Heading: (California - San Francisco Earthquake)
Author:
Title: Proclamation by Mayor E.E. Schmitz of San Francisco authorizing police to kill looters following the 1906 earthquake and fire
Place Published: San Francisco
Publisher:Altvater Print.
Date Published: 2300
Description:

Broadside. 24x15.5 cm (9½x6"), glued to portion of old album leaf.

The famous proclamation issued by Mayor Schmitz, one of the most ominous mementos of the earthquake and fire. This is a rare original printing, with the union seal unblemished - there were later, more common reprints. The Altvatar printing shop was located at Mission and 22nd, safely outside of the range of the fire. On the back of the album leaf are mounted portions of newspaper clippings relating to elections.

"The Federal Troops, the members of the Regular Police Force, and all Special Police Officers have been authorized by me to KILL any and all persons found engaged in Looting or in the Commission of Any Other Crime.

I have directed all the Gas and Electric Lighting Companies not to turn on Gas or Electricity until I order them to do so. You may therefor expect the city to remain in darkness for an indefinite time.

I request all citizens to remain at home from darkness until daylight of every night until order is restored.

I WARN all Citizens of the danger of fire from Damaged or Destroyed Chimneys, Broken or Leaking Gas Pipes or Fixtures, or any like cause.

E.E. Schmitz, Mayor."

**UPDATE** Date in title is 1906 (not 1908)**Nick to the top of the P in Proclamation; very good.