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

EXODUS FROM THE CITY.

The exodus from the city was heavy, and hundreds more were eager to go who were unable to secure transportation. Along the bay front there were scores of families with dejected faces, pleading to be taken from the stricken city, where, in spite of every effort to restore confidence, there is a universal feeling of depression.

Shipping men say that the damage to the wharves is by no means as serious as at first supposed. The chief damage has been in the tearing open of sheds and ripping of planking. The sheds, however, can be quickly replaced. The piling for a considerable distance along the bay front successfully withstood the pounding it got from the wind and waves, and business men find a measure of consolation in this.

More hopeful reports were received touching the water supply. C. H. McMasters, of the Chamber of Commerce, has charge of the water relief work. The company is placing men all along the mains, plugging the broken places, and thereby assisting the flow. It was serving some of its customers to-day, and hopes gradually to increase the service. The water continues to run by gravity pressure. The only difficulty the people are having is in carrying supplies to their homes or places of business. The ice supply continues bountiful, and at many corners lemonade is being served at five cents for as many glasses as you can drink at one time.

More effective measures were taken to keep undesirable people off the island. Soldiers patrolled the water front, and challenged all who could not show a proper reason for their landing, or who were unwilling to work for the privilege of coming into town.

Assurances have been received by the railroads that they will do all in their power to reopen communication, and their present plan seems to be to concentrate all forces on the work of the reconstruction of one bridge. Crews are coming down the Santa Fe Railroad from Arkansas and St. Louis with full equipments to restore the line. Local representatives of the Southern Pacific have had advices from headquarters to proceed with repair work without delay.

Telegraph communication has been partially restored, the Western Union and Postal Companies having reached the city with one wire. Large forces have been at work along the lines of both companies, and connection with Galveston has been attended with many difficulties.