Los Angeles herald., 1906-05-16
STRICKEN CITY
GIVES OUT FACTS
RECENT DISASTER DESCRIBED
IN DETAIL
Promotion Committee Of San Franz
cisco Makes Effort to EnIlshten
the World ss TO Actual
Conditions
Nv Associated Press.

by Associated Press.
SAN FRANCISCO, May a5.--The Cali
ifornia promotion committee has issued
the following statement concerning the
earthquake and fire in San Francisco:
ION April 1S, 1906, San Francisco ex-
perienced an earthquake, followed by
a disastrous fire of four days dura-
tion, which swept over four square
miles Of densely populated area.
1.-THE earthquake did some damage to
poorly constructed buildings, but 1t was
demonstrated beyond a. debut that the
modern building of the higher type is
not affected by seismic disturbances.
THE disastrous effects OF the fire
were appalling, the loss running into
the hundreds Of millions Of dollars, with
insurance of possibly two hundred mil
lions. All Of these millions or more will
seek reinvestment.
Water Front Saved
fortunately, the water front was not
seriously damaged and the vast ship
ping through the finest harbor in the
world was but little disturbed. Many
manufacturing plants and a large sec
tion Of the residence district of the city
remained intact.
within a few days after the catas-
trophe street cars were running on sew
eral streets and on Market street as
far as the ferry. This traffic was ex-
tended day by, day, until now it is fast
approaching normal conditions.
"At o'clock on the afternoon of
April 1s a citizens committee was or
ganized for relief and for the regular
business Of the city. This provisional
government by committees worked I'm
admirable harmony with the mayor and
federal authorities, and at once devel-
Dped In orderly and wonderfully efficient
operation.
Health Conditions Good
1.-THE health conditions remained won
derfu1ly good. At no time was an
epidemic threatened. The loss of life
was comparatively small, many minor
catastrophe in recent history having
resulted much more disastrously in this
respect.
"Business confidence remained un-
shaken after the disaster and the
banks all demonstrated their solidity.
At no time was a panic threatened
Before the ashes cooled wholesale and
retail trade was resumed in original
places where the buildings remained
and in temporary structures in cases
where the buildings had ben burned.
'The people of San Francisco, mil
lionaires and wage earners, refugees
and householders, showed spirit of
equaled in the history of the world.
Being Rebuilt
"San Francisco is now in course of
reconstruction; the debris is rapidly
being removed and the hum of industry
has supplanted the roar of the flames.
"The abiding results Of the fire will
be wider streets. more imposing edi-
fees. larger parks and a complete fire
fighting system which will utilize the
waters of the ocean. The real estate
market weathered the storm and shows
great activity.
San Francisco is the city of op-
portunity. The vast fertile country
back of it promises the yield of an ex-
ceptionally good years crop. The
chance for business investment is mag
nificent, eastern and local money will
be poured in freely, while the rebuild
ing progresses.
THE history of all such events as
that which has just transpired proves
that the ultimate result is general
Improvement on conditions and a vast
increase in community wealth."