New-York tribune., 1906-04-29
LITTLE CASH In HAND.
SAN FRANCISCO,S NEED.
Only sS00,OOO of Government Ap-
preparation .1UaiIable.

to-day when James d. PheIan. chairman OF the
finance committee. announced 10 the citizens
committee that he had been given 10 under
stand by Victor H. Metcalf. Secretary OF Com
merce. the representative OF President Roose-
velt. that only 100000 OF the S2.JOOOoO appro-
priated by Congress for the relief OF San Fran
cisco was available and that this sum repre-
sented the extent OF financial assistance that
might be expected from that source.
The citizens committee OF hfty headed BY
Mayor Schmitz. now administers the affairs of
San Francisco. through the military. which has
immediate control of patroIling the city and
distributing supplies.
Mr.. Phelan announced to the fun COMMITTEES
to-day that Secretary Taft had transmitted to
his orders 100000. which he said was the first
recognition the Secretary had made OF the relIs,
work. and he added that he had been informed
by Mr.. Metcalf that the Secretary OF War had
expended the remainder OF the relief fund for
the purchase of supplies in the East
secretary Metcalf corroborated Mr.. Phelanx
statement Mr. Phelan then said that there was
only S51S,OO0 available cash TO his order at IN.
Mint, and the strictest economy would be neces-
sary.
We need money" said Mr. Phelan. "and tho
country should not be led into the belief that
millions are on hand TO relieve the destituts
people,
Phelans remarks and volunteered 10 appri-.
Washington OF the situation
Ihe generous appropriation OF Congress hat
been counted on by the finance COMMITTEES as an
available fund for necessary relief expenses.
and the knowledge that only small amount os
this would be placed in their hands caused N
shock.
The question OF the OF federal troops tn
assist in the preservation OF the peace and good
0~r7a 1P
opinion among the civil and military authorf-
ties. A letter from General Greely. commands
ing the United States troops on duty to Mayos
schmitz was read in the COMMITTEES meeting to-
day. The general stated that the War Depart
ment looked without doubt upon the continued
use Of the army in policing San Francisco and
added that. while he personally was willing
continue any work OF relief or sanitation. h.
could not sanction the use Of the army for non
military duties hour beyond obvious neces>
sty, and asked for a written statement from
the Mayor that there might be no doubt or sp-
prehension on his part to the need Of federal
forces.
TROOPS ASKED TO REMAIN.
Mayor Schmitz, in commenting on General
Greely's letter. said that the federal troops had
given immeasurable assistance to tho city sinca
the disaster OF April 1s. and he requested ths
committee formally TO take charge. and further
more that the COMMITTEES request that this con-
troll 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 adopted unani-
mousIy
Victor H Metcah. Secretary of Commerce and
Labor. read his report to President Roosevelt
and the Presidents reply thereto. both being re-
ceived with cheers.
General Greedy and General Funston made
brief statements to-day. in which they ex-
pressed the belief that the strong support OF the
military is now and will for some time 10 come
continue TO be necessary for the regulation OF
the city and assisting the civil authorities TO re-
gain thorough grasp OF affairs.
Absolute order still prevails IN San Francisco.
The great city which but a brief time since
known the world over as the Second Paris
wide was its reputation for gayety and pieasurs
seeking, has settled into the quietest Of COM
nunitIes 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 60
as they please. But as there are no more plaza.
of recreation to attract them. few venturs
abroad at night.
The influx OF sightseers is adding to the work
of the authorities. 10 the discomfort of thoSsi
still living in San Francisco
Thousands of these people crowd the ferry
boats block the few open streets with all sorts
Of useless vehicles. and seriously interfere with
those engaged in relief work. To-day they
added to the terrific jam at the main ferry sta
tion and choked the narrow passages cleared
in few streets for vehicles They overran
ruins Of buildings. wherever safety would per-
nit and were ruthless In their frantic efforts tn
seize on some article OF historic or intrinsic
value and cart it away.
The work Of the looter has not been confined
alone to the ruins OF stores. Many home sites
have been worked over. and articles OF gold.
silver and china carried away. At the ruins
of the Hopkins Art Institute and the Stan
ford home guards are maintained. and yes
terday two women who had been gathering
relics at other houses along Pine and California
streets complained against the refusal OF tbs
guards to permit them TO enter the ruins whers
the Stanford and Crocker homes once stood
Among the ruins of many family hotels and
in the ashes OF pawnshOps relic hunters gath
cred trinkets and unset Jewels There ia M
limit 10 the endurance OF the 1ooters. to this
efforts they make TO find something of value
Among the greatest losses resulting from ths
fire are the magnificent libraries OF San Fran
cisco. holding in all more than a million vol
uues No accurate estimate be made of
the monetary worth OF the books destroyed but
IL Is believed that their market value in ex-
cess Of S3.O0OOOO. The public library was Il
eighth I'm size in the United States