The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-08-12
SUPPLIES FOR PORTO RICO.
TRANSPORT MCPHERSON TO TAKE A
CARGO ON MONDAY.

Storm Left 100000 People on the ISL
and Destitute-War Department
Has Taken Steps for Their Relief.
Secretary Root Has Issued a CAN
for Aid to the Mayors of Large
Cities-Davis' Report shows Terri
BILE State of Affairs.
Washington, Aug. 1.-THE war depart
ment to-day took prompt measures for the
relief of the hurricane sufferers in Porto
Rico.
When the press dispatches and Gen.
Davis advices made known the extent ~
the diaster, steps were Immediately taken
to send supplies, and the transport Nc
Pherson was ordered put in readiness to
sail from New York Monday next She
will carry raions and other necessaries.
Secretary of War Root this afternoon
sent the following appeal to the Mayors
of all cities of more than 10000 popula-
ton:
''Sir: The governor general of Porto
Rico confirms the report that upon the
Sth inst hurricane swept over that ISL
and entirely demolishing many of the
towns, destroying many lives, and reduce
ing, as far as can be estimated, not less
than 100000 of the inhabitants 20 the con-
dition of absolute desutudon without
homes or food. Unless immediate and eff
fective relief is given, these unfortunate
people will perish of famine.
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 inhabitants of Porto Rico have freely
and gladly submitted themselves to the
guardianship of the United States and
have voluntarily surrendered the protec-
ton of Spain, TO which they were formerly
entitled, confidently relying upon more
generous and benehcent treatment at our
hands The highest consideration of hon
or and good faith unite with the prompt
ings of humanity to require from the Unit
ed States a generous response to the de-
mand of Porto Rican distress
This department has directed the i'm
mediate distribution of rations to the sur-
ferers by the army in Porto Rico as far
as ii is within the power of the executive,
but in the absence of any appropriation,
We must rely largely upon private con-
tributious.
II beg that you will call upon the pub
lic-sprited and humane people of your
city to take active and immediate meas
ures in this exigency. The government
transport Mcpherson will be sent directly
from the port of New York to Porto Rico
on Monday, the 14th inst, TO carry all
supplies of food which can be obtained.
Further transports win be sent at future
dates, of which public notice viii be given
'Any committee charged with the rails
ing of funds will receive full informa-
ton, and advice upon communication with
this department. Very respectfully,
"Enhu Root Secretary of War"
General Davis Report.
The cablegram from Gen Davis giving
fuller details of the damage done in Porto
Rico by the hurricane says:
Later reports show that the hurricane
was far more severe in the interior and
southern part of the island than here.
Data for an estimate of the number of
Porto Ricans who have lost everything
is deficient, but l am forced to believe
the number on the island cannot fail be-
low 100000 souls and a famine is impend-
Ing. I ask that two and one half million
pounds of rice and beans, equal Quanti-
ties of each, be Immediately shipped on
transports TO Ponce, and some sent here.
Urgent appeals have been made to oil
post commanders for food for the destitute
Am l authorized to relieve distress
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 reported dangerously in
jured Several towns are reported entire
ly demolished. As yet I have reports from
only four ports. The complete destruction
of all barracks is reported. The troops
are in canvas. No reports have been re-
ceived yet from the largest ports, Ponce
and Mayaguez, but they were in the vor-
tex of The storm. Al least half of the
people in Porto Eco subsist wholly on
fruit and vegetables, and the Storm has
entirely destroyed this source of support.
(SigneD Davis"
report has been received at the war
department from an officer at San Juan
de Porto Rico, estimating that the mum
ber of killed amounts TO 500. The same
officer says a very serious condition of
affairs exists at Ponce.