davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-20
MORE THAN TWO-THlRDS
 OF cITYS AREA DESTROYED.

Chicago, April 19.-The Postal Telegraph company at D. m. received the follow ing messages from it's Oakland, Cal, of flee
 "The fire chief marshal of San Francisco advises that more than two-thirds of the area of the city of San Francisco has been destroyed and there is no possibility of saving the balance of the city. The fol- lowing is the district north of Market street now devas tated:
 "Sansome to Market to Sacramento to Buchanan, thence to California to Hyde to Eddy to Larkin to Cough and to Mar ket. The north side of Market street is afre and extends along Market to Four teenth and below the Southern Pacific tracks to the boundary"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-20
German Emperor Expresses Sympathy.

Washington, April 19-The German am bassador, Baron von Sternberg called on the President today and extended the condolences of the German Emperor, After leaving the President, the Ambass- ador today authorized the following ex- pression of sympathy to the American people:
 ''rhe German Emperor has requested me to express to the American people his profound and most sincere sympathy over the terrible disaster which has struck the western part of the United States The Emperor feels sure that this catastrophe will create widespread sympathy and mourning among the German people.
 "STERNBERG."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-20

the roar of the dynamite above the howl and cracking of the flames continues with monotonous regularity. Such noises have been bombarding the ears of tho panic stricken people since the earth quake, forty-eight hours ago. They have ceased to heed the sound, and rush pell- mell, drowning their senses in bedlam of their own creation
 There seems to be an irresistible power behind the flames that even the desper- ately heroic measures being taken at Van ness avenue could not stay. While the heroic fire fighters were making the last stand at the line of Vanness avenue panic reigned among the survivors'in other parts of the sclty. Intense heat and absence of water have been so terrible that scores have become frantic and others have dropped from exhaustion in the streets. The streets are still choked with refugees, scramblng wildly for an avenue of es- cape Since early morning, when the great rush of flames doomed the hotel and apartment house district along Ellis. O'Farrell and Sutter street, men, women and children have been rushing or stag gering under heavy loads of luggage, some of the ferries at the water front in the hope of getting to Oakland and the east side of the bay, others to the hills, Golden Gate park. the ocean beach, the Presidio and San Mateo bay. The trip to the hills and to the water front was one of terrible hardship.
 Famishing women and children and ex- hausted men were compelled , to walk seven miles around the north shore In order to avoid the flames and reach the ferries.
 Many dropped to the street under the weight of their loads, and willing fathers and husbands. their strength almost gone. strove to pick up and urge them forward
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-20
ARTILLERY IS TRAINED
 ON HANDSOME RESIDENCE.

The cooperation of the artillery was secured and huge cannons were drawn to the avenue by the military horses to aid
 the dynamiters in blowing. up the man sons of the -millionares on the east side of Vanness avenue. fin order to prevent the flames from leaping across the high
 way, and starting on their unrestrained sweep across the western addition.
 Every available pound of dynamite was hauled to this point and the sight was one of stupendous and appalling havoc as the cannon were trained on the palaces and the shot tore Into the walls and top- pied the buildings in crushed ruins
 At other points the dynamite was used, and hour after hour the dwellings of mil llonaires were lifted into the air by the power of the believing blast. and drop ped to the earth a mass of dust and de- bris. This work was necessarily danger ous, and many of the exhausted workers were kept working through d stretch of forty-eght hours without sleep and scarcely any food. through force of instinc- tive heroism alone. Many have been killed while making this last desperate stand
 Many of the workers in placing the blasts took chances that spelled injury or death
 The fire line at o'clock extends a mile along the east side of vanness avenue from Pacific street to Ellis All behind this, excepting the Russian Hill region. and small district lying along the north beach, has been swept clean by the flames and the steel huiks of buildings and pipes and shafts and spires, have been dropped into the molten mass of debris like so much melted wax.
 CITIZENS CEASE TO MIND
 THE MoNoToNoUs cAhNoNADE
 The steady booming of the artillery and
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-20
ALMOST CERTAIN THAT
 CITY WILL BE DESTROYED.

