Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-08-14
AID FOR PORTO RICO
Transportation Facilities Taxed by
the Contributions.
GENEROUS RESPONSE BY THE PEOPLE
Supplies Will Be Admitted Free of
Duty.
CARRIED WITHOUT CHARGE


peal to governors to aid in furnishing relief
for the Porto Rcan storm sufferers. AT
present supplies are being contributed in
quantities to tax the transportation facili-
ties available. 1t may be that additional
transports will be provided later to take the
food supplies and clothing needed.
The transport Mcpherson, which was to
sail this morning, was delayed until this
afternoon, in order to receive additional
supplies which are being sent, and also be-
cause no time would be made i'll sailing
earlier in the day. The steamer would
rive in Porto Rico in four days, and if she
sailed in the morning would arrive at night.
when she could not enter the port of San
Juan, but would have to lay outside until
morning. morn The time was utilized in New
York to load her with additional supplies
which have been contributed. The McPher-
son will unload at San Juan. Supplies for
Ponce. the point where most needed. will
be taken aboard the Slocum, Longfellow
and other light-draught boats which are
available and taken to Ponce.
1elegfams from the quartermaster at
New York indicate that supplies are being
rapidly contributed, and that the first relief
will contain those articles which the
stricken people mostly need.
The War Department will take advantage
of the offer Of the regular Porto Rican
Hne OF steamers to carry the next load of
relief, although 1t may be that the Nc
Clellan will be utilized later for carrying
supplies to Porto Rico.
Assistant Secretary of War Meiklej john
has placed bovine animals for irnmediate
consumption, and all agricultural machi-
merry on the free list for the Island of
Porto Rico. This was accomplished by
tariff circulars 81 and 50, August 10 last
The assistant secretary was moved to this
act for the purpose of cheapening the price
of beef to consumers in the island. as well
as desire to aid the people of the island
In building up their agricultural indust ries
ne 1UllOWlHg order has been iSSuc1
WASHINGTON, August II
by direction of the President ali relief
supplies sent to Porto Rico will be admit
ted to all ports of that island free of duty
"ELlHU ROOT,
"Secretary of War
This action is taken to obviate any diff
ticuty which may arise when relief supplies
reach the island.
Establishing Supply Stations.
General Weston, chief commissary is es-
tablishing supply stations at Savannah At
lanta New York and Chicago, for the pur-
pose of receiving and caring for relief
stores for the Porto Ricans Those collect
ed in the south will be sent from Savannah
while those gathered at Chicago and New
York will be sent from the latter port.
The ration which has been suggested by
General Davis contains much larger pro-
portion of rice and beans than the regular
army ration. and it is estimated that the
supplies of these articles sent on the Nc
Pherson viii not last as long as at first es-
timated The ration for the destitute how
ever. will not include other articles which
compose the army ration.
Will Carry Relief Supplies Free.
The War Department has received the
following telegram from the New York and
Porto Rico Steamship Company, and
quests that it be published generally by the
papers throughout the United States:
Steamer Evelyn of the New York and
Porto Rico Steamship Company, sailing
from this port on Friday, August 1s. for
Ponce, direct, will take all relief supplies
we have room for free of charge. Steamer
Mae, sailing August 81, will do the same"
These vessels will take from 200 to 500
tons OF supplies each, and the shipments
for them should be marked Relief Sup
plies and should be properly packed and
delivered at the pier of the steamship COM
pany referred to. Empire stores. Brooklyn,
N. Y. on or before noon of Wednesday,
August 16.
Any additional information desired will
be supplied by Colonel +. b. Jones, Army
building. foot of Whitehall street. New
York City.
Anxious to Aid the Distressed.
Secretary Root received numerous tele-
grams and letters today indicating the de-
sire of the writers to assist in the move
ment for the relief of the suffering Porto
Ricans.
The Drumm Seed Company at Fort
Worth, Texas. asked by telegraph If the
department could use meal corn other
bread stuff for Porto Rico.
Bloomngdale Bros. of New York said
they would contribute $500 worth of mems
womens and childrens clothing to Porto
Rico, and asked where the supplies should
be delivered.
A contribution of 80 was received from
H. G. Dohman of Steubenvile Ohio. and
one of 81 from Mrs. W. II. Cantrell of Phil
adelphia.
Mayor Quincy of Boston writes that the
Boston relief committee is planning to for
ward 300 quintals of dried salt fish by the
second transport, which will probably start
from New York Wednesday. The commit
tee has also forwarded to New York 600
overalls and 1000 jumpers.
Ex-Secretary AIser's Contribution.
The following kilograms were exchanged
today:
GRAND MERE, Que.
August "A, 1899.
Secretary of War Washington. D. c.:
Il forward you today 500 for Porto Rico
relief fund. (Signed) r. A. ALGER"
"WASHINGTON, D. C. August IA, 1899
Hon. r. A. Alger, Grand Mere, Que.
Thanks for your generous contribution
to Porto Rican relief. I trust you are rap