The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-04-29


 Illinois, Arka;isns, Louisiana and
 Mississippi is provided for in a
 resolution introduced today by Representative Rhodes, republic
 can. Missouri.
 Natchex, Miss. April 2S.-Engi- neers D. L. White and F. R. Devio. of the government service, with Ben Young. member of the Fifth Louis- lana levee board today made an in- vestigation of the weecama crevasse In the Mississippi river four miles above Ferriday to determine whether the ends of the break could be tied. It was stated that because the enEi- neers have no appropriation available lo pear the expense and the funds of the leyee board have been practically exhausted on account of the cost Of the fight to hold the levees an ap- peal would be made to the Mississippi river commission
 The gap in the levee line has wid- ened to approximately 2,000 feet 500 feet having crumbled off the ends in the last "A hours, according to re- ports of observers today.
 number of refugees were today brought out of Clayton, where the water was reported to have attained depth of nine feet.
 The government boats. Marriage and Tunica operating In the vicinity of the crevasse brought about eight refugees from the levees to Ferriday today.
 Since the crevasse occurred many deer are swimming the Mississippi river from Louisiana to the Nississip- pi side and officials here have taken measures to protect them
 White Refugees Arriving
 While the greater number of refu- gees to arrive here have been ne- groes, number of white people are beginning to come in. The local chap ter of the Red Cross and the Natchez post of the American Legion Is talk ing care of about 100 whites and 400 negroes. At present there is no dif- ficulty in housing the refugees, but more tents will probably be needed when the spread of flood waters drives out those who are staying in their inundated homes as long as pos sible.
 In response 10 an appeal from the local chapter of the Red Cross to Congressman Percy E. Quinn. repre- sentative from the Mississippi dele- gation to urge the war department 10 expedite the shipment Of cots, blank cts and camp Kitchens for flood suf- ferers, Word was received here that the supplies had been shipped from New 7rleAne sAv
 The break In the leyee lines above Fafrfdav aas f.. 41 10 river extending from Natchez as far up as the line Of Tensas and Madison parishes. This has greatly relieved the levee in the vicinity of St. Jo- seph and Waterproof where a hard fight has been In progress 10 prevent water from going over low stretches.
 Most Critical Point
 The most critical point at present in this district Is at the lone levee. uprer Tensas parish. where there has been considerable sloughing.
 Flood water from the crevasse Is spreading into Tensas parish and is reported going over the gravelled highway at Azucema, in the lower part of that parish. Waterproof, a town of about 100. will be covered. Crevasse water may also reach Delta Bridge. village of about 200 in Tensas parish.
 Residents of Vidalia are today en- gagged in topping railroad embank- ment which serves as protecting levee. but 1t is feared that this will give only brief respite. The flood water. although within a short dis tance. and not yet reached the town, In Ferriday the water is from four to six feet deep and a swift current is running through the streets of the town.
 Practically all rail communication in the Louisiana parishes adjacent to Natchez has been stopped. Trains are still running from Waterproof north in Tensas. but Concordia and Cata- houla are without means of commun- cation except by boat.