Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-08-12
AN APPEAL FOR AID,
Government AskContIibutions to
Relief Of Porto RiCans,
TRANSPORT TO SAIL MONDAY
II Will Carry Ra.iOnS and Other NeCes-
SarieS 10 The Stricken People.
NIMBER OF DESTITUTE. 100000.
This ON the Island of Porto Rico
aIone-Famine Impending 1here
md on other IsIands-Iiundrcus Oh
People Drowned.
yruBER OF DESTITUTE. 100000.

DEPARTMENT to-day took prompt measures
for the relief of the hurricane sufferers
in Porto Rico. When the press dispatches
and General Davis's advices made known
the extent of the disaster steps were i'm
mediately taken to send supplies, and the
transport Mcpherson was ordered put
in readiness to sail from New York Mon
day next. She will carry rations and other
necessaries.
secretary-of-War Root this afternoon
sent the following appeal to the mayors
of all cities Of more than 10000 pcpuia-
tion
"Sir: The Governor-General Of Porto
Rico confirms the report that upon the
Sth instant a hurricane swept over That
sand. entirely demolishing many Of the
towns. destroying many lives. and re-
ducing. as far as can be estimated not
less than 10000 of the inhabitlnts TO
a condition Of absolute destiturion-with-
out homes or food. Unless immediate and
effective relief is given these unfortu-
nate people will perish Of famine.
PATRIOTISM INVOLVED.
Under these conditions the President
deems that an appeal should be made 10
the humanity Of The American people. IL
Is an appeal 10 their patriotism also, for
the Inhabitants of Porto Rico have freely
and gladly submitted themselves to the
guardianship Of the United Stares, and
have voluntarily surrendered 'he protec-
ton of Spain. 10 which they we're for
merly entitled. confidently "elying upon
more generous and benefcent treatment
AT our hands. The highest considerations
of honor and good faith unite with the
promptings Of humanity TO require from
the United states a generous response To
the demand Of Porto Rican distress.
"This department has directed the i'm
mediate distribution OF rations 10 the SUI
ferers by tho army in Porto Rno as far
as it is within the power of the Executive
but in the absence Of any appropriation
we must rely largely upon private con-
tributions.
TRANSPORT TO SAIL MONDAY.
90 beg that YOU will call upon the pub
lic-spirited and humane people or your
city TO take active and immediate mea-
sures in this eXigency. The government
,ronsnort Mcpherson will be sent directly
from the port of New York 10 Porto RICO
on Monday, the 1ith instant, 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 rails
ing of funds will receive full information
and advice upon communicating with this
department. Very respectfully
(Signe0 El.lhU FOOI
The cablegram from General Davis, Civ
ING fullest details OF the damage done in
Porto Rico by the hurricane, says:
FAMINE IMPENDING.
Later reports show that the hurri-
cane was far more severe in the interior
and southern part OF Island than here.
Data for estimate of number Of Porto
Ricans who have lost everything Is de-
fcient. but / am forced 20 believe the
number on the island cannot fall below
100 900 souls and a famine is impending
/ ask that two and one half million
pounds Of rice and beans, equal quaint
ties of each. be Immediately shipped on
TRANSPORTS to Ponce. Some here. Urgent
appeals 10 all post commanders Tor tood
TOR the destitute. Am ! authorized 10
relieve distress by food issues? Rice and
beans only desired. There nave been
many deaths OF natives 10y falling walls.
So far only one soldier reported dan
eerous,v injured. Several towns reported
entirely demolished a. yet have re-
norris from only four ports. Complete
destruction OF an barracks destroyed.
Troops are in cdvass. NO reports yet
from the largest ports, Ponce ana Maya
pueZ but they We're IN The vortex OF the
storm. At least half of the people IN
Porto Rico subsist entirely on Iru't ana
vegetables. and the storm has entirely
DESTROYED this source OF support
(SigneO ,.l, ,,i1~.r ~
renort has been received at the War
r',erimeut from an officer at San Juan
Porto Rico. estimating that the number
81 iliIIed amounts 10 200. The same officer
80 a very serious condition OF andlrs
exists at Ponce.
DESTRUCTION AT PONCE.
pONCE August 1.-THE worse storm
o,-er experienced here struck THIS platS
TUESDAY morning al o'clock ana luSlen
two hours. IL came from the noithes"'' -.
Ponce was flooded AT midnight ana ~
least three hundred persons were ur0" me-. me-.
,ryyo hundred bodies, mostly those oil P'o'
people. and ncludlhs man!
been recovered. ., ,.,,,.-
dreds nave been destroyed. The soldlels
and 6remen worked all night, heiolcahy
saving lives There is no drlnklnS-"at,i
gas. ice. or electric-hgnt.
the commissary stores al Playa Were
destroved. the city IS short OF iood, an"
the army officers are distributing rauohs'
Fifteen vessels In the harbor were driven
ashore.
PONCE NOT WARNED CD
The Weather Bureau predicted the
storm. but, il is claimed, Ponce was not
warned. $500, 49,.
A mob Of 1000 persons threatened 'he
Alcalde Mayor, Porrata Dorla' put tns!
were dispersed by the Fifth Cavalry Inc
Alcalde has been deposed on account "a
negligence. Major Myers of the Eleventh
Infantry. is acting as Alcaiue' III ie'P
10 popular demand.
The sum of 500 will be needed 10
clean the streets. The sanitary condition
* serious and assistance is needed.
ALL CROPS RUINED.
All me crops are totany rmneo, the
wires are all down, and little news is OBJ
tainab Die from the interior
Abionito. including the barracks. has
heen destroyed; but no lives were lost
there
Juan Diaz has been devastated. Forty
six lives were lost there.
ARROYO. Guayama, SALINAS, and San isa-
bel are reported to have been totally oe-
molished.
RAILROAD DESTROYED.
The railroad between Ponce and Yauco
has been destroyed, and the military road