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
It will never be possible to get the names of all who are lost, but
every day makes the list more definite. It will never be possible to get
an accurate estimate of victims. It is safe to say that more than 3000
bodies have been seen so far, and the Gulf and bay and the debris of the
city will unquestionably bring many more to view. If Mr. Lewis, of
Dallas, has not overestimated the number he observed in Buffalo bayou,
that stream may largely swell the total. How many have been buried
beneath the shifting sand of the beach, will probably remain a secret
forever.
It is touching to witness the sympathy of the nation with Galveston. As
the means of communication are improved, the people here are getting a
definite idea of what it means to stir the sympathies of mankind. It
seems that the country has for the time forgotten its politics and its
curious interest in the broad affairs of the world to weep over this
stricken city. It is said a touch of pity makes the world akin, and
Galveston is compassed about by the throbbing heart of mankind.
HAS REACHED A CRISIS.
It is well that it so, for this town has reached a crisis in its life
when this sustaining influence is needed. It is not surprising that many
surviving victims of the storm are about to succumb to despair. God
knows the burden of anguish which oppresses every heart here is
calculated to breed despair. The duty of the hour, however, is too plain
to be disregarded. This island must be restored to its former beauty and
greatness in all the arts and industries of civilization, and it is
fortunate that some of the citizens here realize this. They are going to
encourage the others and there is no reason to believe that there will
be failure.
It required more than half a century to build up what the storm
destroyed in twelve hours, but it will not require but a fraction of
that period to restore the city. As Chicago rallied from the great fire,
so Galveston must and will arise from the ruins of this hour. The
wharves, which are the foundation of the city’s commercial
establishment, will be rebuilt and the traffic will come as of yore.
CHAPTER XIX.
Thousands Died in their Efforts to Save Others—Houses and Human Beings
Floating on the Tide—An Army of Orphans—Greatest Catastrophe in Our
History.