Daily Press

DROWNED IN A FLOOD.

Almost Two Score Bodies Found at Shawneetown

RIDGWAY, ILL., April 4.—Tonight almost two score bodies of victims of the Shawneetown flood have been recovered and hundreds of homeless people are dependent upon charity for food and shelter. The death list is likely to be largely increased when definite information from the negro quarter, which suffered most, is secured. The flood burst upon these people without warning and owing to the weak construction of their shanties they toppled over in the rush of water, leaving their inmates no means of escape. Hundreds of people who lived farther from the river front sought safety on roofs and in upper stories or made a retreat to the hills at the west. These are being removed as rapidly as possible to places where they can be given proper care.

No effort has yet been made to search for bodies, the attention of the relief parties being directed almost entirely to providing supplies and making the homeless as comfortable as possible. The relief work is well organized and the tents, blankets and foods sent by the governor today will be promptly distributed.

Those who escaped lost everything and their homes are in ruins.