Pittston Gazette

              - w TOE HOME PAPER WEATHER CONDITIONS. I'Vrccast ITntll 8 11. in. Tomorrow for Eastern Pennsylvania ' lor llio People of Pittstou and Vicinity. Fair- 'tonight; Wr "\c\D fa'"-, warmer u^v^oV\cii' - ...us. AIjL TIIE 110:11: NEWS. 56TH YEAR. J WEEKLY ESTABLISHED 1850. I DAILY EST. BY THEO. HART 1882. P1TTST0N, PA., WED ►AY, APRIL 18,1906. TWO CENTS A COPY. 1 m rp vr TD A VCii FORTY CENTS A MONTH. f -L-EJJN 1 AUK) AND SAN - J-rsf—;  EAR H THQUAKE AVOCIN ■ ™ ..T:  FIRE FRA NCISCO SAN FRANCISCO. WORST EARTHQUAKE THE METROPOLIS Has one of the best harbors in tliu world. IN ALL HISTORY. Has no financial Indebtedness. Has a population of 400,000. Has the largest mint In the world. Has 11 savings banks, with resources aggregating $156,652,476. OF THE PACIFIC. Fifty City Squares in the Heart of the City Ruined and the Property Loss Will be Stupendous, Many of the Fins st Buildings Having Has 33 commercial banks, with resources aggregating $123,226,038. Some Intsresting Historical Facts and Description Con- Has seven national banks with resources aggregating $56,245,724. cerning the Wonderful City that Has Grown Up Within a Few Decades on Bank clearings for 1904, $1,528,- 734,564. Balances $168,267,738. Been Destroyed Capital owns and controls most of the Pacific coast mines. D California Peninsula. Is the natural shipping point for the Hawaiian and Philippine islands and Oriental ports. TERRIBLE LOSS OF LIFE, THE DISCOVERY OF GOLD Exports for 1904, $50,709,832. Imports for 1904, $42,570,477, SEVERAL THOUSAND BEING DEAD Has only had one genuine snow storm In the memory of any one living, December 31, 1882, when snow fell about three inches deep and remained on the ground 24 hours. Has 185 clear days each year. Has 104 partly cloudy days each year. GAVE THE CITY ITS BOOM The Water Mains are Broken and There is No Way to Check the Flames, Which are Sweeping Through the Finest Sections California is a Land of Earthquakes, as Many as Hundred Shocks Having Been Reported in History—Today's Calamity by Far Two Has 76 cloudy days each year. Has a temperature which varies 10 degrees between seasons. Is the third commercial city In the United States. only of the City. the Most Disastrous. Assessment roll for 1904, $503,053,- 55*. San Francisco, metropolis of the Pacific Coast, was visited by a disastrous earthquake or series of earthquake shocks this morning. The first shock occurred at five o'clock and was followed by a series of smaller shocks. Fire broke out in many of the wrecked buildings, and flames added to the horrors of the situation.. Fifty squares of buildings in the heart of tha business section are1 in ruins, having been destroyed either by the earthquake shocks or fires. Some of the most costly buildings in the city were ruined, including th3 magnificent city hall, the telegraph companies' buildings and several modern newspaper buildings. The Palace Hotel is threatened with destruction. It is impcssiole to make any adequate estimate of the proparty loss. The latest report estimated" that 3,000 lives were lost and it is feared that the death roll will be increased as reports come in. Ranks first in the world in the use of telephones, having one 'phone for every 16 inhabitants. San Francisco, the capital of San Francisco county, California, and the most important city on the Pacific coast, of North America, is situated at the end of a peninsula 20 miles long and. at this point, 6 miles wide, which separates the Bay of San Francisco from the ocean. The city Mn'i county which are consolidated, contain an area of 42 square miles, and comprise, besides the northern part of the peninsula across to the ocean, Goat island, Alcatraz island and Mission rock. In the bay, and the Farrallones islands, 24 miles off in the ocean. The land upon which this city is built is sandy and unproductive; a portion of it was originally hilly but has been leveled by art. The development of the city has been quite recent. As far back as 1776, indeed, a Spanish military post was established Dn its present site, together with a mission of San Francisco friars for the conversion of the Indians, but it was not until 1835 that a village was laid out under the name of Yerba Buena. In 1847 the name was changed to San Francisco, the number of inhabitants at that date being about 450. Next year the discovery of gold was made in California and emmigrants from all parts of the world were at once attracted there. The growth of the city from that date was rapid. In 1850 the population was 25,000; in 1860, 56,802; in 1870, 149,473 (of whom only about one-half were natives of the United States); and in 1880 it was estimated at about 300,000 including 20,000 Chinese. The present population is about 400.000. The city was incorporated in 1850 and the city and county consolidated In 1856. In December, 1849, a number of buildings were destroyed by Are, and within 14 months thereafter four other extensive conflagrations devastated the business portion of the city. Earthquakes have been quite frequent, but so slight as to cause little or no damage. In 1851-56 owing to corrupt municipal government and inadequate enforcement of the laws, the citizens, to protect themselves, organized vigilance committees, which summarily ous hospitals and asylums under the control of the religious denominations. The principal park is Golden Gate park, west of the city, which contains 1.043 acres. There are a few