davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1900-09-12
REPOn1 DENIED
That American Troops Took Part in
Looting Tien Tsin

Washington. September 1.-THE War De-
partment today made public the following
kilograms:
Fowler, Che Foo-Send following tele-
gram to Coolidge, commanding United
States forces at Tien Tsn:
Reported here extensive looting in Tien
Tsin. Report Immediately whether Ameri-
can troops took part II so punish severe
ly, repress sternly. Absolute regard for life
and property of non-combatants enjoned.
By order of the Secretary of War.
(Signed) "CORBIN.'
"Che Foo, Corbin, Washington:
'"rien Tsin, July 25.-Looting by Ameri-
can troops walled city Tien Tsin unfounded
and denied. Silver taken from burned
mint direction Colonel Meade MARINE
Corps) commanding, who was invalided to-
day. No property except under military
eXigency. American troops have orders to
proUect life and property non-combatants
in American southeast quarter (oO city
assigned. VIII forward reports command
ers OF American guards in city.
(Sgned) COOLIDGE"
Coolidge also transmitted the reports Of
Major Waller OF the Marine Corps; Major
]. M. Lee, commanding the first battalion
of the Ninth Infantry, and Major Morris
c. Foote, commanding Company M of the
Ninth. which latter were the first Ameri-
can troops to enter the city, and also an
additional report signed by himself, all of
which bear witness that United States
troops had no hand In the looting of Tien
Tsn
Indeed all the reports Indicate that the
Chinese themselves were foremost in the
looting and that pillaged property covered
the streets before the allied forces entered
the city.
The report of Major Foote, while exclud-
ing the Americans from any share in the
plundering, testfles that looting was in
dulged in by the troops of the other ma
tionS.
The horrible condition of Tien Tsin when
the city was occupied Is referred TO in
Major Lees report. The stencil from un-
buried corpses and refuses Is said to have
been terrible, although every thing possible
was done by the American forces at least
to bring order and cleanliness out of the
chaos and filth that reigned in the streets
OF Tien Tsin.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1900-09-12
WORK OF RELIEF
First Steps Toward Reorganization of
Devastated City

Galveston, Texas, September II, noon, via
tug to HoustonJThe white mems cotton
screw organization held a meeting last
night and rendered their services, that Of
500 able bodied men, to the public commit
tee to clear the streets of debris. Big forces
were at work last night and the situation Is
much improved so far as the passage of
vessels is concerned. The city was patrolled
last night by regular soldiers and citizens
soldiery No one was allowed on the streets
without a pass. Several negroes were shot
for not haltng when ordered. 1t is reported
that three of the citizen soldiers were shot
by negroes.
The steamer Lawrence arrived here early
this morning from Houston with water and
provisions A committee of 100 citizens were
aboard, among them being doctors and
cooks W. G. VanVleck, general manager
of the Southern Pacific Railroad, arrived
here this morning. He thought 1t would be
possible to establish mail service from
Houston to Texas City tonight with trans
fer boats to Galveston.
Dead bodies have decomposed so badly 1t
is impossible to send them to sea for burial.
The water has not receded so far, however,
and It Is impossible to dig trenches. Bodies
are being burned where found. Debris COW
ering bodies Is being burned wnere 1t can
be done safely.
Work on the water works Is being rushed
and 1t is hoped to be able to turn supply
on this afternoon, when work of burning
debris can be carried on much more rap
idly.
The relief committee met at 9 o'clock
this morning The city needs feed for
horses: is badly in need of disinfectants. A
large load of lime at this time would be
blessing.
Brazoria County has offered armed men
to protect the city.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1900-09-12
REPLY HANDED Mr.. WU
Does Not Question The Old
Mans Credentials.
MATTER SIMPLY HELD IN k5EYRNCE
United States Will Not be First of the
Powers to Abandon the Hope of
Harmonious Settlement
Chinese Situation
MATTER SIMPLY HELD IN A3EYANcE

