Theodore Roosevelt actually said...

The Government of France [...] inform us that Fort de France and the entire island of Martinique are still threatened.

For this purpose I recommend that an appropriation of $500,000 be made, to be immediately available.

It is hereby ordered that upon Wednesday, the 21st instant, such employees of the Executive Departments, the Government Printing Office, and...

The disaster is complete; that the city of St. Pierre has ceased to exist; and that the American consul and his family have perished.