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

EXTORTION A RARE EXCEPTION.

“Extortion is a rare exception, although the supply of food at hotels and restaurants is limited. This will be overcome in a few days, since all the railways terminating here have united upon one bridge and are pushing the work night and day with a large force reconstructing it, while their tracks are being restored on the island and mainland by large forces, which it is confidently asserted will give this stricken city rail communication by Wednesday next.

“If this is done it will relieve the existing situation wonderfully. All supplies are now brought in by boat, and these, being principally for the sick and absolutely destitute, are being distributed with dispatch. The injured and sick, under the thorough system inaugurated by the Board of Health and local physicians, aided by volunteers from the outside, are receiving every care and attention, and are doing as well as could be under the circumstances, which are being improved daily.

“All churches in the city, either being wrecked or ruined, with but one or two exceptions, divine services were in most cases suspended. Mass was celebrated at St. Mary’s Cathedral this morning and was largely attended. Father Kirwin preached a feeling sermon, at which he spoke of the awful calamity that had befallen the people. After expressing sympathy for the afflicted and distressed, he advised not to lose confidence, for back of them the humanity of the world stands with relief; to hope for the future and build a more secure, a larger and better city.

“This young priest has done yeoman service in relieving and caring for the wounded, comforting the bereaved and burying the dead. Bishop Gallagher, who has also been earnest and active in his efforts, is in receipt of a telegram from Archbishop Corrigan, of New York, stating that his diocese would see that all Roman Catholic orphans sent to his care would be provided for. To-morrow a census of the Roman Catholic people will be begun to ascertain the number of widows and orphans caused by the storm, and the exact number of families that perished.

“The Grand Lodge Committee of Odd Fellows were here to-day and organized local relief committees to look after and care for the sick and destitute of that order, for whom an appeal has been sent to the lodges of the United States for relief.”