The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-04-29
Only 100000 Of Federal Ap-
preparation AVaiIab|efOr Use
in San Francisco
MORE MONEY is NEEDED
IN The WORK OF RELIEF
One of the city's Greatest Losses Was
That of Libraries, Containing Not
Less Than a Million
Volumes.

San Franci >, April 2S.-The amount of
money on hand for committee relief work
and the continuance of the military con-
troll of the city, subordinate to civil au-
thority were two of the most important
subjects discussed at the daily meetings
of the citizens committee of fifty, which
was headed by Mayor Schmitz. now ad-
ministrator of the affairs of San Fran
cisco. Both developed some interesting
phases, and left in the minds of all those
striving to relieve the somewhat. chaotic
affairs of the unfortunate city the neces-
sity for two things-the strlctest economy
in the expediture of the money now avail
able, and the urgent need of continued
military assistance
Only $500, 600 Available.
The statement of James d. Phelan,
chairman of the finance committee of the
citizens relief and Red Cross funds, that
he has been given to understand by Vic
tor H. Metcalf, secretary of commerce
and labor, the representative of President
Roosevelt. that only 100000 of the $780,
600 appropriated by congress for the re-
lief of San Francisco was available. and
that this sum represented the extent of
saiinanciai assistance that might be ex-
pected from that source. caused a de-
cided sensation In the meeting.
Mr.. Phelan announced that Secretary
of War Taft has transmitted to his order
$4,000, which he said was the first recog-
milton the secretary has made of the re-
lief work. and added that he had been
informed by Mr.. Metcalf that the secre-
tary of war had expended the remainder
of the relief fund for the purchase of sup
plies in the east. Upon corroboration of
this statement by Mr. Metcalf, Mr.. Phe-
Ian simply remarked that there was only
s51s,o0o available cash to his order at the
mint, and the strictest economy would be
necessary.
More Money Is Needed.
I'VE need money! said Mr. Phelan.
"and the country should not be led into
the belief that millions are on hand to
relieve the destitute people,
Both Mr.. Metcalf and Mr. Devine in
dorsed Mr.. Phelans remarks, and volun-
teered to apprise Washington of the sit
uation. The generous appropriation of
congress had been counted upon by the
finance committee, and the knowledge
that only a small amount of this would
be placed in their hands, was somewhat
of shock
The question of the use of the federal
troops to assist in the preservation of
the peace and good order of the city de-
veloped a unanimity OF opinion among the
civil and military authorities A letter
from General Greedy, commanding the
United States troops on duty here, to
Mayor Schmitz was read in the commit
tee meeting The general stated that the
war department looked with doubt upon
the continued use of the army In policing
San Francisco. and added that while he
personally was willing to continue any
work of relief, sanitation or otherwise
ne could not sanction the use of the
army on non-mllitary duties an hour be-
yond such obvious necessity. and asked
for written statements from the mayor in
order that there might be no doubt or
apprehension on his part as to the need
of federal forces.
Federal Troops Give Greatest Aid.
Mayor Schmitz. in commenting on Cen
eral Greeleys letter, said that the federal
ance to the city since the disaster of
April IS, and he asked the committee for
mally to approve of his action in asking
the military to take charge, and further
more that the committee request that
this control be continued. After Dr.
Devine of the Red Cross had added his
endorsement of the mayors remarks
the motion to request that the troops be
permitted to remain was adopted unani-
mously.
Victor H.. Metcalf, secretary of COM
merce and labor. read his report to Presi-
dent Roosevelt and the Presidents reply
thereto Mr.. Metcalfs report was a
most comprehensive one and fully stated
the conditions existing in San Francisco
at the present time. Its conservative
tone and the Iucidness with which the
effects of the disaster were put will. 1t is
believed. go far towards enlightening the
powers at washington on any and all
points on which they may have felt any
doubt Both General Greely and General
Funston made brief statements today. in
which they expressed the belief that the
strong support of the military is now and
will be for some time to come necessary
for the regulation OF the city and assist
ance to the civil authorities.
Relic Hunters Are Nuisance.
The influx of sightseers and relic
hunters Is adding to the troubles of the
authorities and to the discomfort of those
still residing in San Francisco.
From early in the morning until late
at night every. boat from across the bay
brings hundreds of people whose sole
purpose in visiting the city Is to dig
among the ruins and carry off such arti-
cies of value as they are able to find
with small amount of effort Laden
with suit cases. baskets bags and
satchels they come, eager to grab from
the streets and homes anything that may
have possible historical or pecuniary
value Toward nghtfall they wend their
way across the bay. carrying the heavy
prof1ta of their days labor.