Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-31
for the advance guard to be on the

Tor the ADVANCE guard 10 DE vi Sh0
ground by the sth or 10th of January.
Naturally the question has arisen in the
consideration of this projected relief
movement as to whether the ships would
arrive too late in the Italian ports to rem
der any effective service. The decision OF
the department was that they could stili
do much good. for the experience OF the
government agents in the dreadful Mont
Pelee disaster was that great amount
of work remained to be done even
month after the eruption. and that there
was continued need for the issue or 1000
supplies and of medical assistance ana
for police duty for many weeks thereafter.
With their 1900 thoroughly disciplined
American sailors. a splendid corps OF
medical officers and surgeons. with album
dant supply of medicines and food II is
believed that the American fleet will still
be a very welcome visitor to the shores
of Sicily even fortnight hence
Thousands Ready to Assist.
Of the combined crews of the fleet OF
sixteen battleships. numbering about $4,000
men, probably 5000 could be sent ashore
20 assist in rendering relief when the At
Iantic fleet arrives at Messina about two
weeks hence. 1t is generally believed at
the Navy Department that Naples will
probably be the scene of the greater suf-
fering about January -. as thousands of
s,eople are now focking there. and will be
destitute until outside relief comes to
hand The matter of greatest Importance
Is the transmission OF money contrihu-
lions, which will make it possible to throw
into the stricken region within day or
two abundant food and medical supplies.
II is thought that the active assistance
that might be rendered by 5000 thoroughly
trained seamen under direction of their
officers. who could act in concert with the
Red Cross authorities, would be or the
greatest benefit to the suffering region
Plenty of Provisions.
The vessels of the Atlantic fleet Ire well
stocked with provisions. portion OF winch
could be diverted to the aid of the suf-
ferers without serious inconvenience Inc
supply ship Culgoa has accompanied the
vessels on the trip around the "orio ana
has kept their storehouses filled with the
necessaries of life. She carries fresh
meats of ten varieties in vast quantities
She is to fill the refrigerating plants Oh
each of the battleships at Suez, each plant
being capable of storing 5000 pounds
and then will still have a large amount
on hand. That also could be sent TO the
distressed districts in addition to the
meats. there are aboard vast quantities
of all kinds of supplies, luxuries and 9TH
erwise.
Anticipating the arrival OF the feet al
Gibraltar and at Negro bay, the Navy
Department has been fitting out the sup
ply ship Celtic at New York with sup
plies to the vessels in the Mediterranean.
Included in her cargo are 100000 pounds
of fresh meats, 100000 pounds Of flour.
1000 pounds of apples and other eat
ab,es. She will sail today, ten days
ahead of schedule, going direct to Glib
raltar.
There is ample precedent for the ac-
ton of the government in directing that
national aid he rendered the stricken
people On the broad ground of hui
mainly the United States in the past
has given quick aid to calamity suf-
ferers without legal authorization. rely
Ing upon the kindly disposition of Con-
gross to make the necessary appropria'
lions to replace the supplies thus be-
nevolently given. At the time of the
San Francisco earthquake the officials
of the Mare Island navy yard provided
more than $4,000 worth of provisions and
clothing 10 the homeless, and when King
ston. Jamaica, was similarly afflicted Rear
Admiral Davis. with battleship and
supply ship. were FASTENED to the SPOT
from Cuban waters. The officials here
regard IT as inconceivable that objection
will come from any quarter to any help
which the government may extend at
this time when 1t is so much needed.