the Straits, having returned to his headquarters on board the steamer
_Duca Di Genova_, the American Ambassador, accompanied by Vice-Consul
Lupton; Lieutenant-Commander Belknap, U. S. N.; Major Landis, U. S. N.,
and Mr. Elliott, as interpreter, visited the General, explaining the
nature of the expedition, its approval by the King of Italy and the
readiness of everything on board for disposal as General Mazza might
direct. General Mazza expressed his warm appreciation of the offer and
the spirit that had prompted it, and recommended that the ship proceed
to Catania and Palermo, possibly also to Syracuse as these places
had received many sick, wounded, and refugees, but so far no help in
proportion to their needs. At Messina the situation was well in hand, and
supplies were already available, sufficient for all requirements.
The next day, Saturday, the Ambassador and others of the expedition
visited Messina, and during the course of the day landed several
boatloads of supplies for the American Consulate’s distribution there.
The sum of 1,000 lire was also given to the archbishop.
At nine o’clock the U. S. S. _Connecticut_, flagship of Rear-Admiral C.
S. Sperry, U. S. Navy, Commander-in-Chief of the U. S. Atlantic Fleet,
came in and anchored. After a conference between the Ambassador and
Admiral Sperry, it was decided that the _Bayern_ and the _Culgoa_ should
co-operate in relief work along the coast. The Ambassador, accompanied by
Mr. Dodge, then quitted the _Bayern_, embarked in the _Connecticut_, and
sailed in her at 5 P. M. for Naples.
Mr. Cutting and Mr. Chanler here joined the _Bayern_.
[Illustration: DIGGING IN RUINS FOR BODIES AT MESSINA.
(Photo by S. H. Chapman.)]
About the time of the _Connecticut’s_ sailing, staff officers from
General Mazza and Rear-Admiral Viale, Senior Italian Naval Officer
present, called on board the _Yankton_ and _Culgoa_ to state
that supplies would be welcome at Reggio as well as at Catania.
Lieutenant-Commander Patton and I, therefore, arranged to proceed to
Reggio together next morning; and for easier communication between us,
he lent the _Bayern_ a signalman and two wireless operators from the
_Culgoa_, who rigged up a small improvised wireless set over night.
REGGIO.
Sunday morning we left Messina about seven o’clock, reaching Reggio di
Calabria about 8.30. We were unable to see General Mazzitelli, as he was
ill, but Captain Cagni, commanding the _Napoli_, Senior Italian Naval
Officer present, received us in his stead. He showed much satisfaction in
having our supplies to draw upon, especially for women’s and children’s
clothing, shoes, oil stoves, tent canvas, cooking and table utensils,
tools and nails. About four-fifth of the _Napoli’s_ crew had been sent
away on relieving expeditions among the outlying small villages, and our
supplies were in good time for use in a second expedition which was being
prepared.
There were no sick or wounded needing to be cared for on board, nor any
refugees to be sent; but we were cordially thanked for our offer of
these facilities, as well as for our supplies. The latter made about 25
tons, in four boatloads, which we were able to transfer that afternoon.
The _Bayern_ then returned to anchor over night at Messina, there being
no good berth at Reggio; the _Culgoa_ remained off Reggio to deliver
provisions next day.
[Illustration: RED CROSS CAMP AT REGGIO.
(Photo by S. H. Chapman.)]
CATANIA.
Monday at 6 P. M. we left Messina for Catania, arriving at 10.30 A. M. We
were immediately boarded by an officer from the battleship _Garibaldi_,
with the compliments of Rear-Admiral Gagliardi, commanding the second
division of the Naval Force of the Mediterranean. The Admiral offered us
any assistance we might need; and when I made an official visit to him
that afternoon he inquired with much interest about all that could be
learned of the situation at Messina and Reggio, and about the expedition.
He very kindly made it well understood that we had only to ask to obtain
any assistance at his disposal—an offer that I was glad to avail of,
for men to assist with handling supplies, transmission of telegrams by
wireless, and service of boats. The Admiral returned the visit next day,
inspected the ship with evident interest, and expressed his approval of
her organization and arrangements, especially in the medical department.
As soon as the _Bayern_ was moored inside the mole of Catania harbor,
Lieutenant-Commander Belknap, accompanied by Vice-Consul Cutting, Dr.
Scelba and Avvocato Giordana, called upon the Prefect Commendatore P.