Washington, April 19.-The War Depart ment has received the following from General Funston:
 Fire crossed Vanness avenue to the west at 3:3D D. m. Almost certain now that entire city will be destroyed Have ordered troops from Monterey, and every thing is going as well as could be ex- pected. On account of the confusion 1t has been impossible to locate individuals inquired for, but attention will be given that matter as soon as practicable.
 FUNSTON, Commanding" Another dispatch from General Fun ston tonight says:
 "Offical report at police headquarters this date states that the snbtreasury Is entirely destroyed by fire, with the excep- ton of the vaults. which contain all cash on hand. Suitable guards have been or dered to protect this money.
 "FIy yNSTON, Commanding"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-20
Flames Have Spread to the Wealthy Residence Section
 and Eats All Before t
FUNSTON THINKS CITY
 WILL ALL BE DESTROYED
General Manager of Postal Telegraph Says Saturday San Francisco Will Be Nothing But an Ash
 Heap.

San Francisco. April 19-All efforts to check the spread of the flames at Van ness avenue by blowing up mile of buildings on the east side of Vanness avenue have proved fruitless
 The fire has spread across the broad thoroughfare, and from present indica- tions the entire western addition, which contains the homes of San Francisco s millionaires and people of the wealthy class is now doomed The destruction of the western addition of the city prac- tioally completes the work of the ravag- ing flames and marks the devastation of the entire city.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-20
Urges South to Respond.

Baltimore, April s.-(Special.) )-The Manufacturers Record of today in double leaded editorial urges that tn centre south take immediate action in contribu- tions to aid San Francisco, and says:t
 Out of it's abundance and it's sym pathy born of recent memories of Me ridian. Baltimore. Jacksonville and Gal weston, the south has chance to render signal service in organizing prompt relief for the suffering that has been en- tailed upon the people of the metropolis of the Pacific coast, as result of the San Francisco earthquake. Who acts immediately acts with double effect
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-20
COULD NOT STOP FIRE
 AT vANNESS AVENUE.

Washington, April 1s.-A Western Union bulletin received at the War Department tonight says that effort to stop the fire at Vanness avenue were unavailing, and it s now believed that the chances of saving any portion of the unburned dis trlct. bounded by Union, Vanness. Golden Gate to Octavia. Hayes and Fillmore to Market are very slim.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-20
EARTHQUAKE FELT
 IN LOS ANGELES
SHORTLY AFTER NOON TESTER
 DAY MANY CITIZENS RUSHED
 INTO THE STREETS, BUT NO ! DAMAGE WAS DONE.
llIu,,ssl.sssssss,,Inn,li,.,l ,,ilI,Ils,.r

Los Angeles. April 1s.--At 12ss this aft ernoon Los Angeles experienced a dis tnct earthquake shock of short dura- tion Absolutely no damage was done, but thousands of people were badly fright ened. Men and women occupants of office buildings, especially the tall structures, ran into the streets, some of them hat jess. Many stores were deserted in like manner by customers and clerks.
 The shock however, passed off In a few minutes and most of those who had fled streetward, returned presently The San Francisco horror has strung the populace here to a high tension.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-20
PRACTICALLY WHOLE CITY WILL BE DEVASTATED.

New York, April 19.-The officials of the Postal Telegraph company in this city at S:s5 received the following message from MT. Storer, superintendent of their service in San Francisco:
 "The fire is still going on and will prob ably consume the whole city except those streets situated between the Golden Gate park and Webster street. In which neigh borhood tl,are is MsTr, and where the fire department can work with some chance of success.n
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-20
WANTS FUNDS SENT
 THROUGHRED CROSS
ORGANIZATION IS WELL EQUIP PED FOR HANDLING FUNDS AND FOR FINDING PLACES WHERE RELIEF IS MOST NEEDED.

