The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-04-24
Created Much Alarm But No
Damage Is Done.
IMPROVE.
People Comparatively Comfort
able Following the Rain.
The General Situation Is Also
Improving.

lowing the rain which fell Sunday
night and yesterday morning which
greatly intensified the misery and suf-
fering of the homeless people of this
stricken city, last night was one of
comparative comfort and of greatly
improved conditions. The night was
clear, warm and balmy and there was
less suffering among the thousands of
refugees. camping under the blue
canopy than at any time since the day
of the terrible disaster. The condition
of the people is constantly growing
better. The relief work is being or
ganized with every day and the dis
tribution of provisions and the provid-
ing of shelter is daily becoming more
systematic and methodical.
Yesterday afternoon wagon loads of
quilts comforts and blankets were dis
tributed among those who have suf-
fered intensely from the cold and ex-
posure while sleeping in the open.
Other wagons loaded with tents Wend-
ed their way through the crowded
parks and replaced many improvised
shelters which afforded little or no
protection against the raw and chill
winds with water proof canvas tents
AS a result there were but few COM
plants of suffering this morning.
While the heavy rain for the time
being added much to the misery of the
homeless it did much towards improv-
ing the sanitary conditions throughout
the city.
At 1910 O'Clock last night an earth
quake shock was felt throughout the
city and mcmentarily created consider
able alarm among the people still un-
nerved and overwrought from their re-
cent experience. No damage was
caused but in some few instances per-
sons living in houses ran out badly
and guards to help carry out clothing
and other effects. The soldiers reas-
sured them that there was no danger
and that al any other time the shock
would have caused little comment,
Shortly after the slight trembler an un-
conscious man was found on the side
walk in front of a house at Golden Gate
avenue and Buchanan street He had
evidently fallen or jumped from a win
dow in his efforts to get out of the
house when it was shaken. He was
l taken to St. Pauls emergency hospital
in the Lutheran church at Cough and
Eddy streets, where 1t is said his in
juries are not serious
At O'Farrel and Leavenworth streets
an unkonwn man apparently demented
ed was found in the street in a dying
condition by the police. He died be-
fore he could be removed to a hospital
Following the unfortunate killing #
Ma jor H c. Tilden of the general re-
lief committee on Sunday night by
some self-constituted vigilantes, it is
said the city patrols and all guards will
be disarmed and the troops both reg
ular and militia, will be instructed not
to shoot except in case of extreme nee
esSity. If the reckless action Of some Of
the guards in the triple system OF po-
Icing the city by three separate or
ganizations under independent COM
manders which has caused conflict of
/ authority and much confusion has given
rise to much complaint. the regulars,
soldiers and marines. have earned
I themselves high commendatIOn for their
/ efficient work and the exercise Of good
4 judgment and discretion in dealing with
/ the people under the present trying cir
4 cumstanc.
The general conditions in the city are
] improving rapidly. The weather today
was never better and the indications for
/ its continuation are good Hundreds Of
men have been placed a work clearing
/ the streets and the dynamiting of the
/ tottering walls which were left stand
/ ing by the fire and endanger life will
/ be continued today. The Spring Valley
4 Water company has about 1000 men at
work repairing and replacing broken
water mains and many portions of the
! residence section are now abundantly
supplied with water.
No trace of Count De La Rocca, the
French consul in this city, has yet been
found. It is thought that he has lost
/ his life in the fire. Several car lines
4 deemed safe to turn on the power
Many of the merchants are making
I arrange ments for clearing the ruins
of their buildings as rapidly as men
can be secured. preparatory to com
uaence building operations. The sit
uation is constantly growing more
cheerful and hopeful. Eighty men OF
/ the Benicia signal corps have arrived
/ and are at work restoring the govern
! ment telephone and telegraph com
f,ftx a f7d
/ TELEGRAPH companies also Will COM
/ mence restoring their lines as soon as
material Is on hand The Home Tele-
phone company. which has been given
a franchise, will begin work IN the
/ near future on their plant and tele-
/ phone system The company expects
| to spend something like four million
/ dollars in the city within the next
1 three years
General Funston, General Greely.
Mavor Schirntz and the finance com
mittee of the general relief committee
4 will hold an important conference at
Fort Mason this morning Among the
ma tiers that will be considered is the
proper distribution and handling of
4 the relief funds. possibly also the re-
+ call Of the state militia
canvass of district number five
/ including a portion Of Golden Gate
/ park. made by Major McIver. U. S. A.
/ in charge of the district. showed but
two deaths since the earthquake. The
T, information bureau reports every. per
| son within the district sheltered either
in tents or wooden houses. Clothes
] and provisions are plentiful and thera
are even some Iuxuries in the shape Of
cake donated by Sacramento. A
| transportation for passengers and
| baggage has been established to ferry
and the authorities will not permit
| expressmen to charge more than fftv
cents for the hauling Of a trunk and
twenty-five cents for smaller baggage