Major Lloyd P. Fayling, who was so prominent in the organization of the first relief effort, was asked what solution of the present disorganization of the policing powers he would suggest. The Major dictated the following:
“The situation demands Federal aid. It demanded it from the very first. An experienced United States army officer of high rank should be put in command here, preferably one who has seen years of active service. A regiment of regular soldiers would absolutely control the situation where any number of militia might meet with difficulties. The disaster is so great and so terrible no municipal authority in the country could be expected to handle it unaided.”
The first real attempt to clear away the great mass of debris piled along the beach front for a distance of several miles was begun on the 14th. Advertisements were printed in the papers, which appeared this morning, asking for hundreds of men and boys to do this work. A multitude responded. They were formed into squads and promptly put to work, with police and deputy sheriffs in charge. It is hoped that a vigorous prosecution of this work will lead to the early recovery of bodies still in the debris. That there are many of them there is no shadow of a doubt. It is difficult, indeed, to imagine how half the people who did escape got free from this fearful flotsam and jetsam.
An Associated Press representative traversed the beach for some distance, and the stench at different points was absolutely sickening. Everywhere little groups of men, women and children, some of them poorly provided with raiment, were digging in the ruins of their homes for what little household property they could save. In many cases those seeking their former residences were utterly unable to find a single remnant of them, so hopeless is the confusion of timber and household furniture.
EXODUS FROM THE CITY.
The exodus from the city was heavy, and hundreds more were eager to go who were unable to secure transportation. Along the bay front there were scores of families with dejected faces, pleading to be taken from the stricken city, where, in spite of every effort to restore confidence, there is a universal feeling of depression.
Shipping men say that the damage to the wharves is by no means as serious as at first supposed. The chief damage has been in the tearing open of sheds and ripping of planking. The sheds, however, can be quickly replaced. The piling for a considerable distance along the bay front successfully withstood the pounding it got from the wind and waves, and business men find a measure of consolation in this.
More hopeful reports were received touching the water supply. C. H. McMasters, of the Chamber of Commerce, has charge of the water relief work. The company is placing men all along the mains, plugging the broken places, and thereby assisting the flow. It was serving some of its customers to-day, and hopes gradually to increase the service. The water continues to run by gravity pressure. The only difficulty the people are having is in carrying supplies to their homes or places of business. The ice supply continues bountiful, and at many corners lemonade is being served at five cents for as many glasses as you can drink at one time.
More effective measures were taken to keep undesirable people off the island. Soldiers patrolled the water front, and challenged all who could not show a proper reason for their landing, or who were unwilling to work for the privilege of coming into town.
Assurances have been received by the railroads that they will do all in their power to reopen communication, and their present plan seems to be to concentrate all forces on the work of the reconstruction of one bridge. Crews are coming down the Santa Fe Railroad from Arkansas and St. Louis with full equipments to restore the line. Local representatives of the Southern Pacific have had advices from headquarters to proceed with repair work without delay.