The Topeka state journal., 1919-09-18
With 256 Bodies Found, That
Is Accepted Estimate.
Oficial Report Denies Heavy
Port Arkansas Loss.
RAIN ADDS TO SUFFERING
Two Reported Shot for I,ooting
in Corpus Christi.
Candle Light Dance at Hotel in
Stricken City.

Corpus Christi, Sept. 1s.-The death
toll in Corpus Christi and vicinity as
a result OF Sundays hurricane and
tidal wave stood at 256 today, accord
ing to reports from burial squads. The
generally accepted estimate was that
the final figures would reach 500.
Official Death List.
The official figures issued this
morning shew the following casual
ties; Corpus Christi, 54; White Point,
90; Roeita and Portland. so; Port
Aransas, S; Odem and Sinton, IL;
Aransas Pass, 2; Roekport, 8. Total.
ase.
patrolling the city since Monday. were
supplahted at noon today by Texas Ma
tional Guardsrnen, two hundred of
whom arrived last night. In addition
thirty guardSmen were sent to Port
land, and an entire company to Rock
port.
OF ninety-six bodies inferred in the
White Point district yesterday, less
than dozen were Identified. Burial
squads were rushed to West Portland
at noon today upon receipt of re-
port that twenty-five bodies had
washed ashore there.
Port Aransas Loss Light
Five persons lost their lives at Port
AFansas in Sundays hurricane and
ObAI OAU p4i0AhS Wo1 ANAN 6tdhoAHE Az
the little town of six hundred inhabi-
tants.
Eight lives were lost at Reekport
and two at Aransas Pass.
This report was made officially to
Gel. John A. Porter, relief commander.
late last night, BY army officers sent
out to investigate the fate of these
towns.
(This announcement evidently dis
poses of an earlier unofficial estimate
which placed the death tell at Port
Aransas at a5e.)
The report made by Lieut.. Col. W.
Cole Davis and Capt. G. o. March sub
mitted detailed statements concerning
the needs of the people at Reckport
Pert Aransas and AFansas Pass and
death toll had been high at these
places.
Rain Adds to Misery.
A chilly, driving rain. which had
been falling for 36 hours, had added
to the intense misery already pre-
vailing thrueut the storm area. Con-
dition of many refugees today was
dangerous.
Construction of a tent city, started
by military authorities on high ground
here yesterday, was held up by the
rain.
Arrival of an additional relief train
from Houston last night, hewever,
btoQAAN AtiOI0 W0thCIH anu bupP1lSS-
1t Is believed clearing weather today
will do much to mitigate the suffering.
AiFplanes which secuted the beaches
for bodies and possible survivors yes
terday morning, were forced to give
up flights late in the afternoon be-
cause of the rain. 1t was impossible
to distinguish objects in the debris
which lines. the Gulf shores, observers
said.
One plane which made it's way over
Arkansas Pass, Rockport and Port
Arkansas. was unable to effect a land
ing in that vicinity where water still
is reported high.
Two Shot for I,ootinge
The air searchers were to resume
their work. If possible, this morning,
according to military authorities.
Lieutenant Colonel Porter today did
not confirm a report widely circulated
last night that two ghouls had been
shot for loeting. 1t is known, however,
sentries and patrols have orders to
suppress lootins with the utmost
Figoreusness.
The city was still without lights last
night Water service has been re-
stored.
The Nueces hotel, a large brick
structure which was in the path OF
the storm, has survived. Meme of the
500 guests who were in the building
WneH lUS SlOTIn StFQSk were QEONASu.
Every, window was broken out and
water stood deep in the lobby.
Give Candle Light Dance.
Last night storm soaked refugees,
many wearing the only garments they
owned. gave a candle light dance in
the upper Railways.
Maximum velocity of the hurricane
never will be known. 1t was learned
today. The government wind gauge
was blown away.
The total dead probably never will
be known. Because of the condition
of the bodies washed frem the bay
many had to be buried at once and
despite utmost efforts of the autheri-
ties accurate records have been i'm
pessible. Many bodies still are be-
lieved in the water. One report today
said searchers had counted more than
score of bodies still floating in the
bay off White Point.
Identification of the bodies now be-