The Yakima herald. [volume] (North Yakima, W.T. [Wash.]) 1889-1914, 1899-08-17
AN APPEAL FOR AID.
Root Asks Assistance for Porto Rico
sufferers.

W Agu. Ht WtI
rartnent today took prompt measures
Tor the relief of the hurricane sufferers
in Porto Rico. When the press dis
patches and Generl Davis advices
made known the extent of the disas-
ter, steps were Immediately taken to
send supplies. and the transport Me-
Pherson was ordered put in readiness
to sail from New York at once. She
will carry grains and other necessaries.
The secretary of war this afternoon
sent the following appeal to the mayors
of cities OF more than 100, 900 popula-
ton:
''Sir-The encouragement of Porto
Rico confirms the report that upon the
Sth inst. hurricane swept over that
island, entirely demolishing many Of
the towns, destroying many lives and
reducing, so near as he can estimate.
not less than 100000 of the inhab-
itants to the condition of absolute des-
titution. without homes and food.
"Unless immediate and effective re-
lief is given to these unfortunates they
will perish. Under these conditions.
the president deems that an appeal
should be made to the humanity of the
American people. 1t is an appeal to
their patriotism also, for the inhab-
tants of Porto Rico have freely and
gladly submitted themselves to the
guardianship OF the United States and
have voluntarily surrendered the pro-
lection of Spain, to which thew were
formerly entitled. confidently relying
upon more generous and beneficent
treatment at our hands. The highest
considerations of honor and good faith
unite with the promptings of human
ity to require from the United States
a generous response to the demand OF
Porto Rico in distress.
"This department has directed the
immediate distribution OF rations 10 the
sufferers by the army in Porto Rico,
so far as it is within the power OF the
executive, but in the absence of any ap.
preparation we must rely largely upon
private contributions.
II beg 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 poit of New
York to Porto Rico to carry all sup
plies of food which can be obtained.
Further transports will lie sent at fu-
ture dates, of which public notice will
he given. Any committee charged with
the raising OF funds will receive full
information and advice upon commu-
nicating with this department. Youls
respectfully, "ELIHU ROOT,
Secretary of War;"
The war department today received
a cabIegram from General Davis, Civ
ing fuller details of the damage done
in Porto Rico by the hurricane
Later reports show the hurricane
was far more severe in the inter ior
and southern pant OF the island than
here. Data for an estimate OF the
number of Porto Ricans who have lost
everything is deficient, but | am forced
to believe the number on the island
famine is impending. | ask that
100000 pounds OF nee and beans,
equal in quantity each, be immediate
ly shipped on transports to Ponce, and
some here. Urgent appeals come to all
post commanders for food for the desti.
tute. Am | authorized to relieve dis.
tress by food issues? Rice and beans
only are desired.
"There have been many deaths OF
natives by falling walls. So far, only
one soldier is repoted dangerously in
| jured. Several towns are reported en-.
| tirely demolished. AS yet we have re-
| ports from only four ports; complete
| destruction Of all the barracks at two
and at two others one company each
! had their barracks destroyed. No re.
| ports yet come from the largest ports,
| but they were in the vortex of the
storm. AT least half of the people of
| Porto Rico subsist entirely on fruit and
vegetables. and the storm has entirely
| destroyed this source of support.
! A report has been received at the
war department from an officer at San
| Juan. Porto Rico, estimating that the
number of killed amounts to 500. The
same officer says q very serious Condi.
| ton of affairs exists in Ponce