Washington, April l9.-President Roose- velt after conference with Miss Mabel Boardman of the American Red Cross, today issued an appeal 10 the American people to aid San Francisco. He asked that all contributions be made through the officials of the American National Red Cross, who have effected systematic arrangements to distribute needed assist ance.
 The full text of the Presidents proc lamation follows:
 Tn the face of so terrible and appalling national calamity as that which has befallen San Francisco, the outpourng of the nations aid should as far as possible be entrusted to the American Red Crass. the national organization best fitted to undertake such relief work. A specially aapointed Red Cross agent, Dr Edward Divine. starts today from New York for California to cooperate therc with the Red Cross branch in the work oi relief
 Tn order that this work may be wei systematized and in order that the con iributions which I am sure will flow ir with lavish generosity, may be wisely administered, l appeal to the people of the United States, to all cities, chambers of commerce. boards of trade, relief commit tees and individuals to express their syn- pathy and render their aid by contribu- tlons to the American National Red Cross. They can be sent to Hon. Charles Hallam Rep. Red Cross treasurer, Wash ington, D. C.; Mir. Jacob H. Schff, New York. Red Cross treasurer or other local 7ed Cross treasurcrs to be forwarded by telegraph from Washington to the Red Cross agents, and officers in California
 THEODORE ROOSENEIT.n
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-20
Handle All Supplies Free.

Chicago April 19--For the relief Of San Francisco the Union Pacific railroad. the Southern Pacific with their connections in Chicago and the Chicago Northwestern and St. Paul railroads. have announced to the Chicago Commercial association their willingness and intention to handle free all supplies for the relief of San Francisco consigned to authorized relief committees of San Francisco"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-20
Mobile Offers Aid,

Mobile, April 19-At the call of Pres- dent Brown of the Chamber of Com nlerce there was a largely attended meet ing of bankers and business men in the chamber at noon, and the meeting au- thorized the sending of @ telegram to the Mayor of San Francisco to draw for sl5OO and Informing him more would follow.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-20

San Francisco, April 19.-San Francisco tonight is the city desoiate. It seemed that the acme of it's misery was reached al dusk, when flames burst from all sides of the beautiful hotel Fairmont, the palace that above every other structure was apparently most strongly entrenched against the attack of rne all-eonsuming fire. And surrounding that lofty pinnacle of flame as far as the eye could see to the south, to the east, and far out to the west lay in cruel fantastic heaps charred and smoking all that remained of pros porous city.
 The metropolis of the western slope was f, ashes Tsss@==s~r- s-eF-a---
 This has been another day of an unever struggle of man against uneonquerable elements of nature. Acre after acre has been ground into dust and ashes, despite the heroic perseverance, of the fremen to limit the eonfagrations. Tonight there Is hope that the worst has been really reached. and that when tomorrow dawns the end will have come, but the hope is faint, indeed.
 If the flames can be barred in their devastation of the western addition. then ''fnis" will be written to the great dis aSter
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-20
THIRD FIRE THREATENS
 THE WESTERN SECTION.

The third and most dangerous fire is that threatening the western section. This Is really a continuation of the Mob Hill It is wedge shaped with the apex pushing forwa. This is the point against which the firern n are beginning their greatest efforts. Dynamite was used for back firing purposes but with only fair success.
 Tonight many blocks may be blown up. Chief of Police Dinan said he thought 25O would fully cover the number of deaths He found 1t impossible to see to details About fifty bodies have thus far been found There was considerable shooting Of looters today but the offenders were fortunate enough to escape with wounds
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-20
Atlanta Sends s5Ooo.

Atlanta April l9.-A special meeting of Atlantas council this afternoon author ized the appropriation of $500 for the re- lief of the sufferers by the disaster at San Francisco. The amount was imned- lately transmitted by telegraph to Mayor Schmtz. Subscription lists have been opened at the offices of the daily papers her
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-20
chattanooqa Offers Aid.

Chattanooga. April l9.-Mayor Frierson has sent the following telegram of con dolence to Mayor Schlnitz of San Fran cisco 'I tender the profound sympathy of the people of Chattanooga Our eiti- zens desire q part in relieving the dis trcss Win immediate contribution by wire be acceptable?
 "WHLIAM PETERSON. Mayor"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-20
Arkansas Bankers Offer 5000.

