FRISCO DISASTER.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1730, 23 April 1906, Page 2

FRISCO DISASTER.

By telegraph, Presa Ads'h, Copyright liecoivod April 21, 7.20 a.m. Now York, April 20. It was decided at noon to dynamite all the residences on tlio east side of Vaunor’s Avenue, between Golden Gato and Pacific Avenues, a distance of a milo. This is the most fashionable quarter of the city, and includes many palatial mansions of the wealthy. The Fairmont hotel, on Nob Hill, just built at a cost of three million dollars, is blazing.

[Quito recently (says the Now Zealand mail agent) it was decided to add another two storoys to the Palace hotel. Other big hotels are the St. Francis hotel, the Fairmont hotel, the Californian hotel, and the Occidental hotel. The first-named i 3 understood to be the best hotel, the Fairmont and Palace coming next in order. The St. Francis is a now hotel of 12 storoys, finished about twelve months ago.j Thirty-six Salvation Army buildings, including their provincial headquarters, public halls, and industrial institutions, have been burned.

The Government lost stores worth three million seven hundred thousand dollars (£740,000). Received 21st, 7.31 a.m.

Looting is rampant, despite the fact that death penalties are imposed on persons caught so offending. A sailor bayonetted one thief. General Funston telegraphs stating that a tidal wave destroyed Terminal Island, a seaside resort. ; The rich inhabitants of San Francisco are flying to the Bay cities. • The poor remain, hsing unable tonueet the boatmen’s exorbitant demand^. Six Pacific and San Francisco hospitals and the College of Physicians wore saved by dynamiting all the surrounding buildings. The palatial residences of Messrs Huntingdon, Flood, and Baldwin, and scores owned by other millionaires have been burnod. London, April 20. The Times states that British fire insurance offices hold risks to the extent of about twenty millions of pounds sterling in San Francisco. The London banks have offered to aid the San Francisco banks.

Many English organisations are contributing liberally to relief funds. New York, April 20. The towns of Santa Rosa, Healdsbury, Geyserville, Cloverdale, Dopland, and Ukiah, along the Californian North-West Railway, situate at distances of from 50 to 150 miles north from San Francisco, have been destroyed.

Many of the inhabitants of these places were killed. There are a thousand dead at Santa Kosa.

The Mechanics’ Pavilion has been temporarily converted into a morgue. The hospital was burned. Only 10 out of one hundred injured persons therein were saved.

Owing to the swift advance of the fire at San Francisco gun-cotton and navy shells were used instead of dynamite, the stocks of which became exhausted. It is stated that one hundred million dollars’ worth of securities were stored in deposit vaults in the burned out quarters. It is at present unknown whether these are safe. Mesdames Hermann, Olrick, and W. K. Vanderbilt, wealthy ladies of the city, fear that they have been ruined, owing to their property being uninsured Ten thousand frantic Chinese, and thousands of • Italians, Spaniards, and Mexicans fought desperately in the streets until the soldiers restored order. Received 21st. 2.6 p.m. Several wealthy Chinamen refused to leave their shops, and were burnt to death. Lieut. Pules was blown up by dynamite while trying to re-light a fuse. The sub-Treasury building was destroyed, but the cash was saved. Arrangements have been made to bake fifty thousand loaves daily in the undamaged, area, also to deliver daily ten million gallons of water. The damage to the Leland Stanford University is estimated at four million dollars.

Later reports of the disaster at the Agnew asylum have minimised the occurrence. Eleven officers and attendants were killed and 20 injured ; 55 patients were killed and 120 injured. Several New York firms have subscribed two thousand to fifteen thousand pounds sterling. All cities are vieing in their contributions. Already ten million dollars have been subscribed. A special train with one hundred surgeons, and trains full of provisions and tents, have arrived. Belief organisations have been started in France and Germany. Latest reports from San Francisco state that despite the dynamiting of residences for the distance of a mile in Yauner’s Avenue, the fire spread west, involving the whole of the suburbs in which the millionaires' residences are situate.

