The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-09-09
THE A AVONDALE SUFFERERS.

THE A VONDALE SUFFERBRS.
The frightful disaster at the Avondale mines
has sent thrill Of horror through the whole
nation, and the sympathy which has been ex-
cited in behalf of the sufferers is profound
and sincere. From the information which
had been given of the character of the catas-
trophe, all hope that the doomed men would
be rescued was abandoned from the first; and
when the news was received yesterday that
the mine had been penetrated, no one was
disappointed to learn that death had already
put an end to the sufferings of the victims.
These cannot be recalled to life again, but
something can be done to alleviate the anguish
of the widows and orphans, and to make
them feel that there is cordial sympathy for
them in their bereavement, and the case is
one that calls for display Of that large
hearted, practical benevolence for which the
citizens of Philadelphia have been always
noted when there is occasion for demand
upon their pockets.
Over two hundred men perished suddenly
and without q note of warning by this fearful
calamity, and it is safe to say that there are
nearly one thousand persons, women and
children, left widows and orphans, and who,
in the midst of their bereavement find their
woe doubly intensified by being deprived OF
their only means of support. The necessities
of these poor people are immediate, and if
any aid is extended to them it ought to be
done promptly. We feel assured that 1t IS
only necessary to have the case set before our
citizens to procure a most generous response.
In New York a subscription for the relief of
the Avondale sufferers has already been set
on foot, and a considerable sum secured.
Governor Geary and Judge Asa Packer, our
rival candidates for the Governorship, have
each started the good work in the interior OF
the State by subscribing according to their
MEANS and it now remains for the wealthy
citizens of Philadelphia to come forward with
their accustomed liberality.
These miners and their families have pecu-
liar claims on u.s. This is the chief city of
the State, and the great coal shipping port;
and as we draw much of our wealth from
these mines, it is fitting that we should show
| a lively interest in the miners on such an oc-
casion as this.
It will take time for the sufferers by the
Avondale calamity to settle down to employ
ments by which they can earn their bread
They have been suddenly cut off from theii
usual means of subsistence, and any relief
that is offered them will be increased in value
by the promptness with which the donations
are made.
We are very much pleased to announce IL
this connection that grand operatic concer
will be given on Saturday evening next 10y
the Richings English Opera Company, in ai(
of fund for the Avondale sufferers. Ever.
member of the troupe has volunteered on thi
occasion. and the orchestra have tenderet
their services.
The entire receipts will therefore go to tn
wives and families of the dead miners. Ii
addition to the other performances Mr.
Henry Drayton, assisted by Mrs. Bernard
and the company will sing the ''Star-Span
gled Banner" as it was sung by him at
great Union meeting in this city jus
before the breaking out of tn
Rebellion. The members of tn
theatrical and operatic profession ar
generally the first to offer their services whe
there is a call like this and the promptnes
with which Mrs. Bernard and her compan
have volunteered ought to fix them nor
firmly than ever in the regards of the public
The citizens of Philadelphia owe it to then
selves that every inch of room in th
Academy, from parquet to dome, sha
: be occupied on next Saturday evening, an
we know that no one will be more gratified
have the receipts swelled to the largest poss
BILE amount than the esteemed directress
the troupe and her talented assistants. L.
there be a full house on this occasion, if the
is not another one during the season.