The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-08-15

Ponce, Porto Rico. August l2.-The
terrific wind which accompanied the re-
cent storm destroyed the crops and de-
molished a number of houses on the
higher ground, while the floods destroy
ed bridges and houses and caused great
loss of human life. A large number OF
cattle were killed.
The storm was. most severe in the
central part of the island and along the
southern coast. Three hundred bodies
have been buried in the city of Ponce,
and it is estimated that 1000 persons
were drowned in the Ponce district.
The number of people of the lower
classes lost is not known, but it is GER
tain that there were few fatalities
among the persons of the better class,
and none among the Americans.
The work of clearing away the debris
progresses slowly.
Senior Luis Gautier has been appoint
ed alcalde, the former incumbent of the
office having been deposed on account
of negligence.
Considerable unrest has been mani
tested among the people and a cavalry
patrol has been established. The wat
er supply has been restored
HOSPITAL WRECKED.
During the progress of the storm the
municipal hospital was wrecked, and its
patients were removed to the military
hospital.
Yabucoa, Adjuntas and Humacao
were devasted and in some instances
entire villages were swept out of eX-
istence. One hundred persons are re-
ported to have been killed on a coffee
plantation.
Everything is ruined, pestilence threat
ems and money and work are needed.
and newspaper appeal has been
made to the American people for relief.
The calamity, with the commercial de-
preston, has produced a terrible con-
dition of affairs.
Both Americans and Porto Ricans de-
mand the adoption Immediately Of
definite, permanent policy on the part
of the government.
FEARFUL LOSS OF LIFE.
San Juan, Porto Rico, August l2.-
According ITO an official report receiv-
ed here the port of Arecibo was de-
stroyed during the recent severe storm,
the place being inundated by water
from the ocean and river, 200 bodies
are in the morgue there and hundreds
of persons are missing. A number Of
tiOnS in the suburbs were drowned. The
commanding officer of the district has
ordered that the bodies of the victims
OF the disaster shall be buried where
they are found. San Juan has been
applied to for supplies.
According to the latest report from
Yabucoa, eighty bodies were buried
there on Wednesday, while the remains
of 200 victims have not been recovered.
The church is the only building left
standing.
1t is rumored that a number Of
American soldiers were killed at Maya
guez.
FIRST TOUCH OF THE STORM.
Jupiter, Fla, August I2-The day
has been passed with no fiercer touch
OF the West Indian hurricane than a
STEADY gale which has not exceeded
forty miles per hour. The wind fresh
ened at o'clock this morning ard un-
der the murky sky increased in ve;oci-
ty until a rate of about forty miles
was reached. At 8 o'clock tonight the
speed OF the wind is thirty eight miles.
The barometer registers 29.57.
The barometer has been falling slow
ly ever since yesterday indicating the
approach of a storm. 1t is believed
here, owing to the direction of The
wind which has been prevailing all
day, that the storm is south by south
east of this place. It's distance cannot
be ascertained, but it is believed to be
about 100 miles away in the vicinity
of Nassau, \. P. 1t is a we'll known
fact that the storms of this character
often remain stationary for some time
and then start out with seemingly re-
newed force. The route the West In
dian hurricane will take is problemat-
ical.
Pensacola, August 12-The outer edge
OF the West Indian hurricane swept
over Pensacola this afternoon. The
wind reached maximum velocity OF
forty-two miles an hour, and was ac-
companied by a heavy rain. Several
vessels in the bay dragged anchor, but
no damage was done by the storm,
which was Of short duration.
HEAVY WIND AT KEY WEST.
Key West, Fla. August ia heavy
wind prevailed here all day. The steam
er Olivette, Of the Plant Line, did not
leave on her regular trip for Havana
and is still in port. The steamer Lam
pasas arrived from Galveston and
sailed for New York. Fears are ex-
pressed tonight that she will catch the
West Indian hurricane, which is re-
ported off Jupiter.
Jacksonville, Fla, August I2-Sev.
eral vessels are at the mouth of the
river awaiting the outcome of the ap-
preaching storm. The steamer Atlas
sailed for Baltimore. but Will hug shore
and be ready 10 run in. Sailing vessels
are closely reefed. The schooner NE.
costa, laden with lumber for CAYENNE
F. G., from Providence, r. l., ran into
Mayport for harbor. Several vessels
cleared today. but will not sail unit
the weather permits.
a GALE AT MOBILE.
Mobile, Ala, August ia south
.