public squares in the city such as Portsmouth, Washington. Union and Columbia squares, which are tastefully laid out and planted with trees and shrubbery. The Chinese portion of the city. ''Chinatown," is one of the great curiosities to travelers. The principal cemeteries are Lone Mountain and Laurel Hill. The manufactures comprise silk and woolen goods, cigars, boots and shoes, iron castings, rolled iron, carriages, Hour, glass,, sashes, doors, soap leather, cordage, billiard tables, windmills willow ware, etc. The only railroad which terminates in San Francisco itself is the Southern Paeltlc, although the Central Pacific, the California Pacific, the Northern Pacific and the San Francisco and North Pacific all terminate on the bay of San Francisco and are connected with the city by ferries. The harbor of San Francisco is beyond all comparison the finest on the western coast of North America, and it enjoys in consequence a monopoly of the commerce on the Pacific slope. Is the -western gateway for American commerce. Is the greatest shipbuilding port on the shores of the Pacific ocean. Property on the southeast side of Market street brought $6,000 a front GOVERNOR A. B. CUMMINS OF IOWA. foor. Governor Cummins, who 1ms created little storms in Iowa find national polities by Ills advocacy of reciprocity and outspoken criticism of the corporation influence in public affairs, lias recently come into the limelight again because of Ills denunciation of Chairman lOlktns of the senate interstate commerce committee, whom lie has termed "a railroad senator." Cummins was bo t. In Pennsylvania In IftfiO and is serving his second term as governor. Real estate sales in San Francisco during 1904 were $45,803,908. The- gold received from Klondike and Nome In 1900 was over $30,000,- 000. San Francisco 'is the leading whaling port of the world. Worst Disaster in California's History. More Earthquakes Feared, Cincinnati, O., April 18.—D. ('. Bliss, local manager af t he Western Union Telegraph company, received information that tlie earthquake is the worst that has ever occurred on the Pacific coast The earthquake wrecked the water works. Fire soon spread in all directions, as the fire department was unable to handle it There is no direct communication, both telegraph companies having been driven out of their buildings Death List Growing. San Francisco, April 18-—The Callbuilding is now a mass of (lames. It cannot be saved. The Hearst building Is in danger. The fire Is now working west from Sansome street Fire Follows Earthquake. San Francisco, Cal., April 18.—An earthquake did .ureal damage here this morning. Fires broke out in the ruins of tlie wrecked buildings and on account of the damage done to the water mains by the earthquake it was impossible to tight the flames with any degree of success. The wires leading east are all down and all the messages concerning the earthquake have been sent by cable to points in the Pacific and bv roundabout way transmitted back to the United States toward Market and Montgomery Frame structures In the block In which the Herald building Is located are burning and there is little hope of stopping the flames. Apprehension is felt of more severe recurrence of the earthquake, which maymean the total destruction of the city. The dead are now estimated at 3.000. .\ I,and of Earthquakes. Cincinnati, O., April I8.1—The following message has been received here by the Western lTnion Telegraph (Jo.: The history of California proves it to be a land of earthquakes. The first recorded disturbance occurred in 1790. Of all the cittes on the Pacific seaboard. San Francisco seems especially ill-fated. Fifty-one earthquakes visited the city from 1851 to 1S65. \|)|ltlllillK liOSS Of IilfO. San Francisco, April 18.—11:4") a. in.—The fire is completely beyond control. The buildings on Market street have been destroyed and the flames have reached the Palace Hotel. Both the Postal and Western Union buildings are complete wrecks. The loss of life is now estimated at 2.000." San Francisco, April 18.—Every minute reports are received that raise the number of the dead resulting from the earthquakes and fires. The loss of life is so large that the officials shudder to think what the complete reports will show In that direction. Application has been made to the United States government for the use of transports now in San Francisco waters to carry the mutilated and charred bodies of the victims out to sea. where they will be sewn In sacks and consigned to watery graves. At 5:30 a. m. frequent slnwks were felt after the first severe quake. At that time the Postal employes had to lice from the building. Great loss of life is feared. Sixteen times was the city shaken In 1865, the first earthquake occurring Jan. 9 and lasting seven hours. The last occurred Nov. 24 and continued three hours and 45 minutes. Tinmost severe shock of that year, Sail Francisco's banner earthquake year, occurred Oct. 8 and lasted 12 hours and 46 minutes. No lives .were lost, though the shocks were the most violent since the annexation of the territory. San Francisco, Stockton. Santa Cruz and Sacramento felt them. The disturbance which visited San Francisco this morning Is exceptional in that many lives were lost. California earthquakes have been more frequent than fatal. Many Killed and Injured. The Postal office was damaged but not seriously. None of the occupants were killed but many were injured and killed in the city The water mains burst and the fire department was helpless. At 7 o'clock the work of rescue was under way but in an unorganized manner owing to the panic. The dead were being carried from the buildings in scores. Telephone Building Ruined Portland, Ore., April 18.