The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1860-11-03
Mass Meeting at Emporia.

Pursuant to notice given, Mass Meet
ina Of the inhabitants of Breckenridge
and adjoining counties, was held at Empo-
ia on Saturday, October 27th., for the pur-
nose Of eliciting information in regard to the
condition of the people in consequence of
The drouth, and to devise plan for the re-
lief Of those requiring it. DR.. F. G. Hunt
was called to the Chair, and ]. R. Swallow
amounted Secretary.
After reading the call, on motion of J. w.
Randall, gentlemen from different localities
were requested to give statement of the
condition Of affairs in their several neigh
horhoods, which invitation was responded
to BY Messrs Oliver Phillips, Thos. H.
Stanley, A. J. Mitchell, Geo. W. Kirkendall,
and R. W. Cloud, of Breckenridge county ;
- Morris and A. Studebaker, of Chase
county, and W. B. Godfrey, of Madison
ing facts are elected:
Mr. Phillips stated that in his opinion not
one-tenth of the Inhabitants in his township
(Waerloo) had raised enough grain this
year to supply themselves with bread-stuffs
the coming winter. He himself planted 80
acres of corn. from which he only gathered
about ten bushels-sowed large amount of
wheat, and harvested nothing. He did not
know how himself and his neighbors could
get along withou. help from some source.
Thos. H. Stanley, of Ameridus township,
reported that he, with another person, had
recently canvassed that township, and found
among the inhabitants 81 families, contain
ing 33l persons, who expressed a determin-
alton to remain in their homes the coming
winter Most of these were without money,
and quite poorly provided with food and
clothing. There was found to be but about
400 bushels of corn in the township, which
Oman estimate of peck per week to each
mdrdual, would last the population but
three months; while the -four on hand would
not, on fair average, last them more than
10 days. He had likewise obtained the in
formation that in Cahola township half the
population were In need of help.
Judge Mitchell, of Jackson township, re-
ported that but little of the corn crop in
that township averaged more than two or
three bushels per acre; that the depreciation
of worms had proved much more serious
than at first supposed; that the committee
appointed to canvass the township did not
do their duty; their report was based on
conjecture, and was erroneous. He thought
that the restitution reported as existing else.
where would apply equally we'll to his town
ship.
Il. W. Cloud, of Waterloo, reported that
he had finished a canvass of that township,
and found that there had been 1899 acres oil
corn planted, which yielded only 275 bush.
els; and from the whole amount of whea
sOWn in the township but six bushels har
vested; all other crops a total failure blu
lew of the inhabitants could possibly ge
through the winter without aid.
Mr.. Morris, Sheriff of Chase county, re-
ported that with the exception of some two
or three of the wealthier settlers, the entire
population of that county had not provision
to last them one month no corn, meal, OIL
-four could be had for love or money; anC
In fact he knew that there was no money
among the people whatever to purchase with
The reports made from Madison, Butler
Hunter and Greenwood counties, were fully
as alarming as those already narrated. Ev
erywhere the condition of the people wa
represented as deplorable in the extreme.
The meeting next proceeded to devils
some method for relief, and on motion o
DIR. Newton, committee of five was ap
pointed by the Chair, to report plan of op
erstlon, who after consultation, proposed
that an organization be effected, to be de
nominated the Central Kansas Relief Asso
cation, and that agents be sent to the State
TO solicit contributions and loans, whicl
plan was adopted.
The meeting next proceeded to elect
Board of Directors for the Association.
The following named gentlemen wer
Chosen :-Thos. Stanley, 7. G. Hill, VIM
Mccullough, Ira B. Seour. R. H Abraham
y. W. Appleby, A. j. Mitchell. Cyru
Stout Curtis Hyatt, VIM. F. Cloud, L. D
oUdel' J: W. Randall, ]. NJ. Rankin, c
II .t county; J. M. Pherson an
J W:m. / Watkins, of Chase county; Judg
county.
U his Board was empowered to appoint a
;1ecutiVe Committee of FIVE persons resid
Ing at or near Emporia. who should act i
Oe1aI OF the Board, and under its authority
on motion, the meeting adjourned.
F. G. HUNT, Chairman.
D. X. SWALLOW, Sec'y.