05 Jun 1903
Page 1
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Newspaper
Topeka State Journal
Location
Topeka, Kansas, United States of America
Date
Jun 05, 1903
Page
1
A new channel develops forming water 25 feet deep north of the Davis Elevator. The area previously occupied by a river bed shows lowered water levels as the channel takes shape.
A defining fear stalls the rebuilding of the Rock Island railroad as homes along its route are reportedly swept away, raising concerns over displaced residents and the viability of the corridor project.
Fragmented report details rising casualties and property losses in Topeka as flooding from Soldier Creek and surrounding rivers swamps farms and streets. It notes soldiers, residents, and officials scrambling for shelter news papers and aid while water forces evacuations and disrupts daily life across the region.
The State Journal reprints a two year old talk by John A Bailey of the Santa Fe engineering department. He warned that the Kaw River could shift its channel through North Topeka, threatening Kansas Avenue and North Topeka streets. He urged rapid action to prevent wreckage to bridges and the street railway, proposing a dam or other works and calling for funds for a safe river-rail crossing solution.
A flood across Kansas sent rivers to flood levels as high as six feet above normal in towns including Leavenworth Enterprise and Lawrence. Bridges and culverts were washed out and smaller creeks rose dangerously while investigators noted multiple bodies found near the Kaw River mouth and in isolated western counties.
Westbound Santa Fe and eastbound Missouri Pacific trains collided one quarter mile east of Stilwell Kansas. At least six killed and many injured. victims include William Newmill er and Dan Monahan among the dead. Readings from Kansas City version list numerous survivors and injuries. On site, pilots steering the trains were detoured due to washouts and detours over Missouri Pacific rails.
A Baptist church in Rochester was destroyed by dynamite on June 5. Authorities report ongoing church tensions after Reverend Otton resigned to join the Methodist church in Lanesboro. No arrests have been made.
Reports from Monastir describe a Turkish bombardment and massacre at the village of Smerdash near Lake Presta. Rebels had withdrawn to the mountains earlier. about 500 villagers fled to the hills, with 209 killed in the attack and many survivors severely mutilated.
The steamer Deutschland grounded in the channel yesterday. six tugs tried to refloat her from high tide until early morning. No hull damage or danger, though passengers and friends blame the accident on the first-class crowd. The ship crawled out to sea under smoke and fog with engines reversed. Communications linked to Marconi at Mire Island for dispatch.
Dense smoke and ashen air from Adirondack fires obscure the sun over a vast area. Fires ten to twenty miles wide and twenty miles long threaten hundreds of miles as crews battle flames but cannot approach within two miles of the treeline. A steamer with a freight gang is being used to fight the blaze in the Cont river region, where fires cover twenty square miles.
Quigley, director at St Marys College, travels daily from Concordia to St Marys carrying mail. He walks from Mohoken to Shorey then to Union Pacific tracks. Early on Paceday he fell into water but retrieved the box and carried the body toward shore before towing it off the submerged path.
A damaged Topeka Water Company pumping station caused a breach near the river. Workers race to halt the leak and restore pressure as city officials fear a large gap in the mains and possible loss of water service tonight.
Most of those found so far are colored. Recovery work is underway with earnest efforts to scour and clean the area. Local crews cite the extent of debris and plan ongoing searches for additional victims and clues as investigations continue.
The report lists numerous victims found after a disaster near Topeka including Edward Grafstrom Henry Jordan Alice Bishop Nellie Reynolds Sally Halyard James Phillips Jan Philips and others. Coroner Hogeboom arranged a morgue at 3 Kanene avenue and explains bodies retrieved from houses west of Kurtos avenue with further identifications and ongoing recovery efforts amid wreckage cleanup.
In a June report from Washington the postal region notes improved but uncertain conditions. Rail lines face slow traffic with Missouri Pacific, Wabash, Katy and Rock Island routes affecting connections to Ottawa Sedalia and Topeka. Trains resume gradually as service restoration progresses tomorrow.
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