Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-02-03
fuf ihc Waichual
The Grasshopper Scourge--.Again.

MEcuAsIcsylLIr, Iowa january IS
Ms4 Editors 81 desire 70 add few words
in relation TO the erasshopper scourge have
read with interest the letter Of Mr. Ilerrck in the
WArclnANi and do not question the yelacity OF
his statements
What all good citizens wish to know are facts,
and then they can judge whether they are under
obligations 10 the sufferers. The devastated coun-
try in each OF the states Of Minnesota Nebraska and
Kansas is about equal Some twenty thousand peo-
pie in each state are sufferers. The governors OF
each Of the states either personally or by special
agents, canyassed the devastated region to ascer-
tain the true condition. as was their duty first Of
all men to do and il necessary, call an extra ses-
sion Of the legislature to make suitable provision
for the needy. This has not been deemed neces-
sary, but they appeal to the citizens Of other por-
tons OF their respective states aud to adjoining
states for aid.
These appeals have brought an abundance and
people age able and willing to do more. All
along ON the line OF the railroad car loads of pro-
vision and clothing are sent under the supervision
OF known reliable agents. We do not wish you TO
withhold your charities from the needy, but we
say again, the West is competent to take care OF
the grasshoppor scourge and then have millions of
bushels OF wheat and corn, and pork and beef by
the hundred tons to sell to the needy of the world
Again, funds sent from the East do not always
fall into the hands of reliable agents In the
winter OF 1856 and 1851 travelling agents solicited
funds in Vermont for Kansas sufferers, The APP
peal was Endorsed by " The Kansas Relief Com
mittee" The familiar names Of Gen. Pomeroy
and " jim" Lane appear on that committee. 1t
was my fortune to spend the spring and summer
OF 1857 in Kansas, and will give you facts in re-
lation to the disposition Of some OF those New
England donations.
Lawrence was the headquarters Of the commit
tee The basement story of the Unitarian church
was used for the storage room, and was filled with
boxes Of provision and clothing, aud sacks OF
grain for the sufferers. The committee now an
nounced that large freight and storage bills were
TO he met The donations OF eastern beneyolenee
were advertised to be sold at auction to pay said
bills, and were sold Mt mere nominal figure
only for enough To pay charges and agents sala-
res. The honorable committee were large pur-
chasers. Their acts are the best commentary on
their yeriety, and their record since is in har-
mony The needy in the territory were very Sc
we're In their denunciations Of the committee.
Great as was their need, Hungry and ye fed me
not naked, and ye clothed me not" was almost
universally true
New England has contributed TO the West in
money and men till the West has grown rich, and
II the two sections were placed in financial bal
ances, New England would " kick the BEAM
There is reasonable assurance 10 the benevolent
That the wants Of the needy will be supplied by
those whose duty II is to do It. But New England
is not called upon in justice, to do the charity Of
those who are better able and WILLING
SAMUEL KEITH.