—News has been received here that an explosion occurred in a large telephone office in San Francisco, blowing off the roof. The office adjoined the Mills building. Fire followed the explosion and .the telephone building is doomed. The Mills building is ill imminent danger. Many other fires are reported from van wis sections of the affected territory. Fire Seen From San Joss. Troops Called Out, San Francisco, April 18.—Thieves have made their appearance in the ruins and the troops of the government stationed at the Presidio, the promonotary overlooking the Golden (late, have been called out to guard property. The ferries between San Francisco and Oakland, the large city on the mainland, across the bay from the metropolis, are crowded every trip with vast throngs of terrified people hurrying away from the threatening dangers of the cltyi ' City Hall in Ruins The magnificent city hall is-in complete ruin, as a result of the earthquake and the lire that followed the shock. This was one of the finest pieces of architecture in the city and was one of the show places for visitors. It was an immense stone structure and was in course of construction for 20 years, the total cost having been about $6,000,000 The building covered four acres of ground. The Lick statuary that fronted the hall represented four periods in the historv of California. New York., April 18.—E. F. Hutton & Co. have received a dispatch regarding the San Francisco earthquake, which says: "The best and most accurate information regarding the San Francisco earthquake indicates that the whole city is being destroyed by fire. From the highest elevation in San Jose, about 25 miles south of San Francisco, the eitv can be seen ablaze." dealt with a number of public criminals and reduced the others to subordination. Since then the city has been In the main an orderly one, although in 1877-78 considerable trouble was again apprehended from the unruly members of society led by the popular demagogue, Denis Kearney. San Francisco Is regularly laid out Thirty years ago several men were killed in San Francisco by a falling brick wall during a slight shock. Outside of this the total number of victims of San Francisco earthquakes since the discovery of gold in 1847 Is said to be five. Cincinnati, O., April 18.—The Western Union management here has received information that the company has been able to reach San Pablo, about fifteen miles from San Francisco. On another route Frisco has been reached. The Southern Paclffc flailway wires are down west of Hakersfleld. All routes appear to to be shut out of San Francisco. All Itoutes Shut Out with wide streets crossing each other at right angles. The business portion is closely built up, but outside of that the houses are frequently quite scattered. Belgian blocks' and cobble stones are used in paving the business streets, wood pavements with asphalt sidewalks are more common elsewhere. The principal thoroughfares are Montgomery, Kearney and Market streets; all are fashionable promenades and contain the fashionable retail stores. The wholesale houses are chiefly in Front, Sansome and Battery streets; the principal banks and brokers' and insurance offices are in California street. There are no shade trees but the yards around the better class of houses make a splendid show of flowers and evergreen—the natural sterility of the soil being overcome by artificial, means. The public buildings are not many, though several are remarkably fine specimens of architecture. The city hall, which is located in Yerba Buena park, was erected at a cost of $6,000,000. The United States' branch mine is a magnificent stone structure located in Mission street. The custom house and postoffice is a substantial building in Battery street. The Palace hotel is one of the largest. It occupies an area of 275 by 300 feet, is nine stories •high and has accommodations for 1,200 guests. The custom of living in hotels is very common, not only for single men but for families as well. One hundred and one periodicals are published in the city as follows: 15 dallies, most of which publish weekly and tri-weekly editions,2 semi-weeklies, 42 weeklies, 2 semi-monthlies and 40 monthlies. Of the charitable institutions the princlRAl are the U, S. Marine hospital, the new ctty hospital, the state woman's hospital and vai'l- California earthquakes frequently occur simultaneously with volcanic eruptions on the Sandwich islands. Business Section Damaged Seven Different Fires, :,500 miles away. This scientists term 'gym pathy." At this writing seven great fires are raging in different parts of the city. The fire department is completely demoralized, being without a drop of water. The firemen are devoting all their efforts, in conjunction with the police, to prevent (the spread of the flames by'blowing up buildings in the path of tho fire with explosions of dynamite. When once the flames attack a building, n ofurther effort cna be made to save It, and the officials and people are obliged to stand helplessly by and witness the destruction of property that it has taken dozens of years to accumulate. Though there is no positive data on the subject, the Pacific seaboard has probably suffered from 200 earthquakes since the first was recorded in 1790. San Francisco, April 18.