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

August II, 11:40 a. m.-Hurricane
centre apparently approaching Nassau,
Bahama. Storm will increase in in
tensity upon. reaching the gulf stream
and will probably reach the south At
lantic coast towns OF the United States
tonight"
Mass; u, n. p, August II, 500 p. H.
The barometer is falling, the weather
is threatening and a hurricane is ap-
preaching.
Washington, August II, 8 p. m.-The
ly to the southeast and near Nassau,
and will probably reach the Florida
coast by Saturday morning.
Hurricane signals were ordered this
afternoon and this evening on both the
southern Florida coasts, and storm sig
nails on the northern F1oridN coast and
at Savannah and Charleston, and all
shipping interests fully warned.
APPEAL FO RAID FOR THE PORTO
.RICANS.
The war department today took
prompt measures for the relief of the
hurricane sufferers in Porto Rico. When
the press dispatches and General Da-
Wis advices made known tho extent of
the disaster, steps were Immediately
taken to send supplies and h trans
port Mcpherson was ordered put in
readiness to sail from New York Mon
day next. She will carry rations and
other necessaries.
Secretary of War o this afternoon
sent the following appeal to the may
ors Of all cities of more than 0,OOO pop
ulatiOn:
"Sir-The governor general of Porto
Rico confirms the report that upon the
Sth instant a hurricane swept over
that island, entirely demolishing many
of the towns, destroying many lives,
and reducing, as far as can be esti-
mated, not less h 100, 900 of the in
habitantS to the condition of absolute
restitution, without homes or food. I'm
less immediae and effective relief is
given, these unfortunate people viii,
perish of famine.
Under these conditions, the president
deems that an appeal should be made
to the humanity of the American peO-
pie. It is an appeal to their patriotism
also, for the inhabitants of Porto Rico
nave freely and gladly submitted them
selves to the guardianship of the Unit
ed States and have voluntarily surren-
dered the protection of Spain, to which
they were formerly entitled, confidently
relying upon more generous and benef-
icent treatment at our hands. The
highest consideration or honor and
good faith, unite with the promptings
of humanity to require from the Unit
ed States a generous response to the
demand of Porto Rican distress.
This department has directed the
immediate distribution of rations to the
sufferers by the army in Porto Rico, as
far as it is within the power of the
executive, but in the absence of any
appropriation we must rely largely
upon private contributions.
Il beg that you will call upon the
public spirited and humane people of
your city to take active and immediate
measures in this eXigency. The gov
eminent transport Mcpherson will be
sent directly from the port of New
York to Porto Rico on Monday, the 18th
instant, to carry all supplies of food
which can be obtained. Further trans
ports will be sent at future dates, or
which public notice will be given.
ANY committee charged with the
raising of funds will receive full infor.
formation and advice upon communi-
eating with this department."
THE DAMAGE IN PORTO RICO.
The cablegram from General Davi:
giving fuller details of the damage
lone in Porto Rico by the hurricane
says:
Later reports show that the hurri
cane was far more severe in interior
and southern parts of the island thar
here. Data for estimate Of number o.
Porto Ricans who have lost everything
is deficient, but 1 am forced to believ,
the number on the island cannot fal
below 10O, 900 souls, and a famine i
impending.
4 ask that $500, 900 pounds of rio
and beans, equal quantities Of each, b.
Immediately shipped or transports t.
Ponce. Some here. Urgent appeals t.
all post commanders for food for tn
destitute. Am I authorized to reliev
distress by food issued? Rice and bean
only desired. There have been man.
deaths of natives by falling walls. S
far only one soldier reported danger
Ously injured. Several towns reporte,
entirely demolished. AS yet I lave re
ports from only four ports. COmplet
destruction of all barracks destroyed
Troops are in canvas No reports we
from the largest ports, Ponce and May
aguez. but they were in the vortex 0
the storm. At least half of the peopl
in Porto Rico subSist entirely on frui
and vegetables, and storm has entirel
destroyed this source of support"
A report has been received at tn
war department from an officer at Sa
Juan de Porto Rico estimating that tn
number of killed amounts to 500. tn
same officer says a very serious condi
ton of affairs exists at Ponce.
THE ISLAND STORM-SWEPT.
Ponce, August 1.-THE worst storl
ever experienced here struck this plac
Tuesday morning at 8 o'clock n las
ed two hours. 1t came from the NORTH
east Ponce was flooded at midnigf
and at least 300 persons We're drowne'
Two hundred bodies, mostly those {
poor people and including many chi
dren, have been recovered. All tn
buildings are damaged and hundred
have been destroyed.
n soldiers and firemen worked a
night, heroically saving lives.
There is no drinking water, gas, IL
or electric light.
The commissary stores at Playa we
destroyed, the city is short of food an
the army officers are distributing II
tons.
Fifteen vessels in the harbor wei
driven ashore.
The weather bureau predicted tt