Washington, September 11.-From the
formal statement given out today it ap-
pears that the State Department is not
yet ready to begin direct negotiations with
Lii Hung Chang. 1t does not question his
credentials as plenipotentiary, but simply
leaves the matter in allegiance. Probably
this is because all of the powers have rot
yet returned their responses to the Rus
sian proposal, and 1t Is desired to avoid
making the United States the first among
the powers to abandon the hope Of har,
monious action and strike for itself toward
the settlement directly with China. Also, it
may be deemed we'll to hear from Mr..
Conger, who several days ago was invited
to express his opinion about quitting Pekin.
Minister WI was twice at the State De-
partment today. 1t was understood that
his first call was in part al least to secure
transportation for Ii Hung Chang from
Shanghai to TaEu on a United states ves-
sell His later cal was to receive the an
swer of the Department to that applica-
tion as well to the communication re-
specting Lii Hung Chang's functions. His
answer returned by the State Department
to the latter communication apparently
made it unnecessary this time to pursue
the inquiry as to the ship. If Ii may enter
into negotiations at present there is no
occasion to transport him to Taku.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1900-09-12
ACTS OF VANDALISM
Ghouls in Human Form Desecrate
Bodies of Dead

Dallas, Tex, Sept. 11.-Bulletin.-A horri-
BILE story is told by Dallas citizens who re-
turned tonight from Galveston. They de-
clare that negroes and many white persons
are hourly committing the most atrocious
acts of vandalism.
J. N. Griswold, division freight agent Of
the Gulf, Colorado and Santa F'e Railroad,
who was in Galveston during the storm
and had narrow escape from death, said
'At Texas City 1 saw an old man con-
siderably under the influence of liquor.
From his pocket there protruded roll of
bills as big as my arm, which he claimed
to have found on the bay shore. Upon all
hands this horrible work is going on. The
offenders are generally negroes, although
there are some white men who have DEM
onstrated that they are sufficiently devoid
Of hnnesfv and manhood to participate in
these gnouiisr deeoe.
''Ears and fingers bearing diamonds were
hacked off with pocket knives and the
members placed in the pockets of yandals
The bodies Of women who wore fine clothes
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1900-09-12
SITUATION IN THE
STORM RIDDEN CITY

Galveston, Texas, September n.-Some or
der is being brought out Of the chaos. Some
thing like a systematic attempt is being
made to work and a military Gordon Is be-
ing drawn tighter and tighter about the
place. Every horse and mule that was left
in the city is in service and ray of hope
is shooting the pail of gloom that has how
cred over Galveston since Sunday morning.
Supplies are coming in from Houston, and
the first line of communication with the
outside world was opened today via Texas
City. Large forces are working on the rail-
roads, and in few days the people of Gal
weston believe the situation will be greatly
improved.
Revised List of the Dead
The following is partial list, revised, Of
the known dead:
7. p. McKenna wife and six children.
H Kaufman and one child.
A. Runter, mother and father.
r. Il. Rhaes, wife and two children.
=. Byrnes, wife and sister.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1900-09-12
FIGURES TELL
HORRIBLE TALE
Narrowing Loss Of Life and
Property
WILLING HANDS SET TO WORK
Situation in the Stricken City OF
Galveston Grows Brighter With
the Coming of Relief
Hungry Being Fed.
WILLING HANDS SET TO WORK

Galveston, Tex, via Houston, September
II, 6 p. m.-Today supplies began to ar
rive but so meagre are the facilities that
the amount was really pitiable. Many peo-
pie are hungry here now, they have had
something to eat probably because starva-
tion is not yet a fact, but the food was
unsatisfactory, it gives no nourishment, it
is soaked with water and provisions that
have been treated to bath are not very
palatable.
The stuff that got in came from Houston
in steamer, but there are so many to
feed that 1t did not go far The provisions
that came were heartily welcomed. A
crowd quickly gathered and they were dis
tributed in a short time. Many hurried
away with what they got to their families;
others got cooked food and ate 1t where
they were. The situation does not look so
bad now that relief has actually come, and
more is on the way, but it is not meant to
be said that further relief is not needed.
This is not a question of day down
here, but many days. 1t may be two weeks
before a train gets in here, though boats
have been wired for and the question of
communication is no longer vexed one.
There is much necessary to be done, the
first thing being the establishment of a
rigid system of issuing supplies. The nu-
cleus has already been formed and the
regular soldiers, who are still alive, and
a number of citizens have been sworn in
as special policemen ,and these are attend
ing to the issuing of rations and are also
directing the efforts of the searching for
the dead and injured.
Appalling Figures
Based on reports believed to be accurate,
the following statement is probably as near
correct as can be arrived at at this time:
Place. Lives Lost. Property Lost.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1900-09-12
MISS CLARA BARTON
ISSUES AN APPEAL

