The Sun

THE RIVERS STILL RISING.

Great Suffering In the Inundated Districts—Danger at Cairo and Helena.

LITTLE ROCK, Feb. 27.—The river continues to rise at the rate of half an inch an hour. At St. Charles the water is two feet over the north bank, and it is feared that it will rush through the old river bed and damage several valuable plantations. Adamsburg, fourteen miles above Pine Bluff, is inundated, and the whole of the neighboring country is under water. It is reported that the river is now running through Flat Bayou, and the bank in many places is caving badly. Much destitution exists among the inhabitants.

HELENA, Ark., Feb. 27.—Rain to-day caused a rise of two inches in the overflow in this city, and the river is expected to begin rising to-night. It is generally believed that it will go from six to fifteen inches above the recent rise, in which event there will be serious trouble, and there is no way of estimating the damage which might ensue. The levees, however, are being strengthened. It is hoped that Helena will not be damaged by the current resulting from a break in the levee immediately protecting the city. During a thunder storm this afternoon a waterspout was seen in the river north of the city, which was caused, it is supposed, by lightning striking the water.

MEMPHIS, Feb. 27.—The river at this point marks 35 feet 3 inches, which is up to the highest point reached this season and continues to rise slowly. The high water in the Ohio River has again caused the St. Francis River to rise, and the outlook to those who have been forced to remain on rafts or cooped up in houses surrounded by water is anything but hopeful. Great suffering among the negroes is reported at Laconia Circle, where the water covers almost all lands within a circumference of twenty miles. The loss of cattle and other stock continues, both from drowning and starvation. This condition of affairs also exists in the lower region of the White River bottoms, which has been submerged to a depth of from two to four feet. Speedy assistance must be rendered, or the suffering of many will have a tragic ending.

VIENNA, Feb. 27.—The Catfish Point levee broke at 5 o'clock this morning, making a gap fifty feet wide. It is also reported that the Kentucky levee broke at 5 o'clock this morning, but no particulars have been received.

CAIRO, Ill., Feb. 27.—Although the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers have each fallen about five inches, the danger upon the Mississippi River is still great. From 50 to 100 men are kept constantly at work strengthening the weak places, and if there is no storm or heavy wind have strong hopes of saving the city.