The Great Galveston Disaster / Containing a Full and Thrilling Account of the Most Appalling Calamity of Modern Times Including Vivid Descriptions of the Hurricane and Terrible Rush of Waters; Immense Destruction of Dwellings, Business Houses, Churches, and Loss of Thousands of Human Lives; Thrilling Tales of Heroic Deeds; Panic-Stricken Multitudes and Heart-Rending Scenes of Agony; Frantic Efforts to Escape a Horrible Fate; Separation of Loved Ones, etc., etc.; Narrow Escapes from the Jaws of Death; Terrible Sufferings of the Survivors; Vandals Plundering Bodies of the Dead; Wonderful Exhibitions of Popular Sympathy; Millions of Dollars Sent for the Relief of the Stricken Sufferers

by Paul Lester

ADVISED TO LEAVE THE CITY.

In this regard it may be well to call attention to the advice given early in the present military régime that all those who can leave the city should do so; especially does this apply to women and children. A month away from the scenes of the calamity would prove beneficial to their general health, and would greatly aid in facilitating the work of cleaning the city and putting it in a thorough sanitary condition. A man who knows his family is enjoying good health away from Galveston can do better work at home under existing conditions. Should any of his family be taken sick here at home, he would necessarily be compelled to give them his time and attention, and this would greatly interfere with the progress of the good work so laudably commenced.

Another important order issued was one which establishes a cattle corral, where idle cattle and horses will be cared for and fed and used in public service if the emergency requires. There are a large number of unclaimed and strayed stock running at large about the city. A number of cows have been picked up by people who out of compassion for the suffering beasts fed and cared for them. Several cases have been reported where families leaving the city after the storm turned their stock and horses loose on the streets, or, strictly speaking, who in their haste to leave the city, failed to collect their stock which had strayed away during the storm.

The work under the direction of the Health Department is pushed with vigor. All the departments are working systematically and doing all that is possible under the circumstances. As fast as disinfectants arrive they are being distributed over the city, and large quantities are arriving daily. Over a carload were taken from the wharves yesterday and sent to the Health Department’s supply depot, and almost as much was taken from that place and distributed over the city. As fast as it can be done the city is being placed in a thoroughly sanitary condition. Much was done yesterday in the way of removing debris and disposing of animal remains.

The sick and wounded are receiving the best of treatment, and the facilities are such now that any one needing medical treatment can have it by letting the fact be known. Besides the other hospitals and medical relief stations already in service, the marine hospital and refugee camp was opened up yesterday afternoon and is in shape to care for a large number of patients. A number of those able to travel have been taken from the hospitals and sent in the revenue cutter and by other means of transportation to Houston and other relief stations on the mainland. In all the outlook from a health standpoint is very encouraging.