The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-21

l %-~-<<%<%~>-~-%%-%<% >-------~---------~~~ ~~~--~---~----~---------~- the penetrating fog of the ocean or the chilling dew of the morning. Fresh meat disappeared Wednesday morning and can ned foods and breadstuffs are the only victuals in evidence.
 Not alone are the parks the places of refuge Every large vacant lot in the safe zones has been pre-empted and even the cemeteries are crowded well known young woman of social position when ask ed today where she had spent the night replied "On grave"
 Throughout the western portion of the peninsula county of San Francisco these camps are located.
 The municipal safety committee has ar ranged plans for these unfortunate people in several camps but unless they are forcibly herded together like cattle. this scheme seems impossible of accomplish ment.
 Provides Against Epidemic.
 Major McKeever of the United States army has been appointed commandant Of the camps. and with his staff of as sistants was today trying to bring some sort of system and order in the chaotic 1 situation. His firstTthoight is to supply f0wel'sn1d water, and then to arrange sani- 1 tary measures. These throngs of people crowded elbow to elbow in the open lots and fields, without conveniences that are naturally demanded, are tb tened with an epidemic of disease unless some wise precautions are speedily observed, aDd the authorities, even as early as yesterday, had men constructing necessary out houses.
 Good order and fellowship seems to pre- vail in these impromptu settlements, and the common ruin and poverty has made all of the unfortunates akin,
 Store Food for Convenient Delivery.
 In buildings close to the camps the po lice are storing available food stuffs and bed clothing for convenient delivery. That there will be just and equal distribution ef the supplies Is evident from the temper of the city administration. No distinctions are drawn.
 The grave question is, How soon will an adequate supply of food arrive from outside points to avert famine and desti- tution? as
 There is little food in San Francisco out of what each person possesses, and this cannot last more than few days.
 San Francisco is geographically an iso- lated city It's nearest large neighbor on the south is Los Angeles To the north is Portland, nearly 800 miles distant, and it's nearest sister in the great west is Salt Lake City. 1000 miles away. These cities and all of the less populated towns are making sacrifices for the destitute here, but if is to the big cities of the nation that San Francisco looks with anxiety for relief.
 100000 Refugees In Oakland.
 The relief measures being taken in Oak land to house and feed the unfortunates of San Francisco are calling forth the best efforts of the city. It Is calculated that at least 100000 people have come to this side of the bay and are now dis tributed among the homes of Oakland, Alameda, and Berkeley. While hundreds have found lodging with friends, there are the countless poor who are dependent on charity.
 The work of evolving a system for sup plying the immediate wants of the people Is a matter that is now in the process of organization. To get some sort of scheme whereby those in need can get the neces- sities of life is the aim of Governor Par dee, his staff, Major Mott and the local city government and civic organizations. It Is the general belief here, however that despite all efforts there is going to be great distress, and that actual starvation stares many in the face unless whole souled aid is quickly forthcoming.
 Food May Last a Week.
 Food in this city may last out the week. and then, unless it is received in large quantities.. the city will be in state of want and the rich and poor alike will be the sufferers. To what extent the out sic country can supply the needs is a question that only actual trial will dem onstrate. If the S ,000,000 appropriated by Congress and other amounts subscribed is made immediately available, and can be sent here in the form of provisions. the time of trial may be tded over until affairs can readjust themselves. Immense amounts of supplies were consumed from the cities about the bay and interior towns. This supply has been swept out of existence and what the resources of the state are is 8 matter that Is now the chief concern of those engaged in the re- lief work. The seizure of supplies coming in on the trains by the relief commit