New-York tribune., 1906-08-22
SANTIAGO'S LOSS HEAVY
Many Houses Unsafe Squares
CrOscded- Relief Sent.

Santiago de Chilli. Aug. 20, D. m. CDelayed)-
Only now can the seriousness OF the catastrophe
begin 10 be appreciated The greater part of the
modern houses here are unsafe for habitation,
and the authorities have organized a special
corps TO pull down the tottering buildings In
most OF the streets it IS not safe TO walk on the
pavement owing TO falling wreclSage.
Santiago resembles a camp The public
squares and the principal avenues are crowded
with people. All kinds OF carriages and carts
have been requisitioned to sleep in.
The night Of August Is was rendered dreadful
by flashing lightning and pouring rain, the cleo
trio cables and wires swapping a result OF the
constant, strong earthshochs which occurred all
that night, causing the greatest CONSERVATION,
which was heightened by the pealing Of the fire
bells.
Each shock was followed by walls and prayers
from the people, who were kneeling in the rain
and mud. The first great shock lasted four min
Utes and fifty seconds. Such a long shock had
never occurred before in the memory Of any in
habitant OF Santiago 1t caused the bells Of
the churches 70 ring In the steeples, pictures
swung out from the walls, and there was a great
heavtng motion os the ground Experts say that
the only thing which saved Santiago from COM
pIete ruin was that the motion circular.
The principal shock was from Valparaiso TO
Santiago and Meripilla, with its centre at
LAmache. The two last mentioned towns were
destroyed. as were also Guillota and Llai-Llai.
INCREASE IN FOOD PRICES CHECKED.
There have been number OF exciting scenes
around the public slaughter house and meat
market here on account OF the increase in the
price OF meat. Finally the troops were called
to restore order. AS result of the raising OF
the price Of meat a movement was on foot
among the people here not to buy until the price
tiaso to take steps 10 punish the butchers. He
established meat depots- in various parts of the
city, where meat will be sold at the regular price
The prices Of all articles OF food have gone up,
but the action of the Mayor is likely to prevent
further extortion.
The statement that the approach OF the
earthquake announced by the Naval OBJ
servatory at Valparaiso two days previous to it's
occurrence is confirmed The news was pub
lished in the Gillian press on August 10. the
day before the earthquake occurred.
Little definite news has yet been received
here from Valparaiso. except the Governors
official report TO the President. outlining the
situation. and adding that he earnestly requests
reinforcements of troops, which to-day
sent TO him by forced marches The Governor
says that the only illumination of Valparaiso
at night is that furnished by the burning build
ings. There is a great scarcity Of drinking
water, the Waterworks having been destroyed,
and difficulty is experienced in burying the
bodies of the dead. owing to the panic.
LACK OF SUPPLIES FOR REFUGEES.
The authorities of Valparaiso also have to
contend with serious difficulties in succoring
the wounded owing to the fact that ali the drug
stores were apparently destroyed. and that some
time elapsed before medical supplies from this
city reached the stricken port. The state Of af-
fairs st Valparaiso furnishes a serious outlook
for Santiago. since many of the homeless people
at the former place will undoubtedly make their
way here and there Is not sufficient accommo-
dation or food in this city for its own destitute
persons. The lighting and fuel question is also
growing more serious here. since no coal can be
brought 20 Santiago owing 70 the railroad being
badly damaged north and south Of the city.
The Governor adds that he has ordered the
construction OF sheds on Brazil avenue in order
TO shelter the homeless families He estimates
that the quantity OF provisions the way to
Valparaiso and the stock on hand there will be
sufficient to last a month. He believes that two
weeks must elapse before traffic can be restored
in some OF the streets.
A dispatch received here from Limache says
that a hundred bodies there remain unburied
and that the authorities have buried two hun
dred.
The villages of San Francisco and Limache
have been destroyed, including the hospitals.
churches and all the public buildings.