Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1901-05-11
JACKSONVILLES WOE.
Fire Played Terrible Havoc in tn,
Florida City.
FIFTEEN OR TWENTY ARE DEAD

But the Number of Lives Lost VIII
Not he Known For Several Days.
Property Loss Estimated mt s12,-
100000 to s15,OOO,OOO.
Jacksonville. Fla, May 6.-The hun
ger of 10000 homeless people was salts
fed yesterday upon the arrival of re-
lief trains and boats bringing pro-
visions from neighboring towns. Early
In the morning a commissary was es-
tablished in the center OF the city, and
thousands were fed during the day.
The relief fund Is growing hourly and
every mail brings offers OF assistance.
1t is estimated that 5000 persons
have left the city. and every outgoing
train is crowded with refugees.
Rumors OF loss OF life are on every
hand. Many persons have confirmed
the report of loss of life at the Market
street wharf, where a number of per-
sons were compelled to jump over
board. Several days must elapse be-
fore the full death list can be made out
but according to present reports 1t will
reach 10 or 20.
Martial law is being strictly enforced
and the town Is quiet.
The work of relief is progressing
Systematically. The relief association
today adopted constitution and
made the temporary organization per-
manent, with G. e. Garner president
and ]. R. PARROT vice president.
The following are the dead so far re-
covered:
Harry D. Bonatheau and viii Clark
white, and an unknown negro, found
IN the river today at the foot OF
Market street, where they were cut of
By the flames.
Mrs. Bornelia Thompson, widow OF
the late Gen. Waddy Thompson, bones
found In ruins of Old Ladies' Home.
Martha Hagan, 8 negro woman
found at Ocean and State streets.
One other unknown negro is reported
found In the river, but the report Is
not confirmed.
Many carloads OF provisions have
been received and are being received
daily, while cash is coming In from al
sections. From present Indication.
there 10 no fear Of famine.
The following official statement ha.
been issued by the relief committees:
THE city OF Jacksonville on Friday
May 8, was visited by one Of the mos
horrible and appalling calamities thai
has ever happened In any community
OF modern times. About noon OF thai
day Are was discovered In q small
Palm ettO Char fac4orxy a. A. o-A-o.,
western portion OF the city. A high
wind was then blowing to the eastward
carrying the flames over the heads o
the hremen. The fire spread with sucl
rapidity that our citizens had grea
dimculty In leaving their homes anC
places or business. In many cases the,
barely escaped with their lives, and w,
regret to say that number were burn
ed to death or drowned In their effort.
to escape from the flames. The mum
Der at this time we have been unabl,
to ascertain, although five bodies hav,
been taken from the ruins, and from
10000 to $4,000 persons are homeless
THE burnt area extends east AND
west about two miles and north anC
south varying from one-half to three.
quarters Of a mile. In this area wa.
situated the Oldest and most populou.
portion of the city, embracing al
classes Of people, high and low, rict
and poor. The flames carried befor,
them homes, churches and all the pub.
lie buildings save one. More than hal
or the business section was also con.
sumed. The property loss aggregated
from 1000, 900 to SIS. 100000.
All contributions of money should
be sent to A. M. Ives, treasurer, and all
supplies should be sent to Jacksonville
Relief association"
There are now several tented villages
In the city, with cots and blankets. and
a water supply in almost every village
for the sufferers. There are also sew
eral extra commissary stations in vari-
Gus parts OF the city to relieve the sit
uation at the two already established
and there is one in each village OF
tents.
Street Car Tenn I'm + We Toxwn.