Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-06-03
TRIP OF THE STERLING
COMMANDER MENTZ REPORTS ON
THE WORK, OF RELIEF.
Prompt Departure Tor Martinique and
st. Vincent-Second Eruption De-
scribed-Gratitude foF Supplies.

Acting Secretary Darling has just re-
ceived report from Commander George
w. Mentz of the United States steamer
Sterling upon the relief work done by that
ship in Martinique and St. Vincent. The
Sterling was the station ship at San Juan,
Porto Rico, and arrived at the scene Of dis
tress next to the little Potomac. with re-
lief supplies. The report shows that within
nine hours after receiving the orders Of
the Secretary of the Navy the ship was
ready to sail, due to the efforts Of all, but
particularly as Commander Mentz says, be-
cause Of the intelligence and Jealous as
sstance Of Paymaster Merritt in loading
the Sterling. The ship sailed at IL o'clock
pm, May ID. carrying in addition to her
regular officers and Commander Mentz and
supplies the following: Mr.. Cooper, assist
ant to Paymaster Merritt; Captain Crabbs
Quartermaster, United States army, in
charge Of army supplies; First Lieutenant
Moreno, assistant to Captain Crabbs; Con-
tract Surgeon DR.. Doherty and one hospital
steward, one commissary sergeant, four
teamsters, United States army; one SER
want, and the postmaster at San Juan, in
charge Of registered mail for Martinique.
The relief supplies exhausted the stock of
the navy and army at San JUAN. and be-
sides the ship carried forty tons Of provi-
sions subscribed by the government and cit
liens of Porto Rico. Two mule teams were
taken for shore transportation Of supplies.
The only incident of the trip to Fort de
France, where the ship arrived May 10,
was the rescue from sinking boat Of four
refugees from Precheur.
Commander Mentz reports that, the gov
ernor having been killed by the st. Pierre
eruption, the secretary of the island as
sumed the governorshlp. being confirmed by
the French government. and to him Com
mander Mentz delivered the relief supplies
No to<n Toe
government having housed, clothed and fed
the 5000 refugees In Fort de France. In
two or three weeks, however, the supplies
would be exhausted and outside relief
would be needed. A thousand suits Of
clothes and shoes were delivered to the
captain Of H. M. 8. Indefatigable for the
Island of St. Vincent.
Commander Mentz thus describes the
eruption on the goth, which was greater
than the one on the Sth, which DESTROYED
st. Pierre: Larger stones fell in the town
some six inches in diameter; the hail of
pebbles was greater, as also was the deposit
of mud and dust. The people naturally
were in a panic. and shrieking with fright
flew to the water, taking boats or swim
ming to get on board the vessels in the
harbor. About 5000 were thus STRUGGLING
at one time to get to a, place of safety,
among them women scantiIy clad with
nothing on but their night robes. For some
time 1t looked as If Fort de France would
meet with the fate of st. Pierre. EXCEPT.
however, for deposit of good-sized stones,
pebbles. mud and dust, no damage was
done to the town itself so far as 1 know
Where on the Sth instant the destruc-
ton seemed to stop at a line running east
from the village of Carbet, at now, as far
as vegetation is concerned, extends to the
edge OF the town Of Fort de France; so
that although the relief sent by the United
states government is not absolutely needed
at the present time 1 am confident that, In
the course Of few weeks. there will be
much distress, and it will be a very well
come supply"
In expressing his gratitude and that OF
the people of Martinique to the President
OF the United States, the Secretary of the
Navy and the Secretary of War for their
great sympathy, and their prompt and most
acceptable expression Of the same, the act
ing governor was much affected, and am
sure felt deeply what he said" United
States Consul Ayme Is specially commended
as ready at all hours Of the day and night.
e. Z. spite OF illness, to render assistance. The
which is the date Of the report