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

SALOONS CANNOT OPEN.

“I want it distinctly understood that the suspension of martial law does not mean that the saloons may open up,” said Mayor Jones yesterday. “I desire ‘The News’ to announce that the saloons must remain closed until further orders and that no back or side door business will be permitted. The saloons were not closed under martial law, but were closed by my order before martial law was proclaimed. The proclamation closing them, therefore, holds good and will not be revoked until I am satisfied that it can be done with safety. Although martial law will be raised to-morrow, General Scurry is going to remain with me and assist me as he has so admirably done during the past ten days.”

The citizens of Galveston were not in a position to look after the affairs of the city government under the circumstances. It was a public calamity that befell the city and every citizen had his burden of sorrow to bear. There is no gainsaying the fact that the establishment of martial law was the best course to be pursued under existing circumstances and the beneficial results are plainly manifest on every hand. Public spirited citizens volunteered their services and men who held back were promptly impressed into public service for their own as well as the good of every person living in Galveston.

Organization of this vast army of workers was perfected, departments were instituted to conduct the different classes of labor, and under strict military discipline order was restored. The clearing of the streets, burial of the dead, caring for the living and providing for the restoration of the city was commenced in earnest under military supervision and urged to most flattering success. There are few who regret the institution of martial law, but there are many who would deplore the removal of the military forces.

General Scurry, who has won the commendation and heartfelt thanks of this community, is a man of few words. He says he tried to do his duty and he is glad that the people of Galveston appreciate the fact. He says he was never treated more kindly and he feels that the citizens were alive to the fact that what he did was for their own good and the good of Galveston.