Ferri and the Sindaco, Signor S. Consoli, placing the ship and her
equipment entirely at their disposal. We were welcomed and thanked
with the greatest cordiality, and in the afternoon, when the Sindaco,
with Madame Ferri, Baronessa Zapalla, and a number of other ladies and
gentlemen prominent in relief work came on board, he made a speech of
thanks, and presented the following letter:
Catania, January 11, 1909.
COMMUNE DI CATANIA:
With pleasure I express to you, gentlemen, and to all the
expedition of the American Red Cross, embarked on board the S.
S. _Bayern_, the heartiest thanks of the population of Catania
and of the refugees and wounded who have found here a shelter,
for your generous offer of medicines, clothes, food, etc.
The relief brought by you will be effective to lessen the
sufferings of so many wretched people, who have been deprived
in a few moments of their relatives, of their beloved native
town, and of every possession.
With esteemed consideration,
The Mayor,
S. CONSOLI.
To Signor Reginald Rowan Belknap, Lieutenant-Commander, Naval
Attachè to the Embassy of the United States of America in Rome.
To this the following reply was sent, both letters being published in the
local papers:
Expedition of the American Red Cross,
Steamship _Bayern_, Catania, January 12, 1909.
TO THE MAYOR OF CATANIA:
In response to your gracious letter conveying the thanks
of the citizens of Catania for our offer of assistance, I
have the honor, in the name of His Excellency the American
Ambassador, and also of the American Red Cross, to express to
you the sincere friendship and heartfelt sympathy which all
our countrymen feel for this beautiful land and its people,
especially in this time of sorrow.
To have relieved in some small measure the distressing needs of
those we love is a cherished privilege, and the gratitude which
you have sent to the United States will carry there widespread
thankfulness.
With distinguished consideration,
R. R. BELKNAP.
Lieutenant-Commander, Naval Attachè to the American Embassy,
Rome, in charge of the American Red Cross Expedition.
The party which came on board that afternoon inspected the ship and were
much pleased with the comfortable, spacious arrangements for the sick,
and our outfit and arrangement of supplies. Some light refreshments
were served on deck, causing one of the ladies to remark that they were
enjoying this visit very much, their first respite since the earthquake.
The Prefect was unable to come on board the day of our arrival, but he
did come Tuesday morning. I took this occasion to inquire particularly
about our taking refugees, to which he replied in the negative, saying
that the refugees did not wish to leave Sicily, as a rule, and that the
authorities and people at large did not wish to have them go. Accordingly
it was definitely determined that we should take none; and the order was
shortly given to knock down the steerage bunks, and add the lumber to
that which we were going to land at Reggio.
We discharged at Catania the greater part of our cargo, finding that
large quantities of our supplies would be put to immediate use. Medical
supplies, moderate amounts of clothing, milk and provisions were given
direct to the three hospitals, but the bulk of what was landed was
turned over to the Ladies’ Committee, in charge of clothing distribution,
and provisions, medical and miscellaneous supplies to the Municipal
Committee, as requested by the authorities. Then, as it was believed that
a small amount of ready money could be more conveniently applied by the
authorities concerned than by anyone else, Mr. Hooper, the treasurer,
delivered 1,000 lire to each of the hospitals; 5,000 to Madame Ferri for
application to individual cases needing relief other than an immediate
supply of clothing and food, and 25,000 to the Prefect for disposition at
the discretion of the committees having the relief work in hand.
[Illustration: A RUINED STREET IN REGGIO.
(Photo by S. H. Chapman.)]
Tuesday morning a committee, consisting of Miss Mabel Hill, Fraulein
Gasser, Mr. Charles King Wood and Mr. Harry Bowdoin, came on board from
Giardini and Taormina with a letter from the Mayor of Giardini. Upon
their representation of conditions in their district, work already done
and still in hand, and cases of need still unrelieved, about twenty
tons of clothing, shoes, blankets, provisions, medical dressings and
miscellaneous articles were given into their care for shipment by rail,
and 10,000 lire to be spent at the discretion of this committee in their
work at these two places. We also sent, with this shipment, all clean bed
linen remaining on board, since it was now evident that our reserve for
patients would not be required.
The services of a nurse were also wanted at Taormina and Giardini, and
Miss Claxton was sent with this party on their return there, with the
understanding that the American Red Cross Committee would be responsible
for Miss Claxton’s expenses and her return to Rome. A letter has since
been received from Miss Claxton, saying that she is engaged as a district
or visiting nurse, and that all the supplies sent have proved very useful.