There is no defiaite news in regard to the shipping. The members of the Conried Grand Opera Company took refuge in the St. Francis hotel Signor Caruso, the great tenor, is safe. The earthquake shocks were felt at Los Angelos, Honolulu, and Manila. The shock was felt severely in a mine at Calumet, Michigan, and killed a miner and injured fonr others who were working a mile below the surface.

London, Ap.il 20. The London stock market is weak. Insurance shares fell heavily, and investments in stocks are low owing to a fear that the insurance companies will be compelled to realise to pay their claims.

Sydney, April 21. Whon the pilot conveyed news of the dis sister to the passengers of the Sierra on her arrival here last night, ho was greeted with alarm and consternation among them; Most of the crew have families at San Francisco. Cables have been rocoived announcing the safety of the Pollard Juvenile Opera Company and the Nellie Stewart Company. The latter left San Francisco prior to the disaster.

Wellington, Saturday. His Excellence the Governor, at the request of the Premier, has communicated with the American Secretary of State and with President Boosevelt, expressing warm sympathy in connection with the Californian disaster, and tendering assistance in relieving the distress created. Should reply indicate that the proffered aid will be acceptod, the Government will tako appropriate action. The Prouder, through the Governor and Secretary of State, has communicated with President Eoosevelt, expressing a desire on behalf of tho people of New Zialaud to show practical sympathy with the sufferers by tho earthquake calamity in California, to the extent of 25,000 dollars, and has also expressed a, hope that a

favorable reply will be received as to the acceptance of the offer. Mr Soddon has been besieged with inquiries from New Zealanders who have relatives in San Francisco, asking for information. On the day of the earthquake Mr Soddon communicated with Mr A. Smith, the colonial agent at San Francisco, but has not yet received a reply. Mr Seddon has sent another message to Mr Smith, and also cabled to the Mayor of the city and General Funston. 200,000 REFUGEES. The following is an official message : The General Manager of the Pacific Cable Board has received the following telegram from Mr Storror, Superintendent of Postal Telegrams and of the Commercial Pacific Cable Co.’s offices at San Francisco, received 9.2 a.m., 21st April : “ The fire is still going on and will probably consume the whole city except the streets situated between Golden Gate Park and Webster street, where there is water, allowing the Fire Department a chance of success. “ There are probably two hundred thousand refugees struggling to leave. “ The city is suffering terribly from lack of water.” MESSAGES FOR ’FRISCO. Vancouver advised on Saturday: . All business for San Francisco is subject to indefinite delay, as there is no wire to that city. There are 1800 ' I messages on hand at Seattle, and 7500 , at Chicago for San Francisco and Bay points.

VULCANIC ACTIVITY. liiiS-H SUPPOSEDLY EXTINCT VOLCANO BREAKS OUT. By Electric Telegrapht-Per Presa Association-Copyright. Received 4.4 p.m.,'April 22. New York, April 21. Mount Caupfin, whieh was Buppoaed to be extinot, is emitting emoke from a new fissure at the side. The heat from the fissure ia melting the snow at the summit. FIRE UNDER CONTROL. THREE HUNDRED CATTLE RUSH • THROUGH STREETS. CANNON USED TO ASSIST DYNAMITERS. By telegraph, Press Aas’n, Copyright Received 4.23 p.m., April 22. New York, April 21. ~ The Mayor has made the announcement that the fice is cow under control. The Sailors' Home is intaot. Relief stations have been established at Golden Gate Park, Presidio, and San Bdrno. The Roid abattoirs were destroyed by fire. Three hundred cattle rushed through the streets, trampling aad goring people. Toe docks between Howard and Folson streets have been saved. Kudelik, the violinist, and family left 'Frißco a week ago. Colliers’ theatricals, en route for Australia, are safe. They have not sailed yet. Cannon were used to assist the dynamiters to destroy Vauners’ Avenue.

