THE SAN FRANCISCO DISASTER.

Otago Witness, Issue 2727, 20 June 1906, Page 15

THE SAN FRANCISCO DISASTER.

(Fbou Our Own Cosbesfoxdext.^ LONDON^May 4.

After the stentorian blast of self-reliance in which the United States, headed by President Roosevelt, indulged after tho San Francisco disaster, declaring that no foreign aid lvas desired or needed or would bo accepted, it is rather droll to read to-day that the Relief Committee and the authorities generally have come to the conclusion that "second" thoughts are best." The same idea has struck those liberal souls who were vocally ready to plank down their millions apieco toward tho restoiation in superior 'form of "the Queen City of the Pacifio." The latter are beginning to wonder why .they should "stump up" to such a mighty tune, seeing that their personal interest in the matter is almost nil, and to hint that the rebuilding might just as well bo left to tho insurance companies, whilo the unfortunates who did not insure deserve- to suffer for their improvidence and lack of forethought. On the other hand, the San Franciscans are growing to realise more clearly day by day that a sum of £50,000,000 or so is not to be picked up casually in the street. Moreover, the insurance companies — American, British. and foreign alike — do not seem at all disposed to maintain tho position which /some gushing and unworldly folk believed, and declared they would be sure to take vp — namely, that this was not a time to look too sharply after pounds, shillings, and pence, or even dollars. and in tho case of so dire and vast a. catastrophe it would bo proper for them to pay up aud look pleasant, even if in the eye of the strict law .liability did not attach io them. This view, however, did not commend itself to tho directors of the insuranco_ companies, who have announced that. as virtually trustees for their shareholders' property, they have no right to pay away anything over and above their strict, legal liabilities. " What the law declares to be legally due from us" said the chairman of on© company, " that we shall pay in full — but no more. We have no authority or right to pay away our shareholders' money in mere charity or benevolence. We must not be benevolent or charitable at tho expense of others."

So altogether the San Francisco people are beginning to find themselves in rather a tight plaoe, and have thought it advisable to climb down from their elevation of dignified independence. They are beginning to feel very " sick and sorry" indeed that they were in such a needless hurry — or tho President on their behalf — to proclaim that no outside aid would be acceptable, and they are making very earnest efforts to bring about a renewal of tho€o offers which were previously declined with so much superfluous dignity. Unfortunately, it does not at all follow that outside assistance will be forthcoming in anything like the volume that would have poured in under the influence of the first impulse of horror and pity and sympathy. It is a mistake- to be too dignified unless you are quite 6ure " where you are."

The dividends payable by Auckland mining companies for the first week of Juno total £140,000. Christmas combs T)ut once a year, And when it comes — why, then, it's hero. But tbi9 of colds wo cannot say : They come, they go. they often stay, And merge into a nasty cough, Which we have trouble to drive off. "Vain th© attempts unices wo procure A bottle of Woods' Geeat PpprEsurNT Cure.