St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1889-06-05
THOUSANDS HOMELESS.
The Situation at WilliamspOrt as
Detailed by Mayor FOresman.

HARRISBURG, Pa, June 4.-The fol-
lowing Geographic correspondence
passed to-day between Gov. Beaver and
Mayor Foresman, of WiIliamsport.
Williamsport. Pa, June 4.-To Gov. Beaver:
The situation, expressed in few words, is
this: The boom has been cleaned of logs
from the principal yards along tie river
front, and the manufactured lumber has been
swept away. The houses of the poor people
nearest the river have been carried away with
all they possessed Thousands of people are
homeless and without anything but the
clothes upon their backs. Provisions
are scarce and are most needed quick.
the necessities of life. Although bereft Of
property themselves our business men have
responded nobly for present necessities. At
the meeting called yesterday 81, 900 in cash
Dead animals and all kinds OF filth are
strewed upon the streets, and grave fears OF
an epidemic are entertained. Stocks of goods
OF stores In the center of the city are ruined.
IL is impossible to estimate the loss and dam
age to different kinds of property. Five mill
ion dollars is low estimate of the loss on
lumber alone. Other losses larger. The SUI
rounding country has suffered just as badly.
Booms, bridges and villages have been swept
away and the loss of life has been con-
siderable. Judge Cummins is treasurer Of
the relief fund, and will see personally to the
faithful distribution of all contributions. Re-
sponsible relief committees are now organ
lied in each ward of the city. and aid is ad-
mlnistered as fast as we get it. Please God
we are not dismayed, and rely ON His guild
ance, the generosity of our own state and
country TO aid US in this the hour of our dire
necessity. One thousand military tents will
afford the greatest possible relief to our peo-
pie, who are now without shelter; and the
lumber all having gone, other temporary
shelter cannot be provided soon enough. The
tents that you might send will be taken
returned in as good condition as possible.
Send us several large mess tents where We
can feed the people in large numbers. The
low ground where many of these people re-
side is an unfit place for them to return to
for sanitary reasons.
MAYOR FoREsMAN.
CON. REAyERS REPLY.
Harrisburg, Pa, June 4.-MayOr, Williams.
port, Pa: Be of good cheer. Your reliance
is not misplaced. God and the country will
sustain you. Will reach you with help as
soon as Montgomery bridge can be crossed.
am loading cars here with -four and gro
ceries, Notwithstanding the pressure of our
own stricken people. Will telegraph Phila-
delphia at once for provisions and disin-
fectants. Put your unemployed men to WORK
in removing debris and cleaning your city.
will furnish means for paying them reason
able wages, and this will answer the double
purpose of preventing disease and the law
lessness which springs from idIeness. May
not be able TO send you tents. The state has
no large tents, such as you desire. Better
use your market houses and other public
buildings. May be able when communica-
ton is established to send you a carload Of
ordinary canvas The country is responding
nObly to humanity's call and the address
sent out last night will give better idea OF
the situation. so that have no fear of any
lack Of means for furnishing all needed help.
Communicate with me directly and freely as
to your needs and how 1 can cooperate in
supplying them.
JAMES A. BEAVER, Governor.