A further sum of 10,000 lire was entrusted to Messrs. Kin and Bowdoin,
both of them members of the American Red Cross, who undertook to arrange
for the expenditure of this money for the relief of the small villages
outside of Giardini and Taormina, between there and Messina, and to
account for it to the American Red Cross through the American Ambassador.
In response to an appeal from Acireale, Mr. Gay made a personal visit
among the relief workers there, after which some clothing and other
supplies and 5,000 lire were delivered to them. To the Little Sisters
of the Poor 1,000 lire were given for their immediate assistance. A few
bundles of clothing were sent by rail to Messina, in care of Mr. Chanler,
in response to a wireless message from the U. S. S. _Yankton_. There were
several other cases acted on at Catania, as shown more in detail in the
secretary’s report.
While lying at Catania, knowing that lumber was needed at Reggio, Mr.
Flint was sent ashore on Wednesday morning to buy such quantity as we
could get on board that day. Lighterage facilities were very scarce,
as many steamers were in the harbor discharging; but by the persistent
efforts of the German Vice-Consul, Mr. Jacob Peratoner, who very kindly
devoted almost his entire day in our behalf, we succeeded in getting
on board enough lumber to build 25 houses, 13 × 13 feet, complete with
floors.
On Wednesday afternoon Madame Ferri, escorted by Marchese di San Juliano
in his automobile, took Lieutenant-Commander Belknap, Dr. Scelba,
Avvocato Giordana and Mr. Elliott on a tour of the hospitals and some of
the refuges, in one of which alone 780 were then quartered. By this date,
of course, sixteen days after the earthquake, all was in good order and
organization as far as circumstances and available means would permit; to
see so much suffering and misery, among people of all conditions of life
formerly, was extremely affecting; but also it was impressive to note how
much had been done for their needs and comfort, and particularly to mark
the affectionate gratitude which these poor refugees demonstrated for
their benefactress, who seemed to have become familiar with the details
of nearly every case.
The Prefect and Admiral Gagliardi, after we had sailed the next morning,
united in sending us a farewell message by wireless, as follows:
SIGNOR REGINALD ROWAN BELKNAP, On board _Bayern_, Reggio,
Calabria.
With our hearts still vibrating with gratitude and admiration
for the work of fraternal solidarity and beneficience
accomplished by you, Mr. Commandant, together with your
representatives of the American Red Cross, we again repeat to
you all, in the name of the Province and the King’s Government,
our heartfelt thanks. To all the gentlemen on board the
_Bayern_ we send good wishes and greetings.
PREFECT FERRI
GAGLIARDI.
To this the following reply was sent by telegraph to Prefect Ferri, and
by letter to Admiral Gagliardi:
To COMMENDATORE FERRI, Prefect of Catania, and REAR ADMIRAL
GAGLIARDI, Commanding the Second Division of the Naval Force of
the Mediterranean:
Your message sent me at Reggio by wireless telegraph has been
received, and I will have the honor to deliver it to His
Excellency the American Ambassador at Rome, for communication
to the United States Government and to the Red Cross of
America.
The warmth of your appreciation of our efforts makes a deep
impression in our hearts. To be so cordially associated with
the noble work of the King’s Government and the devoted people
of the Province of Catania is an honor that will always be
remembered with pride and affection.
With distinguished consideration,
R. R. BELKNAP,
Lieutenant-Commander U. S. Navy, Naval Attachè at the American
Embassy, Rome, in charge of the American Red Cross Expedition.
Although no refugees were to be sent by us, we were asked, and properly
authorized by the Prefect, to take twenty-four orphan children, under
charge of a carabinieri, to Genoa for delivery there to representatives
of the Provincial Committee of the Province of Como, where we understood
the children were to be placed in families. The Little Sisters of
the Poor also were glad to avail themselves of the opportunity for
transportation of six of their number, who had been hurt in the
earthquake or were completely worn out with their subsequent efforts,
and eleven old men and one old woman in their charge, all bound for Rome
or Naples. There was, besides, an Italian woman with three children,
wife of a naturalized American citizen in the United States, who was to
be taken to Genoa. All these were on board by the time our dinner was
over, so that we could have the pleasure of showing our departing guests
the children, all bathed and put into fresh beds, still wide awake,
bright-eyed and happy in the novelty of their surroundings. I am glad to
say that the children continue happy, as also the old people, throughout
the voyage. They were fitted out with additional clothing purchased
at Palermo, and on arrival of the steamer at Genoa they were safely
delivered to the proper authorities.
