The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1871-02-08
An Appeal for Relief for the French
People.

An Appeal for Relief for the French
people.
New YORK, Feb. I.
To the Press Of the United States:
misunderstanding OF the courtesy of
the Western Union Telegraph Company, I
send you by wire the annexed appeal in
behalf OF the suffering people of France.
Relief, to be of any value, must be imme-
diate.
The committee respectfully request that
you will publish the appeal with such edi-
torial notice as may tend to enlist the earn
est, active, and practical SympathieS of all.
The Western Union Company, learn,
will send without charge any Geographic
messages between the New York Commit
tee OF Relief and cooperative organizations
throughout the Union.
Respectfully,
J. w. SIMoNToN,
General Agent n. Y. Associated Press.
To the People Of the United States:
In behalf Of the suffering population of
France, the committee appointed by the
Chamber Of Commerce of the city of New
York to organize measures Of relief for the
suffering people of France, is now prepared
to receive contributions of money and sup
plies, which will be gratefully acknoW-
lodged. The committee appeals to the
American people for this object in the sa-
cred name of charity, and for that alone.
It does not wish to refer to the merits Of
the conflict which has unhappily arisen be-
tween the great nations of Germany and
France, for it believes that discussion on
these points should cease in the presence
of such suffering and want. The German
army with noble magnanimity, and set
ting an example which is worthy of our
admiration, have
SHARED THEIR sCANTY RATIoEs
with their starving foes. Let it not be said
that out Of our abundance we have done
less than they.
The French people have been engaged in
war of the most destructive character. 1t
has drawn fearfully upon their resources,
exhausted their supplies, and crippled
their industries in the agricultural districts.
THE PAST YEARS CROP WAS SHORT ONE,
and the present one was harvested only in
part, and much of what was gathered has
since been destroyed or appropriated to the
use of the armies. Their land has been the
scene Of numerous battles Of terrible mag
nitude, and the horrors of war have been
brought to their very doors. An imme-
date supply of food is needed for the starv-
SEED TO PLANT IN THEIR FIELDS
in the spring, or the crops of next season
will not be forthcoming. Unless speedy
action is taken for the relief of the inhabi-
tants intense misery and restitution must
prevail. Other nations are moving in the
work of true humanity. Shall it be said
that
AMERICANS STAND STILL IDLY
r; Id ho1, L. rs
people in their hour of distress? Cur duty
rs Il Christian nation forbids us to be indif-
ferent to their appeal for relief. The char
ity that gives quickly is double charity.
The committee, therefore, cannot too strong
ly impress upon all the necessity of prompt
action. Every day it lasts is for France
day of misery unalleyiated.
Contributions in money should be for
warded at once. Supplies of breadstuffs
and seed for sowing the crops in the spring
will, it is hoped, be sent by the farmers of
the West in the proper conveyance, for
which future arrangements will be made.
The committee calls upon its feloW-cltl-
zens everywhere to engage in this work OF
humanity and love. IL urges them to Or
ganiZe in
EVERY CITY, TOWN, AND VILLAGE
at once, and earnestly, and to forward its
contributions without delay, and it feels
assured that this appeal to the benevolence
of all will receive an earnest and generous
response.
CHAs. II. MARSHALL, Chairman.
CHAs. LANIER, Treasurer.
ANsoN PHELPS STOKES, Sec'y.
Remittances in money, which will be
transmitted to Paris without delay, can be
made to Charles Lanier, treasurer, No.27
Pine street, New York. ..s...