—The greatest damage was (lone east and south of Market street to the bay. This area includes Sansome street, Mission street, Battery street, Front street, Davis street, and Drumraond street, from Montgomery street to the bay. The buildings on the following streets have been destroyed: First, Tremont, Bell, Main, Spear, Stewart and East South. This section is devoted largely to manufacturing enterprises. The principal banking institutions are located in a quarter of the city which has not been seriously affected, according to latest reports. The loss of life is not yet known although it is believed that it will be quite large. Fire started in the ruined section and is spreading. OPERATORS MAY ATTEMPT TO WORK Fifty Blocks Destroyed. All Huslness Suspended, New York. April 18.—The Postal Telegraph Co. is advised that the area In San Francisco covered by the earthquake Is about 50 blocks and that the buildings in this territory have been almost totally destroyed. San Francisco. April 18.—9 o'clock—A disastrous fire has broken out on the south side of Market street and is within one block of the magnificent Palace hotel. It is feared that the hotel will fall a prey to the flames. The Palace is the largest hotel in the world. The court covers a quarter of an acre. It Is in the heart of the business section of the city. The greatest confusion prevails In th?""clty and all business is suspended. Several of the large department stores are reported to have been wrecked and rumors of heavy loss of life in the tenement district are current. According to the latest advices the residential district was not materially injured by the earthquake and was still safe from the spreading conflagration. li is Iteported Tliat Several of tliP Coni)DuiliCN Will Make Tests of the Matter Soon, Fife Raging at lierkrty. Oakland. Cal.. April 18.—A big Are is raging in Berkely, a suburb of Oakland and the seat of the University of California. It is feared that the flames will spread and that the town will be endangered. A relief train has been started out on the railroad. An attempt to resume work in some of the anthracite mines can be expected within a few days. The attempt is intended to be a tost of the operators against the miners' organization, and upon the success or failure of the attempt UD resume work, it would appear, depends the probable action of the operators in the present dispute. Telegraph Communication Cut Off. Cleveland, 0., April 18.—The following telegram was received at the local office of the Postal Telegraph Company at 8:39 today from San Francisco: "Office deserted. Power off. Earthquake shocks still felt. No news available." New York, April 18.—-LJne reports received In this city by officials of the Western Union Telegraph Co. inform them that they have erected a temporary line Into San Francisco. They are also informed that the lower part o{ the city, between Ferry and Third and Townsend streets, afid as far west as Eighteenth street, is on fire. The water supply Is completely cut ofT. The Western Union building was partly wrecked, but none of the  Millions of dollars of damage has been done and scores of lives have Telegraph Lines Itestoml Eurtliqitako in Washington. Washington, April 18.—For nearly four hours this morning Washington felt a tremor of the earth. The quake was the most severe ever recorded by the delicate Instruments of the weather bureau. W. A. May, superintendent of the coal department of the Erie Railroad company, which owns the Pennsylvania company and the Hillside Coal and Iron Co. collieries, has assured his company that he can resume operations.The time when the telegram was sent was not 011 the telegram, and wire service into Han Francisco conld not lie had. • been lost, hurt Dead Estimated at 1,100. Other tiltieH AfTnoted. That portion of San Francisco in which the Postal Telegraphy building is located is the principal business section of the city. The great Call (newspaper) building, a sky scraper, is a stone's throw away, as also is the high Chronicle building. The district is the line between the Avholesale and business section, and includes practically all of the largest blocks of the city * Chicago, April 18.—The fallowing dispatch was received by the Rock Island Railroad at 11:45 a. *n.:—San Francisco is being wiped out by continuous earthquakes and flames. The fire Is working steadily toward the docks without molestation. It is estimated that the dead number over 1,000. The San Francisco hotel was badly damaged inside, but Is still standing at this writing. Chicago, April 18.—Sacramento and Los Angeles are also in the earthquake zone. The railroad line between Sacramento and San Francisco has sunk a considerable distance Into the earth for a distance of three miles. C. C. Hose, superintendent of the coal department of the Delaware & Hudson company, has given a like assurance to his company. Upon these assurances from their superintendents the two companies have been preparing for work for a week or more, and their plans are now in definite shape to make the test. Trying lite Wireless. Washington, D. C., April 18.—Tlje government Is endeavoring to get Into wireless telegraph communication with the stricken city of San Francisco. San Francisco, April 18.—The Lick House was wrecked and other hotels were damaged. Tiie Iiiok House Wrecked.