Little Rock, April 19.-The Arkansas Bankers association al It's sixteenth an nual meeting which convened here today, unanimously appropriated s10oO for the re lief of the earthquake sufferers at San Francisco.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-20
BUSINESS DISTRICT IS
 ONE GLOWING FURNACE.

With each succeeding hour the devasta- ton and destruction in this stricken and prostrate ruin of a city grows and grows. At Q clock it seemed as if nothing could the city that yet remains unburned The entire business and wholesale district is now only a glowing furnace, while the xiant tongues of fire have reached to
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-20
portland Raises SIPS. .ooo.

Portland. Ore. April 19.-In addition to the Telegram's fund of Sl5.eo0 raised yes terday morning. Portland business men up to o'clock this afternoon had con tributed $1l0.0o0 making total of s125,060 for the relief of the San Francisco earth quake sufferers.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-20
Detectives Are Offered.

Chicago, April 19-Chief of Police Col lins today telegraphed to Mayor Schmitz of San Francisco offering the assistance of ten of the most expert detectives Of the local police force. They will leave on tonight's train. It is the belief of Chief Collins that the local men will be of great assistance in watching thieves
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-20
FEDERAL SUB-TREASURY IS ENTIRELY GONE.

New York. April 19.-According to dis
 patch to the Western Union the sub treasury in San Francisco has been de- stroyed. The subtreasury is not connect- ed with the United States mint, which Is still standing.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-20
Montgomery Gives 5000.

Montgomery. April 19.-The Commercial club of Alabama by telegraph today au- thorized Mayor Sehmitz of San Francisco to draw upon the club for 5000. 10 be used for relief in the stricken city.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-20
Send 100 Tons of Supplies.

Tacoma Wash. April 19-Tacoma will send 100 tons of supplies to San Francisco by the steamer Nelson leaving tonight. Ten thousand dollars in cash will also be wired to the tbamber ot commerce.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-20
Ionoworths ooinq to EnoIand.

Washington. April ls-Representative and Mrs. Nicholas Longworth will sail for England on June ?, returning by way of France on August g.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-20
s21. 900 In Seattle.

Seattle, Wash. April ls.The Times re- ported today that fl had raised $2l.0O0 for the San Francisco sufferers and that money was still coming in
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-20
Nebraska's Governor Issues Call.

Lincoln. Neb.. April Ex-Governor Mickey today issued call to the people of Nebraska to contribute To fund for the benefit of the sufferers in San Fran ciscn
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-20
Illinois Extends Coincidence.

Springfield. ILL, April ls-Governor Denesn today sent the following telegram to Governor Pardee of California: T have
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-20

 the westward far beyond Vanness ave nue. and are wiping out buildings and seeking more to devour
 At o'clock Mayor Schmitz and Chief of Police Dinan saw that the only hope of saving the Western Addition with it's forest of frame dwellings, and the Rich mond district, with it's thousands of homes, was to check the cruel march of the wall of fire at Vanness avenue which crosses the city from north to south, where the retail stores and fine apart ment houses end, and where the resi- dences begin. This avenue is 90 feet wide, and the possibilities of checking the march of the flames here looked hopeful to those who were figuring ways and means in the hour of awful horror. The orders were given to concentrate every fire engine in the city at this avenue, to marshal troops of soldiers there, the pe- lice and all the army of workers, and make one last stand to save the remainder of the city
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-20
10000 REFUGEES
 HOUSED INOAKLAND
ALL YESTERDAY A STREAM OF HUMANITY POURED FROM THE FERRIEs-vlsiToRs BARRED FROM BURNED CITY.

Oakland. Cal. April 19.-More than 5O,- OOO refugees from San Francisco are be- ing housed and fed in Oakland tonight. All day the stream of humanity has poured from the ferries, every ono car rging some sort of personal baggare and other articles saved from the eonflagra- tion.
 On account of .an- order received from General Funston the Southern. Pacific railway has issued the following order to
 Do not furnish passage to single person to San Francisco until further orders. We cannot handle them."
 The order is taken to mean that an effort will be made to keep San. Fran cisco free from becoming congested with outside people,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-20
Terrell Issues Proclamation.