Washington, September 11.-Miss Clara
Barton has issued the following appeal in
behalf Of the Texas sufferers:
"The National Red Cross, at Washington.
d. c., Is appealed to on all sides for help
and for the privilege to help In the terrible
disaster which has befallen southern and
central Texas. 1t remembers the floods of
Ohio and Mississippi, of Johnstown and of
Port Royal, with their thousands of dead
and months of suffering and needed relie.
a:aI .nrns confidently IN the ce,pie of the
United States whose sympathy has never
failed to help provide the relief that is
asked for now. Nineteen years of expert
ence on nearly as many fields renders the
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1900-09-12
TOTALLY DESTROYED
Army Headquarters Swept Away by
the Flood

Washington, September u.-Acting Sec
retary Meiklejohn has authorized the
chartering of a special train from st.
Louis to carry quartermaster's supplies
and commissary supplies to the relief Of
the destitute at Galveston. General Will
son, chief of engineers, has not yet received
any advices as to losses on fortifications
and river and harbor works. though tele-
grams to the Quartermaster' Department
indicate that the fortt1cations have been
damaged
The following kilograms have heen re-
sss SDO.
Galveston, Tex, Sept. 9.
ITO Quartermaster General, Washington.
1T report terrific cyclone with an eleven
foot tide. All improvements, temporary
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1900-09-12
Less of Life Now Esti-
mated at 5000.
CITY Is DEVASTATED
Five Thousand Families Are
Wholly Destitute.
NOT A BUILDING ESCAPED DAMAGE
One Half of the Total Number Are En-
tirely Obliterated : An Appeal
from the Mayor and Prom
inent Citizens
NOT A BUILDING ESCAPED DAMAGE

Galveston, September 1-Mayor Walter
c. Jones estimates the number of dead at
5000, and he is conservative. Over 1900
bodies have already been taken out to sea
or buried In trenches.
Memphis Tenn, Sept. 11.-what is prob
ably the most reliable Information yet re-
ceived from the storm-swept city of Gal
weston reached the Memphis office of the
Associated Pres shortly after o'clock to-
night. The intelligence came in the shape
of telegram addressed to the Associated
Press from Mayor Jones and five of the
most prominent citizens of Galveston. The
telegram bears date of September H. and
states that conservative estimate of the
loss of life in Galveston will not exceed
s,OOO Five thousand families are reported
destitute and the destruction of property Is
tremendous. Following is the telegram in
full:
Galveston, Tex, September II.
'"To the Associated Press, Memphis, Tenn:
"a conservative estimate of the loss of
life is not more than 5000 persons. At least
5000 families are shelterless and wholly
destitute. The entire remainder of the pop
ulation suffers in greater or less degree.
Not a single church, school or charitable
institution, of which Galveston had so
many, Is left intact. Not a building es-
capped damage, and half of the whole num-
ber are entirely obiterated. There is inn
mediate need for food, clothing and house,
hold goods of all kinds. If nearby cities
will open asylums for women and children
the situation will be greatly relieved. Coast
cites should send us water as we'll as pro-
visions. Supplies should include kerosene
oil, gasoline and candles.
(Signed) "W. C. JONES, Mayor.
IN. LASKER,
president Island City Savings Bank.
~. D. SKINNER,
Cotton Exchange.
&c. H. McMASTER,
For Chamber of Commerce.
"R. G. Lowe,
Manager Galveston News.
CLARENCE OUSLEY
Manager Galveston Tribune"
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1900-09-12

obligations of the Red Cross all the greater.
'The people have long ago learned its
work. and 1t must again open its accus-
toned avenues for their charities. 1t pledges
to them faithful, old-time Red Cross relief
work among the stricken victims of these
terrible fields of suffering and death.
contributions may be wired or sent by
mail to our treasurer, William ]. Flather,
Assistant Cashier Riggs, National Bank.
Washington, D. c.; also to the local Red
Cross committee of the Red Cross India
York City, and the Louisiana Red Cross
Society iof New Orleans.
''CLATeA BARTON,
president American National Red Cross"
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1900-09-12
TEXT OF LETTERS
Exchanged Between Minister WI and
State Department

