residents OF
| North beach. Hundreds of civilians
| were to be seen yesterday wading in
water along Chapparral and Mesquite
| streets, assisting refugee to leave
| houses and hotels in those localities
One of the most disagreeable fea-
| lures in connection with the storm
was that the water which poured upon
the city became coated with crude oil
from wrecked oil barrels. tanks and
storage basins along the bay front
! Women and children suffered es-
pecially when the oil filled their eyes
and noses. Many persons taken from
the water were black from the greasy
fluid.
Little Lootins Reported.
A feature that appealed to many
who visited the storm area today was
that. altho thousands of dollars worth
Of merchandise were strewn about the