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 — John Shaqi
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 most remarkable escapes recorded during the flood was
reported to-day, when news came that a United States Battery man, on
duty at the forts last week, had been picked up on Morgan’s Point
wounded, but alive. He had buffeted the waves for five days and lived
through a terrible experience.
SURGEON GENERAL WYMAN MAKES A STATEMENT.
The following statement from Surgeon-General Wyman is dated Washington,
D. C., Friday, Sept. 14:
“In response to the request concerning the situation in Galveston, I
have a report from Passed Assistant Surgeon Wertenbaker, who was
directed to go from his station in New Orleans to Galveston, practically
confirming the press reports as to the effect of the storm and
conditions existing. He says:
“‘City is wrecked. Press reports not exaggerated. Deaths estimated at
5,000. Bodies being cremated as fast as found. Many bodies under debris
not yet removed. Water supply limited. Very scarce now, but supplies
coming in rapidly. The only means of communication is by railroad to
Texas City, thence by boat, or by boat from Houston.’
“Dr. Wertenbaker is at Houston, and Surgeon Peckham and Acting Assistant
Surgeon Lea Hume are giving all the aid possible in Galveston. I do not
apprehend an outbreak of any epidemic of disease as a result of the
storm. The law and regulations are ample to meet the emergency.
“There is danger of sickness caused by unusual exposure and deprivation
of food and water, but the people of Galveston and Governor and other
officials of the city and State are thoroughly alive to the necessities
of the situation. Their disposal of bodies by cremation is certainly a
wise measure, and I am convinced that the native energy of the people,
supplemented by the tents and rations furnished by the War Department
and the contributions which have been and are flowing in from all parts
of the country, will obviate the outbreak of widespread disease.
“WALTER WYMAN,
“Supervising Surgeon-General Marine Hospital Service.”
As already stated, the first estimates of the number lost were much too
low, and all the facts show that probably 8000 is not too high an
estimate.
Austin, Tex., Sept. 14.—The fund for the relief of the Galveston
sufferers now aggregates nearly $1,000,000 and it will probably reach
$1,500,000 by to-morrow night. Most of this amount is in the hands of
Governor Sayres, who will direct the work of expending it for food,
supplies and other relief measures. The Governor will not give out for
publication an itemized list of the contributions for several days.