THE KINGSTON DISASTER.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8342, 26 January 1907, Page 5

THE KINGSTON DISASTER.

Received January 25, 7.52 a.m. LONDON, January 24. An undated message from Kingston, published in The Times, says there is growing disappointment at Sir J. A. Swettenham's inability to. deal with the crisis in Jamaica in a calm, dispassionate .way, especially in his refusal of all American aid and in his anxiety to compel all ablebodied men to work. The message adds that the Governor's action is depriving thousands of women and children of tents and adequate foodstuffs. The Governor has ordered the commercial part of the town to be rebuilt exactly as before, with bricks and fire-proof materials. Military guards are being withdrawn, owing to the exemplary behaviour of the population. EXPLANATION BY THE GOVERNOR. A JOCULAR PARALLEL. GIFT FROM THE PRESIDENT OF HAYTI. Received January 25, 8.17 a.m. . KINGSTON, January 24. There is a bitter feeling in Kingston against Sir J. A. Swettenham, since the correspondence relating to the refusal of American assistance has been published. The disinterested motives of Admiral Davis are everywhere recognised. The Governor, interviewed, denied requesting the Admiral to land sailors, and justified his reference to the robbery of a New York millionaire as a jocular parallel. The Haytian President has sent 5,000 dollars (£1,000) towards the relief of Kingston, also a cruiser laden with supplies. INSURANCE CLAIMS. Received January 25, 8.20 a.m. KINGSTON, January 24. ~ The decision of the English insurance companies not to pay claims arising from earthquakes has occasioned intense consternation at Kingston. AMERICA'S FRIENDLY ATTITUDE. BRITAIN'S APPRECIATION. A STATEMENT REPUDIATED. Received January 25, 9.40 p.m. - LONDON, January 25. Sir Edward Grey, Minister for Foreign Affairs, in a reply to MiBacon, Acting Secretary of State at Washington, states that Britain warmly appreciates the friendly attitude of President Roosevelt and the American Government. The Elder Dempster Company repudiate; the allegations made against the captain of the steamer Port Kingston. .; (The captain of the steamer Port Kingston was accused to having landed foodless and shelterless Americans in t order to make room for British, and having refused to allow Americans —especially women and children —to sleep on the deck of the Port Kingston, though there was ample room for them.) Received January 25, 9.18 p.m. NEW YORK, January 25. The Navy Department at Washington has issued a statement to the effect that Mr V. Metcalf, Secretary of Commerce and Labour, asked Mr Evan3, to transmit the text of the letters and other communications between Admiral Davis and the authorities at Kingston. . Mr Evans has replied stating that Admiral Davis, on January 18th, reported as follows: "Yielding to 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 letter on the same day was delivered to Admiral Davis from Sir J. A. Swettenham: "I beg to thank your Excellency for the kind assistance you have rendered, the Government of this colony." In the opinion of the officials of the Navy Department, this correspondence entirely relieves Admiral Davis of any criticism in connection with his action in landing forces at Kingston. ! THE GOVERNOR'S REPORT. i Received January 25, 9.18 p.m. * LONDON, January 25. Sir A. Swettenham cables as follows: "One or two hundred corpses must await the removal of the extensive ruins during the next twelve months. The main thoroughfares are almost cleared, and trains have resumed running. There ai-e 3,000 homeless, who 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 from Panama. Five thousand seven hundred and twentyfive pounds sterling is promised from Panama, £2,050 from British Guiana, and £1,500 from Trinidad. Relief costs £IOO per day. The orphans, cripples, and aged helpless will be a permanent charge." The various Governments are to be thanked,at Sir J. A. Swettenham's request, for assistance given. The Mansion House Fund amounts to £30,000. .

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