Washington, September 1.-THE State De-
partment this afternoon issued the follow
ing:
The following communication was handed
to Acting Secretary Of State Hill on Sep
tember 10 by the Chinese minister:
Cablegram from Earl Ii Hung Chang,
dated the 7th of September, 1900. transmit
ted by the Chinese minister at ST. Peters,
burg, under date of the 9th of September
and received by Minister WI on the last
named date:
II am in receipt of an imperial edct OF
the 30th day of the seventh moon august
"a, 1900, transmitted by way of Pao Ting
Flu. 1t is as follows:
Lii Hung Chang, envoy plenipotentiary,
is hereby vested with full discretionary
powers and he shall promptly deal with
whatever questions may require attention.
From this distance we will not control his
actions Let this edict be forwarded with
extra expedition at the rate of 900 II per
an t1osx
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1900-09-12
OFFERS OF AID FROM EVERY
SECTION Of THE UNITED STATES

pany c, volunteer guards, with citizens, pa
troll the streets to prevent looting. I re-
quested w. B. Wortham to go to Galveston
from Texas City for the purpose of advising
me of the city's most urgent needs, and I
returned here to report and ask for further
instructions. I respectfully suggest that the
distress Is too great for the people of Gal
weston, even with the assistance of Hous-
ton, to stand, and that general call for
help would be welcome. The estimate of
10000 destitute does not seem to be excess
sive."
1t is estimated by the telegraph companies
at this point that upwards of 10000 private
messages have been handled out of Calves
ton by boat to Houston thence on the wire
from parties in Galveston to relatives and
friends in the interior and other States, no
tifying them of their safety, and SO great
has been the strain of business that all tel
graph companies have been using their full
forces all of the twenty-four hours without
relieving the rush Hundreds of messages
pouring in here today bring relief to some
and sad news to others, recording the safety
or death of relatives In Galveston
From reports reaching the Governor this
morning, it will be necessary to cooperate
with the Federal troops to place all the
mainland opposite Galveston as well as the
island under martial law. If reports reach
ing here are true, thieves have begun to
the bodies of the dead. The Governor has
been informed that the commander of the
Texas troops has been ordered to Galveston
by the Federal authorities, and the Gov
ernor will lend him every assistance pos
sible with the State militia to keep vandal-
ism down.
There is only one road operating to the
coast from Houston, and that will be placed
under military supervision temporarily.
Governor sayers was today in receipt of
a telegram from Miss Clara Barton of the
Red Cross Society, offering the assistance
of that organization if necessary, and re-
piled that he would call on them II neces-
sary.
According to reports tonight the work of
recovering corpses continues unabated and
while number of them are so mutilated
that they cannot be recognized, they are
being held as long possible in the hope
of securing their names. Quite number
of children are noted among the list. A
large number of State militia tents were
shipped from here to Galveston today for
the temporary use of the island.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1900-09-12
Memphis Police Respond

Memphis, Tenn, September 1.-THE
Memphis Police Department took inde-
pendent action today with regard to the
appeal for help from Texas. The follow
ing telegram was sent to the Chief of
Police at Galveston by Chief Jerome e.
Richards:
1.-The Memphis Police Department con-
tributes one hundred dollars for the relief
OF the members of the police force of Gal
weston and their families, who suffered hy
the awful calamity wrought by the recent
cyclone. Money goes forward by Pacific
express with our heartfelt sympathies.
(SHtRed) JEROME e. RICHARDS,
"Chief of Police"
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1900-09-12

Near BIdZOTId 10 NCUIfVICtSI 1'VVV
Damage to railroads OUTSIDE of Galveston,
5000, 900; damage to telegraph and telephone
wires outside of Galveston, $3O,O0O damage
to cotton crop estimated on average crop
of counties affected, $4,000 bales, at $50 per
bale-$3, 100000. Losses of live stock cannot
he estimated, but thousands of head of
horses and cattle have been killed all over
the storm district.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1900-09-12
Norfolk Sends Aid

Norfolk, Va, September ia called
meeting of the Board of Trade and Busi-
ness Mems. Association was held today and
$3.50 voted for the relief of the Galveston
sufferers. The Board of Trade and Busi.
ness Mems Association have called a gem
eral mass meeting for Thursday night to
take further action.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1900-09-12
GAL WESTON CALAMITY GROWS
MORE DIREFUL WITH DETAILS S
MAYOR JONES ISSUES AN
EARNEST APPEAL FOR AID

