The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1871-10-15
The Great Fire.

As to the cause and progress OF the Won
derful confiagration in Chicago agreat deal
appears to be yet hidden in mystery. Ur-
less kilograms were greatly exaggerated
the number of inceRdIaIies caught in the
act Of arson and shot or hung on the spot
is simply extraordinary. What could have
been the motives of men impelliug them to
such deeds ia uncomfortable. 1t could
scarcely have been plumber, because Il Q
field for that was already unlimited. In
cendiaries in other places, not very remote
from Chicago, have also been plying their
art most industriously Of late, and those
suspicious may not be entirely amiss which
connect che movement with the recent
petroleum inspiration of Paris. The In
ternationals do not claim to be very choice
in their means for effecting desired ends,
aud Chicago is said to enjoy the fatal dis
tinction of being chosen focus of organic
cation for them.
At apy rate the terrible fact of ruin and
destitution stands face to face with US and
| pleads for our Intervention. Elsewhere our
readers will find notice from our Most
Rev. Archbishop, urging such measures +
relief as their means may permit. The
calamity which has befallen our neighbors
Of the great city of Chicago 10 one of the
most stupendous of modern days. So vast
and sudden a change from prosperity aud
comfort to destitution and penury has
scarcely ever been witnessed. 1t is really
an era in the history of civil ization and 1t
ought to be made an occasion when the
true power of Christian civilization shall
manifest itself in imperishable deeds.
1t is probable that a great part of the
loss IL covered by insurance, bot still an
immense proportion of it must fall upon
private individuals, especially of the poor
er classes. Among them, furniture and
supplies of coal, provisions, ETC., are sell
dom insured where the parties live in rent
!; ed tenements. Eighty or hundred thou
sand Of these poor people find Themselves
! homeless and destitute. They have ap
/ parently saved nothing, neither furniture
nor provisions, nor clothing, nor money
) They live in tents or in the open air, ever
, the little children suffering from hunge
: and cold, in need of blankets and bread
This state of things, this exposure to in
clement weather on the part of person
, entirely unaccustomed to it and this un
wonted scantiness and rudeness of food
will surely produce good deal of sickness
b Assistance to an inconceivable extent an
very prompt in its action will be necessar
in order to prevent results which woul
y really b. worse than the disaster alread
felt. We calf attention to the subjoine
telegram from the Rt. Rev. Bishop of Chi
cago:
CHICAGO, Oct. IL, 1872.
y To Archbishop Spaldng, Baltimore, Md:
!, The Cathedral six churches, orphan asylum
ia hospitals, House of Good Shepherd school
charitable institutions, and the Bishops hous
) are all in ruins. Over 100000 people are hom
10 less. 1 beg you for general collection in a
your churches next Sunday.
, The Superintendent of Telegraph asks you
K repeat this message to the Prelates of tt
l., country, as our wires are too crowded an
few. Request all remittanees to be made
70 yourself.
o (Signed) THOMAS FOLEY,
Bishop of Chicago.