Therefore, the general public had confidence in what he said:
The same day the General Relief Committee of Galveston issued the following:
“Galveston, Tex., Sept. 11.—To the Public of America:
“A conservative estimate of the loss of life is that it will reach 3,000; at least 5,000 families are shelterless and wholly destitute. The entire remainder of the population is suffering in greater or less degree.
“Not a single church, school or charitable institution, of which Galveston had so many, is left intact. Not a building escaped damage and half the whole number were entirely obliterated.
“There is immediate need for food, clothing and household goods of all kinds. If near by cities will open asylums for women and children the situation will be greatly relieved.
“Coast cities should send us water as well as provisions, including kerosene oil, gasoline and candles.
“W. C. JONES,
“Mayor.
“M. LASKER,
“President Island City Savings Bank.
“J. D. SKINNER,
“President Cotton Exchange.
“C. H. McMASTER,
“For Chamber of Commerce.
“R. G. LOWE,
“Manager Galveston News.
“CLARENCE OWSLEY,
“Manager Galveston Tribune.
“Members of the Galveston Local Relief Committee.”
The Secretary of the Treasury at Washington received a joint telegram from Postmaster Griffen and Special Deputy Collector Rosenthal, at Galveston. This described the destruction caused by the storm and said:
“Thousands homeless and destitute. Five hundred sheltered in custom house, which is practically roofless. Old custom house roofless and windows blown out. Need tents and 30,000 rations. Citizens’ relief committee doing all in their power, but stock of undamaged provisions exhausted. With all the people housed, need extra force six men to keep building in sanitary condition. Relief urgently requested.”