Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1899-08-17

Washington, Aug. 15.-The following
are the dispatches received by the
war department from Gen. Davis yes
terday:
"The true state Of affairs throughout
the island is not known because of
total destruction Of all telegraphic con-
nections and great destruction on all
roads. Not more than one-fourth Of
the towns are heard from yet, but
enough is known that one-fifth OF the
dwellings in the island are totally de-
srroyed and their owners are without
any shelter whatever or any food be-
yond what has been saved from the
debris. The coffee crop and most of
the trees are ruined, and thus reliance
fer support is gone. Fully one-third of
the people subsist entirely on fruit and
a small degree of tubaS. All the form
err is destroyed and much of the latter
rotting in the ground. Great many
thousands of cattle are drowned and
the debris carried down by the rivers
is strewh i've the ocean with the
wreck of the storm and the dead
bodies of animals. The deaths from
falling walls and drowning will num-
Der more than a thousand and may be
several times this number. The state
OF distress is very great. and when
green fruits saved from the debris are
consumed the suffering will be very
great. / am relieving the suffering
everywhere withiE reach as much as
possible, but in out of the way places
there are many thousands who cannot
be reached for some time. The sup
plies ordered sen by the government
will help much but will last only a few
days, while destitution must continue
for many weeks or some months. I'M.
til the bananas grow up from the
ground, for which five months at least
are required. Food of all kinds is
needed, especially rice, beans and cod
fish, which has been the main support
outside of fruit. Cheap cotton clothing
is also needed, for thousands rushed
naked from their dwellings at night
when the gale broke. Medicines are
also needed most pressingly, especial
ly quinine and other simple medicines.
l estimate that at least 1000 IONS of
food will be required weekly for sew
eral weeks. / have constituted boards
all over the island TO regulate assis-
tance, and a general board here to
conduct the relief work. While l have
not yet full data, / repeat the estimate
that at least 100000 people are home
less and destitute. Relief ration pro-
posed, n pound of food per day, COM
posed of seven ounces of beans. wen
ounces of rice and two ounces of cod
fish. In addition to the food ordered
by the Mcpherson l ask that $500
tons, above proportions should be
shipped next week. Before this is con-
sumed / will have full data respecting
future needs, but l fear extensive is
sues of provisions will be necessary
for several months. / shall push
work on the goods and give employ
ment to rs many as possible. / hope
the charitable people of the States will
contribute food. clothes, medicines
and money. Col. Hofer, chief surgeon
of the department, is chairman of the
board of relief, and auxiliary boards
are organizing in all the towns. Five
posts not yet heard from"
Gen. Davis second dispatch says:
Further details, incomplete. confirm
previous reports as conservative.
Should be shipped this week not less
than $500 tons food. Best to be SEN
beans, rice and Goldfish. Cotton cloth
ing and coarse cotton goods in piece,
needles and thread also needed.
Money will be applied in assisting to
rebuild houses and huts and hire of
help. / recommend that bags for
sugar and coffee, all kinds Of rough
lumber for building and fencing hooks.
slaves and hoops for sugar packing
and galvanized iron and nails for roof
ing purposes be placed on first list"