Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1900-09-20
UNTOLD DISASTER
EXTENT OF THE RUIN AT GAL
WESTON STILL UNKNOWN.
PROPERTY LOSS MILLIONS
Loss of Life Cannot Be Computed, But
Is Estimated at Between 1000 and
5,000-Martial Law Declared in
Stricken District-Negroes Shot for
Robbing the Dead.

Austin, Tex, Sept. 13.-Gov. Sayres
yesterday made the following state
ment on the Galveston disaster: The
conditions at Galveston are fully as
bad as reported. Communication,
however, has been re-established be-
tween the island and mainland and
hereafter the transportation of supplies
will be less difficult. The work Of
clearing the city is progressing fairly
well and Adjutant Gen. Scurry is pa
trolling the city for the purpose Of
preventing depredations. The most
conservative estimate as to the number
of deaths places them at 1000. The
contributions from citizens Of this
state and the other states are
coming in rapidly and literally
and it is confidently expected
within the next ten days the work Of
restoration by the people Of Galveston
will have begun in good earnest. The
destruction of property has been great,
and not les than S10,000,000, but it is
hoped and believed that even this great
loss CAN US ONGICOiu0, Ill OuSu ILS 6ll-
ergy and self reliance of the people
During the day contributions fairly
deluged the governor, upwards of $780,
900 having been received. Gov. Savers
received a message from General Man
ager Trice Of the International & Great
Northern railway, who is conducting
relief operations at Galveston, saying
one train consisting Of about three
hundred Galveston people was brought
to Houston yesterday and another
trainload, mostly Of women and chill
dren, last night. The following report
was also received from Adiutant Cen
eral Scurry at Galveston: The streets
are patrolled by soldiers to prevent
thieving. The work Of clearing the
city is progressing fairly we'll. The
most conservative estimate made of
deaths is 1000"
Gov Sayres yesterday began receiv-
ing reports from various points
along the gulf coast which would
indicate there has been great
property damage done for several hun
bred miles and that the list Of Calves
ten fatalities and suffering will be
largely augmented. Down the coast
from Galveston, the towns Of Dickin-
son. Alvin, Alta Oma, Texas City and
BrOCkshire were wrecked and hundreds
left destitute. Richmond is SO badly
demolished it will require weeks to
clear the town. Missouri City ana
Stafford, just opposite, were entirely
demolished and the few remaining peo-
pie in these places have no homes to
cover their heads. Bay City was
wrecked with much loss of life. Pat
ton. Follower, Bolivar Point, Quintana,
Sugarland, BelleviIle, Wharton, Fair
view, Missouri City Sartartia, Arcola
and Ell Campo are all reported to be
heavy sufferers, both in point of prop
erty destroyed and lives lost. Owing
to the fact that telegraph service is
badly crippled, Gov. Sayres cannot
ascertain the exact number of dead at
the points named, but it is approx
mated at 500.
GhCuls Run Riot.
Dallas, Sept. 13.-W. H. McGrath,
manager of the Dallas Electric COM
pany, just from Galveston, said: The
vandalism at Galveston is horrible.
The most rigid enforcement of martial
Jaw has not been able to suppress it
entirely. Adjutant General Scurry's
men arrested a hundred or more ne
groes. Forty-three of these found
with effects taken from dead bodies
were tried by court martial. They
were convicted and ordered shot One
negro had twenty-three fingers with
rings on them in his pocket
Property of Island Wrecked.
Chicago, Sept 13-The following
statement was received late yesterday:
Galveston Sept pa summary Of
the conditions prevailing at Galveston
is more than the human intellect can
master. Briefly stated, the damage to
property is anywhere between SIS, 0OU,-
600 and S20,000,000. The loss Of life
cannot be computed. No lists could be
kept and all is simple guess Work.
Those thrown out to sea and buried on
the ground wherever found will reach
the horrible total of at least 5000 souls.
An estimate Of the loss on the island
and city Of Galveston. and the imme-
date surrounding district is between
1000 and 5000 deaths. This statement
is not made in fright or excitement.
The whole story will never be told be-
cause it cannot be told. Not a single
individual escaped property loss. The
property on the island is wrecked; fully
one half was totally swept out Of exist
ence altogether. Help must be imme
date
CnlNnctnrn Cort 1S-Tha fret real