Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-09-16
tny Telegram to vlrg,nlan- Pilot,


Austin. Tex. Sept. 15.-Governor
Sayers last night received the follow
ing official report from Mayor Jones,
of Galveston. as to conditions there.
Galveston. Tex, Sept H.
Hon. Joseph d. Sayers. Governor:
After the fullest possible investiga-
ton here, we feel justified in saying
to you and through you to the Ameri-
can people that no similar disaster
mas overtaken any comE5unity or sec
tlon in the history of our country.
The loss of life is appalling, and can
never be accurately determined. It is
estimated at 5000 to 5000 people.
NOT ONE UNINJURED.
There is not a home in Galveston
that has not been injured. while thou
sands have been destroyed. The pro-
perty loss represents accumulati tons of
sixty years and more millions than can
be safely stated. Under these condi-
tons. with ten thousand people home
less and destitute, with the entire pop
ulation under a stress and strain diff
cult to realize. we appeal directly in
the hour of our great emergency to
the sympathy and aid of mankind.
(Signed WALTER JONES.
"R. d. HAwf iSYo''
Member Congress Galveston Dis
trict
"M'KIBBEN.
Commander Dept of Texas"
The information reaching here from
an official source states that reports
Of promiscuous shooting of vandals at
Galveston has been exaggerated.
CONSERVATIVE ESTIMATE.
Dallas. Tex, Sept. 15.-The News
staff correspondent wires as follows
from Houston:
Inquiries as to the loss OF life and
-. -
Will never be known. There have been
already handled on the Galveston ISL
and along the bay shores OF the
mainland opposite the island about
four thousand corpses. The long
stretch of debris along the beach and
not been heard from. The prairies of
the mainland over which the waters
rushed, have also their tales to tell.
II should say, after investigation,
that n conservative estimate of the
loss of life in Galveston would be $500.
The names of thousands of victims will
never be known. They have simply
passed out of existence as so many
pickering candles might be eXtinguish-
ed in the wind.
GAS to the property loss, 1t Is hard
to make an estimate. Colonel Loves
estimate of SIS, 100000 to $4,000 900 Is
conservative"
KODAK FIENDS SHOT.
Houston. Tex, Sept. 15.-Word re-
ceived from Galveston indicates that
kodak fcnds are being shot down like
corpse thieves. Two it is stated. were
killed yesterday While taking pictures
of nude female bodies. Kodak flends
arc notified to stay away.
TO RESTORE NOTIFICATIONS.
Washington, Sept. 15.-With a View
to the restoration of the Notifications
In the harbor OF Galveston, IL such a
thing is possible. General Wilson.
chief of the engineers, this morning
organized board of engineer officers,
consisting of Colonel Henry NJ Rob-
crts, stationed at New York; Major
Henry NJ. Adams, stationed at New Or
leans Captain Charles S. Ache. sta.
toned at Galveston, and Captain Ed
gar Jadwin, stationed at New York, to
meet at Galveston at the call of the
senior officer about October Goth. The
board is instructed to make careful
and critical examination of the jetties
and Notifications of Galveston and re-
port to the chief of engineers what ac-
ton is necessary for the repair and re-
storation of the Notifications and har-
Dor works.
Acting Secretary Meikeljohn has re-
ceived a telegram from Mayor Jones,
of Galveston, saying:
"The people of the city of Galveston
desire to return to you their heartfelt,
thanks for your assistance in their
hour OF trouble and affection"
COMPELLED TO ASK AID.
He also received a dispatch from
Representative r. b. Hawley thanking
him for the sympathy expressed and
aid furnished by the War Department.
After describing conditions Mr.. Haw-
ley says: '"rhe destruction is so great
we have been compelled to make our
conditions known and ask for the SYM
pathy and aid of mankind. If you
deem eXpedient no greater service
could be done than TO use such agencies
as you may have for universal informa-
ton concerning our unhappy fate"
A dispatch was received from Cen
eral McKibben stating that there are
plenty of doctors in Galveston. but
that disinfectants are badly needed.
WORK OF REHABILITATION
Galveston, Texas. Sept. 15.-So much
progress has been made here toward
the rehabilitation of Galveston and so
tremendously are the various forces
working that General McKibben. who
WAS ordered here with his staff to assist
the authorities as soon as the storm
disaster befell Galveston, has decided
that his presence is no longer neces-
sary. and he has made arrangements
to leave for Houston. The idea that
the status of tlfetcity will be changed
finds no local adherents. The various
railroads entering the city have deter
mined to assist the citizens OF Calves
ton to the full extent of their ability
In rebuilding the city. Large gangs
have been at work in the business dis