Omaha daily bee., 1906-04-24

SAN bFAkCISCOs April IA sharp
earthquake shock was felt here at 1859
O'Clock tonight. II lasted about three sec
onds and was from east 20 west No dam
age has been reported.
SAN FRANCISCO, April 23.-The new
San Francisco, which will rise from the
ashes OF the old, was IN Its first stages Of
rebuilding today. After five days of con-
fusion and almost superhuman effort on
the part OF citizens Of California's metrop-
oils, the great task OF sheltering, feeding
and otherwise caring for the homeless
thousands, complete order has been re-
established and attention turned to the
future.
Throughout the great business district,
where the devastation OF the flames was
the most complete, walls are being razed,
buildings that had not disintegrated be-
fore the intense heat were being Inspected
with the view of reoccupancy and even
ground was being cleared for the iumedi-
ate construction OF some sort of building
in which 10 resume business at the earliest
possible time. In short, confidence has
been restored. The assurance Of the in
surance companies, the measures taken by
the federal institutions. the prompt and
reassuring word that had reached the bus
mess men Of san Francisco from eastern
financial centers-all these things went to
clear away any feelings Of uncertainty
that might have existed in the
minds OF the timid. that San Francisco
would not again be what IT was-the great
center Of population and business Of the
Pacific coast
Rain Adds to Suffering.
The general situation temporarily suf-
fered a setback early today because Of
the chilling rain which fell In the late
hours OF last night and during the early
forenoon today upon the thousands pro-
tected only by canvas coverings and less
impervious chickering's. While the rain
caused considerable sufferings for the time
being the sufferlngs were quickly anelio-
rated by the prompt action OF every relief
committee, as well as by the voluntary acts
OF househoiders. The people were fed today
in a thoroughly businesslite and sys-
tematic manner. From the water front
where the boat loads OF provisions docked
there was an endless procession of carts
and drays carrying food to the scores of
substations established throughout the city
and the parks. At these stations food and
drink. comprising bread prepared meats
and canned goods, milk and limited
amount OF hot coffee, was served to all
those who applied About 1900 tons of
provisions are being moved daily from the
water front.
Large supplies Of blankets, Jennings and
other material to provide coverings for
those who have been scantily supplied here
tofore are reaching the supply stations
rapidly. Barracks have been completed
at several points and in these many people
have found comfort and shelter against the
inclemencies Of the weather. The congested
districts, such as Golden Gate park and the
-
have been considerably relieved by the de-
parture of many for the other side OF the
bay. While the number Of people leaving
the city Is nothing like the vast crowds
that packed the ferry boats during the pre-
vious days, today the number was sum
clsntly large to satisfy the relief com
mittee that their task would become less
dificult from day to day.
Health Conditions Good.
The general health conditions are
most satisfactory. While the number Of
cases at the various hospitals have shown
considerable increase. this is not an un-
expected development OF the past few days
OF hardships encountered by the homeless
thousands The most encouraging feature
is the absence OF anything like an epi-
demic OF disease OF any nature whatever.
The somewhat unsatisfactory sanitary ar
Of a variety OF diet and the exposed situa-
tion OF 80 many people necessarily develops
ailments Of every sort and in some places
there has been few cases OF infectious
diseases. such as measles, chickenpox, etc,
but the primary causes Of disease are be-
ing removed as fast as possible.
Water is still scarce IN some sections Of
the city, but every effort is being made
to increase the supply from day to day.
Al the present time the water is turned
on only at certain hours OF the day and
night and is in ample supply for domestic
needs IN the districts where the water
mains are still intact. Inspection of the
system In the uninjured portion OF the city
Is going on rapidly. In some instances
the pipes have been badly twisted and dis
placed from the effects OF the earthquake
and these win have 20 be replaced by new
oass
The street car companies announced to-
day that four different lines were now
ready for operation and service would be
restored on these lines as soon as the city
authorities would permit the turning on OF
the electric power The electric power
companies today stated that il was hoped
that the power would be available for
lighting houses and streets within the
next three OF four days or whenever II
was considered safe TO do So
state Militia withdraw.
The citizens general committee, Of which
the mayor Is the presiding officer. adopted
a resolution AZ It's session TO withdraw ths
entire force Of the state militia that has
polioed large residence section for the last
few days In adopting this resolution 4
vote OF thanks was rendered the governor
and the state militia for its services in tn,
emergency. From this time on the city vii
he patrolled Jointly BY the municipal polics
and federal troops. Until city prison /,
re-estahiished all persons held on felony
charges viii b taken TO Fort Mason and
turned over 20 the regular troops for saf,
keeping
There a a vast supply Of provisions on
hand for the people OF san Francisco.
Major KrHOth0n. chief depot eommissar,