HELP DECLINED BY THE PRESIDENT. STATES AMERICAN RESPONSE IS SUFFICIENT. BRITISH INSURANCE COMPANIES CAN STAND STRAIN. By telegraph, Press Ass’n, Copyright Received 4.23 p.m., April 22. New York, April 21. The Hamburg American line cabled a gift of fivethousanl sterling. President Roosevelt declined with warm thanks, the Cabinet declining that foreign assistance is not needed in view of the bountiful response by Americans. The Time 3 and Standard City editors are agreed that the loss of British Insurance Companies in San Francisco itself has not exoeeded ten millions. The Dominion House voted one hundred thousand dollars for ihe : SauFrunsisoo relief fund. Carnegie and the Standard Oil Co, have eaoh given one hundred thousand. Exotpt between Nob Hill and the North Eastern strip on the water front the fire has been obecked. The skilful use of fresh supplies of exp’osives saved the Western section, stopping the flames at Vauner’s Avenue and Oetaria street.

QUARTER OF A MILLION HOMELESS AND FAMISHING. STREETS LITTERED BY DEAD BODIES. ROBBERS KILLED BY SOLDIERS By telegraph. Press Aas’n, Copyright Received 4.23 p.m,, April 22. IJew York, April 21. ! Energetio tneaeures have' been taken to assist a quarter of a million homeless and I famishing people. Hundreds of bodies litter the streets. Oit'xena have been compelled by force to assist in tho burials. ' Soldiers guarding the Mint killed fourteen mm attempting robbery.

URGENT NEED OF FOOD. By telegraph, Press Aus'n, Copyright Reoeived 5.4 p.m., April 22. Sydney, April 22. Tho Lord Mayor has received a oablo from tho aotiog Mayor of San Fraucioo to tho following ifbct: “ Tnere is most urgent need of food. Yanoouver is the nearest'souroo. If contributing wire contributions to Vancouver Relief Committee, which will arrange for expenditure iu food supplies and transportation to San Franoisoo.” ANXIETY ON THE MAIL STEAMER By telegraph. Press AsJi’n. Copyright Reoeived 5.1 p.m., April 22. I Sydney, April 22. Great dhtrers has been occasioned amoDgst the ship’s company and.l passen- I gers on the steamer Sierra, and many are anxiously awaiting replies'to enquiries about tho safety of revives. Toe chief stewardess' has reoeived a I cable that, her family, a-e safe. Two I paesengers have rooeived similar reassur-1 iog messages. - REPLY TO PREMIER.

(Per Press Association.) Wellington, last night. In reply to bis private communication, the Premier has received the following telegram from Washington: “ it. J. Seddoo, Premier, Wellington, Tbe President is donply touched by New Zealand’s manifestation of sorrow, and grateful.y oopreoiates your telegram of sympathy.—Bigoed, Robett Baoon, Aotinc Secretary of State.” K No reply baa yot been received to tbe official communication sent through His Exoellenoy the Governor.

Auokland, Saturday. Mr Sproul, manager of tbo Oooanio Steamship Company here, formerly a resident of San Francsoo, says there is no daDger from famine. There are large grain stores at Port Ooblb, 32 miles northward. As to the destruction of the trade of tbo port by the calamity, Mr Sproul says there are no good harbors nearer San F aocisoo than Seattle and San Diego, but be thinks there is no possibility of trade being diverted from San FranoißOO to any extent. Be does not think the Ooeanio mail service will suffer more then one week’s interruption, . and it is not likely the through mail will have been damaged, Nolsod, Saturday. . A cablegram reoeived here by tbe family - of an employee on the s.s.-Sonoma statw ■ that the vessel is safe. There is g- \ anxiety regarding the fate/ of Mr El sell, assistant mail agent, and some o, former Nelsoniane, now resident in k. Franoisoo. ONE-FOURTH OF CITY LIKELY TO BE SAVED. HOW THE FIRE WAB CHECKED RICHEST SECTIONS DESTROYED WILD ANIMALS CAUSE PANIC. Hy telegraph, Preen 'Aaa'flt DoßyEiEht Reoeived 12.20 a.m., April 23. New York, April 21. The Mayor hopes that one-fourth of the City wilt be saved, chiefly suburbs. The beat and rioheat seotiOns have been destroyed. BOMBARDMENT BY GREAT GUNS j Great guns bombarded Ibe millionaires’ quarters for hours unsparingly. v.- ' The destruction wrought" eventually stopped the progress of the fire. HEROIC WORKERS. Polioe and firemen worked until utterly ) exhaused. Soldiers aoted heroically l in averting pandemonium. WARBHIPS SAFE. Three warships building-/at the Union Iron Works are eafe, MENAGERIO BREAKS LOOSE. A menagerie broke loose. The frantic o animals ran about roaring terribly, and v oreated a paoio, until the soldiers shot e them, or the animals perished in the t. flames.

