The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1906-04-29
TAFT HANDLES
BULK OF MONEY
San Francisco Relief Commit
tee Only Gets 100000 of
the Appropriation.
SOME SURPRISE EXPRESSED
NEED FOR MORE FUNDS is UR.
GENT.

San Francisco, April 28.-The amount
of money on hand for immediate relief
work and the continuance of the mil
itary control of the city, subordinate to
civil authority. were two Of the most
important subjects discussed at the
daily meeting OF the citizens commit
tee OF fifty which, headed by Mayor
Schmitz, now administers the affairs
of San Francisco. Both developed some
interesting phases and left in the minds
OF all those striving to relieve the
somewhat chaotic affairs Of this unfor-
tunate city, the necessity for two things
the stricteSt economy in the expendf-
iture OF the money now available and
the urgent need Of continued military
assistance.
only 100000 Available.
The statement Of James D. Phelan.
chairman of the finance committee of
the citizens relief and Red Cross funds,
that he had been given to understand
by Victor H. Metcalf, the representa-
tive of President Roosevelt. that only
$500 900 Of the 81, 100000 appropriated
by congress for the relief of San Fran
cisco was available, and that this sum
represented the extent of financial as
sistance that might be expected from
that source, caused q. decided sensa-
ton in the meeting. Mr.. Phelan an
nounced that Secretary of War Taft
had transmitted to his order $500, 900
which he said was the first recognition
the secretary had made of the relief
work, and added that he had been in
formed by Mr.. Metcalf that the secre-
ttary of war had expended the remand
er of the fund for the purchase of sup
plies in the east.
Economy Necessary.
Upon confederation of this statement
by Mr.. Metcalf, Mr.. Phelan simply re-
marked that there was only $51S, 900
available cash to his order at the mint
and the strictest economy would be
necessary.
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. Metcaf and Mr.. Devine in
dorsed Mr.. Phelan's remarks and vol
unteered to apprise Washington of the
situation. The generous appropriation
of congress had been counted upon by
the finance committee and the knowl-
edge that only a small amount of this
would be placed in their hands was
somewhat of shock.
Use of Federal Troops.
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, command
ing the United States commandery on
duty here. to Mayor Schmitz. was read
in the committee meeting. The general
stated that the war department looked
without doubt upon the continued use
Of the army in policing San Fran cisco
and added that while he personally was
willing to continue any work of re-
lief, sanitation or otherwise, he could
not sanction the use of the army on
nOn-military duties an hour beyond
such obvious necessity, and asked for
a written statement from the mayor in
order that there might be no doubt or
nlisa pprehension on his part as to the
need Of federal forces.
Mayor Schmitz. in commenting on
General Greely's letter, said that the
federal troops had given immeasure-
a bic assistance to the city since the
disaster of April Is, and he asked the
committee formally to approve of his
action in asking the military to take
charge and furthermore that the COM
mittee request this control be Contin-
ued. After Dr. Devine Of the Red Cross
had added his Endorsement of the may
or's remarks the motion to request that
the troops be permitted to remain was
adopted unanimously.
MetcaIf's Report Read.
Victor H. MetcaIf. secretary of COM
merce and labor. read his report to
President Roosevelt and the presidents
reply thereto, both were received by the
meeting with cheers. Mr.. MetcaIf's re-
fully stated the conditions existing in
San Francisco at the present time. It's
conservative tone and the lucidness
with which the effects Of the disaster
were put will. it is believed, go far to-
ward enlightening the powers at Wash
fpgton on any and all points on which
they may have felt any doubt Both
General Greedy and General Funston
made brief statements today in which
they expressed the belief that the
strong support of the military is now.
and viii for some time to come con-
tinue to be necessary for the regulation
Of the city and assisting the civil au-
thorities to regain a thorough grasp of
affairs. Absolute order still prevails
i'm San Francisco. The great city which
but brief time since was known the
world over as the second Paris" so
wide was its reputation for gaiety and
pleasure seeking, has settled into the
QUietest of communities in which the
population is not seen abroad after the
first hour of darkness. While the most
rigid patrol system is maintained
everywhere the people are free to come
and go as they please. But as there
are no more places of recreation 10 at
tract thin, few venture abroad at night.
Influx cf Visitors.
The influx OF sightseers Is adding to
H.. 4 Il