Summary vengeance was inflicted upon prowling thieves; some of whom were driven into the merciless waters to perish, while others were shot or hanged by the neck until they were dead. The burial of hundreds of the known and unknown, without minister or obsequies, without friend or mourner, without surviving relatives to take a last look or shed a tear, was one of the appalling spectacles. There was the breathless suspense and anxiety of those who feared the worst, who waited in vain for news of the safety of their friends, and at last were compelled to believe that their loved ones had perished.
The terrible shock attending the horrible accounts of the great calamity, was followed by the sudden outburst and exhibition of universal grief and sympathy. Despatches from the President, Governors of States, and Mayors of Cities, announced that speedy aid would be furnished. The magnificent charity that came to the rescue with millions of dollars, immense contributions of food and clothing, personal services and heroic efforts, is one impressive part of this graphic story. Rich and poor alike gave freely, many persons dividing their last dollar to aid those who had lost their all.
These thrilling scenes are depicted, and these wonderful facts are related, in THE JOHNSTOWN HORROR, by eye-witnesses who saw the fatal flood and its direful effects. No book so intensely exciting has ever been issued. The graphic story has an awful fascination, and will be read throughout the land.
[Illustration: RECOVERING THE BODIES OF VICTIMS.]
[Illustration: THE BREAK IN THE SOUTH FORKS DAM.]
[Illustration: IN THE PACK-SADDLE, ON THE CONEMAUGH, PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD.]
[Illustration: RUINS IN MAIN STREET, JOHNSTOWN.]
[Illustration: A GRAVEL-TRAIN RUNS AWAY FROM THE ADVANCING FLOOD.]
[Illustration: IMMENSE GAP IN THE BROKEN DAM, AS SEEN FROM THE INSIDE.]
[Illustration: FRIGHTFUL STRUGGLES FOR LIFE.]
[Illustration: THE FLOOD STRIKES THE CAMBRIA IRON WORKS.]
[Illustration: HOUSES AND HUMAN BEINGS LOST IN THE FLOOD.]
[Illustration: TEARING DOWN HOUSES IN JOHNSTOWN.]
[Illustration: SOLDIERS GUARDING A HUNGARIAN THIEF.]
[Illustration: DISTRIBUTING RELIEF AT THE PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD STATION.]
[Illustration: RELIEF CORPS CROSSING THE ROPE BRIDGE.]