The Great Galveston Disaster / Containing a Full and Thrilling Account of the Most Appalling Calamity of Modern Times Including Vivid Descriptions of the Hurricane and Terrible Rush of Waters; Immense Destruction of Dwellings, Business Houses, Churches, and Loss of Thousands of Human Lives; Thrilling Tales of Heroic Deeds; Panic-Stricken Multitudes and Heart-Rending Scenes of Agony; Frantic Efforts to Escape a Horrible Fate; Separation of Loved Ones, etc., etc.; Narrow Escapes from the Jaws of Death; Terrible Sufferings of the Survivors; Vandals Plundering Bodies of the Dead; Wonderful Exhibitions of Popular Sympathy; Millions of Dollars Sent for the Relief of the Stricken Sufferers

by Paul Lester

GLARED AT THE THRONG.

He stood on the corner of Main and Congress streets in a half dazed condition. He glared at the great throng that was passing, some on business bent while others were seeking the latest news and hunting their relatives. He did not observe that he was being watched, nor would he have cared, for the expression upon his face showed him to be a man of great determination to be brave under the greatest misfortune of his life. You could trace in his every action a man in great sorrow.

But he had to show his emotion and give vent to his feelings, which so long he tried to smother; mechanically he raised his hand and covered his face in order to hide his grief. As he took his hands down he wiped both eyes, which had been flowing with tears. At this juncture he was approached by a citizen who, in kind tones, asked him of his solicitations and grief.

He said: “I am trying to be strong both in mind and body, but I cannot suppress my feelings in this public thoroughfare. Yes sir, I am suffering, mourning for the dead; my wife and sweet baby are among those who have gone to the great beyond.”

“How did it occur and bow did you escape?”

“Six weeks ago I kissed her (my wife) and my darling baby good-bye and took the first train for an interior town, where I had secured employment. By correspondence it was arranged between us that she was to come to me on Monday. The storm occurred Saturday night and she and the baby were drowned.

“Were the corpses found?” was asked.

“Yes. She had the baby clasped in her arms. She was found within fifty feet of where our once happy home stood. She was given as decent a burial as circumstances would permit. I am sorry, but I cannot talk any further upon this subject, as my grief knows no bounds.”