The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-08-12
Secretary Root Makes An Appeal for
the Storms Victims.
FAMINE FEARED IN PORTO RICO,
The Number Of Destitute There Will
Reach One Hundred Thousand.
The Storm was More Severe in
the Interior Than on Coast.
Four Towns Were To-
tally Demolished.

WASHINGTON. Aug. lis p. M.-The
West Indian hurricane Is now apparently
90 the southeast and near Nassau. and
will probably reach the Florida coast 10y
Saturday morning. hurricane signals
were ordered this afternoon ana this
evening or both the southern Florida
coasts. and storm gneis 900 the northern
Florida coast and al savannah and
Charleston and AN shipping interests full
ly warned
The War Department to-day took
prompt measures for ihe relief of the
hurricane sufferers in Porto Rico. when
the press dispatches aud General DAVIS
advices made known the extent of the
disaster. steps were Immediately taken to
send supplies and the transport McPhcr-
SON WIS ordered put in readiness Co sail
from New York Monday next She will
carry rations and other necessities. Sec
retary of War Root tlis afternoon sent
The following appeal TO the mayors of aiI
cities of more than 5000 population in
which he says.
PRIVATE AID ASKED.
InIH llfNIfLIl fIll NtAr Nlif-|NfN vie -iiI-
mediate distribution OF ratons to the suf-
ferers by the army I'm Porto Rico. as far
as 10 is within the power of the Executive
but in the absence Of any appropriation.
We must rely largely upon private contr-
buttons.
Of beg that you will coll upon The public
spirited and humane people of your city
to take active and immediate measures in
fr4
port Mcpherson will bee sent directly from
the port of New York to Porto Rico on
Monday the 18th instant. 90 carry all
supplies OF food which can De obtained.
Further transports viii Doe sent at future
dates Of which public notice viii oe
given
ANY committee charged with the rais-
INK of funds viii receive full information
and advice upon Communicating with this
Department
VERY respectfully.
(Signcd) "ELlHu ROOT.
Secretary of War"
FULL DETAILS.
Tho cab'cgram from General Davis. Civ
Ing fullest details of tho damage done
in Porto Rico by the hurricane. says:
Later reports show that the hurricane
was far more severe Zoo the interior am
southern part Of the island than here
Data Of estimate Of number of Porto
Ric0s who have lost everything IS de-
hcicnt hut am forced To- ciicve that
the number on the island cannot fall be-
low one hundred thousand souls and a
famine is impending.
OF asked that two and onc-half million
pounds of rice and beIns. equal quantities
of each be Immediately shipped on
transports to Ponce. Some here. Urgent
appeals To- an post commanders for food
f.r fha dertifute. Am D authorized 90 re-
licve the distress by food issues? rice and
beans only desired. There have been
many deaths Of natives by falling walls.
So far only one soldier reported danger
ousy injured.
TOWNS DEMOLISHED.
several towns are reported entirely
demolished. As yet have reports from
only four ports Complete destruction Of
an barracks detrOyed. Troops are in can
vas 80 reports yet from the largest
ports. Ponce and Maya gucz but they
We're in the vortex OF the storm. At least
half of the people in Porto Rico subsist
entirely on fruit and vegetables and
storm has entirely destroyed this source
of supn0rt.'
(Signod) DAVIS"
A report has been received at the War
Department from an officer at San Juan.
Porto Rico. estimating hat the number o.
killed amounts 10 two hundred. The
same officer says q very serious condition
of affairs exists AT Ponce.
WORST ON RECORD.
PONCE Aug. 1.-THE worst storm ever
experienced here struck this place Tues
day morning at o'clock and lasted two