Florida's Great Hurricane/Chapter 9

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While the recent Florida hurricane was the most severe ever to visit this state, and ranks with the most tragic of all disasters, there is not the slightest question that the first reports were greatly exaggerated. The number of dead reported was largely in excess of the actual number, and general conditions were pictured to be much worse than they were. It was stated, for example, that the number killed in Miami was 1,000, whereas the number accounted for was 115. It was said that Miami had been totally blotted out; that want, pestilence and outlawry stalked through the devastated city. A negro newspaper in Chicago published a story stating that white citizens had lynched many negroes. It became necessary for the Miami Chamber of Commerce to issue a denial of a published report that yellow fever existed at Hollywood. And there were many other stories equally untrue which, published broadcast, were given credence. Stories of looting and looters being shot were common, and untrue. There was some looting, but no looters were shot.

It was not strange that many wild reports were circulated outside the stricken district, for they were current on the streets of Miami. This situation was occasioned by the general confusion and disorder that follow any accident or calamity in which a great many people are affected. This is not written to minimize the destruction, for the chief purpose actuating this writer is to state conditions as they truly existed.

The urgency of mentioning exaggerated reports is apparent because they have led to a most unfortunate controversy among persons engaged in relief work, which is raging even at the moment these words are written. Governor John W. Martin visited Miami soon after the storm, and upon his return gave out the statement that conditions were not as bad as had been reported. This brought forth a heated rejoinder from John Barton Payne, of Washington, executive chief of Red Cross, to the effect that Governor Martin's statement had hindered the collection of funds for relief. He intimated that the Governor and real estate operators were attempting to minimize the situation for unworthy purposes.

The Miami Daily News urged that the Governor call an extra session of the legislature for the purpose of appropriating several million dollars for relief, and queried members of the legisla ​

​ture concerning their attitude. Many replies favored the idea, but more conservative members doubted if constitutional authority existed for such action. The Governor refused to act upon the suggestion made by the News that the legislature be convened in extraordinary session, which brought the wrath of that newspaper down upon his official head. The News charged the Governor with incapacity and duplicity and made other unparliamentary comments. In his reply to the charge made by Red Cross and the News, Governor Martin charged that his statements had been misrepresented; that he had not intended to convey the impression that the destruction was less than actually existed, and he alleged that the unwarranted construction placed upon his utterances itself had been responsible for retarding the collection of funds. Criticism of the Governor for

refusing to call a special session of the legislature was ill advised, as will appear upon reading Section 10, of Article 9, of the Constitution of Florida as follows:

Mayor Romfh sought advice from the Dade County Bar Association, and was cited to the sections quoted by W. I. Evans, president of the Association, who said:

In spite of all the controversy, however, the amount collected by Red Cross has amounted to more than $3,600,000 at this time. It will be understood, of course, that this amount will not begin to cover the losses or establish rehabilitation. This is not expected of Red Cross. The essential work of that organization is to bring quick relief to those who are suffering, and in need. The organization acted promptly, and it cannot be doubted that the ability of such a national force to place its integers in immediate action has proved anew its worth and beneficent efficiency. In such emergencies there is always some criticism of the agencies that are active, but there can be no question concerning the vital character and value of the work accomplished by Red Cross. Florida has experienced a practical demonstration of the motivating impulses that control the organization and has every reason to feel a lasting sense of gratitude and to contribute liberally to its cause in the future.

In this connection it is only fair to say that the various relief units were efficiently organized immediately following the storm under the general leadership of James H. Gilman, City Commissioner, who was acting Mayor in the absence of Mayor Edward C. Romfh. Mr. Romfh was in New York at the time, but started for Miami as

RED CROSS WORKERS AT A DOWNTOWN RELIEF STATION.

​soon as possible after the news of the storm had reached him. Praise of Mr. Gilman's capable handling of the difficult situation is heard on all sides. Upon Mr. Romfh's return he assumed the reins in the calm and efficient manner which is characteristic of him, though Mr. Gilman retained chairmanship of the Central Relief Committee. These agencies co-ordinated the activities of the city and county police, fire department, and military, and conducted first aid work for days before the Red Cross stepped in to take charge. There were many volunteers and a number of units engaged, and all are entitled to that measure of credit which such noble work deserves, but if one may be permitted to designate a single unit which did particularly prompt and courageous work, that was the American Legion.

Headquarters on Bayshore Boulevard were turned into an emergency hospital, where many of the injured were taken. They tendered their services to the police department and assisted in policing thetown. They looked after the distribution of large quantities of food and other supplies.

The promptness with which the Legion acted may be judged by the fact that patients were being cared for in its improvised hospital by noon Saturday, before the storm had really subsided. On Friday night, when the hurricane reached Miami Harvey Seeds Post was in the midst of a festive occasion which had been termed Mardi Gras, planned for the purpose of paying expenses incident to attending the convention in Philadelphia. Thus members of the Legion were ap-

HOSPITAL SCENE AT AMERICAN LEGION HEADQUARTERS.

​prised of the storm while others slept but it was no less to their credit that they were early on the scene ready and willing to render aid to the injured and those bereft of their homes.

All of the hospitals were crowded and several hotels were opened as emergency hospitals. Many of the cases were slight casualties only but nurses and physicians served for long hours in looking after the wounded. All ambulances were busy for days, and besides the vehicles built especially for this purpose many cars to bring in the injured were volunteered.

Hundreds were badly hurt, some of whom may not recover. Newspapers reported about 500 fractured skulls. A fractured skull always is serious enough though not necessarily fatal. There were many broken bones, and any number who got nails and splinters in their feet and hands. The McAllister and Columbus Hotels in Miami, the Flamingo, Roney Plaza, William Penn, Floridian hotels at Miami Beach were thrown open for emergency cases, and to refugees, for the number of hospitals at Miami and Miami Beach was not sufficient to meet the extraordinary demand upon their accommodations.

ORPHANS OF THE STORM BEING MOTHERED BY GIRL SCOUTS.