HOUSTON, TEXAS, September 1.-0:45 m.-The Post
respondent following
people of the United States:
Galveston, Texas September lit my opinion based on
personal information that five thousand people have lost their lives
here Approximately oned of the residence portion the city
has been swept There several thousand people who
homeless and destitute How many, there way finding
out Arrangements being made to have the and
children sent Houston and other place. but the of trans
portaton limited Thousands still be cared for We
appeal to you for immediate aid.
(Sgned) WALTER c. JONES,
Mr.. Jones is the mayor of Galveston.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1900-09-12

buildings, property and stores at both
Jacinto and Crockett destroyed and swept
clean.
(Signed) BAXTEH,
"Quartermaster."
These buildings were of the kind usually
erected at posts for quarters for the
troops.
A second telegram follws:
Galveston, Tex, Sept. II.
ITO Quartermaster General, Washington.
Referring to my telegram of yesterday
via Houston I urgently recommend that
fair compensation be made to contractors
for their losses and that they be relieved
of their contracts. If fortifcations are re-
built at or near their present sites, 1 urg-
emily recommend that quarters for troops
be purchased and built on higher ground
in the city, centrally located. Wharves de-
stroyed, all railroad bridges swept away
and building operations of any nature can
not be resumed under six weeks or two
months. Two quartermaster's employees
lost on barge Howard. Both barges total
ly wrecked.
(Signed) BAXTER,
"Quartermaster."
Captain Baxter has been advised that
no action can be- taken upon his recon-
mendations until further information has
been received.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1900-09-12

have been striped of the last thread and
left to tester in the sun. The residences
left standing have been broken into and
jewelry and silver plat stolen. saw a ne
gro woman carrying a large basket of sill
verware that was not hers.
las soon as the storm subsided the ne
groes stole all the liquor they could get
and got beastly drunk and proceeded with
their campaign ofvandalsm. Troops are
needed at once. If they are not sent with
out delay, God help the survivors in Gal
veston."
This is confirmed by dozen men of the
highest standing here.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1900-09-12

Norfolk, Va, September 1.-THE British
steamship Montgomery, Captain Secoustio,
from Ship Island for Hamburg, which ar
rived here this morning for bunker coal,
reports having met the tropical storm in
the Gulf of Mexico last week. She sighted
two barks, one barkentine and one schoon-
er ashore on the Florida reefs. Captain
Secoustic reports having spoken or Sep
tember 8, in latitude 32.42 north, longitude
772O west Norwegian bark signalling ~
c. S. K" The bark was steering so.th-
east by east.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1900-09-12

Austin, Texas, September 1.-Governor
Sayers has received upward of 1000 tele-
grams during the day from parties
throughout the county offering assistance
to the flood sufferers at Galveston, and
from various portions of the State report
ing the collection of money and supplies.
During the day Governor Sayers esti-
mated that the receipts in money from
collections made in this State would
amount to $4,000, though from reports
great deal of money has been sent direct
to Galveston instead of coming through
the Governor, and the amount may be
much larger than that stated. Quite a
number of subscriptions have been re-
ceived from the Eastern and Western
States, but Governor Sayers will not make
known the total amount until tomorrow.
Quite a number of Eastern newspapers
are writing the Governor offering to estab-
nsh themselves as bureaus for relief funds
If desired, and asking what they can do to
relieve the situation. Among the number
was a telegram from New York informing
the Governor that two relief trains of sup
plies has left New York for Galveston.
The Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce
wires that they will send any relief desired
and that they could give. Chicago, Phila-
delphia, st. Louis and several other points
did likewise.
Official reports from Galveston to tho
Governor today are to the effect that 400
bodies have been identified, 200 more are
in an improvised morgue awaiting identi-
fication and many more are thought to
have drifted out to sea and their identity
will not be known for weeks.
A telegram from Adjutant General Sour
ry, who is at Galveston, to the Governor
is as follows:
"Have just returned from Texas City with
several Galveston parties, who assure me
that the conditions beggar description. Ac-
counts have not been exaggerated. One
thousand lost is too conservative. While
portion of the provisions have been de-
stroyed by water, sufficient is on hand to
relieve immediate necessities
The citizens seem to have the situation
well in hand. United States troops and Com
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1900-09-12
THE WEATHER.

FAIR, CONTINUED WARM EDNES-
DAY AND THURSDAY; FRESH SOUTH
ERLY WINDS.
The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1900-09-12

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