The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1878-10-13
ORLEANS RELIEF COMMITTEE,
CUSTOM HOUSE, |
New Orleans, October 5. 1878. J
BY THE -


To our Fellow Citizens Of the United States:
For moro than two months our city has been
afflicted with most destructive epidemic, and
to all appearances it will be many long days be-
fore it ceases its devastating work.
a populai ion of over two hundred thousand
is confined to the close limits of city, the fear
Of contagion has caused the outside world to
close Its doors against us as against lepers.
Strong men, that would gladly work, are forced
TO stand all the day idle" for the workshops
and the maj is of trade are closed.
Our homes are being desolated by plague
which has thrown the shadow of its horror over
the whole world. Even beyond the Atlantic the
wall Of woe has been heard. Believing that an
appeal would be favorably received if all the Or
CARNATIONS that have for many years devoted
themselves to doing good on earth to their fell
low men whom Providence has afflicted could be
united in one common effort thirty Of these
representatives of organized bodies met and
selected the undersigned to take the neces sary
measures for relief and chose the Orleans Gen.
trail Relief Committee to receive and distribute
all contributions, this committee having just
effected the distribution of government sup
plies with general appreciation. The erroneous
impression created by the published statemen
Of the Howard Association, noble but small
band of Samaritans, that they had sufficient
funds for their purposes has arrested all efforts
for our relief. but this association has stated
in its published reply refusing our demand
upon them. that their Statement does not and
cannot prevent any association or associations
from putting forth its or their own appeals for
aid to relieve the poor and destitute
Whatever unexpended balance the Howard
Association may have In its hands, and of
which we can obtain no knowledge, they de-
clare that moneys so intrusted to us' (then)
ARE held trust fund under the supervision
of our" (their) membership" Therefore our
hu manitarian movement failed in that direc-
ton. The appeal that we have Just made to the
Secretary of War has failed, and for the reasons
assigned by him as follows: I am still Of the
opinion that 1t is possible for you to get relief
from private sources and that it Is therefore
not case for the extension of government aid
In the absence of authority"
You who have already nobly responded to the
calls of others for relief, know only that this
city is filled with the plague smitten and dying;
but another affection scarcely less to be dreaded
| follows disease into many homes and smites
the strong and we'll. Hunger and want claim
| many whom the pestilence spares. To the sick
is given N edicines. to the dead burial and We
appeal to the humane of our country to save
from starvation those who are we'll.
FRANK l.. RICHARDSON
Chairman of Committee
ISAAC N MARKS,
Presi dent Firemens Charitable Association
AUGUSTUS RICHARD
Vice President Louisiana Association Army of
Tennessee
YORK A. WOODWARD,
Commander Grand Army Of the Republic.
Since the above appeal was made the honora-
BILE Secretary of War has furnished the 4o,f
rations asked for. but these supplies will not
last more than four days.
By order of the Orleans Central Relief Com
mittee.
ocl1 st 2dp 4, O, BOYLE Secretary.