The New York herald., 1921-09-12
SAN ANTONIO FLOOD
DAMAGE S5,OOO,OOO
Search for Bodies Continues
as Waters Recede-May
Exceed $50.
SOLDIERS GUARD CITY
No Large Buildings Perma-
nently Damaged-One
Bridge Gone.
SOLDIERS GUARD CITY

SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 1.-THE list of
known dead from the flood OF early
Saturday was forty-seven late to-day.
The dead and missing are estimated at
approximately $50 by officials engaged
in recovering the bodies, while Police
Commissioner Phil Wright estimated
that II might reach 800. Many residents
consider these figures high.
The property loss is placed at $4,000
Voo ny some business men and those in
cnanse OF reclamation work. Estimates
both lower and higher also are heard.
soon after daylight the searchers on
the Alazan Creek found three bodies
in the driftwood and wreckage on the
banks and another was found on the
San Antonio River banks. Other bodies
We're recovered at different times. While
1T has been declared that possibly the
majority OF the estimated dead floated
down the streams, the searchers believe
That as the wreckage and driftwood is
cleared away others will be found.
The efforts of the rescuers were con-
fined principally to recovering bodies,
work Of rescuing the marooned having
been completed yesterday.
Relief Work Continues.
l.Sscue AIM reiieL Work continued all
last night and to-day. Hundreds Of
Mexicans and the poorer persons who
lived along the Alazan are homeless
and received assistance from the relief
headquarters esta ablished in downtown
build ing.
The fact that most of the bodies re-
covered were fully clothed shows
that the victims either Were warned or
heard the approaching rush of water in
time to make preparations to leave.
The city proper has been crippled all
day from the flood. There have been no
lights or street car service because of
no electric power. Water has been run
ming In the mains in a few portions of
the city and pressure Is weak at these
places. City officials said late to-day
that the water pressure would be turned
on before tomorrow and 1t is thought
electric current also will be available
tomorrow. John l.. Richter, city build
ing inspector estimated the damage to
buildings at approximately s700.000. He
said no large buildings have been dam
aged permanently and that none Is In
dangerous condition. Hardly any Of
the damaged businesses carried flood in
surance either on the buildings or stock.
Precautions to prevent an epidemic
are being taken. The cleaning up pro-
ceeded Systematically in every part Of
the business district. Ppprietors of
business establishments and forces OF
employees were sweeping and brushing
out the water and debris while pumps
drained Easements.
Bridges Undnmaged.
A check by d. d. Harrigan. city engi-
neer. showed that thirteen of the
twenty-seven bridges spanning the San
Antonio River are virtually undamaged.
At first it was thought all but four
were damaged. but with the removal
of debris and driftwood to-day It was
found that thirteen still are safe and
sound. Only one bridge was washed
away. Others were lifted and set at
different angles on the banks.
The rapidity with which the water
receded after the rains stopped Is ac-
counted for by the city being at the
headwaters of the three streams.
A rigid restricted area was roped off to-
day and guarded by policemen and SOL
diers from Fort Sam Houston. The Red
Cross and other similar organizations
opened relief headquarters yesterday
and all last night and to-day bread
was passed out to the hungry and
clothes given other sufferers.
There was limited telephone service
to day. Small automobiles were backed
up to the dynamos, rear wheels lacked
Up and belts put over the rims for power.
City officials estimate that the total
effect OF the flood will not be cleared
up for a month.
Part Of the business district will re-
sumo its natural course tomorrow, how
ever. merchants in various parts OF the
city displaying signs to-day that they
would resume business.