The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-03-21
Capital City Is
 Real Ghost DomiciIe
tuOntlnued frOm Paee ll

me when I made my first visit to Hartford yesterday afternoon that he had just taken an Italian family to the American Legion and they reported that three Italian boys, neighbors of theirs, had been swept away by the water. Doubtless, more less of life will be discovered when the relentless waters recede and have a little mercy on the homeless, stricken residents of the flood dis- tricts.
 Stories of HeFolsm
 Often 1t takes catastrophe to make one realize how unselfish, how heroic the human animal can be. I've heard stories of heroism by the dozen in connection with Hartfords part of the devastating flood that is making a huge lake of New Eng lands, and today saw other stories of heroism in the making. Here's typical instance: On Windsor street close to downtown Hartford the flood surged up around a home wherein were mother and her inc fant son. The baby had been very Sick, and the doctor had warned the mother not to take the young ster out of the house, or he would suffer from the exposure and be in danger of death. The frantic mother secured 6 boat and an oarsman to take her to Q drug store out of the flood area. The boatma1 dropped her of there, and had to go on another errand. When the mother came out of the drug store, there was no boat in sight. In vain she shouted for one. All she could think of was that tiny, sick infant at home and here's what that mother did. She threw off her shoes, tied the medicine around her neck, threw of her outer clothing and swan to her home. Mother and baby have since been taken to an upper story of the home and are not in any immediate danger. And that story is only typical; a whole saga about Hartford's heroism could be written.
 Relief Workers Tired
 Relief workers, many of them, have been on their feet for from 48 to 72 hours, working ceasclessly, steadily to aid the flood victims. It's been work, work all the time, with only an occasional cup of coffee to keep them going. The Red Cross is leading the task of aiding the refugees. Dozens of organizations are helping out. The American Le- zion and other veterans organiza- tions have been doing their bit; and more, the Salvation Army has been active, so also have been the state militia, the coast guardsmer from New London, and the Hartford po- lice and fire department have been doing glorious work, so has the 18th naval division from New Haven; so, too, have been the efforts of other organizations, of private individuals, who have money, food, clothing, time and muscle to the task of res- cue work and rehabilitation.
 Faces Catastrophe
 But words can paint only @ small and very incomplete picture of how Hartford is tonight. Of how the Capital City of this state of ours is in the throes of the most terrible flood catastrophe in its his- tory with incessant, merciless, relentless waters sweeping through it's business section, it's suburbs, spreading disaster and destruction, and leaving desolation in their wake. I saw enough tragedy in Hartford yesterday and last night to affect me as I don't believe I've ever been affected before.
 But Hartford is still battling those waters; she has her head up and her chin out as she marshals all her resources to help those to whom the roaring waters brought misfortune, heartache and tragedy. She is iso- lated in many parts; as a city she is isolated in two directions and part of @ third; she has no lights, no tel- ephone, no artificial power; in her midst Hartford has homelessness, sorrow, illness and even graver dangers threatening. But she still carries on, and I know that she'll be aided tremendously, both actually and morally, by the help that we in other cities are going to give.
 Hartford is a city of darkness, but worry is hidden by an optimistic hope that everything will turn out all right. And the weatherman says that perhaps rain will come tonight and tomorrow to send even higher those anygry, swollen waters. Hart ford tonight is city of suffering and desolation; she knows not what tomorrow may bring; and through these long hours of the night that are to come, Hartford will be watching and waiting-waiting for what tomorrow may bring.