davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-05-05
STORIES FROM THE RUINS.
savannah Travelling Man Tells of
the Aftermath of the Fire.

Mr.. j. A. Davis. one of the travelling
representatives of the Morning News. was
In Jacksonville while the fire was raging
OF suffering and want by which 1t was ac-
companied and followed.
Many times during the day Mr.. Davis
saw furniture piled in the streets in front
of the houses. As the flames would leap
towards these little piles of property their
owners would take them up and rush with
them further away from the devouring
element. In rare instances only was this
maneuver crowned with success. Two or
three times, perhaps, the owners would
succeed in rescuing their property; then,
with a great onward leap, the flames
would reach and destroy 1t.
One dealer in trunks and articles of the
ike character, who saw that his stock
was bound to be destroyed by the flames,
threw open his doors and invited the
crowd to enter. He offered the people
who thronged the street whatever trunks
they needed to hold their belongings,
and many took advantage of the offer.
During the fire and afterwards, through
the night of desolation and suffering and
want that succeeded it, a policeman,
armed with a carbine, stood in front OF
the door of every saloon that had es-
capped destruction. The military and po-
lice patrolled the streets and Mr.. Davis
said they had orders to shoot down ruth
lessly anyone they found footing or en-
gagged in other acts of serious disorder.
So far as he knew, however, this extreme
measure had not been rendered neces-
sary.
Everywhere well-dressed women, sepa-
rated from their natural protectors, wan
dered aimlessly about the streets. There
was no place for them to go and they
looked dreamily and drearily and SEEM
ingly without much further hope for some
man they knew, upon whose protection
they had right to throw themselves
People, with plenty of money, offered it
unsuccessfully in exchange for something
to eat.
Negro women were discussing with
themselves curious problem and finding
in the solution at which they arrived a
generous spark of consolation Most of
the furniture in their homes had been
purchased on the, instalment plan and
under the agreement always exacted of
such purchasers, had given a bill of sale
under the terms of which they were not
to become owners of the property until
they had fully paid for it. They were de-
temined they would not pay for it. and
this filled them with glee, compromising
almost for other losses they had suf-
feTed.
The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-05-05

vantage of the opportunity that offered
itself for stroke of business. They
readily acquiesced.
The railroad rates will be maintained.
There will be no reduction-at least, not
before Jacksonville is ready to care for
visitors. Not enough food can be had
now for those rendered homeless by the
flames. and the drain upon the resources
of the city water works was so great as
to leave a scarcity, even for drinking pur-
poses.
Many will visit Jacksonville to-day.
however, despite the maintenance of
rates. They will pay the full fare in order
to see the desolauon that has been Wis
tied upon the city Many in Savannah
have relatives, friends or acquaintance
whom they desire TO see In their distress
To extend what comfort or aid they may.
Plant System officials are proud of the
run that was made to Jacksonville from
Savannah, with the assistance from the
fire department. The 172 miles were COW
cred in 1874 minutes, actual running time.
Six minutes Of that was taken up In
crossing the mile-long treStle over the st.
Mary's river, where trains have to slow
up Mr.. w. Il. SymoDds, superintendent
of motive power. for the Plant System,
said last night that the run was regarded
as remarkable as No. lis, the engine at
hchen 10 the Talfl, IS designed TOT trelgnt
purposes. At the time the call for a
special train was received Mr. Symonds
said, 1t CHANGED that there was no pas
senger engine in the yards with steam
up II therefore became necessary TO
use a freight engine. Doubt was enter
tained Of No. 1855 ability to make such
a run, and Mr.. Symonds was agreeably
surprised at the result.
Train crews that were lying over in
Jacksonville at the time OF tho fire did
great work in resculng household goods
from the flames. Mr. Symonds met a
number of the eDginemen and train hands,
who related their experiences to him.
Some offered the spectacle OF hands and
faces from which hair had been singed,
In evidence that they had been in rather
hot places.
The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-05-05
HOW HE SAVED HIS TRUNK.
Drummer Forced n Negro to Garry
1t at Point of a Knife.


