The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1906-04-25
GEN. GREEDY WANTS MORE MEN
ASKS THAT $500 ADDITIONAL
REGULARS BE SENT TO HIM

Praise for FunstOn-.Cavalry Needed
MOst-Transports Asked For Too.
WASHINGTON, April A.-Major-Gen. A.
W. Greedy in a long report telegraphed
to the War Department from San Francisco
last night and received to-day recon-
mends that $500 additional Regular troops
he sent to him, thus bringing the aggregate
Of the United States forces in the devas-
tated district to 5000 officers and men.
In the absence of President Roosevelt,
Secretary Taft and Gen. Bell, the Chief of
staff, no action has been taken on this
recommendation. 1t was said at the
War Department that the matter would
probably not be given consideration for a
day or two in the belief that 1t would be
known better at the end Of that time just
what would be required in the way OF adj
ditional military assistance.
Gen. Greedy said in his telegram that
Mayor Schmitz would ask Gov. Pardee to
withdraw the State troops from San Fran
cisco and wanted the army to take charge
Of the large district now guarded by militia.
Gen. Greely's despatch follows:
SAN FRANCISCO. Cal, April %.
Have had consultation with Mayor SchmitZ,
Gen, Funston and the chief of police regarding
necessity OF the near future. The Mayor
urges that the army take charge Of the large
districts now guarded by the State militia.
Apart from other considerations it is evident
that the State militia cannot be expected
to serve here any considerable length OF time.
The Mayor informed me that he should
ask the Governor to remove all militia at
once. I informed him that questions in
volving re lations OF the municipal and State
authorit les we're beyond the province OF the
Regular army, but that everything would
be done as far as the present Regular force
permits TO safeguard the interests Of the city
1t is evident. however, that within a week
or ten days the situation will develop not
only in San Francisco but in adjacent cities
TO such an extent as to absolutely demand
largely increased forces for the preservation
OF public order and the conservation OF public
interests.
While I am advised that an additional force
of 5000 men would not be excessive. yet in
my opinion the prospective needs can be met
by $500 additional troops to come from out
side this military division. AS large a pro-
portion OF these troops as possible should
be cavalry, in view Of the destruction OF local
transportation and the difficulties OF inter-
communication
The present forces, including coast ar
tillery and marines, aggregate In San Fran
cisco this morning $500, including or1cers.
Early favorable action is therefore requested.
1t is strongly recommended that the transports
Warren and Crooke be put into commission
Immediately. Already difficulties exist re-
Rarding supplies Of forage and lumber. which
are certain 10 increase in the near frtlre.
These transports would do much to meet
the demands Of the army In these respect.
apart from other directions.
Until the present the entire activities or
tho command have been given 20 saving the
city from destruction, but from this time on
arrangement will he made looking to perma-
nent provision for difficulties which are certain
TO arise during the coming months.
GREEDY.
Major Gen eral Commanding.
This despatch from Gen. Greedy reporting
his arrival at San Francisco and telling OF
conditions there has been received by the
Var Department:
PonT MASON. Cal. April %.
Arrived on Overland Limited Sunday night
and resumed command this morning. Have
gone carefully over the situation with Col.
,Jocelyn last night and Gen. Funston this
morning.
Due very largely to Funston's energy.
Judgment and tact. there has been a minimum
of violence, even under the most distressing
conditions. The State and municipal author
ties. together with the large body OF inhabi-
tants, nave cooperated harmoniously in
almost every respect. In fact, the situation
impresses me as rejecting the greatest credit
on the courage and patience OF the afflicted
people OF San Francisco. Gen. Funston
will pursue the line Of active operations
already initiated.
1t has been decided after consultation
with him. that he shall construct in suitable
places extensive and permanent camps for
the inhabitants, camps to be constructed
by hired labor, with suitable sanitary methods
installed under the supervision of regular
officers.
This affords employment no many Of the
destitute and tends TO minimize the danger
from unsanitary conditions, which are aggra-
waited by scarcity Of water.
Probably twenty thousand are under army
canvas and apout two hundred thousand
people without house shelter. Hope TO give
reliable data late to-day on this point.
Subject to approval by the War Depart
ment, there will be held here for special and
Temporary duty all officers reaching San
Francisco on leave or coming here with
supplies from other points. Scarcity OF
officers has prevailed from the beginning.
and those here have worked with such energy
and persistence as to threaten physical en-
haustion.
Owing to the absence Of department officers,
especially Military Secretary, Chief Quarter
master and chief Commissary, the entire
situation has so far been handled by division
Headquarters and its stat. The time has
arrived TO diferentiate the duties. and here
after the division headquarters will take
charge itself OF questions Of policy, the
general movement OF troops. and particularly
the important question Of sanitation. The
department commander will con1ne himself
70 the administration duties covering the
various staff departments and the distribu-
ton Of supplies. The two headquarters are
together rnd everything will progress without
delay or friction.
Gen. Funston has work to do OF the most
trying and exhsusting character. which
will make the fullest demand on his energy
and strength. Additional troops with the
division appear TO be necessary. This sub
iect will receive careful consideration to-day
and recommendations thereon be made to-
night.
GREEDY, Major General Commanding.
II was explained at the War Department
to-day that Brig Gen. Funston would re-
main in immediate command of the Federal
troops in San Francisco. but that in matters
of general policy his actions would be subject
70 the approval Of Major-Gen. Greedy. who
would also be the edium of communication
with the War Department.
~ n