After spending the first day in Catania, Mr. Cutting went by rail to
Syracuse, being requested by the Committee to look into conditions there,
inform us as to needs, and offer our facilities to the authorities.
During the succeeding day, however, the many demands made upon us at
Catania and from the surrounding country compelled us to abandon the
idea of going to Syracuse, as the amount of supplies remaining to be
disposed of would be too small to warrant the extra day’s steamer charges
for such a detour. Mr. Cutting was informed of this change of plan by
telephone, and tactfully explained it to the authorities of Syracuse; and
upon his return on board the _Bayern_ Wednesday evening the Committee
allotted 35,000 lire to Syracuse, distributed according to Mr. Cutting’s
recommendation.
Leaving Catania at 4 A. M. we arrived at Reggio about 8.30, finding the
U. S. S. _Culgoa_ there, just returned from a coastwise trip, relieving
small villages. Lieutenant-Commander Patton and I again called together
upon General Mazzitelli and Captain Cagni, who said they had use for
lumber, women’s and children’s clothing, shoes and some provisions.
We lost a few hours off Reggio trying to find a suitable anchorage from
which we could discharge our lumber by rafting it down to leeward into
the small artificial harbor, there being no lighter available; but the
_Bayern_ was too long and too light, so we remained underway while
discharging on this day. This delay did not make any ultimate delay of
our movements, however. We discharged a boatload of supplies for the
_Culgoa_ to deliver at Messina, and two boatloads for Reggio, then ran
over to Messina ourselves for the night, arriving about eight o’clock.
The battleship _Illinois_ had arrived at Messina during the afternoon,
Captain J. M. Bowyer, U. S. Navy, commanding. He kindly sent a steam
launch alongside, and I went on board, with Mr. Cutting and Dr. Scelba.
There we found Major Landis, our military attachè, who had a telegram
from Mr. Bishop, the American Consul at Palermo, desiring that the
_Bayern_ visit that port. Captain Bowyer undertook to send a reply for
us, that we would arrive probably Saturday morning.
We obtained all the available shoes from the _Illinois_, 201 pairs of
substantial quality. At the same time a package of tetanus antitoxin,
which had been brought down from Rome by Mr. Robert Winthrop, was
delivered, and on the advice of Dr. Scelba was divided between Messina
and Catania.
We also on this day returned to the _Culgoa_ the three men lent to us,
as we expected to part company indefinitely. These men had behaved with
credit to themselves and their service were generally helpful, and had
won the good will of everyone.
Friday morning we got underway at six o’clock and by 8.30 were fast to
a buoy off Reggio and discharging cargo. Our best day’s work was done
here—not in amount delivered, but in the steady industry of all employed.
Four boats were filled with supplies and towed over to the depot steamer,
and later, as no men might be available to discharge them before dark,
a working party of men nurses and stewards was sent to discharge them.
Meantime the lumber was got out, each slingful lashed both ends before
lowering over the side; then six or eight such slingfuls were made up
into a raft and towed by our steam launch to a point about one-third of
a mile distant, to windward of the place on the beach where the lumber
was wanted; then the tow was cast off and it drifted ashore. This was a
slow process, as our steamer was small and unsuited to open water, but
by steady work and no mishaps we finished and left for Messina, the ship
herself towing the last raft of lumber.
PALERMO.
Arriving at Messina about 8.30, we found another telegram from the Consul
at Palermo. After visiting the _Illinois_ again, we sailed for Palermo at
10.30 P. M.
We arrived at Palermo about 9.30 Saturday morning. The captain of the
port sent an officer on board the _Bayern_ with the following message:
The captain of the port thanks Captain Belknap for the
sentiments of brotherhood and humanity which have brought him
here, to give aid to those who have just escaped from the
disastrous earthquake.
The American Consul, Mr. Bishop, then took the Committee,
Lieutenant-Commander Belknap, Mr. Hooper, Mr. Gay, Vice-Consul Cutting,
Avvocato Giordana and Mr. Flint to call upon the Prefect, with whom we
found the Commissario Regio. Our remaining resources were placed at
the disposal of the authorities, who accepted them with warm thanks
and appreciation of our coming to Palermo with assistance. From the
prefectura we were then escorted to the municipal palace by the
Commissario Regio, Commandatore Avvocato Gennaro Bladier, who conducted
us to his reception-room, where the necessary arrangements were made
for the transfer of our remaining supplies. He took steps to have our
discharging expedited so that our intended sailing that evening might not
be delayed.
