Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-09-18

both to Porto Rico and Florida. The
u. S. S. Bridge, naval supply ship,
is being loaded. with food, tents and
blankets at New York for shipment
to San Juan. Porto Rico. Two Army
transports, with large quantities of food
on board, have been diverted to Porto
Rico by order Of President Coolidge.
The Bridge, which will probably sail
from New York by noon tomorrow, is
carrying 1000 tons of food and medi-
cal supplies, 5000 blankets, 1000 tents
and 1000 cots. The Army TRANSPORTS
st. Mihiel and Kenowis are hurrying
to San Juan with / 1850 tons of food
The destroyer Gilmer, carrying Henry
M. Baker, national relief director of the
Red Cross, with several assistants, ar
rived in San Juan today. Mr.. Baker
took charge of Red Cross relief work
upon his arrival
On board the Bridge are doctors
and nurses from the Army and Red
Cross and two doctors from the Public
Health Service A huge quantity of
typhoid and smallpox antitoxin is being
sent to Porto Rico on this vessel by the
Public Health Service
From various places in Southern
States the Red Cross has called 10 re-
Lief workers and rushed them to Jack
sonville. Dispatches received today at
national headquarters here from vari-
Gus places in Florida indicate that the
disaster is greater than was at first re-
ported.
One dispatch, received this morning
came from Senator Robinson of Arkan-
sas, Democratic vice presidential NOM
inee, VINO has been campaigning in the
South. It was sent from Titusville, Fla.
The storm area, Senator Robinson said,
extends from Fort Lauderdale to Titus
vile. and Is approximately las miles
wide. In that section the destruction lis
greater. he said, than in 1925, but it is
impossible yet to estimate the number
Of casualties. He mentioned that 200
persons are being treated there in hos
pitfalls.
President Coolidge issued his procla-
nation late yesterday after conference
with Chairman Payne of the Red Cross.
Acting Secretary of War Robbins and
other high officials of the Government.
The text of the proclamation follows:
"To the people of the United States:
IAN overwhelming disaster has over
taken our fellow citizens in Porto Rico
and the Virgin Islands as the result of
a devastating West Indies hurricane.
Full extent of the damage is not avail
able, but several hundred thousands are
known to be homeless and in instant
need of food, shelter and emergency
relief. Gov. Towner of Porto Rico has
appealed for immediate aid.
Appeals to Red Cross.
''All possible assistance will be rem
dered by the executive departments of
the Government but because of the
widespread suffering, which calls for
not only emergency aid but some form
of permanent rehabilitation, I have
asked the American Red Cross tc
assume the task of rendering aid, act
ing as the agent of the American
people.
LAS President of the United State:
and as president of the American Rec
Cross, / am therefore urging our PEG.
generously, SO that sufficient funds may
be received TO alleviate the suffering
among so many thousands.
"All contributions should be forwarded
to the nearest local Red Cross chapter
or TO the American National Red eros.
headquarters offices at Washington, st
Louis or San Francisco"
Contributions have begun to come ir
to the national headquarters of tn,
Red Cross and to the District Chapter
The largest individual contribution re.
CeiVeu 81 lar was a CQeCk LOT SIU,uU'
received today from Edward S. Hark
ness, New York banker. The Veterans
of Foreign Wars, through their com
rr1ander-in-chief, Eugene P. Carver o
Boston, presented $500.
To Go Into One Fund.
All contributions will be placed il
enc fund, Chairman Payne explained
1t Will be known as the West Indie
Hurricane Relief Fund.
Decision to send a group of Unitet
States Public Health surgeons to Port
Rico to head Red Cross medical uni
was reached here this morning after
conference attended by Surg. Ger
Hugh S. Cumming and Assistant Sure
Gen. w. F. Draper, representing tn
Public Health Service. and James /
Fieser, vice chairman of the Red Gross
DR.. L. L. Lunlsden, senior surgeon
will direct the unit which will includ
also DR.. j. w Mountin and F. r. SHAY
sanitary engineer. ..