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"When the Looting Starts, the Shooting Starts"
In the aftermath of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, Mayor Euguene "Handsome Gene" Schmitz ordered local police and federal troops to kill any persons found looting "or otherwise engaged in the commission of crime."
The sentiment that lethal force is justified against looters has a long history, but the present 1906 proclamation, issued by the Mayor of San Francisco, is often seen as the predecessor to the more recent phrase "When the Looting Starts, the Shooting Starts" - the latter variously attributed to 1960s police chiefs of Birmingham, Alabama and Miami, Florida.
The present original broadside circular announces Mayor Schmitz's emergency proclamation.
Printed locally in San Francisco by the Altvater Printing shop located at Mission and 22nd Streets, the circular reads:
Proclamation by the Mayor.
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 Gass and Electric Lighting Co.'s not to turn on Gas or Electricity until I order them to do so. You may therefore expect the city to remain in darkness for an indefinite time.
I request all citizens to remain at home from darkness until daylight 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
Dated, April 18, 1906.
Rarity
Though undoubtedly printed in large numbers, due to the relatively inexpensive paper used for its printing this ephemeral circular is quite scarce in the market.
Eugene Edward Schmitz was the mayor of San Francisco from 1902 to 1907, known for his colorful and controversial career marked by his leadership during the 1906 earthquake and subsequent fires that devastated the city. As mayor, Schmitz played a crucial role in organizing relief efforts and maintaining order during the crisis. However, his tenure was overshadowed by his involvement in a major corruption scandal as part of the graft-ridden administration led by political boss Abe Ruef. Schmitz was eventually convicted of bribery, which ended his political career, though the conviction was later overturned on appeal. Despite his legal troubles, Schmitz remains a notable figure in San Francisco's history for his dual legacy of crisis leadership and scandal.
![[ San Francisco Bay Entrance ] Vue de l'entrée de la Baie de San-Francisco (haute Californie.)](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/102952.jpg)