1t at Point of Knife.
]. b. Heckle travelling for John A.
Griffith & Co., of Chicago, saw the Ere
when it started. 1t had been BURNING 25
minutes before an alarm was sounded.
The Chicago drummer was stopping at
the Windsor one OF the hotels burned,
and lost all of his baggage, with the ex-
ception of a sample trunk that had been
left in a dry good store in the business
section of the city. Mr.. Heckle says that
he offered almost any sum to have his
trunk removed to the depot without any
success. He saw a negro boy with a push
cart wheeling another trunk, and told
the boy that he would give him any price
to put his trunk on the wagon. The boy
refused to consider any offer, and the
drummer threatened to kill him unless he
carried the trunk. With knife over his
head the boy assisted the travelling man
in getting the sample trunk in the cart,
and the two pushed the wagon to the de-
pot, nearly a mile away.
Mr. Heckle says that he saw a man
make an effort to escape with trunk
on his shoulder, but that he was cut off
on all sides by the flames. The man
was cool, although the fire was on ev-
cry side and, securing a shovel. he dug
a pit in the sand and buried all that he
had been able to save from his home. Mr.
Heckle says that there was much looting
going on Friday night and that much
property was stolen from the hotels that
were afterwards burned.
While the Windsor Hotel was already
in flames a woman boarder threw a globe
of gold fish out of the third story window
and seriously wounded a negro on the
street below. A cage containing a canary
bird went in the same way and the bird
was crushed under passing wagon. The
woman escaped from the doomed hotel
with a pair of shoes under her arm.
The Ludden & Bates Southern Music
House, at Jacksonville was destroyed.
The books only were saved
A telegram was received yesterday
morning by Mr.. Shelby Myrick, local
counsel for the Plant System, from John
Z. Hartridge, division counsel of the road,
stating that his law books. all of the COM
pany's papers and the Office records were
destroyed in the fire. Mr.. Hartrdge's Of
fee was in the path of the flames and was
burned before anything could be saved.
Mr. D. P. Myerson, Jr., formerly a res
ident of this city, left yesterday after
noon for Jacksonville, where he was just
about to open a department store. The
building escaped the flames. A telegram
from his brother-in-law, A. ]. Bucky, well
known in Savannah, stated that his pro-
duce store and residence had been con-
sumed by the fire. and that he is without
shelter. He carried no insurance, and
his is a total loss. Mr.. Myerson is on
his bridal tour and was forced to leave
his young bride at the De Soto, while he
returned to the burned city to look after
his interests.
The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-05-05
SCENE NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN.
A savannahinn who watched the
Fire From Government DuiIdInE.

A snvannnhinn who watched the
Fire From Government building.
Mr.. Clement saussy, who arrived at
Jacksonville only few minutes before
the fire started and left while 1t was yet
burning. was an eyewitness Of the terri
Bile destruction that II wrought.
Mr.. saussy said yesterday that the
scene. in its grandeur, impressiveness and
horror. absolutely beggared description.
From an advantageous position on the
ton of the United States Court House he
saw the flames literally lick up and de-
your the entire city, with the exception
~ a few blocks in the business section.
one of the most pitiful, as well as one
of the commonest sights presented, Mr..
Saussy said, was the spectacle OF dell
cate and refined women. driven from
their burning homes and striving 10 save
from the general destruction some rev
articles that they priced. They were
homeless and without purpose and, while
their husbands fathers and brothers were
away Sighting the flames, practically
without protection.
Mr.. saussy said that he had witnessed
many scenes OF horror and destruction
hut nothing had ever come within the
range Of his experience that equalled the
scene Of destruction at Jacksonville.
'dmagine all of the central part OF sa-
vannah IN flames" he said, ana even
The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-05-05
WILL RUN NO EXCURSIONS.
Jacksonville Not in "a Position to
Entertain Visitors.

Jacksonville does not want crowds Of
visitors. She is not prepared TO enter
tain them. This is a new position for
Jacksonville, the city Of hotels. the Mecca
Of Northern tourists, but 1t is forced up
on her by her calamity
Travelling Passenger Agent J. H. Pol
hemus OF the Plant System telegraphed
Division Passenger Agent F. NJ. Jolly at
Jacksonville yesterday about an excursion
from Savannah to-day. Mr.. Jolly was
asked TO advise about one Mr.. Pohemus
recognized the possibilities. and saw that
II would be an easy matter, upon few
hours notice, to get a great crowd to-
gether for days excursion to the scene
OF so mighty a coniagration as had
swept Jacksonville.
Upon the receipt OF Mr. Polheumus' tel
egram, Mr.. jolly interviewed the author
tiles at Jacksonville. He was asked not
TO have an exclusion run, the officials tell
ing him that Jacksonville Is now In no
position 10 entertain visitors. She cannot
care for her own people. Neither food
nor water for excursionists could be pro-
vided, and, In view OF the restitution, the
railroad men were asked not 70 take adj
The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-05-05

