The News correspondent telegraphs as follows from Houston: “Inquiries as to the loss of life and property continue to pour in. The list will never be known. There have been already handled on the Galveston island, and along the bay shores of the mainland opposite the island, about 4000 corpses. The long stretch of debris along the beach and the western part of the island has not yet been heard from. The prairies of the mainland over which the waters rushed have also their tales to tell. I should say, after investigation, that a conservative estimate of the loss of life in Galveston would be 8000. The names of thousands of victims will never be known. They have simply passed out of existence. As to the property loss, it is hard to make an estimate. Colonel Lowes’s estimate of $15,000,000 to $20,000,000 is conservative.”
GALVESTON’S DISTRESSING APPEAL RENEWED.
Austin, Tex., September 15.—Governor Sayers last night received the following official report from Mayor Jones, of Galveston, as to conditions there:
“Hon. Joseph D. Sayers, Governor: After the fullest possible investigation here we feel justified in saying to you, and through you to the American people, that no such disaster has overtaken any community or section in the history of our country. The loss of life is appalling, and can never be accurately determined. It is estimated at 5000 to 8000 people. There is not a home in Galveston that has not been injured, while thousands have been destroyed. The property loss represents accumulations of sixty years, and more millions than can be safely stated. Under these conditions, with 10,000 people homeless and destitute, with the entire population under a stress and strain difficult to realize, we appeal directly in the hour of our great emergency to the sympathy and aid of mankind.
“Walter Jones, Mayor.”
GREAT ANXIETY FOR FRIENDS.
Memphis, Tenn., September 15.—The following telegram from Mayor Jones, of Galveston, was received here to-day:
“To the Associated Press, Memphis, Tenn.: I am in receipt of thousands of telegrams offering assistance and inquiring about absent friends and relatives. All of these have been promptly answered, but restricted communication has probably served to cause delay in transmission and delivery. The telegraphic companies are doing all in their power to restore prompt communication with the outside world, and have already partially succeeded, and I am assured that within the next few days normal conditions with reference to telegraphic communication will prevail.
“The situation in Galveston has been in most instances accurately reported, and the distress of the people is great. Galveston and vicinity need at once the assistance of all people. Remittances of money should be made to John Sealy, Treasurer Relief Committee, acknowledgment of which will be made.
“Walter C. Jones, Mayor.”