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

HOW TO MEET THE EMERGENCY.

“The cost of a special session, if the necessity exists, is not to be considered, for it is insignificant compared with the inestimable cost of the failure of the State to do its duty in the premises. Besides, the expense of a called session and of an adequate appropriation would be distributed over the entire taxpaying population of the State and would be inappreciable on each taxpayer. It is an emergency in which the responsibility for a mistake makes it a very troublesome question for the Governor.

“If there is the danger that I speak of, and I think no doubt can be entertained as to that, delay may be fatal to any action to be hereafter taken, for if the plague should once take root and begin its work, no amount of outlay and vigilance can ever compensate the loss caused by a hesitating or dilatory policy. On the other hand, the contributions made and to be made and the agencies already at the command of the authorities may be adequate for the necessities. I do not personally know just what the conditions and resources may be, but if anything is to be done it must be done speedily, and the responsibility for errors is not a light one. I do not doubt that the Governor is in touch with the situation and will do his duty.”

General H. B. Stoddard, deputy grand master of the grand encampment of Knights Templars of the United States, one of the most exalted positions in America, returned to Houston from a visit to Galveston and made his headquarters there. He went down to size up the situation for the grand order of which he is the head. He was there two days, all of which time he used to get accurately at the facts. He moved about through the city to see for himself, and also talked to the prominent business men in order to reach a nearly accurate conclusion. He met prominent officials of his own and other orders, together with distinguished physicians.

“I agree with statements that it is a terrible disaster, but I think some of the estimates have been made too high,” said he. “I want you to bear in mind if my investigation would indicate it, I would put the loss of life at any figure, no matter how great.”