It is said that many cases of fever and diphtheria and pneumonia are being concealed from the people here for fear a panic may seize the workers, and if that should happen now probably no firm or people would attempt to touch the work here perhaps for months. Disinfectants of all kinds are being freely used by the car load, and, in addition to this, a score of blazing piles in every direction shows that the purifying element of fire is being applied as rapidly as possible for the safety of the living.
Work was resumed to-day in the shops of the Cambria Iron Company’s mammoth steel mill, and the repairs to the building are being made with remarkable rapidity. The damage to the buildings has been stated, but the machinery was only slightly damaged. The blast furnaces were not hurt at all, and will be in operation as soon as a supply of coke can be obtained. There is some coke on hand, but it is too small an amount to begin with. The most serious loss to the firm was the destroyed papers, letters, order books, etc.
The members of secret societies on the Conemaugh Valley fared unusually well. The junior O. U. A. M. are very strong here, having a membership of 1,200. Out of this number only nine lives were lost. Most of them lost their homes, but all have employment and expect to be on their feet again in a short time. The committee from Pittsburgh and Allegheny established headquarters in the upper end of the town and relieved the wants of all who applied. The councils responded, not only very liberally, but promptly.
The Independent Order of Heptasophs had a membership of eighty-five, and lost but two. None of their members are in want, and the committee sent to distribute provisions and clothing have returned home. They had more than enough.
A TELEGRAPH OPERATOR’S DEATH.
The Independent Odd Fellows had a membership of 506 here, and out of that number lost seventy-nine. The distressed members are being well cared for.
It is not known how many of the Masonic Order are lost, although a prominent Mason says they are few, and the survivors are being royally provided for by the relief committee of that fraternity.
A trap was laid for the crook undertaker who was robbing the bodies in the Fourth ward morgue. A female was brought in, and before it was dressed for burial a diamond ring was placed upon one of her fingers, and the pseudo undertaker was assigned to take charge of the body. He was detected in the act of stealing the jewelry, and was promptly arrested by the chief of police, who immediately took him to Ebensburg. The officials refuse to give the name of the man.
About forty bodies were recovered to-day up to 3 p. m., but of these only three were recovered at the bridge.