The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-06-23

very little Short if, indeed, it does not exceed
that of 1910. The same localities have been sub
merged-Lyons, La Guillotiere, Vienna, Roches
de Coudrien, Tain, Toumon, Valence, Avignon,
Montelemar and La Pahld-whole villages have
leans, at the last accounts, the sufferers were
focking by thousands into the city from LIE Val
and other places. One of the worst features,
however, of the calamity is, that the numerous
and prosperous manufactures which have been
erected within the last few years in the district Of
La Guillotiere, have been entirely annihilated.
Thus the fruits of years of patient industry
and enterprise have been destroyed at one fell
blow.
This is a great national calamity. 1t will be
years before the industry of France RECEIVERS
from the shock. When we take into account that
the manufactures of Lyons are those which con-
tribute most to it's commercial riches, we can
form some idea of the effect which such whole
sale destruction of her industrial establishments
must have upon her interests. But this conside-
ration is of small account compared with the re-
flection that by this lamentable event thousands
of persons will be reduced to q state Of extreme
privaton, and that many will in all probability
sink under the pressure of want A sum Of
twelve millions of francs have been voted for the
relief of the sufferers; but thiswill 60 but short
way towards the alienation of their distress.
Double that sum would not repair the losses
which they have met with. These facts remove
the visitation out of the domain of ordinary oc-
currences affecting only the people on whom it
has fallen. It addresses itself to the sympathes
and benevolent consideration Of the world at
large which cannot but feel affected at the spec
tacle of SO much unmerited distress.
Under such circumstances there is but one part
for the American people to take. Let Europeans
say what they will Of them, it cannot be charged
against them that they have ever shown cold
hearts OF turned q deaf ear to the misfortunes
and sufferngs of others. We have abundantly
proved the contrary by the generous efforts which
we made for the relief of the sufferers during
the famine in Ireland and in the Cape de Verde
Islands, and on various other occasions. What
ever cause we may have for feeling indignant at
the irritating and unbecomng tone adopted to-
ward us by the French press; whatever distrust
we may feel at the conduct of French diplomat
lists in this country and Mexico; whatever suspi-
cions we may entertain as to the views of the
French Emperor In regard to the affairs Of this
continent generally, it shall never be said Of US
that in the presence of such calamity as this, we
allowed our interests or our preudces to interfere
with the dictates Humanity. We will show by our
conduct on this occasion that we are not Influenced
by the paltry jealousies and hostilties which the
enemies Of republicanism attribute to us, and
which, in fact, only find their origin in their own
minds. As we are firm and incorporating in
the assertion Of our rights we will prove to them
that we can be magnanimous, forgiving and gen.
erous when the opportunity presents itself These
are the characteristics of great nation, and on
this occasion we shall not be found deficient in
them. The suggestion, we are convinced has
only to be made to find prompt and enthusiastic
and liberal response from all classes Of people.
Let, therefore, subscription for the relief of
the sufferers by the foundations be at once opened
in every banking house in every city, town and
village throughout the Union. Let the move
ment be Spontaneous energetic and national in
every sense of the word. Let the leading men of
the country head the lists in each locality, and
let the government be made the vehicle Of the
popular benevolence. For this movement to be
effectual, there must be no delay. The aid that
is timely is alone appreciated.