Atlanta, April Ex-Governor Terrell to- day issued proclamation to the people of Georsia calling upon the cities and
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-20

been requested to express to you our sympathy with the stricken city and to tender to them such aid as may best meet immediate necessities. Kindly wire answer
 "cHARLEs S. DENEEN, Governor
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-20
Moves a Substitute.

When the matter of relief for San Fran cisco came up MT Tawney of Minnesota from the committee on appropriations moved the following substitute to the Senate joint resolution making appropria- tions for California sufferers:
 Resolved, By the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled that the secretary of war Is hereby authorized and directed to procure in open market or otherwise subsistence and quarter master supplies in addition to such sup plies belonging to the military establlsh- ment and available. and Issue the same to such destitute persons as have been rendered homeless, or are in needy cir cumstances as a result of the earthquake, which occurred April IS and the attend- ing conhagration and in executing this joint resolution the secretary of war Is directed to cooperate with the authori- ties of the state of California and the Mayors of the cities of San Francisco. Berxley, Oakland Alameda and such oth- CT cities on the Pacific coast as may have sustained damages.
 Be 1t further resolved. That the sec retary of the treasury. secretary of the navy. and the secretary of commerce and labor are hereby directed to cooperate with the secretary of war in extending relief and assistance to the stricken peo- pie herein referred to, to the extent of the use of the naval vessels, revenue cut ters and other vessels and government supplies under their control on the Pacific coast
 Be 1t further resolved. That to en- able the secretary of war to execute the provisions of this. joint resolution, there Is here appropriated out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated the sum of $1 900 to be expended under the direction and discretion of the secre- tarv Of war"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-20
PEOPLE NOT DEPRESSED
 BUT RISE ID OCCASION
 AND PLAN FOR FUTURE
Late Last Night Three Distinct Fires Were Burning and Dynamiters Were Confnng Efforts to the
 More Valuable Residence
 Section of the City.

. Washington, April 19.-The Presi-
 ~ dent has received the following ! ->- from Mayor Schmitz of San Fran -% cisco:
 < Earthquake has done great dam -< age, but fire has done more Half < of city in flames, but believe un- < der control. Thanks for offer of ' assistance. We at present need no -- < outside assistance but will call on
 ' you if necessary.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-20
PEOPLE OF THE CITY
 ARE NOT DISCOURAGED.

But San Francisco is not discouraged Its best and highest class has already be- gun to plan for restoration and to care for the stricken ones. and the relief will be immediate and effective. Total sub scrptions of $1So0Oo were announced. Ar engagements were made for the immediate relief of the needy. The making of thous- ands of loaves of bread daily will begin tomorrow. Free transportation will be provided by the Southern Pacific to desti- ute persons desiring to go to interior points.
 Major McKeever was appointed com- mandant of the camps of the homeless It was announced that tomorrow there would begin a daily delivery into the city of ten million gallons of water. To- night for the first time, direct telegraphic communication was re-establlshed be- tween San Francisco and the outside world. and this message had the honor of being the first to be sent.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-20
SUCCEED IN RESTORING
 ONE SHATTERED LINE.

By the most energetic efforts in the face of great obstacles the Postal Tele- graph company succeedediin restoring one of it's shattered lines and it's managers are hopeful of bringing back it's service to the normal plane in a day or two. The Postal office tonight is located in a little wooden structure erected on piles at the water front shore.
 Tonight three distinct fires were burn ing. One was in that portion that extends from Mob Hill down easterly towards the water front It was travelling slowly northerly towards the Telegraph Hill sec tion and may die out from lack of ma terial or may again sweep towards the extreme water front. The second center was in the Mission district. Here the fire he'd reached Eighteenth street, but was making little headway towards the hillsldes to the west, where thousands of people are camped.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-20
Larqer Sum Absolutely Needed.

MT. Tawney explained that the larger sum was absolutely needed, that secre- taries of other departments were included so that naval vessels, revenue cutters and the fish commissions boat Albatros could be used. The resolution was adopted with in ten minutes of its being reported.
 The substitute was report ed on the ground that the amount should be doubled and that the secretary of war should be relieved from any statutory provision re- qulrng bids To be secured for the needed supplies