ARRIVAL OF SUPPLIES. ' Tifami with supplies rare beginning to arrive. PUBLIC KITCHENS. C Publio kitchens .haver been opened Ohuroh vaults and baso'mepte of houses. LOOTERS SHOT. - 71 The oondaol of the people/- generally is .exemplary. ■ Forty looters have been shot. . WATER FAMINE. 1 : FURIOUS FIGHTING: FOR WATER ALL ALCOHOL EMPTIED INTO GUTTER. RESCUE OF PO3T OFFICE CLERKS urn—i * - By telegraph'. Press Ass’n. CoDyright Reoeived 12.8 a.m., April 28.New. York, April 21. - Eleven olerks, apparently-dead, were found in the post office debris. THREE DAYS FOODLESS. They had been withooUwater and -food for three days. They are recovering. DOWN WITH THE ALOOHOL. The police ponred into .the-gutters all the a'oohol from the saloons 'and grocers’stores. PROVISIONS SEIZED.a They seized all provisions,-' 1 distributing sparingly to long gneques ofroppltoants. ! A THIRSTY PEOPLE,-Ji >- The water famine is.evenrmoreserioui: than the laok of food Furious fighting took-iplaoe' until the military seized and dispensed - Hundreds wandered /to - the mils in search of water and drank anything. MAINS NEARLY REPAIRED. The mainß are nearly repaired. It is hoped that ten milliorngallons-per day will soon be available.

" HUDDLED IN PARKS. If . . ' I'M ' ALL SOOIAL DISTINCTIONS SWEPT ‘‘l . A3IDE. I ' r I 0.-a B A PITEOUS ASPECT. ie 16 By, Electric Telegraph—Per Press t "Asaoaiation;—Copyright, 1. 1 Received 12.8 a.m., April 23. M New York, April 22, The paiks present a piteous aspect night. All social distinctions have-disappeared. B : oh and poor, criminals cndaespeotable i- people, Chinese, foreigners, negroes, society belles, and faotory girls are all huddled together, and yet disposednta>>heip one another. REBUILDING CITY- • 3 ' r ’ ON A GREATER SCALE THAN J EVER. BANKS' VAULTS INTAOT?\ 1 REFUGEES DIE OF EXPOSURE. > - BABIES BORN IN PA EKS. < By telegraph, Prcna Asa'n, Copyright Reoeived 12 32 a.m., April 28. New York, April 21, v Great efforts are being made to restore - the sower Bystem and avert pestilence. A committee of bankers inspected the banks’ vaults, and report them to be.intact. They arc seoureiy guarded, and the committee is oonfidont depositors.will b«P paid In full. BANKERS AND MERCHANTS. . Bankers and merchants are conferring ' at Oakland respecting the rebuilding of tbe city on a greater soale than ever, and * for preventing a financial panic. IN THE PARKS. Many refugees have died of exposure. I Five babies were born in the parks. REFUGEES LEAVE CITY. Many thousands of refugees have left I the city SHORTAGE OF FOOD. All towns in the vicinity are threatened with shortage food.

LATEST REPORT. frg,' 'Eg PROGRESS OF FIRE STOPPED By Electric Telegraph)—Per- press 'Association—Copyright* Reoeived 12.28 a.m., April New Yoik, April 22, Latest reports oonfirm that the progress of tho fireß has been stayed, partioulfcrly in front. General Funston leports that tbe Water, supply is enoouraging.