Democratic Sentinel, Volume 21, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 October 1897 — SAY 20,000 WERE LOST. [ARTICLE]

SAY 20,000 WERE LOST.

Great Floods Ravage China, Leaving Thousands Homeless. The steamer Victoria brings news of the most disastrous floods that have visited China for many years. Sixty villages near Tung Chou, containing over 80,000 inhabitants, have been destroyed by floods and the people drowned or forced to flee. There, is no means of finding how muny thousands have been drowned, but the number is estimated by Chinese authorities at 15,000 to 20,000. The flooded district is within twelve miles of Pekin, the capital of China. As a rule Chinese officials make very little stir when a calamity like this happens, but the proximity of the disaster has resulted in its being brought to the attention of the emperor, who has ordered that all possible relief be given. Survivors from the villages nearest Pekin have been allowed such shelter as they can find on the city walls, but thousands arc without protection against the lain, which continues to fall. The distress of these people is most pitiable. Public spirited and wealthy men of Pekiu and Tung Chou are actively assisting the authorities iu providing them with food.