Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1915-08-22
Less Than 800 Lives Lost;
Damage Estimates Too Big,
Governor Wires President

Gov Ferguson of Texas yesterday tele-
graphed President Wilson that the loss
of life from the tropical storm along
the Texas coast will not exceed 800 and
that estimates of the damage have been
greatly exaggerated. He said the sit
uation was under control.
Replying to message from Presi-
dent Wilson offering sympathy and as
sistance, Gov. Ferguson telegraphed az
follows:
Have just returned from the Texas
coast and find your generous message
of the 10Th awaiting me. Investigation
discloses that the damage has been
greatly exaggerated and the loss of life
on the Texas coast will not exceed 900.
Situation Well in Hand.
1.-The situation is we'll in hand, but
as yet it is not fully determined just
what assistance is necessary. I desire
to thank you sincerely for your
thoughtfulness and am sure the people
of Texas greatly appreciate the mani
festation of your interest in them"
Army surgeons reported yesterday that
Texas City and vicinity was free from
infectious diseases, and Maj Gen. Bell
in reply to inquiry telegraphed from
Texas City that no tentage or blankets
were needed at present. He said he
hoped to be in Galveston yesterday, and
to be able to make recommendations
shortly to the War Department. A hos
pital has been opened by army sur
geons in the Southern Hotel in Texas
City, and a dressing station located at
a convenient point Many minor, but
few serious. injuries have been brought
to the attention of the surgeons. Six
teen sick have been transferred from
Texas City to Fort Sam Houston.
The surgeons state that there is no
city water supply in Texas City and
the population is dependent on water
hauled from artesian wells in sprink-
ling wagons. Neither the electric light
nor telephone service is working.
The surgeons reported that most Of
the medical supplies saved had been
badly damaged by water.
Army Property Destroyed.
Col. Harry L. Rogers of the quarter
masters department stated in report
that practically all of the quartermas-
ter's property in camp at Texas City
had been lost or ruined except the field
and pack transportation.
The troops lost all their clothing ex-
cept that worn. The field bakery was
completely destroyed and bread is now
being baked in rented civilian bakery
which provides 5000 pounds daily for
the troops and destitute civilians. The
officer stated he had rented restaurants
temporarily and had put soldier cooks
in charge to furnish meals for troops
and civilians. Other buildings have
been rented for the troops until tentage
can be obtained.
Heavy rains every day at intervals
have continued to prevent resumption
of normal camp conditions.
Special trains, Col. Rogers said, were
taking members of homeless families
of officers and enlisted men to Houston.
He reported that the 5th Brigade
camp at Galveston had been destroyed
and that the troops of the brigade were
on the transports Buford and Kilpat-
rick.
Aid May Be Necessary.
In response to a proffer of assistance
made by Ernest Bicknell. director of the
Red Cross, Gov. Ferguson has made the
following reply by telegraph:
at may be that some assistance will
be necessary outside of the cities of Gal
weston and Houston, but at present do
not think it proper to issue public ap-
neal. If think it necessary will advise
you later. The loss of life will not ex-