The Mena star., 1899-08-17
HURRICANE REPORTS
Further News of the Fearful Storm
 in the West Indies.
TWO HUNDRED BODIES RECOVERED.
Ponce Without Drinking Water, Gas, Ice or Electric Light-The Damage inflicted at Other Plaees-secretary Roots
 Appeal for Assistance.


 Ponce, P. R., Aug. 12. In the recent storm which struck Ponce the place was flooded and at least 800 persons were drowned. Two hundred bodies, mostly those of poor people and in clnding many children, have been re- covered. All the buildings are dam. aged and hundreds have been destroyed The soldiers and firemen worked hero ically saving lives. There is no drink ing water, gas, ice or electric light. The eommissary stores at Playa were destroyed the city is short of food and the army officers are distributing ra- tions. Fifteen vessels in the harbor were driven ashore.
 A mob of 1000 persons threatened the alcalde, Porrata Doria, but they were dispersed by the Fifth cavalry. The alcalde has been deposed on ac- connt of negligence Maj. Myers, of the Eleventh infantry, is acting as alcalde in response to popular demand. The sun of S5,000 will be needed to clean the streets The sanitary condi- tion is serious and assistance is needed.
 
 wires are all down and little news is obtainable from the interior
 Abonita, including the barracks, has been destroyed, but no lives lost there. Juan Diaz has been devastated. Forty six lives were lost there. Arroyo, Guayama, Salinas and San Isabel are reported to have been totally demol- ished. Sixteen lives lost here The railroad between Ponce and Yauco has been destroyed and the military road is impossible. The river is flowing over the road for two miles
 MayagueE escaped serious injury. Bananas are the sole food here The peons have gone to San Juan and it's vicinity, which are comparatively un- injured
 At Guayamo the houses are still standing. Seven persons were killed there. 4 number of houses were pill laged, squads of soldiers were unable to maintain order and starvation threatens the population. The water supply of San Juan has been stopped. The Coamo Springs hotel has been wrecked. 1t belonged to the Porto Rico company of Philadelphia.
 SECRETARY Roor's APPEAL
 Washington, Aug. 12.-The war de- partment yesterday took prompt meas ures for the relief of the hurricane suf- ferers in Porto Rico. When the press dispatches and Gen. Davis advices made known the extent of the disaster steps were immediately taken to send ha ,.+ was ordered put in readiness to sail from New York on Monday next. She will carry rations and other neces- saries. Secretary of War Root yester- day afternoon sent the following ap- peal to the mayors of all cities of more than i50, 1000 population:
 Sir: The governor general of Porto Rico con- firms the report that upon the sth inst. hurri- cane swept that island entirely demolishng many towns destroying many lives and reduc- ing, so far as can be estimated, not less than 100.09O of the inhabitants to the condition of ab- solute destitution, without homes or food. Un- less immediate and effective relief is given these unfortunates they will perish from famine Under these conditions the president deems that m appeal should be made to the humanity of the American people ltis an appeal to their patriotism also, for the inhabitants of Porto Rico have freely and gladly submitted them- selves to the guardianship of the United States, and have voluntarily surrendered the protection of Spain. to which they were formerly entitled, confidently relying upon more generous and benehcent treltment at hands. The highest considerations of honor and good faith unite with the promptings of humanity to require from the United States Q generous response to the demand of Porto Rican distress This depart ment has directed the immediate distribution of rations to the sufferers by the army in Porto Rico, so far IS 1t is within the power of the ex- ecutiye, but in absence Of any appropriation we must rely largely upon private contributions
 believe that you will call upon the public spirited and humane people of your city to take active and immediate measures in this exigcncy. The government transport McPherson will be sent directly from the port of New York to Poito Rico on Monday, she l4th inst to carry all supplies Of food which can be obtained. Further transports will be sent at future dates. of which public notice will be given.
 Any committee charged with the raising of funds will receive full information and advice upon communicating with this depar tment Very respectfully, ELIHU RooT.
 Secretary of War.