New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-01-22
JAMAlCANS INDIGNANT.
Bitter Denunciation of Gouernor's
1ctiOn TO7card americans.

Kingston Jamaica. Jan. 2l.-The Indignation
OF the residents of Jamaica, both official aud
private citizens. at the action of Governor syo.-
tenham in demanding the withdrawal bv Ad-
miral Davis of the relief forces &c snro.dir,.
and intensfying. The Governors response 70
AohiiraI Davis is bitterly denounced and it is
generally declared that the only possible repara-
ton is for the government to apologize and re-
can Governor Swettenham. Jamaicans saw that
the Indignation which doubtless is felt I'm the
United States and England is fuIIv shared nv,
'he residents Of the island. They contrast the
apathy Of the home government, which has not
rendered any relief, and the loyal generosity of
the United States. which instantly rushed war
ships surgeons, medicines and food TO the
stricken city. The deepest regret and mortifica-
ton is expressed lest the action of Governor
Swettenham may disturb the excellent rela-
tions between America and Great Britain.
Mayor TAFT. upon the departure of Admiral
Davis, expressed the sentiments Of citizens in
a letter to the admiral saying:
In behalf Of the Mayor. the council and all
citizens of the stricken city. | desire 10 express
deep regret that any unpleasantness should
nave occurred causing you 10 withdraw the val
liable assistance generously rendered 10 this
country and my unfortunate fellow citizens.
Whatever has been the induce YOU to
decide to withdraw do not approve or take
part. We ask You not 10 Withdraw and not 10
take offence at the conduct of one man. II,
overwrought by the responsibility of the calam-
ity, he acted in n manner which he will regret
on reflection, in particular. / ask you not let
the sick can vainly for the comforts which until
now they nave been receiving at your hands,
and for which I and they thank and bless you.
Admiral Davis replied, thanking the Mayor
for his expression OF approval of the services Of
his officers and men. and saying:
AS a foreign naval officer 1 am bound to re-
spect the wishes and requirements of the su-
preme authority Of the island.
He added that he left the emergency hospital
in good working order, in charge of the Ameri-
Jesuit fathers. He knew that there would
be an abundance of work for him if he were
able TO remain indefinitely. but having accom-
plished his mission. which was to render the
first immediate aid his duty compelled his
withdrawal.
Citizens strongly criticised the action Of the
authorities in placing obstacles in the way OF
the American naval surgeons. whose splendid
services in tending the neglected wounded and
sick are most highly praised
Governor Swettenham's contention in his let
ter 10 Admiral Davis that the local police pro-
lection was ample is in contrast with the fact
that on Friday night. after sending the letter.
the Governor personally visited the barracks
occupied by the police and several companies OF
the West India regiment and bitterly censured
the officers saying that pilfering was prevalent
throughout the city. At the same time the Gov
ernor said that he would not permit the presence
OF any armed Americans in Kingston
The conditions in Kingston improving
slowly. All passes TO the burned sections. where
there is nothing 10 loot. revoked to-day
and this step has caused much Inconvenience
TO Americans and others who desired TO reach
ships in the harbor
Many bodies are still being recovered and
cremated, and # IS believed the deaths VIII
reach seven hundred.
There is not a pressing demand for an in
creased food supply, but rain Is imminent and is
dreaded. the doctors predicting that 1t would
result in epidemic among the unsheltered
thousands, resulting in a death list far
ceeding that brought about by the earthquake
and fire.
The United States refrigerator ship Celtic
arrived here this morning. She received orders
not 70 delay her departure and sailed at
q
come in from Santiago. and will return there
tomorrow with many refugees. Few Ameri-
cans remain here.
There has been discovered I'm the ruins Of the
Myrtle Bank Hotel watch bearing the initials
"a y. c." believed to have belonged 10 an
American who persisted in the fire.
There are still frequent tremors of the earth.
A shock of especial severity occurred at 3 O'Clock
this morning but did little damage
Difficulty is experienced in inducing the
Negroes 10 work on account Of the prevalence Of
the conviction among them that this
white mans earthquake" and that it would be
dangerous for Negroes to interfere with act
of God.
The city is still in darkness. The street rail-
road service TO the suburbs has been partially
resumed
The citizens of Kingston greatly discour-
aged The fear is growing that in view of the
enorrnity of the disaster-there are scarcely
score of houses capable of restoration-the re-
building of the city will prove impossible.
GRADE CROSSINGS STAY.