Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-09-13
is to be tolerated as short a time as


Will not survive.
Lime and Disinfectants Needed.
Among the articles declared most
needed in the latest appeal sent out
are lime and other defectants. These
are wanted to cover the decaying
heaps scattered all over the town.
Water is another of the foremost
necessities, ranking ahead of food,
of which the city is bare, while can
dies, kerosene, and gasoline are on
the list as required without delay.
Clothing and household goods are
asked, and it is announced they must
be furnished with the least possible
delay.
1t is said the water system may be
restored by tomorrow or next day,
but in the meantime the inhabitants
have to depend upon the mainland
for their supply.
AS far as communication is con-
cerned, Galveston might be 100 miles
away, for the wires are down, the
bridges beyond hope of repair, and the
only way of reaching the city is by
boat.
Robbers Slain by the Soldiers.
A report was current in Houston at
10 o'clock last night that another col
lision between the troops and the
lawless element had occurred because
OF looting, and that eight more of the
vandals have been killed.
The Dallas Rough Riders, COM
pany of the First Texas Cavalry, are
under arms at their armory in Dal-
las awaiting orders from General
Scurry to move to Galveston for
duty.
Situation Most Desperate.
Adjutant General Scurry, after hav-
ing personally viewed the situation
at Galveston last night, telegraphed
to Dallas relatives and military
friends:
"The situation is worse than re-
ported. The number of deaths ex-
ceeds the most conservative esti-
mates"
General Scurry's information con
firms the belief that Galveston as a
seaport is ruined, and that the deaths
by the hurricane will approximate
5000. General Scurry is enforcing
martial law in Galveston with state
troops. Looting began yesterday by
the lawless element and extortionate
prices by the soulless traders. All
goods have been confiscated and a
schedule of prices fixed for the pub
lie to pay for everything used Book
accounts are kept and settlements
made for what things are taken.
Three negroes who were looting the
dead were shot to death by General
Scurry's troops.
GaIveston's Appeal for Aid.
Galveston, Texas, Sept. 12.-The fol-
lowing statement of the dire condi-
lions prevalent in this city, accompa-
MED by an urgent appeal for aid, was
issued by the local relief committee
yesterday:
"a conservative estimate of the loss
of life is that it will reach 5000. At
least 5000 families are shelterless and
wholly destitute. The entire remain
der of the population is suffering in
greater or less degree. Not single
church, school, or charitable institu-
ton, of which Galveston had so many,
is left intact. Not building escaped
damage, and half the whole number
were entirely obliterated.
"There is immediate need for food,
clothing and household goods of all
kinds. If nearby cities will open asy-
lums for women and children the sit
uation will be greatly relieved. Coast
cities should send us water as well as
provisions, including kerosene oil, gas
oline and candles"
The local relief committee consists
of w. C. Jones, Mayor, M. Lasker, pres
ident of the Island City Savings bank;
J. d. Skinner, president of the Cotton
Exchange; G. H. McMaster, represent
ing the chamber of commerce; R. G.
Lowe, manager of the Galveston News,
and Clarence Owsley, manager of the
Galveston Tribune.
Bringing Order Out of Chaos.
Houston, Sept. 12.-Order has begun
to take the place of the chaos which
has reigned in Galveston since Satur-
days terrible storm and the citizens
are recovering from the stupefication
of their sudden disaster. All conserv-
alive estimates are shattered by May
or Jones and other prominent conserv-
alive men of Galveston, who in a
statement to the Associated Press de-
clare 5000 deaths will result from the
storm. Over a hundred lives were
lost at other points in Texas. Ten
million dollars, it is said, will cover
the Galveston property loss, while half
as much more is an estimate for the
remainder of the state.
"Situation Is Horrible"
Memphis, Tenn, Sept. 1.-THE fol-
lowing telegram has been received at
the cotton exchange:
Galveston, Sept. 12.-Wire money
collected at meeting. Send disinfec-
tants and food for man and beast. The
situation is horrible; cannot describe
it. For Gods sake help us.
(Signed) 81. H. Steele, Chairman"
Suffer for Water and Ice.
Dallas, Sept. PA bulletin from
Galveston at IL o'clock says: ''The
situation grows worse every minute.
Water and ice are needed. The peo-
pie are in a frenzy from suffering from
these causes. Scores have died since
last night, and many have gone in
sane"
Many Messages for Galveston.
Houston, Sept. 12.-This morning
the Western Union Telegraph COM
pany sent to Galveston by tug sew
eral packages of kilograms dated
from nearly every city in the country.