H26.1164

• earthquake

Proclamation by the Mayor, E. E. Schmitz, April 18, 1906. Orders regarding the San Francisco earthquake From the History Information Station: Object: Broadside. "Proclamation by the Mayor...E.E.Schmitz. April l8, 1906" History: On the day of the 1906 earthquake, as the fires spread throughout San Francisco, Mayor Eugene Schmitz issued this famous proclamation. It authorizes the police and the soldiers from the Presidio to "shoot to kill" looters, informs the citizens that a dusk-to-dawn curfew has been invoked, and warns about the continuing dangers from unsafe chimneys. Schmitz was later criticized for his handling of the situation. His reference to the army, for example, was clearly beyond his authority; only the head of the Presidio, General Funston, could legally order the soldiers into action. In spite of this the proclamation aided in the effort to maintain order and regain control of the collapsing city.