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

HOPING FOR THE BEST.

Says an eye-witness of the terrible scene:

“What a contrast! Last Sunday, gloom, desolation and black despair prevailed. This storm-tossed city was filled with desolation. The sorrow of the survivors for the dead was unspeakable, the destruction of property indescribable, the people were palsied, and in the gloom of devastation and death there was no silver lining to the pall that darkly overshadowed them. To-day hope and determination buoy up the people.

“They realize that the task before them is titanic yet, with the generous aid that is floating to them from all parts of the civilized world, born of a common humanity, that makes the whole world akin, aided by their own indomitable purpose, the sick and wounded will be healed, the destitute relieved and the recuperation of Galveston will be speedy and lasting. It is the spirit that turns defeat, into victory, makes a people strong, glorious and prosperous. You hear no complaining, no expression of want of confidence, but of hope, zeal and determination, and this is exemplified by the vigorous enterprise visible on every hand.

“Although it is the Sabbath, work is being pushed under a systematic plan of operation that is rapidly bringing order out of chaos. The search and burial or cremation of the unfortunate victims within the corporation limits of the city are being rapidly prosecuted by a large force in squads under military direction. Down the island and on the mainland the work of interring the dead is conducted with the same system.

“As new conditions constantly develop, the cleaning up and disinfecting the streets, stores and buildings go bravely on, and the sanitary condition of the down portion of the town has been greatly improved, and Mayor Jones stated to-day that there would be no let-up in the work until the entire city was cleaned and disinfected. Dry goods stores and clothing houses resemble great laundries, and every available space is occupied with goods hung out to dry. Fortunately the weather is clear, hot and dry for this purpose. Those merchants whose stocks were but slightly damaged have done a rushing business, and so have the restaurants whose stocks are very limited and fresh meats difficult to obtain.