w. f. Birch, fruit grower, Alton, Va,
writes:
THE country is so flooded with patent
medicines of every kind worthless and a
humbug, that I am glad for one to be
able to say l have found one that is
everything and more than Is claimed for
1t.
My wife was very much run down and
out of sorts every way. She had female
weakness and was very weak, nervous
and had no appetite. tried her on every
thing 1 could think of, but she would not
touch a thing-could not eat strawberries
even. saw Peruna in my fathers store
one day, and after reading the printed
matter on the bottle, decided to have my
wife try it. Before she had taken half OF
the bottle she commenced to eat, and now
she is hungry all the time. We both
agree that it beats any medicine to bring
an appetite and put the nerves in good
shape we have ever had anything to do
with.
I'VE had our family doctor to give her
medicine, but she did not improve in
the least. The has consumption In her
family and she was in such bad shape
and so run down that / began to get
very uneasy, but your medicine has made
an entirely new woman of her. ] believe
she eats and feels better now than she
The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-05-05
THE STRICKEN CITY.
Continued from First Page)

about the head. felt a body float against
my legs and tried to lift it to the surface.
but failed"
Undoubtedly there wete many lives lost
at the foot of Market street" says Ar
thur GUNNER of the GUNNER Lumber
Company. I'VE heard the shrieks and
calls for help as we steamed from the
wharf at the last minute We heard num-
bers of persons were in peril on the wharf
and made for the pier again. A sailboat
was cornered in the docks.
Young Coxsetter of St. Augustine,
swan to the steamer Edith and we gave
him q line. The line either parted or
was burned. In the same instant both
steamer and boat were enveloped In dense
smoke. We got glimpse of the sailboat
drifting inshore and then disappeared In
the flames. AS the Edith steamed towards
mid-channel TO escape, we heard agonized
cries for help. There is no doubt but
that all in the boat suffered a frightfuI
fate"
The officers and crew of the Edith re-
port that they saved sixty persons who
had jumped into the river to escape the
flames.
The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-05-05

was a total wreck. / was so nervous
that could not sleep at night-so weak
] could not walk square. After meals
would get blind and short of breath.
had severe pains in my head running from
the base of my brain to the forehead.
l had severe pain I'm my kidneys.
had given up all hopes Of ever getting
any better.
II wentt to the drug store and bought
bottle of Peruna. 1t helped the pain in
my head Immediately. l now am feeling
fine, and gained twenty pounds in flesh in
three weeks. No misery in my head.
nervousness Is gone, and / have a good
appetite. l take great pleasure In recon-
mending Peruna TO others. My friends
meet me on the street and ask me what
kind of medicine / am taking, and you
may be sure / tell them Peruna."-Mr.
Charles T.. Shellhanner.
If you do not derive prompt and salts
factory result from the use of Peruna,
write at once to DR.. Hartman, giving q
full statement of your case and he will
be pleased to give you his valuable ad-
vice gratis.
Address DR.. Hartman, President of
The Hartman Sanitarium, Columbus,
Ohio.
The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-05-05
STATE WILL AFFORD RELIEF.
Gov. Jennings Appoints n Commit.
tee to Spend $50, 1000.


tee to Spend 100000.
Tallahassee, Fla, May A number of
leading legislators waited on Gov. Jen-
nings this morning, requesting him to
ville fire sufferers, and gave pledges that
If the Governor would authorize the
State Treasurer to pay out money needed
Immediately for relief the legislature
would, as soon as possible. make an ap-
preparation to cover the amount.
Being satisfied with these assurances,
Gov. Jennings appointed Senator C. B.
Rodgers and Representatives JIG. LEngle
and ". B. Broward, Jacksonville delega-
ton in legislature as special relief COM
mittee on part Of state and authorized
them to draw on the State Treasurer
Whitfield to the amount of $4,000 IL nee
essary, for extending immediate relief.
The Senate was not in session to-day
III the House resolution, offered by Mr..
Palmer Of Orange, expressing deep SYM
pathy for the sufferers by yesterday S
Jacksonville confiag grafton, was unanl-
mously passed.
A concurrent resolution offered by Judge
Rayney OF Leon, for joint committee OF
five, to consider and report what action
should be taken for the relief of sufferers
of the Jacksonville FIRE, was unanimously
adopted, and taking 1t for granted that
the Senate will concur in the resolution
as soon as IL meets, Speaker Watson at
once appointed Judge Rayney, Mr.. Pal
mer and Judge Gruggs OF Franklin, as
the House members Of such committee.
The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-05-05