We delivered at Palermo 1,200 mattresses and about 7,000 rations, leaving
nothing remaining on board that could be disposed of; also 20,000 lire
to the Municipal Committee and 10,000 for distribution by the American
Consul.
In the afternoon, the Commissario Regio came on board, to return our
visit and inspect our ship, bringing the following letter, to which I
replied orally, stating that I would have the honor to bring it to the
attention of the American Ambassador:
Cabinet of the Commissario Regio,
City of Palermo, January 15, 1909.
In the name of the city of the Committee I have the honor to
represent, I accomplish the duty, heartfelt, of expressing to
you a great many thanks for your generous offer of 20,000 lire
and of food and mattresses, made through you by the American
Ambassador for the benefit of the unfortunate refugees.
Messina, Sicily and Italy, in this tragic hour of disaster,
feel an infinite sense of emotion before the universal
spectacle of nobility and human kindness, before the common
impulse that moves, in aid of so many sufferers from the
reckless violence of nature, the generous, munificent souls of
the world.
I beg, therefore, to ask you to be the bearer of our intense
feeling to the illustrious American Ambassador, and to the
American citizens, to whose magnanimous work will always be
united the undying gratitude of this people.
Please accept, Illustrious Sir, on this solemn occasion, the
highest expression of my consideration.
The Royal Commissioner,
BLADIER.
To Captain Reginald Rowan Belknap, Naval Attachè to the Embassy
of the United States of America.
RETURN OF THE “BAYERN.”
With regret that we might not prolong our stay, we sailed as soon as the
last slingful was over the side, at 7 P. M., arriving at Civita Vecchia
at 4 P. M. the next day, Sunday, January 17, after an absence of just ten
days.
At Civita Vecchia we received a hearty welcome from the Sub-Prefect;
Sindaco, captain of the port: Mr. Page and Mr. Pasigli, of the Committee;
Mr. and Mrs. Billings, of Massachusetts, and Mr. Anniser, the Lloyd
agent. There was time enough to transfer our aged charges ashore
comfortably, with the expedition and baggage, to take the six o’clock
train for Rome.
Drs. Egidi and Alessandrini, two Italian women and two men nurses
remained on board to care for the twenty-four orphans until they were
given over into other hands. Everything of our cargo, and more besides,
taken from the ship, had been distributed, as originally intended.
Written instructions were given Dr. Egidi, who was left in charge of
our party remaining on board, covering the delivering of children and
return of the doctors and nurses to Rome. Written instructions were also
given to the captain of the _Bayern_ to proceed to Genoa, and releasing
the vessel there upon the delivery of the children into proper hands.
Telegrams were sent to the American Consul-General and to the Quæstor
at Genoa, informing of the coming of the ship with persons for them to
receive. The American Ensign and the Red Cross were then hauled down, at
5.15 P. M., and I came ashore with the captain of the port.
The party were greeted at the landing by Mr. and Mrs. Griscom,
accompanied by Mr. Dodge, while a large crowd of the people of Civita
Vecchia were gathered outside the gates. Carriages were provided by the
municipality to convey the party to the station, with free passage by
rail to Rome, the Italian officials and people favoring us with every
kind wish. The trip to Rome was without incident.
Tuesday afternoon, the 19th inst., Drs. Egidi and Alessandrini reported
their return in person and their duty completed, bringing a receipt
from the Quæstor in Genoa for the twenty-four orphans. This receipt was
turned over by me to the secretary. Dr. Egidi also reported that the
American Consul-General at Genoa had taken charge of the woman with three
children, bound for America to join her husband. A letter concerning her
case had been written the Consul-General by Mr. Cutting. The active work
of the relief ship may therefore be regarded as completed.
[Illustration: AMBULANCE OF ITALIAN RED CROSS IN NAPLES.
(Photo by S. H. Chapman.)]
Before closing this report I take the opportunity as executive head of
the expedition to express my appreciation of the admirable manner in
which the members, individually and collectively, performed their duties.
Perfect harmony prevailed throughout; there were no complaints, no
questioning of orders, no difficulties of any kind. If fatigue was felt
by anyone, it was not mentioned until after working hours.
DISTRIBUTION OF SUPPLIES AND MONEY BY “BAYERN.”