Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-04-29

NLYS3OO,0OO ON HAND
of $500, 900 Appropriated by
Congress.
FOR SAN FRANCIsco's USE
Sensation Over Reported Withholding
of Funds.
FOR SAN FRANCIsco's USE
THE USE OF FEDERAL TROOPS
Looters Busy Ransacking Ruins
Magnificent Libraries Are Among
the City's Greatest Losses.

SAN FRANCISCO. April 2S.-Surprise
was caused today when, James D. Phelan,
chairman of the finance committee. an
nounced to the citizens committee that ne
had been given to understand by Secretary
of Commerce Victor II. Metcalf, the rep
resentative of President Roosevelt. that
only 100000 of the 2.5o0.o eco appropriated
by Congress for the relief of San Francisco
was available, and that this sum repre-
sented the extent of financial assistance
that might be expected from that source.
The citizens committee of fifty. headed
by Mayor Schmitz. now administers the
affairs of San Francisco, through the mil
itary. which has immediate control of pa
trolfng the city and distributing supplies.
Mr.. Phelan announced to the full com
mittee today that Secretary of War Taft
had transmitted to his order $4,000 which
he said was the first recognition the Sec
retary had made of the relief work, and
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 eorroborated Mr.. Phe-
1an's statement. Mr.. Phefan then said that
there was only S51S,O09 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.. Metcalf and DR.. DeTine in
dorsed Mr.. Pheians remarks and volun-
teered TO apprise Washington of the situa-
tion. The generous appropriation of Con-
gress had been counted ON by the nnance
committee as an available fund for neces-
sary relief expenses, and the knowledge
that only small amount of this would be
placed in their hands caused shock.
Policing Streets With Troops.
The question of the use of federal troops
10 assist In the preservation of the peace
and good order of the city developed a
unanimity OF opinion among the civilian and
military authorities. A letter from Gen.
Greedy, commanding the United states
troops duty to Mayor Sehmitz, was read
In the committee meeting today. The gem
eral stated that the War Department looked
without doubt upon the continued use of
the army In policing San Francisco and
added that while he personally was willing
10 eoatinue any work of relief or sanitation
he could not sanction the use of the army
for non-military duties an hour beyond
obvious necessity. and asked for a written
statement from the mayor in order that
there might be no doubt or apprehension on
his part as to the need of federal forces.
Mayor Schmitz, in commenting on Gen.
Greely's letter, said that the federal troops
had given Unreasonable 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 that this control be con-
tinued. After DIR. Devine of the Red Cross
had added his Endorsement of the mayor
remarks, the motion TO request that the
troops be permitted to remain was adopted
unanimously.
Victor II. Metcalf. Secretary of Com
merce and Labor. read his report to Presi-
dent Roosevelt, and the Presidents reply
thereto. both being received with cheers.
Gen. Greely and Gen. 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
ulation OF the city and assisting the civil
affairs
Absolute order still prevails IN, San Fran
cisco. The great city which but brief
time since was known the world over as
the Second Paris so wide was its reputa-
ton for gaiety and pleasure seeking has
settled into the quietest of communities In
which the population is not seen abroad
after the first hours 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 to attract
them, few venture abroad at night.
Influx of Sightseers.
The influx of sigbtseers is adding to the
work of the authorities and TO the dis
comfort of those stin living In San Frau
cisco.
Thousands of these people crowd the
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