Hansen. John Duffy, Thomas Lovett, w.
M. Clarke. Dan Connors, John Bordnave.
u. b. Morgan and Dave Brunson.
flre Marshal Mouro, who was in charge
OF the department in the absence of the
superintendent, met the train at the Plant
system depot. Horses were on hand. and
the apparatus was removed at once 10
the hre stations. The men were permitted
10 go home, with instructions to report
Ior outy at 8 o'clock this morning They
were worn out from the excitement, and
with one accord said the scene they had
witnessed was the worst in their expert
ence
The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-05-05
TO ABOLISH THE COMMISSION.
Florida Legislator Wants TO DO
Away with Railroad Board.

Tallahassee, Fla, May 4-Importsnt
new bills in the House to-day we're by
Mr.. Brown OF De Soto. to repeal the act
creating the Florida Railroad Commits
sion and all revision or amendments to
said law. BY Mr.. osteen of Lafayette,
TO repeal all laws providing for the crea-
ton and operation Of the State Board OF
Health. Mr.. Osteen regards the board
as an expensive luxury, and would abol-
ish 1t altogether. Bills authorizing sher-
ms and peace officers to make Sunday
arrests without warrants and to provide
for planting shade trees along public
roads were introduced.
Representative GOrnto's proposed con-
etitntional amendment increasing the
civil Jurisdiction Of county judges was
defeated.
M. Fultons new game bill for the
preservation Of wild deer birds and
game. and limiting time for hunting
same, was passed.
The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-05-05
POSTMASTER EGAN REPORTS.
Acting Postmaster General Ex-
presses Sincere Regrets.

Acting Postmaster General FIX
presses Sincere Regrets.
Washington, May 4.--The following tel
egram officially reporting the. Jackson
Vile fire and appealing for help was re-
ceived to-day at the Postoffice Depart
ment:
Jacksonville. Fla, May 4.-Postmaster
General, Washington. Three-fourths OF
the residence and business portion of the
city proper destroyed by the great fire
here yesterday. The postofice was in
much danger at one time, but was I'M
injured Great suffering will ensue and
assistance should be sent the city as
thousands are homeless and without
means Of support
Dennis Egan Postmaster
Acting Postmaster General johnson i'm
mediately wired the following reply:
Washington, May 4.-Postmaster Egan.
Jacksonville, Fra. Thanks for telegram
respecting safety of postoffice and mail in
great fire. Regret sincerely suffering
caused by this calamity. Your appeal for
aid for the sufferers will be made public
through the press.
wv. NJ. johnson,
Acting Postmaster General"
The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-05-05
WORK FOR CONTRACTORS.
Great Opportunities Are Onered
Them at Jacksonville.

In rising from her ashes, Jacksonville
will be hive Of industry. Everybody
will be seeking workmen to rebuild their
homes. 1t will be but a few days before
many houses will be under course OF con-
struction, and great opportunity will be
open for contractors
1t is probable that contractors and
builders will hasten from many cities to
Jacksonville Savannah will doubtless
send a contingent. Mr.. Rittenhouse r.
Moore will leave this morning upon a
building mission. He expects to secure
the contract for the reconstruction OF
many buildings.
The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-05-05

says: Il I a X q
great pleasure i'm
acknowl G d & 4 n q
the curative pow
ers of Peruna. AS
a nerve tonic, a
gentle stimulator
to a sluggish sys-
TEN, and as an APP
petiZer and re-
$ t Or er o ( 10 s t
strength and vi
tally of worn out
women, 1t is very
s u p e r | o r.
Miss Mary Goer-
bling.
The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-05-05
sympathy From New York.

