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 De
John Stuart Mill · en
One of the greatest needs of the city now is disinfectants. The local
Committee on Correspondence drafted this general message to the country:
“Our most urgent present needs now are disinfectants, lime, cement,
gasoline stoves, gasoline, charcoal furnaces, and charcoal. Nearby towns
also may send bread. For the remainder of our wants money will be most
available because we can make purchases from time to time with more
discretion than miscellaneous contributors would exercise. We are
bringing order out of chaos and again offer our profound gratitude for
the assistance so far received.”
The first real attempt to clear away the great mass of debris piled
along the beach front for several miles was begun to-day. Advertisements
this morning asking for hundreds of men and boys were answered by a
multitude. It is hoped that a vigorous prosecution of the work will lead
to the early recovery of the bodies in the debris. That there are many
of them there is no shadow of doubt.
SEEKING FORMER RESIDENCES.
A correspondent walked along the beach for some distance to-day and the
stench was sickening. Everywhere little groups of men, women and
children, some poorly clad, were digging in the ruins of their homes for
what little household property they could save. In many cases, those
seeking their former residences were unable to find a single remnant of
them.
The exodus from the city was heavy to-day, and hundreds more were eager
to leave, but were unable to secure transportation. Along the bay front
there were scores of families with dejected faces, pleading to be taken
from the stricken city, where, in spite of every effort to restore
confidence, there is much depression.
J. C. Stewart, a builder, after a careful inspection of the grain
elevators and their contents, said the damage to the elevators was not
over two per cent. Mr. Bailey said he would put a large force of men to
work clearing up each of the wharves, and the company will be ready for
business within eight days. The wharves have been damaged very little
outside of the wreckage of the sheds. With the wreckage cleared away
Galveston will be in shape for beginning business.
SOUTHERN PACIFIC WILL REBUILD.
To a journal in New York the “Galveston News” sent the following
important statement:
“You ask the ‘News’ what is our estimate of Galveston’s future and what
the prospects are for building up the city. Briefly stated, the ‘News’
believes that inside of two years there will exist upon the island of
Galveston a city three times greater than the one that has just been
partially destroyed. The devastation has been great and the loss of life
terrible, but there is a hopefulness at the very time this answer is
being penned you that is surprising to those who witness it. That is not
a practical answer to your inquiries, however.