New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1909-08-02
THOUSANDS HOMELESS
OSAKA'S GREAT FIRE.
Hospitals Filled 5cith Injured
10000 Buildings Destroyed.

Osaka, Japan, Aug. 1--Confusion still prevails
here a result of Saturdays disastrous fre.
Thousands of persons are homeless, and hunger
is staring many of them in the face.
A system of relief has been organized by the
municipal authorities. but it is inadequate to
supply all needs. Outside cities and towns are
generously sending in contributions to be used
in alievating the sufferings of the homeless and
destitute.
The number of casualties has not yet been de-
termined. but hundreds Of injured persons are
crowding the hospitals
The latest estimates that twenty thousand
buildings were destroyed. these including banks.
the Stock Exchange. the museum. government
edifices and factories. While at present 1t is i'm
possible accurately to give the losses, these are
estimated at several million yen 1t is feared
that some of the Insurance companies will fail
The conlagratIon lasted more than twenty
five hours. and the burnt section presents TO-
day a deplorable sight. The streets Of the city
very narrow. and the houses are mostly OF
wood construction. Under strong breeze
therefore. the buildings were easy prey for the
flames which jumped from one to another with
great rapidity. once hope was almost aoan-
doned that the conaagration could be arrested.
The fremen fought vaantly against the odds
of lack Of water and the wind and many or
them fell unconscious while working bravey at
their posts. Had not the water supply been
curtaiIed by the drouth IT is believed the fire
would have been extngushed without great
damage
During the fire the greatest confusion pre-
vailed among the spinning girls in the factory
quarter
The belongings of the people who we're able to
save anything from their burning homes are
piled in great heaps along the railroad tracks
from Osaka to Kobe. where they were removed
early on Saturday morning, when the fire broke
out In the dawn of Saturday thousands Of
persons heavily laden with household effects
were 10 be seen fleeing across the many canal
bridges from the fire zone When they had
reached places of safety the burdens were laid
down and the ablebodied members OF families
returned to the city to assist in fighting the
flames. leaving the old persons to guard their
effects from thieves.
All day long Saturday and far into the night
the male populace assisted the iremen and the
troops in checking the conhagration. An area
OF more than four miles square containing some
Of the citys handsomest structures, including
the Buddhist Temple. the largest i'm the world,
was entirely burned over before the fire was
brought under control. The stock Exchange,
which was one Of the most important in this
country. was entirely destroyed. The loss will
have a serious effect on the business OF Osaka,
which. with its manufacturing concerns. is one
Of the chief commercial cities Of Japan
MANY touching sights were to be seen during
the fire The women were terror stricken. and
fed hither and thither with their children. some
OF whom we're crying pteously for food.
The Emperor is deeply concerned over the dis
aster and Il IS believed that he will make q
generous gift to the relief fund and that his
action viii be quickly followed by charitable
persons and institutions.