Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1906-05-01
Citizens Committee Efficient.

cuted with great efficiency, have re-
lfeved this unprecedented disaster.
Citizens Committee Efficient.
"The Citizens committee, appointed
by Mayor Schmitz, is composed of the
ablest business men of the city, and
their efforts, united and harmonious to
an astonishing degree, speedily
brought order out of chaos and intro
duced systems Of relief which have
accomplished wonders. The efforts of
the mayor and municipal officials, OF
the citizens committee, and of the
regular army and of the state guard
of California have been practically as
efficient as though the separate author
tiles were under one head Neither
friction nor reflections have at any
time appeared, and the work of relief
has proceeded tremendously, continu-
ously and efficiently
"The street railway system rapidly
is approaching such state of repairs
as to promise a part renewal OF opera
ton Soon The signal corps has estab-
lished a military system of telegraph
and telephone lines connecting the.
headquarters of the. army and of the
mayor, which are at Fort Mason, with
the mint, Hall OF Justice, district head
quarters, the ferry, and every point of
special Importance. Without this sys-
tenn communication about the city
would have been impossible, and with
the national and state authorities
would have been greatly delayed.
commends General Funston.
~
General Greedy, returning from
leave, reassumed command Sunday ev.
ening and commends in the highest
terms the efficient and tireless efforts
OF General Funston, whose orders and
action utilized and inspired the army
to most efficient action in staying the
progress OF the flames and saving the
remnant of the city. General Greely's
opinion Is concurred in by the mayor
and the citizens committee. Most
threatening conditions existed as re-
CARDS the water supply, but extraordi-
nary efforts on the part of the water
company have remedied the situation,
which is improving from day to day,
SO that physical suffering from lack Of
water is impossible, although 1t cam
not be delivered in sufficient quaint
ties for proper sanitation and fire pur-
poses for some time. 1t would appear
impossible, but am assured by, Cen
eral Greedy and others that the meth
DDS of relief and restoration were so
efficient that no person has suffered
from lack OF food, water or shelter.
"The question of sanitation is re-
ceiving special attention. The entire
city is inspected daily by four trained
mounted officers, who report regularly
the situation and necessities.
All FortifIcations Escape.
"The Notifications practically are
uninjured. Considerable damage was
done to the military buildings at the
Preside and on Angel Island. Reports
indicate that there was no damage to
the buildings on Aleatraz Island. The
army warehouses in the city were en-
tirely destroyed. The mint and ap-
praiser's buildings practically are In
tact. The sub-treasury is destroyed.
Opinions differ as to the extent of the
Injuries to the pestoffice 1t is not be-
lieved that any of the vaults in the
sub-treasury or any banking institu-
ton In the city have suffered any ma
- b
1T is almost impossible to give an
accurate estimate of the cost Of re-
pairs to public buildings, but from per
sonal inspection of the structures and
from figures given me by competent
builders, ! should say the appraisers
building would cost for repairs about
$1,000, mint $4,000 and the postoffice
building not to exceed 100000 Dr..
Devine arrived Tuesday and co-opera-
tive action already is Initiated, insur.
ing harmony between the citizens
committee, thls Red Gross agents and
the military 4 authorities as to lines Of
action to be followed in the future.
General Greell has agreed in writing
to take over lis asked by the mayor,
the citizens sommittee and DR.. De-
vine the respes sibility of handling the
relief suppliesA and the delivery under
Bears the ~ ss