Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1906-04-20
Associated Press Dispatches by special Wires

Associated Press Dispatches by Special Wires
San Francisco Cal, April 20-The
people of San Francisco, homeless and
starving. are facing the calamity which
has overtaken them and practically swept
out OF existence the great city, OF which
an were SO proud. There are no evidences
of weakness to be seen among the crowds
of stricken people moving back re-
luctautly upon ench advance OF the de-
stroying flames, which continue TO sweep
toward the ocean. Appalled, for the mo-
mcnt, but undaunted, Che bravery ex-
hihitod by men, women and children in
the face. of overwhelming disaster is that
of a race destined to arise stronger than
ever out of the ruins which now sur
Mound them. OF the gay city by the
Golden Gate. there Is little left today.
There seems little hope now Of saving
the choicest resident section of the city,
living west and north of Nnnness avenue.
The men OF the Fire Department, who
have throughout the entire conllagration
done splendid work. are still making
strenuous efforts tocheck the all-devouring
flames. but without avail. Water is in
better supply, but OF little use apparently
against the headway now gained by tho
/ hre. Owing TO the intense heat, tho
| buildings some distance from the fire are
as dry as tinder and seem to disappear
/ like a flash the minute the flames reach
them.
refugees gathered In the oity'H public
squares and parks is the main problem
tie local authorities now have 10 solve.
They must be fed, and bread, meat and
drink in sufficient quantities are lacking.
An the leading cities and towns through
out the country arc exerting themselves
70 lend assistance, and provisions are
I headed for San Francisco from many
points. Bread has already sold as high
MS 81 q loaf, and two loaves OF bread and
a can OF sardines brought Ia one instance
$3.50. But this condition Of Affairs will
not be permitted TO last long. In towns
across the bay the master bakers have
met and fixed the price Of bread at i've
cents loaf, with the understanding that
they will refuse TO sell to retailers who
attempt to charge famine prices. The
committee OF citizens in charge Of the
situation in the stricken city will also use
every effort to keep the price OF food
down to the ordinary price.
The Committee OF Safety, composed OF
so of the leading citizens OF san Francisco.
with Mayor Schmitz at It's head, will meet
] Nt--
protection and assistance OF the victims
OF the fire.
Three relief stations for the homeless
have already been established by the
general committee. These stations ara
the temporary homes OF the homeless.
The stations are at the Golden Gate Park,
Prosidio and San Bruno Road BY order
of the general committee, oil remaining
stores were entered by the police last
night and their goods conhscated. Cara
vans of provisions are on the way to the
three relief stations. In the meantime
the hills and beaches of San Francisco
lool, like immense tented city. For milei
through the park and along the beaches
from lngleside 20 the sea wall at North
Beach the homeless are camped IN tents
makeships rigged up from few sticks ol
wood and a blanket or sheet. A few o.
the more fortunate secured vehicles, or
which they loaded regulation tents, and
are, therefore, more comfortably housed
than the great majority. Golden Gate
Park and the Pan Handle look like one
vast camping ground. Il is said that
fully 100000 persons, rich and poor
sought refuge in Golden Gate Park, anc
100000 homeless ones are located at the
other places OF refuge.