Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 60, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 March 1917 — FOOD SHORTAGE IN STRICKEN CITY [ARTICLE]

FOOD SHORTAGE IN STRICKEN CITY

Despite Speedy Efforts of Outside Aid, Many Newcastle People Go Hungry.

Newcastle, Ind., March 12. —With Indiana National Guard troops, fresh from the Mexican border duty, patroling the sleets, the city., of . .eweastle which was swept by a tornado late Sunday afternoon, settled down tonight to another night of chill and darkness. Arrangements had been made to care for practical>y all the homeless, churches, lodge rooms, public halls and private dwellings having been thrown open to them, but even at that the suffering in many cases was intense, as many lost all they had except the clothes on their backs at the time the storm occurred. The death roll, revised tonight, showed 19 dead, three missing and about a score injured, with a hundred more suffering from minor hurts. No more bodies had been found in the ruins late today, but two of the injured died in hospitals during the day. Aid, in the case of food supplies and money, began to reach the city late "today. The food problem began to take on a serious aspect early in the day. Crackers sold at two cents and bananas at a nickel, each- With the gas supply shut off, many places were without means of preparing food that was at hand and canned goods we?e at a premium. In answer to the appeal for, financial aid, sent broadcast over the state, Charles W. Fairbanks, republican candidate for vice president in the last election, contributed sl>ooo. Up to tonight no looting has been reported to the military authorities. While martial, law has not been declared, the soldiers are ruling the city with a strong hand. No crowds are permitted to gather near the devastated section and only .persons with passes signed by Major William P. Carpenter, who took command of the troops, are permitted in the district and they must keep in the streets and on the move. Persons were not allowed to leave the streets un’ess accompanied by a soldier.