The San Francisco call., 1907-01-21
British Press Deplores Action Of
Arrogant Swettenham
Washington Waits
for Word From
Rear Admiral

WASHINGTON, Jan. 2o.-The news
from Kingston OF the withdrawal OF
the American ships sent there for relief
work and the remarkable correspond
ence that led up to that step caused a
profound sensation in Washington.
Naval officials to whom word of the
unexpected elimination of this Gov
ernments efforts to relieve the victims
of the disaster was communicated ex-
pressed astonishment, but beyond that
carefully refrained from expressing
their views for publication.
Secretary Metcalf received the first
news of the action of Admiral Davis
from the press. He said it was a sur
prise to him, and that he had had no
advices on the subject through official
channels, pending which he did not feel
at liberty to make any comment on the
jamaican Governors action.
At the Navy Department it was
stated positively that, aside from the
long dispatch from Admiral Davis un-
der date of the 18th, no dispatches had
been received from Kingston today or
tonight.
ADMIRAL DAVIS REPORT
Rear Admiral Davis, in his report on
the situation in the stricken city under
date of Friday, announced that the
jamaican authorities declined his offer
to land working parties to assist in the
hospital, police the streets, clear away
the debris and bury the dead, but that
later, by request, he landed blue jackets
to prevent an alleged munity at the
penitentiary (since withdrawn), and
that he had a party guarding the con-
sulate. The West Indian regiment and
the insular constabulary were guarding
the town.
The admiral reports that there was
no tidal wave, and that the fire which
followed the earthquake reached even
the remote portions of the suburbs. The
report follows:
Whipple arrived from Kingston with the fol-
lowing information from Davis: Cable communi-
cation can be had only by driving ten miles TO
Bull Bay. Wireless communication is down.
Town and suburbs are scenes of total confusion
great part Of town destroyed by first shock. The
villas and government residences destroyed,
and Kings House. three miles from the city, the
residence Of the Governor. will be blown up. The
walls are so badly damaged that the place can
not be repaired.
Trafalgar House is a complete wreck. Mrs.
Marshall. wife of the general commanding the
forces. was buried under the ruins of the house
and remained in that precarious situation more
than an hour before rescued. This will give an
idea of the extent OF the damage by the earth
quake alone The fire following In the closely
peOpled portions Of the city totally destroyed
that section. The steamship wharyes are in
tact. The Royal Mail saved 1000 tons of coal.
and there is plenty of coal here. Shipping in
the harbor was not disturbed The vessels held
to their anchorage. There tidal wave
marine disturbance. The earthquake was of
about forty seconds duration. occurring approxi-
mately at $3.50 p. m. Milder shocks were felt
during the following txenty-four hours
As TO the social conditions, the Governor, Sir
great power Judging from conversation. in that
he holds the situation well IN hand He assures
me there is DO need OF police protection or re-
party 10 assist in the hospital, to police the
streets, to clear away debris and to bury the
dead. He told me this morning that the loss by
death was 440 already accounted for There
still many bodies in the ruins.
The Cuban Consul killed; other foreign
residents seem TO have escaped The American
Consul is absent. The consulate is represented
by vice consul. have party on shore now
guarding the consulate and securing the archives.
Later upon request. / landed nfty men under
from the Indiana 10 prevent an alleged
mutiny at the penitentiary. containing between
500 and 600 prisoners. then proceeded in a car
rsge with the Government officials to Kings
House.
The Governor and his family are living In
tents. Am accompanying the Governor to the
city and shall this afternoon probably withdraw
the guard at the pententiary, as he assures me
he is capable OF controlling the situation. he
has a West Indian regiment. 1000 strong. with
two companies Of artillery, besides the insular
l consider it my duty to remain for the pres
ent at least. The situation is too confusing and
conflicting stories reports complaints and ru-
mors too contradictory TO enable me at present
20 form a clear Judgment Of the actual situation
The Missouri viii coal tomorrow and until ] can
n
il is opportune that this ship should remain. As
far as anything ] do goes one ship is fully
capable of controlling the situation and the feet
surgeon remains board the Missouri His
presence and that of the surgeon of the ship are
desirable under the existing conditions. in view
Of a possible emergency. l have been able to
afford relief in many cases to private individ-
uals.
NO FRICTION, SAYS BACON
Acting Secretary of State Bacon,
when shown the dispatches from
Kingston tonight regarding Governor
Swettenham's attitude. at once declared
it was not true. insofar as it touched
upon the reception of the ships sent by
the Government.
81 know what I am talking about"
said he. There is not the slightest
kind of trouble or foundation for it in
any way, shape or manner. The ships
have not sailed. 1 know exactly what
happened. and" he repeated, there is
no foundation for IL in any manner
That is perfectly straight. II you are
looking for the facts, these are the
facts"
Bacon would not disclose the source
of his information.