The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1906-08-24
First Reports Of Casualties Great.
Iy Exaggerated.
y umber OF Dead at Valparaiso VIII
Kun into the Hundreds-Property
Damage Estimated at From Two
Hundred TO Three Hundred Million
Dollars - Reported That Six or
Eight Towns i'm the Stricken District
Have Been acknowledgements
Crisis is Feared.

nave Been ACCOMPLISHMENTS,
Crisis is Feared.
The earthquakes in Chile have
ceased, the resultant fires have beer
extlnguished, and the people of the two
cities, Valparaiso n Santiago are
taking organized steps to relieve suf-
ter1ng, care for the wounded and bury
the dead. The period of succor has en-
tered.
Dispatches received from Chile TO-
day tend to show that the first esti-
mates Of casualties and material dam
ages has been greatly exaggerated. and
the people of Valparaiso are becoming
calmer. The fear of further shocks
has been removed by a statement is
sued from the observatory, and today
it became possible for the first time to
organize relief work, and begin a sys-
tematic search of the ruins for the
dead.
Santiago is coming t the rescue of
her suffering sister. Public subscrip-
tons have opened for money, clothing
and provisions and the capital is car
ing for all refugees from Valparaiso
| who make their way across the noun
tains.
b government is putting down pill
lage, wherever it breaks out, with
troops.
1t is still impossible to reach any
correct estimate of the dead and in
jured. The reports from Chile are
most conflicting. A large section Of
the country, however, was visited by
the catastrophe of last Thursday and
cabled estimates of casualties refer in
some instances to particular territories
notably Valparaiso, and in others evil
IDENTIFY to the entire district which
suffered from the shock.
The number of dead in Valparaiso
will run into the hundreds and for the
entire country probably into the thou
sands. The property damage is esti-
mated at from two hundred to three
hundred million dollars.
Relief is being organized with a sys-
tenn, and the government has taken
complete control of the situation. The
foreign legations are active in relief
measures, as are private persons and
the greatest energy is being devoted to
getting in supplies for the destitute.
The government has authorized the
provincial governors to spend all
money necessary for the relief OF the
needy in their districts. The funds
subscribed in Iquique to celebrate the
election Of Pedro MOntt. to the presl-
dency. will be expected to releave the
sufferers. Public relief subscriptions
have been opened in Buenos AEres
and the Argentine government Will
pass an appropriation to the same end
Chile will ask its congress tor money
for the reconstruction OF Valparaiso.
The people are engaged in seeking rel
atiyes and friends, in erecting or per-
fecting temporary outdoor quarters
against the cold, in getting o sup
lies. and helping each other. Q ana
water are both very scarce, and at this
inncture many merchants nave made
material advances in the prices OF pro-
visions.
The remote districts have not yet
been heard from and efforts are being
made to establish communication, eth
er by wire OF couriers, with the pro-
vilceS.
The statement is made that every
building in Valparaiso has been dam
aged and the city has been described as
"uninhabitable." The klmendral quar-
fer and the principal streets are mere
heaps of ruins. The people still throng
into the surrounding hills and the sea-
shore. and many are leaving the local
,tv as best they may. It Is reported
that at several points the coast has illt-
cd above it's former level. The troops
are maintaining perfect order. n the
military ambulances are carrying the
wounded to the hospitals Hospital
and medical supplies are being sent
down to Valparaiso from Santiago A
commercial crisis is feared, and very
little business is beng done.
The English firms located at Valpa-
raiso do not appear to have sustained
heavy loss, and it does not appear that
anv foreigners have been killed
santiago suffered much less than
Valparaiso.
The number of dead in Santiago is
reported at twenty. A local rellel
committee has been organized, the
street cars have resumed running and
the normal aspect Of the city is rapidly
returning. Refugees from Valparaiso
are coming in greater numbers every
hour. The railroads are not Yet in OPP
Grafton.
1t is reported that six or eight towns
in the stricken districts have been de-
stroyed. but details are still lacking.
Vina Del Mar, which is a suburb OF
VALPARAISO. is described as almost en-