Omaha daily bee., 1906-04-29
Only 100000 of Federal Approximation
Available for Use Of COMMITTEES,
JSE OF REGULAR TROOPS DISCUSSED
War Department Wishes to Withdraw Than
as Soon as Possible,
COMMITTEE UNANIMOUS FOR RETENTION
Civil Authorities say Their Assist
Rnce is Absolutely Necessary
in Strengthening Ou.
Affairs.

SAN FRANCISCO, April S.-The amount
Of money on hand for immediate relief
work and the continuance OF the military
control Of the city, subject to civil author
ity. were two of the most important ques-
tions discussed at the meeting Of the citi-
zens committee of fifty, which. headed by
Mayor Schmitz, now administer the af-
fairs Of San Francisco. Both developed
some interesting phases and left in the
minds of those striving to relieve the cha
otic AFFAIRS of this city the necessity for
two things-the strictest economy in the
expenditure of the now available funds and
the urgent need Of continued military as
sistance. The statement of James ID. Phe-
Ian, chairman Of the finance committee OF
the citizens relief and Red Cross funds,
that he had been given to understand by
Victor II. Metcalf, the representative of
President Roosevelt, that only $4,000 of
the $2,500,000 appropriated by congress for
the relief Of San Francisco was available,
and that this sum represented the extent
of financial assistance that might be ex-
pected from that source, caused a decided
sensation in the meeting. Mr. Phelan an
nounced that Secretary Of War Taft had
transmitted to his order $4,000. which he
said was the first recognition the secretary
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 tho
purchase Of supplies in the east. Upon cor
roboration Of this statement by Mr.. Metcalf
Mr.. Phelan simply remarked that there was
only $51s,00O available cash to his order at
the mint and the strictest economy would
be necessary.
1--WE need money" said Mr.. Phelan. "and
lAE.. IA f..A.
| lief that millions are on hand to relieve
the destitute people"
Both Mr.. Metcalf and DIR. Devine en-
dorsed Mr. Phelan's remarks and volun-
teered to apprise Washington of the sit
uation. The generous contribution by con-
gress has been counted on by the finance
committee and the knowledge that only a
small portion of this would be placed in
their hands was somewhat of a shock.
Want Troops to Remain.
The question of the use OF the federal
troops to assist in the preservation of the
peace and good order of the city developed
a unanimity of opinion among the civil
| and military authorities. A letter from
| General Greedy, commanding the United
| States troops here, to Mayor Schmitz was
read in the committee meeting. The gem
| eral stated that the War department
use of the army in policing San Francisco
and added that while he personally was
willing to continue any work of relief,
sanitation or otherwise, he could not
sanction the use of the army on non
military duties an hour beyond such OBJ
vious necessity, and asked for written
statement from the mayor in order that
there may be no doubt misapprehen-
sion on his part as to the need of federal
forces.
Mayor Schmitz, in commenting on Cen
eraI Greelys letter said that the federal
troops had given immeasureable assist
ance to the city since the disaster OF
April IS, and he asked the committee
formally to approve of his action in ask
ing the military to take charge and
Furthermore that the committee request
that this control be continued After DR..
Devine of the Red Cross had added his en-
dorsement of the mayors remarks the mo-
ton to request that the troops be per-
mitted TO remain was adopted unani-
/ mously.
Funston and Greedy Talk.
Victor II. Metcalf secretary of commerce
and labor, read his dispatch 10 President
Roosevelt and the presidents reply thereto.
both being received by the meeting with
cheers. Mr.. Metcalfs report was most
comprehensive one and fully stated the con-
ditions In San Francisco at the present
time. Its comprehensiveness and the lucid
ness with which the effects Of the disaster
were put will, II is believed, go far toward
enlightening the powers at Washington on
any and all points which they may have
felt any doubt. Both General Greedy and
2 General Funston made brief statements to-
day in which they expressed the belief that
the strong support of the military is now
and will for some time to come continue
, to be necessary for the regulation OF the
: city and assisting the civil authorities 70
regain a thorough grasp of affairs Abso-
lutte order stil prevails in San Francisco.
The great city which but brief time since
was known the world. over as the second
Paris" 80 wide was its reputation for
gaiety and pleasure seeking, has settled
: into the quietest Of communities in which
J; the population is not seen abroad after the
: first hour of darkness. While the most
; rigid patrol system is maintained every
8 where the people are free to come and so
: as they please. But as there are no moro
places Of recreation to attract them few
J. venture abroad at night.
n sightsecrs Add 20 Trouble.
The Influx Of sightseers is adding to the
troubles OF the authorities and to the dis
y comforts OF those sull residing in San
y, Francisco. Thousands of these people
crowd the ferry boats. block the streets
;; with all sorts Of vehicles and interfere
p with those engaged In relief work Today
they added to the terrific jam at the main
n ferry depot and choked the narrow pas
=, sages cleared in few streets for vehicles
They overran ruins OF buildings wherever
" safety would permit and were absolutely
~ ruthless In their frantic efforts 10 seize
upon some article Of historic and intrinsic
" value and cart II away. Some OF these
~ people will probably md lodging and food
at the expense of the relief committee. thus
" needlessly adding TO the already tremend
u Gus burden Of stricken San Francisco.
m One OF the greatest and in a measure
irreparable losses resulting from the great
y hre is the magnificent libraries OF sar
W Francisco.