Without fear and with a manly heart.
“The contributions and gifts of the people of the United States are the subject of conversation wherever men meet on the streets. That a city, which had met with disaster only five days ago, could now be the recipient of a fund which is already approximating half a million dollars, seems well-nigh incredible.
“Galveston has been better treated than was Chicago after its great fire, or than were the sufferers in western Pennsylvania after the Johnstown flood. The spirit is the same, but has grown great with good times and swift with good hearts.
SWIFT TRAINS LOADED WITH SUPPLIES.
“The bulletins which come through Governor Sayres at Dallas, who is earning the gratitude of Galveston people by his good work for them, tell of swift trains coming from the Atlantic and the Pacific laden with supplies. They tell of gifts of many thousands of dollars from great corporations and rich men of the country, and as well of gifts from the poorer classes in cities and villages in all parts of the Union. How Governor Roosevelt stopped on his speaking tour long enough to wire an appeal to the citizens of his State for relief funds, how other governors have issued appeals, and how Americans even as far away as Paris have spontaneously met and contributed large sums, have all been heard here.
“It is a wonderful thing,” said Mayor Jones, “and one which speaks for the high character of our American citizens, that so much should be done for this city so quickly. I have just heard from Governor Sayres that all sorts of people are contributing. His message said that many of the churches of the land would take special contributions for our benefit.
“I cannot say how grateful I and all the people of Galveston are for this splendid treatment. We will show our thankfulness by going ahead with our own work, and making a new Galveston on the spot where the old one was so nearly annihilated.”
The mayor’s confidence in the future of Galveston is shared by the greater part of the business men. Two days ago all were downcast, pessimistic and despondent. Many even talked of abandoning Galveston entirely and helping to build a new city on some other location. Already the mournful past has begun to be cast behind. The conditions of the present are being studied, and the very best that is possible will be made out of the future.
“GALVESTON SHALL RISE AGAIN.”
Two daily papers have already resumed their issues, and their appearance helped to restore confidence. Both of them had stirring editorials, and that of one had for its keynote, “Galveston Shall Rise Again.” There was not a half hearted word in the editorial. It urged that people bury their dead, succor their living, and then start resolutely to work to mend the broken things and to build the city anew.