So complete was the calamity that the Government of the United States lent a hand in the earliest work of restoration.  On April 20th, two days after the earthquake, Congress took immediate steps to repair or replace all the public buildings damaged or destroyed in San Francisco.  The willingness of Congress to assist those in need of work by immediately beginning the reconstruction of the Federal buildings was indicated when Senator Scott, chairman of the Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds, introduced a resolution calling upon the Secretary of the Treasury for full information as to the exact condition of the various government buildings in San Francisco, and instructing him to submit an estimate showing the aggregate sum needed to repair or rebuild them.  The resolution suggested that steel frames be used in any new buildings.  This resolution was adopted.  It was soon learned that the new Post Office, the Mint and the old Customs House were practically undamaged.  The branch of the United States Mint, on Fifth Street, and the new Post Office at Seventh and Mission Streets, were striking examples of the superiority of workmanship put into Federal buildings.  The old Mint building, surrounded by a wide space of pavement, was absolutely unharmed.  The Mint made preparations to resume business at once.  The Post Office building also was virtually undamaged by fire.  The earthquake shock did some damage to the different entrances to the building, but the walls were left standing in good condition.  President Roosevelt also sent a message to Congress asking that $300,000 be at once appropriated to finish the Mare Island Navy Yard, in order that employment might be given to the many workmen who were in extreme need of money for the necessities of life.

It was a most fortunate circumstance that the property records in the Hall of Records were unharmed either by earthquake or fire.  Endless disputes and litigation over the questions of ownerships would undoubtedly have otherwise impeded the work of those sincerely anxious to repair their shattered fortunes and opened the way for the unscrupulous to take unfair advantage of the general chaos.

But the temper of the people was such that only the boldest would have dared to use trickery for his own ends.  Every man stood at the side of his neighbor working for himself and for the good of all.  Before the embers were cool the owners of some of the damaged skyscrapers gave commands to proceed instantly with their reconstruction.  The Spreckels Building, the Hayward Building, the St. Francis Hotel, the Merchants’ Exchange and structures that permitted it were ordered rushed into shape as quickly as possible.  And already contracts had been drawn up for other steel-frame buildings to be erected with all speed.  Many substantial business men and property owners of San Francisco were in consultation with the architects within a few days.  While the work of clearing away the debris went forward, a corps of draughtsmen was busily occupied preparing plans for the new buildings to adorn the city.