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Newspaper
Pittsburgh Dispatch
Location
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Date
Jun 04, 1889
Page
2
Officials warn the Allegheny water supply could carry disease from decomposing drift and fish remains. They urge boiling or distilling water, straining pipes, and ongoing river testing as health authorities predict possible epidemics without precautions.
The joint Allegheny Select Common Councils met to organize aid for Johnstown victims. Resolutions authorized the Street and Road Commissioners to recruit volunteers, with a five member committee to offer the service through the Chamber of Commerce. A medical party from the city was also set to assist, departing by patrol wagon to the depot.
Telegrams read to President Harrison by the Masonic Committee show the outside world pressing for action after the Johnstown disaster. The President insists the State Board of Health suffice and that Surgeon General Hammond need not be sent unless the Governor requests it. The White House replies that aid will come only under proper authority, directing Dr. Carrington to report the situation.
Allegheny county legislators signed a telegram to Governor Beaver urging an immediate special session. The message was sent around 2 30 PM. Hon M B Lemon helped prepare the request and commented on expected apathy in Pennsylvania politics.
Dr H Philips of East End describes a perilous siege at his Johnstown relative’s home last Thursday. He and his mother, Dr L T and two brothers-in-law faced danger. carpenters aided them and the Brotherhood of Carpenters pledged aid, contributing about 100 dollars.
Bishop Phelan, returning to Pittsburg, recalls two arduous days at the disaster scene. He describes aid efforts, mercy shown to Sisters and priests, and the need to bury unidentified dead. He notes cooperation with Dr. Stewart and Mr. Scott, emphasizes mercy to the ghoul attacker, and recounts a dramatic rescue of a Protestant man and his family.
A crowd of about 700 attended Turner Hall for an evening of music and readings by Father McDermott’s colored schools. The event featured donations at the door, welcomed by applause from the audience and local supporters including BH Robinson. Seger Bacan's day school program expanded to around 60 students before summer break.
Miss Margaret Patrick daughter of W. W. Patrick banker and Birmingham Street Railway president survived a wreck that occurred Friday morning. Local officials reported she was found safe by Friday evening and was in good condition though the family remained anxious.
The story describes Treasurer W. R. Thompson delivering stacks of checks and cash to his private bank to handle relief funds. Citizens respond nobly, with clerks working long hours to process donations, while funds are organized for Johnstown relief and transported by rail and mail amid logistical challenges.
A New York gift of 2000 to the Pittsburg relief effort leads the latest updates. Governor Beaver will draw 90000 from J Edward Simmons at the Fourth National Bank. Mayor Hugh J Grant coordinates and Chicago mayor Dewitt C Cregier pledges 6000. Relief leaders consider using Mr Trus dell if needed.
A Masonic meeting appointed a committee to urge President Harrison to establish a Sanitary Commission for the Conemaugh Valley. They warned of bodies remaining uncollected and widespread pollution as floods threaten Pittsburgh and nearby areas. The effort seeks urgent federal action and support from Virginia and Pennsylvania senators.
At Homestead the iron and steel workers pledged support for Johnstown sufferers. About 2000 in cents were raised in a Sunday event, with unions and employers contributing. proceeds from one pay period were expected to exceed a stated relief amount.
A woman of advanced age approached the chamber seeking a pass to Johnstown claiming her family of 14 had been lost and asking for transportation. Officials replied they could not assist further.
A Seerich visit to the Chamber spurred generous giving with donors sending checks and in person gifts. The treasurer Mr Robinson recorded receipts as totals grew from hundreds to sixty thousand dollars with contributions from near and far including Weating House and Window Glass Committee. Names of supporting businesses and churches appear among many contributors illustrating a wide civic effort.
Sightseers flocked to Johnstown and nearby areas as trains filled with curiosity seekers strained under crowds. Adjutant General Hastings and Chief Bigelow led a sorrowful levee at the Chamber of Commerce to grant relief passes to those who could prove relatives were lost. many applicants were turned away or delayed, some tearfully pleading for access to aid and information amid the devastation.
G F Klock of Murphy and Co Cleveland slept in a Cambria Iron Works clubhouse when a dam burst. He awoke to a roar, saw debris, then fled as water rose to 18 feet. He rescued a man and a boy through a third floor window as the flood surged.
Mr Klock estimates thousands of bodies lie beneath the wreckage as the space a third of a mile wide and two miles longer than Pose remains in ruins. Rescue teams push through debris seeking survivors and clues.
Crawford family recounts peril during Harrisburg flood while stranded with Mrs Fulton and two daughters on a flooded three story brick house roof. They describe shouts, rising water and peril before rescue by staff and neighbors.
The relief fund through Tax Disputes reached 4705.23 dollars by last evening with 3001.86 acknowledged in Sunday’s issue and 572 in Monday’s notices. Additional 1531.01 came from 19 contributions listed under citizens of Irondale and local organizations.
Consul Max Schomberg argues the Hungarians may be unjustly blamed for the Johnstown riot and robbery. He notes some Hungarians are intelligent and capable, and says prejudice should not inflame tensions. He and his agents may travel to Johnstown to observe but hope no race agitation occurs in the meantime.
The record outlines departure and arrival times for the Pittsburg and Lake Erie Railway lines to New York and Buffalo. It references trains labeled as best line east, Lake express, and a first class limited service with various daily times spanning afternoon to night departures.
The Pennsylvania Company offers excursion tickets to Rock Point from Pittsburg and Allegheny for 50 cents. Trains depart Union station at 6 20, 7 15, 7 45, 8 15, 8 30, 9 00 A M and 12 20 P M Central time, with Tem peranceville departures at 6 9 and 8 48 A M Central time stopping at Point Bridge and Birmingham. Fare 55 cents.
Special trains to Washington Pennsylvania depart Pittsburgh at 4 a.m. on June 3 and 6 and return from Washington Fair Grounds at 1 a.m. Central time. Service runs midweek with departures to Washington Panhandle on Wednesday and June 5th.
Real estate savings bank listings include deposits of $1 and upward at 4 percent interest. The text also advertises old whiskies, brandy, and a variety of consumer goods. It mentions promotions, clocks, jewelry store offers, and camping food recommendations from Marvin's pilot bread to Frauenheim beer and jackets, all in a regional commerce page.
The flood has closed Cambria Iron Company works in Connellsville causing long delays before restart. All blast furnaces and coke ovens are out of service, affecting coke production and pig iron output. Many workers drowned and will need replacement when operations resume, with Amalgamated plan to fill openings as the final restart date nears.
At Old City Hall volunteers organized relief shipments under G F McDonald and C P McCord. Donors provided food and mainly clothing for Johnstown sufferers. By 6 20 pm over 200 cases were sent and more wagon loads remained to be packed.
A railroad dispatcher reports two tracks will reach Johnstown by 4 30 PM and another pair by 8 PM with 5000 men at work nearby. Four bodies have been located and identified as passengers from one of the trains, while many others remain unaccounted for.
Lightweight 2 inch wide woven stripes York fabric in latest summer colorings. Hiant Jacquard silk mixture offered at 750 with a supposed value of 1. Our price 7ic.
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