Akron daily Democrat. [volume] (Akron, Ohio) 1892-1902, 1899-08-12
IHE DEAD NUMBER 500
Great Loss of Life In the
Storm In Porto Rico.
ABOUT 900 DROWNED AT PONCE.
Claimed That abe Weather Bureau Failed
to Warn That Place-Root Issued an
Appeal For Aid-Gen. Davis Sent Fur
ther News Of Storms Ravages.

WAsBINGToH. Aug. IA report hal
been received at the war department
from an officer at San Juan, Porto Rico
estimating that the number of killed in
the hurricane amounts to 800. The
same officer says Il very serious condi
ton of affairs exists at Ponce.
Ponce, Porto Rico, Aug. 12.-Durine
the hurricane Ponce was flooded
at midnight and at least 800 persons
were drowned. Two hundred bodies
mostly thcse of people and including
many children, have been recovered.
All the buildings are damaged and
hundreds have been destroyed.
The soldiers and tiremen worked all
night. heroically saving lives.
There is no drinking water, gas, ice
or electric light.
The commissary stores at Playa were
destroyed, the city is short of food and
the army officers are distributing
rations.
Fifteen vessels in the harbor were
driven ashore.
The weather bureau predicted the
storm, but it is ella lined Ponce was not
warned.
Amob of 1000 threatened the alcade,
Porrata Doria.- but they were dispersed
by the Fifth cavalry. The alcade has
been deposed on account OF negligence.
Major Myers of the Eleventh infantry
is acting as alcade in response to popu-
lar demand.
The sum of 5000 will be needed to
clean the streets. The sanitary condi-
ton is serious and assistance is needed.
All the crops are totally ruined, the
wires are all down and little news is OBJ
tainable from the interior
Abonita, including the barracks, has
been destroyed; but no lives were lost
there.
Juan Diaz has been devastated Forty
six lives Were lost there.
Arrayoa. Salinas and San Isabel are
reported to have been totally de-
molished.
The railroad between Ponce and
1auco has been destroyed and the mill
tary road is impossible. The river is
flowing over the road for two miles
Mayaguez escaped serious injury.
Bananas are the sole food here.
The poems have gone to San Juan and
its vicinity, which are comparatively
uninJured.
WASHINGTON, Aug. l2.-The war de-
partment took prompt measures for the
relief of the hurricane sufferers in
Porto Rico. When the press dispatches
and General Davis advices made known
the extent of the disaster steps were
Immediately taken to send supplies, and
th., ID
put i'll readiness to sail from New York
on Monday next. She will carry ra-
tions and other necessaries. Secretary
of War Root sent the following appeal
to the mayors of all cities of more than
100000 population:
SIR-The governor general of Porto Rice
confirms the report that upon the Sth inst a
hurricane swept over the island, entirely de
nlolishing many of the towns, destroying
many lives, and reducing so far as he can esti
mate not less than 100, no inhabitants to the
condition of absolute destitution, without
homes or food. Unless immediate and effect
i've relief IS given, these unfortunate people
will perish of famine.
Under these conditions, the president deems
that an appeal should be made to the hu
manity of the American people. 1t is an ap
peal to their patriotism also, for the inhabit-
ants of Porto Rico have freely and gladly sub
mitted themselves to the guardianship of the
United States and have voluntarily surren.
dercd the protection of Spain, to which they
were formerly entitled, confidently relying
upon more generous and benificent treatment
at our hands. The highest consideration of
honor and good faith unite with the prompt
ings of humanity to require from the United
State 4 generous response to the demand of
Porto Rican distress.
This department has directed the immediate
distribution of rations to the sufferers by the
army in Porto Rico, so far as it is within the
power of the executive. but in the absence of
any appropriation we must rely largely upon
private contributions.
l beg that you will call upon the public
spirited and humane people of your city to
take active and immediate measures 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 will be sent at future
dates, of which public notice will be given.
Any committee charged with the raising of
funds will receive full information and ad.
vice upon communicating with this depart
ment. Very respectfully
ELIHU RooT,
Secretary of War.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 12.-The war de.
partment received cablegram from
General Davis, giving fuller details of
the damage done in Porto Rico by the
hurricane. General Davis said fam
inc was impending and asked authority
to issue rations to the destitute. The
message said:
Later reports show that the hurricane WAS
far more severe in interior and southern part
of island than here. Data for estimate of
number of Porto Ricans who have lost every
thing is deficient, but am forced to believe
the number on the island cannot fall below
that 100, 900 pounds of rice and beans, equal
quantities of each be Immediately shipped on
transports to Ponce. Some here. Urgent ap.
peals to all post commanders for food for the
destitute. Am authorized to relieve 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
dangerously injured. Several towns reported
entirely demolished. As yet have reports
from only four ports. Complete destruction
of all barracks at two, and at two others one
company of each had barracks destroyed.
Troops are in canvas No reports yet from
the largest ports, Ponce and Mayaguez, but
they were in the vortex of the storm. At least
half OF the people in Porto Rico subsist en-
t:rey on fruit and vegetables, and storm has
entirely destroyed this source of supply.
DAVIS.
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