JAMAICA DISASTER.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 1989, 26 January 1907, Page 3

JAMAICA DISASTER.

SWETTENHAM INCIDENT

Press Association —Copyright. LON DON, Jan. 24

An undated Kingston message, published by tho Times, there is growing disappointment at Sir J. A. Swettcnham’s ability to ileal with tho crisis in a calm, dispassionate way, especially in his refusal of all America nnid,' and in bis anxiety to compel all able-bodied men to work. Tho message adds that Sir J .A. Swottonham’s action is depriving thousands of women and children of tents and adequate foodstuffs. He has ordered tho commercial part of the town to bo rebuilt exactly as before with bricks and fireproof material. Military guards are being withdrawn owing to tho exemplary behaviour of the populnjlioii. The decision of tho English insurance companies pot. to spay claims arising out of the earthquake has occasioned intense consternation at Kingston. There is a bitter feeling at Kingston against Sir J. A. Swetteiilinm since the correspo-iidenco lias been published. Admi/al Davis' disinterested motives nr.6 everywhere recognised. f . , Sir J. A. Swirttenliam, interviewed, denied that lio/lind requested Admiral Davis to land the sailors. Mo justified his reference to the robbery ot a New York millionaire as a jocular parallel. 'the Havtian President sent oUU dollars to the relief of Kingston, also a cruiser laden with supplies.

Received Jan. 25, 9.18 p.m. NEW YORK, Jan. 25. The Navy Department at Washington has issued a statemont to the effect that Mr. Metcalfe had asked Admiral Evans to transmit the text of letters and other communications between* Admiral Davis and tlio authorities at Kingston. Admiral Evans replied, stating that RearAdmiral Davies on the 18th reported the following: “Yielding to the importunities of tlio Colonial Secretary and Police Inspector, who spoke for the Governor, 1 landed fifty men under arms from the Indiana.” Tile following letter on tho same day was delivered to Rear-Admiral Davis from Sir Alexander Swetton*'ham: “I beg to thank your Excellency for tho kind assistance you rendered the Government of this colony.” In tho opinion of officials of the Navy Department this correspondence entirely relieves Admiral Davis of any criticism of his action in landing forces. LONDON, Jan. 25. Sir Alexander Swettenham cables; “One or two hundreds corpses must

await the removal of extensive ruins , during the next 12 months. The main thoroughfares have been almost cleared. Trains have resumed running. Three thousand homeless are temporarily sheltered. The recipients of relief are diminishing as employment is plentiful at good wages Slight shocks continue. The good conduct of the refugees is conspicuous. The steamship Advance brought stores and a deputation front Panama. A sum of £5725 sterling has been promised from Panama, £2050 from British Guiana, and £ISOO from Trinidad. The relief cost £IOO per clay. Orphans, cripples, aged, and helpless will be a permanent charge. The various Governments were thanked at Sir J. A. Swettenham’s request for the assistance given.” The Mansion House Fund nowamounts to £30 ; 000. Received Jan. 25,'9.40 p.m. Sir Edward Grey, in reply to Mr. Bacon, stated that Britain warmly appreciated the fiiendly attitude of the President and American Government. The Elder, Dempster Company repudiate the allegations made against the captain of the steamer Port Kingston.