The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-08-12

OF the people In Porto Rico subsist en-
tirely on fruit and vegetables and Storm
has entirely destroyed this source of sup
port. Davis,
The war department has taken prompt
action on General Davis report and the
army transport Mcpherson has been Or
dered TO sail from New York TO San Juan
and Ponce next Monday VITA vupp.iss TO
relieve the destitute in Porto kico. Att-
ing Commissioner Schwan has ordered the
purchase in New York of 100000 pounds
of rice and 100000 pounds OF beans 10 be
shipped on the Mcpherson. Such otier
food supplies as may be obtained at the
time the Mcpherson sails will be sent on
that ship.
The following dispatch addressed to Gen,
eral Schwan has been received at he war
department today:
San Juan. Porto Rico, August l1.--M.
country is devastated. For Gods FAKE
help us! Captain Luego Vapa.
This captain Is one of the Porto Ricans
whom General Schwan met during The
campaign.
Washington, August II. ---Secrcta-y Root
has prepared an appeal to the people OF
the United States for aid for those who
have suffered In Porto Rico by the roccnt
hurricane. This action was taken uren
receipt OF telegram from President Nc
Kinley, suggesting that 1t be done. Tie
subsistence department OF the army m
Porto Rico has been directed to render
such temporary aid as 1t can until supplies
arrive.
Seattle. Wash, August 1i.--Captaln Ma
son OF steam whaler confirms the Ie-
ports of damage to the shipping in ,ae
storm which ragged around and off M'ch-
aels island on July IL. The wrecks of
thirty river steamers thrown ind 'c"im-
inately on the banks of the Island Bear Is
testimony OF the fury of the gale. Or
this number Captain Mason says tieity-
Ave were wrecked beyond repay. Tine
full damage, he stated. exceeds $500, 300.
He saw 100000 steamers offered for $1,000
and the other wrecks for 500. Tia city
of Scuawa was overflowcd. The SlJssi.
could not remember the names OF other
wrecked vessels.
Washington. August 1.-THE war de-
partment today 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
the transport Mcpherson was ordered put
In readiness to sail from New York on
Monday 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 100000 people:
Sir: The governor general Of Porto Rico
confirms the reports that upon the Sth
instant a hurricane swept over that is
land, entirely demolishing many of the
towns. destroying many lives and reducing
SO far as he can estimate not less than
100000 of the Inhabitants to the condition
of absolute restitution without homes or
food. Unless immediate and effective re-
lief is given these unfortunates will per-
ish of famine.
Under these conditions the president
deems that an appeal should be made TO
the humanity of the American people. 1t
is an appeal to their patriotism also for
the inhabitants of Porto Rico have freely
and gladly submitted themselves to the
guardianship of the United States and
have voluntarily surrendered the protec-
ton of Spain, to which they were formerly
entitled, confidently relying upon more
generous and beneficent treatment at our
hands. The highest considerations of
honor and good faith, united with the
promptings of humanity 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 to the SUI
! ferers by the army in Porto Rico so far
as 1t is in the power of the executive.
| but in the absence of any appropriate
we must rely largely upon private contri-
| buttons.
| Il beg that you will call upon the public
| spirited and humane people of your city
to take active and immediate measures
| in the eXigency. The government trans
! port Mcpherson will be sent directly from
I
| Monday, the 14th 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
Amy committee charged with the rails
ing of funds will receive full information
and advice upon communicating with this
department. Very respectfully,
"Elihu Root,
Secretary OF War;
A report has been received at the war
department from an officer at San Juan,
Porto Rico estimating that the number
of killed amounts to 500. The same officer
says a very serious condition of AFFAIRS
exists at Ponce.
Washington. August 12.-The West In
dian hurricane tonight is rapidly approach
ing Nassau. Bahama Islands, where the
barometer has fallen considerable since
morning, and the wind had increased to q
velocity of thlrty-six miles an hour al
8: 40 o'clock this afternoon Rain has been
falling all day. There is still a posi-
bilty that the storm may curve out u
sea. The officials of the weGt~ir bureau
now express the opinion that 1t VIII be
felt tomorrow morning Hurricane warn
ings have been sent out over :5e STATE
by telegraph and telephone ana eYef'
measure taken to put the Inhabitants OF
their guard.
The maps on Nie In the we,ther bureau
show the course which has been followed
by the August hurricanes for the las
twenty-one years, but there appears te
be very little consistency In the directior
which they have taken. The storm IS nov
travelling much slower than dW~/ I'M
early period OF its existence the totai dis
lance covered having been about iz,zo'
miles Its center now appears 10 pe
little southeast of Nassau.
A report received by the signal ofhc'
from Major Glassford, stationed at sai
Juan, Porto Rico. states that the teie
graph wires In the island are down anr
that the Offices have suffered from TN
storm Considerable money VIII De re
quired to restore them to their iorne
condition
Weather bureau officials are surprised
10 hear that the town OF Ponce was ne
warned O. the approaching storm, as sta,e'
In press dispatches from that city sai
Juan. the capital. Is the distributing pom