THE JAMACIA DISASTER

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVIII, Issue 81917, 26 January 1907, Page 3

THE JAMACIA DISASTER

INSURANCE COil FAMES \\D INSURERS. THE SWEI'TEXIIAJI INCIDENT GOVERNOR JUSTIFIES HIS ACTION * Kingston, January 24. The decision of the English insurance companies not to pay claims arising out of the earthquakes ha a oc-ca •sioiu'd intense consternation in Ki; r - EitOU. Til ere is bitter feeling in Kingston against Sir J. A. Swettcnham »ir.«-c the correspondent".' has been published. Admiral Davis' disinterested natives are everywhere recognised. Sir J. A. Swettenham, intemvwc.i, denied requesting Admiral Davis to land sailors, and justified his reference to the robber,y of a New York million, aire as a jocular parallei. The Haytiun President sent 500 dollars for the relief of the Kingsum sufferers; also a cruiser laden with supplies. GROWING D 1 SAI'I'OI XTM hXT Wi lli THE GOVERNOR. London, January 24. _ An undated Kingston message published in The Times says there is growing disappointment at Sir J. A. Swettenham'a inability to deal with the crisis in a calm, dispassionate way. especially in his refusal of all American aid. In his anxiety to eompe'l all able bodied men to work, the message acids, Sir J. A. Swr-ttenhaui is depriving thousands of women and children of tents and adequate foodstuffs. He has ordered the commercial part of the town to be rebuilt exactly as before, with brick-' and fireproof material. Ihe military guand is being withdrawn, owing to the exemplary behaviour of the population. ADMIRAL DAVIS' ACTION JUSTIFIED. PROOF THAT ASSISTANCE WAS SOUGHT. Received 2oth, 9.18 p.m. New York, January 25. The Navy Department at Washington has issued a statement to the effect that Mr Metcalf asked Admiral Evana to transmit the text of the letters and other, communications between Rear-Admiral Davis and the authorities at Kingston. Admiral . Evans replied stating that Admirai Davis on the 18th reported as follows: —"Yielding toj the importunities of the Colonial Secretary and the police inspector, who spoke for the Governor, I landed fifty men under arms from \ the Indiana." , The following letters were the same ] day delivered to Admiral Davis from ( Sir J. A. Swettenham: '"I beg to thank your Excellency for the kind assist- J ance you rendered the Government of this colony." c In the opinion of the officials of the ' Navy Department, this correspondence 1 entirely removes Admiral Davis of a.iv s criticism of his action in landing 1 forces. * BRITAIN'S PROFUSE THANKS. - AN ALLEGATION DENIED. Received 25th, 9.40 p.m. London, January 25. Sir E. Grey, in reply to Mr Bacon, said Britain warmly appreciates the friendly attitude of "the President and the American Government. The Elder-Dempster Company repudiate the allegations made against the captain of a steamer at Port Kingston c in having shown preference, in giving assistance, to British refugees. *■ o MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR. THE POSITION IMPROVING. 1 RECIPIENTS OF "RELIEF DIMINISHING. THE). RELEF FUNDS. Received 25th. 9.1S p.m. j London, January 25. j Sir J. A. Swettenham cables that £ one or two hundred corpses must await the removal of extensive ruins during the next 12 months. The main thoroughfares are almost cleared and the trains have resumed ? running. D Three thousand homeless aie tern porarily sheltered 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 from Panama. Five thousand seven hundred and twenty-five pounds sterling ha* been promised from Panama, £-2050 from British Guiana, and £I3OO from Trinidad. The relief costs £IOO per day. Orphans, cripples, and the aged and helpless will be a permanent charge. The various Govcrnmcnts / were thanked at Sir J. A. Swettenham's request for assistance given. The Mansion ITouse fund now amonuts to £30,000, The New Zealand Government has cabled ■fIOOO for the relief of the suf Ittnr.l. i.