The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-26


 It was evident that the food SUD- ply was threatened. One of the first acts of President Aguirre on reach- ing San Javier, in the earthquake zone, was to order hydraulic engi- neers to Talca to restore the irriga- ton canal, in order to avoid loss of the important rice crop.
 President on Scene i,
 With the president in the earth quake zone were Minister of 1n- terior Pedro Alfonso and nearly all members of the army general staff, planning to reach isolated points by motor car, and after a thorough survey to organize relief on a na- tional basis.
 All trains to the quake zone were met at every stop by throngs of people who begged for permission to get aboard and seek missing rela- tiveS.
 Telegraph linesmen went ou this morning to string new wires into southern Chile.
 A cable ship was made ready to go out and repair cable extending southward to Conception, which the quake broke.
 Messages Tell Story
 Messages eloquent of the terrible destruction throughout southern Chile, arrived here by radio.
 The following was typical:
 Prom Admiral of Naval Base, Talcahuano. Tn Conception more than 5000 are dead. Local authori- tiese ask for 100 armed men. Towns of Chillan, Bulnes, Penco, Lirquen, are destroyed. Apparently some ac- cidents on railroads but no acci- dents in coal mines. This news Is unconfirmed. Communication to Conception (only 10 miles away) possible only by automobile. I have been appointed chief for Talcahu- ano Tome and Penco, with definite, severe orders to prevent robbery and other lawlessness. I have ordered local authorities to take necessary action. Urgently need ships, with many tents, to help refugees"
 The British cruiser Exeter, which volunteered its services, sailed for Talcahuano under full steam in re- sponse to this appeal. The Chilean submarine tender Araucano which like the Exeter was at Valparaiso, also sailed for Talcahuano with l5o surgeons, druggists, nurses and medi- cal supplies. They were under or. ders to take any means of reaching the Shilean area.
 Minister of Health Jose Etche- barne, who flew to Chillan, said on his return here:
 "Three houses still stand in the city"
 More Casualties
 Dr. Acuna, of the Carabineros force sent into the stricken area, sent @ message listing the following additional casualties
 Parral-l50 dead, 200 wounded, city half destroyed.
 San Carlos-50 dead, 100 wounded.
 Yunsay--20 dead, 50 wounded.
 Los Angeles-l3 dead, many wounded.
 All professional associations in the capital offered their services to the government for relief and re- construction work. Brigades will be formed of physicians, druggists, dentists, architects and engineers.
 Roosevelt Offers Aid
 Washington, Jan. 26-(UP)-Pres- ident Roosevelt has cabled the president of Chile an offer of Amer ican relief for earthquake victims.
 The White House siad today that If Chile should need outside sup- plies in a hurry, this government would do Its best to provide them. American airplaneS possibly might be used to rursh medal supplies If necessary. 1t was believed.
 The state department, however, informed the White House that Chile was fairly well supplied with airplanes to carry supplies to the stricken region.
 The president asked the state de- partent and the Red Cross to ascer- tain from Chile how much outside assistance 1t might need.
 No answer has yet been received from Chile or from the agencies here. but White House Secretary Stephen T. Early said that replies were expected during the day.
 Norman H. Davis, chairman of the Red Cross, cabled the Chilean Red Cross an offer of aid.