The Washington herald., 1907-01-21
WIRES WASHINGTON
Admiral Davis Says Swetten-
ham First Declined Aid.
BLUEJACKETS FINALLY LAND
American Commander Says Con-
fused Condition in Kingston War
rants Necessity of War Ship Re-
maining-OfFicials Claim No Frie-
tiOn Exists and Ships VIII stay.

In.a dispatch TO the Navy Department
from Rear Admiral Evans, com
handing the Atlantic fleet at Guanta-
namO, who transmitted an extract from
the report made to him by Rear Admiral
Davis. at Kingston, there is an intima-
ton that Gov. Swettenham, Of Jamaica,
had declined Admiral Davis offers Of re-
lief In almost the same sentence. how
ever, Admiral Davis reports that Gov.
Swettenham seemed a man Of great
power, and that he holds the situation
well in hand.
There were all sorts OF rumOrs here to-
night that Swettenham and Davis had
had a disagreement, and that it would
lead to the departure of the American
ships. including the supply ship Celtic,
which has been ordered from Guanta-
namo to Kingston TO aid in the relief
work. The Celtic was partially loaded
with supplies
Claim ships VIII Remain.
officials Of the State Department how
ever. when told Of the reports, were
department has had transmitted TO it all
OF the advices received by the navy, and
Il was stated officially. late yesterday
evening, that not only were the Ameri-
can ships TO stay In Kingston, but that
the relations between Gov. Swettenham
and Admiral Davis were most cordial, and
that there Is absolutely no friction.
In his dispatch TO the Navy Department
Admiral Davis makes this remark. He
Gov. Swettenham) assures there is no
need Of police protection or relief, de-
clined my offer land wreckiHg parties 20
assist Tn hospital To police streets. clear
away debris, bury dead - In another pOr-
ton Of his message Admiral Davis says
that as far as anything I can do goes.
one ship fully capable Of controlling aitua-
ton" Previous to this be says that the
Missouri would coal and that IL seemed
opportune that this ship should remain.
No mention is made Of the Celtic.
In connection with the possibility that
the governor Of Jamaica has declined
American relief. il IS recalled that at the
time Of the San Francisco disaster PTesi-
dent Roosevelt refused to accept outside
help. He considered that this country
was entirely able 20 care for its own
sufferers. The fact remains, however
foreign Office in London. and the Ameri-
can Embassy. accepted and expressed
thanks for the relief offered by the United
States. This was in reply 10 a message
10 the Foreign Office from Mr.. Root
Text of Admiral Evans Report.
The dispatch from Admiral Evans says:
"Whipple arrived from Kingston with
following information from Davis.
Gable communication can only be had
by driving ten miles 70 Bull Bay, wire
less communication down; actual Condi-
tions Of town and suburbs are scene Of
total confusion; great part Of town de
stToyed; first by earthquake, and business
part Of town by IRE, following even re-
mote part suburbs; villas and government
residences destroyed
Kings House. three miles from city.
residence of governor, will be blown up.
walls so badly damaged that the place
cannot be repaired; Trafalgar House
complete wreck Mrs. Marshall. wife
general commanding forces, was pinned
under ruins OF house and remained in
this precariOus situation more than an
hour before rescued. This will give idea
Of extent Of damage by earthquake alone.
of city; totally destroyed that section,
steamship wharves are intact: Royal
Mail saved 2.GJ0 tons Of coal. and plenty
coal here; shipping in harbor not dis
turbed, vessels held to their anchors; no
tidal wave or marine disturbances
earthquake about 30 seconds duration
occurring, approximately, $40 p. m,
milder shocks subsequently during. per
haps, tweuty-foUr hours
AS 20 the social conditions. the COVER
nor, Sir Alexander SWettenham. seems 10
be man Of great power. I judge from
a conversation with him that he holds
the situation we'll I'm hand He assures me
there is no need Of police protection or
relief; declined my offers 20 land wreck
ing parties 10 assist in hospital 20 police
street. clear away debris, and bury dead
He told me this morning that loss by
death was 40, already accounted for.
there are still many bodies in the ruins.
the Cuban consul was killed; other for
eign residents deemed 10 have escaped
the American consul is absent and the
consulate is represented by vice consul.
Governor Has ,OO0 Soldiers.
" I have a party on shore now guarding
/ consulate and securing archives. Later
upon request 7 landed fifty men under
arms from the Indiana 10 prevent alleged
mutiny al penitentiary, containing be-
tween 800 and go prisoners, then pro-
ceeded in carriage with government Off
Cial to Kings House. governor, with fam
lily. was living in tents accompanied
governor to city. and shall this afternoon
probably withdraw guard at penitentiary
as he assures me ne is capable of con-
trolling situation He has West Indian
/ regiment. leo strong. and two COM
panies of artillery, besides insular con-
stabulary
90 I consider il my duty to remain for
the present, at least. situation is too
confusing; and conflicting stories, reports.
complaints, and rumors too contradictory
to enable me at present time to form a
clear judgment of actual situation.
&c Missouri Will coal tomorrow. and
until I can give a clearer account Of stu
alton. consider it oDpOTtUne that this shin
should remain, as far as anything I can
do goes. one ship fully capable OF con-
trolling situation: feet surgeon remains
on board Missouri; his presence and that
of surgeon of this ship (the Indiana) are
desirable under existing conditions, in
view of possible emergency; ! have been
able to afford relief in many cases ia
private individuals EVANS"
NEGROES TO ASK COLLECTION