Chapter X: Expressions of Sympathy

Before the fire was extinguished messages offering aid and sympathy began to pour in. One of the first was a telegraphic despatch from President Roosevelt as follows:--

“Mayor John E. Beck, Chelsea, Mass.

“In company with all our people, I am inexpressibly shocked at
the tragedy that has befallen Chelsea. Is there anything the
national government can do, in connection with the Navy Yard
or with either the military or naval establishments at Boston,
which will be of service?

“THEODORE ROOSEVELT.”

to which Mayor Beck by the light of the fire wrote the following despatch in reply:--

“President Roosevelt,
Washington, D. C.

“Your telegram of sympathy and tender of service is deeply
appreciated by our people. The marines from the Navy Yard have
done yeoman service for us. In the hour of this sad affliction
the kind words of our sister cities and States have steeled
our arm. We will arise from the ashes and build a new city
that will show to the world the courage and fortitude of the
citizens of Chelsea. Respectfully,

“JOHN E. BECK, Mayor.”

The Massachusetts senators sent the following:--

“John E. Beck, Mayor, Chelsea, Mass.

“We have learned with deep regret of the great misfortune which
has befallen Chelsea. If there is anything we can do to aid
you, please let us know at once.

(Signed) “HENRY CABOT LODGE.
“WINTHROP MURRAY CRANE.”

Congressman Roberts of Chelsea telegraphed: “Do you want me to introduce a resolution in Congress for blankets?”

Acting Governor Draper went to Chelsea as soon as he learned of the catastrophe, and offered the aid and sympathy of the State.

A cable was received at the State House from the Irish National Party as follows:--

“Dublin, Ireland, April 13, 1908.

“To Governor, State House,
Boston, Mass.

“Irish National Party deeply sympathize with Boston in tragic
calamity.

“(Signed) REDMOND.”

to which the governor replied:--

“April 14, 1908.

“Hon. John E. Redmond, M. P.,
Dublin, Ireland.

“Thanks for expression of sympathy. While great loss of
property and much suffering, our people have situation well in
hand.

“(Signed) DRAPER, Acting Governor.”

The following despatch was sent to Mayor Beck immediately after a hurried meeting of the citizens of Brookline had been called:--

“In behalf of the town of Brookline, I send to you our deepest
sympathy for the calamity which has come to your city.

“I authorize you to draw on the town of Brookline now for
the sum of $1000, and further steps will be taken to aid you
financially. I trust you will call upon me at the Brookline
Town Hall if there is any other assistance which our citizens
can render you at the present moment. We stand ready to help
you in whatever way we can.

“Respectfully yours,
“WILLIAM CRAIG,
“Chairman Board of Selectmen.”

General Booth of the Salvation Army cabled from London as follows:--

“Mayor, Chelsea: I mourn with you in this calamity. Sympathize
with sufferers and pray that God may be with them and comfort
them.

“WILLIAM BOOTH.”

Hundreds of similar messages were received from all parts of this country and abroad, and the two telegraph stations, hurriedly established, one on Charlestown Bridge, and the other at the Boston and Maine railroad station, were kept busy. Hundreds of telegrams and cables were received which could not be delivered as the people to whom they had been addressed had been burned out and in many cases had left the city.