New York May i.-The Merchants As
ISOLATION of this city has telagraphed to
GOV. Jennings and the Mayor of Jack
sonville, expressing sympathy with the
people OF Jacksonville in their distress.
and asking for statement of immediate
necessities. The association will form .
committee TO receive subscriptions for the
relief Of the destitute.
The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-05-05

'EEIo- 4'IIoo 1IuIy NIVVI DIIIt7'
Mr.. Charles f.
Sheilhanner 506 East Mound street, Cir
clevile, o., writes:
II suffered for three years with some
thing that the doctors could not account
for One said that 1t was stomach
trouble, one that it was bad blood, one
malarial fever, and another that It was
a total collapse of the nervous system.
The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-05-05

ing the day asking for a large supply OF
tents, the Mayor indicating that the peo-
pie Of the city were without shelter. lie
gave orders to have 1000 hospital tents
sent at once. These tents are at st.
Asaph's, Va, just across the river from
this city, and at Philadelphia. They. will
go forward on the first available trains.
Surgeon General Wyman is sending to-
night a carload of tents for the fire suf-
ferers.
The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-05-05
THE ALCAzAR OPENED.

ST. Augustine Lost an Engine ut
JacksonviIIe's Fire.
81. Augustine Fla. May 4--Manager
Greaves reopened the Alcazar tonight 70
care for fire sufferers. A relief commit
tee was organized and contributions are
being received. Many families are be-
ing cared for by relatives. st. Augustine
lost one fire engine at the fire. The mill
tia company is In Jacksonville on fire pa
troll duty.
The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-05-05

Galveston, Tex. May 4.-over a thous-
and dollars was raised here this after
noon for the relief OF sufferers at Jack
sonviile. and more will follow.
Committees are at work collecting for
the fund, and Il IL growing fast, both
rich and poor contributing.
The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-05-05

then you can have no conception of the
extent of the confagra ton"
Inc burning of the churches was de-
scribed by Mr.. Saussy as by others who
were in Jacksonville and witnessed the
nre' as a sight never to be forgotten.
The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-05-05

has for years. I had no idea IT would do
half what it has done. and don't think
there is another medicine made that will
begin to compare with it."-W. e. Birch.
The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-05-05
TO Ala JacksonviIIe Sufferers.

Newport News, Va, May A meeting
of the Newport News Business Mems AS
ISOLATION has been called TO devise means
70 aiding the Jacksonville sufferers.
The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-05-05
MIR. ROOFS PROMPT RESPONSE.
81. Francis Barracks to He Used ana
1000 Hospital Tents to lie sent.

1000 Hospital Tents to Be Sent.
Washington. May 4-secretary Root re-
ceived telegram from the Mayor Of
Jacksonville to-day asking that the st..
Francis barracks. st. Augustine. be put at
the disposal OF the Mayor 10 house the
homeless people. Secretary Root immedi-
ately sent a dispatch 10 Gen. Brooke, In
command Of the Department OF the East,
to direct the officers In charge of the bar
racks 70 grant the people Of Jacksonville
every facility possible.
The Secretary received a dispatch DUR
The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-05-05

Nashville, Tenn, May 4s-The Nashville
Banner has authorized the Mayor OF
Jacksonville TO draw for 1000 subscribed
by citizens OF Nashville.
The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-05-05
ATLANTA SENDS ASSISTANCE.
Committee Leaves for jacksonville
with Provisions and Clothing.

with Provisions and Clothing.
Atlanta, May AT a special meeting
OF citizens and city officials here to-day
called by the Mayor. about $500 was
raised, and a committee was appointed
to solicit further subscriptions for the
Jacksonville fire sufferers. Resolutions
we're adopted asking all churches in the
state to take up collection for those in
distress
A large quantity OF provisions. cloth
ing, ETC., in charge of a committee, left
for Jacksonville at 1890 o'clock tonight.
The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-05-05
WEDDING JOURNEY Cur SHORT.

Proprietor CuIlens of the windsor
Hotel Married In Toledo Yesterday
Toledo, o.. May frank l.. Cullens,
proprietor Of the Windsor Hotel at Jack
gonville, was married to a Bucyrus girl
The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-05-05

yesterday Just after the ceremony q
dispatch telling of the destruction of the
hotel was handed to him. The wedding
journey was cut short.
The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-05-05
OIL IN MISSISSIPPI.
A Well Is Soon 10 be Bored Near
Meridian.

Meridian, Miss. May Alt Is said sur
face Indications Of oil have been discov-
cred one mile south Of Meridian. A well
will be sunk as soon as arrangements
can be made. There Is considerable ex-
oitement among citizens. owing to chs
discovery.
The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-05-05
THE LOSSES TREMENDOUS.
Partial List of Principal Losers
Reaches Up I'm the Millions.

Jacksonville. Fla, May 4.-The following
is partial list of estimated valuations Of
property loss: