The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1881-09-30
MICHIGAN'S CALAMITY.
Proclamation by the Governor al
the state.


The following proclamation has been issued
by the Governor of Michigan:
EXECUTIVE MANsroN)
LASsING, Mich, Sept 10
To the People Of the United States:
On the 10Th inst, In behalf of the homeless
sufferers by the late fires in portion of our
State, we asked the people Of this country to
contribute to their great distress. Since that
time have visited the burned district and ira
versed great portion thereof, driving through
the ruins. The knowledge thus obtained satls-
fed me that the former estimate of 200 persons
having persisted in the flames was correct, and
the further estimate that there are 1900 Of
these sufferers now dependent upon the gem
crosby OF the public was not exagger-
ated The fire district covers territory
of about 1880 square miles, about one
half OF which escaped the flames and the
other half is backened waste, the destruc-
ton of property being pretty evenly distributed
over the whole territory. This il an agricult-
ural county, with occasionally village, or
small business center, where were Touring
mills, saw-mills, stores, churches, ETC., etc.
Many of these places and their industries were
wholly destroyed, and in the farming portions,
in the track of the fire, nothing was left for
mans use but the land. Barns, cattle-eheds
ana structures OF every kind that remain are
being utilized AZ temporary shelter for the
homeless. Hospitals for the care of those who
suffer from burns are already established. They
are fairly supplied with volunteer physicians
and nurses Among the latter are some good
Sisters of Charity who are doing most efficient
work. The exposed and overcrowded condi-
ton in which thousands are now living will
necessarily increase the sickness and add TO the
needs OF medical treatment and provisions for
the care OF the sick. Food is furnished by
those whose homes were spared aud by those
outside of the burned district. There is little
suffering from hunger in the main. The want
OF bedding is one cause OF real dis
tress. Stations for the distribution OF
supplies are established at convenient
points and under the supervision OF
efficient individuals and committees Careful
lists are being prepared by personal investiga-
ton OF the loss of each family, with data,
showing their necessities. These are to be
used TO insure q judlcious distribution Of sup
plies. The whole work Of those to whom the
contributions have been intrusted gives evil
dence of having been inaugurated and con-
Quoted with care, skill and fidelity. In this
good work the people Of Port Huron, from
their proximity to the scene Of disaster. were
first upon the ground, being represented by
committee composed Of some OF the best citi-
Eens, prominent among whom was United
States Senator Omar d. Conger BY the ex-
ertions of this efficient organization, aided
by the managers of the Port Huron
and Northwestern railroad, extra trains
with relief reached the sufferers before any
could come from more remote points. In con-
Juncuon with other organizations the work was
begun, and 1t IL being prosecuted yet. Most Of
the people whose restitution appeals to the be-
nevolence Of the public are purely agrcultur-
lists. They were in thrifty condition, consid-
ering the time they had occupied these lands,
but had no accumulated surplus. They are de-
pendent upon the productions of their farms
for support There are few, If any, manufact-
uring industries near them to give them en-
ployment. The aid extended to the unfort-
innate by those whose homes were
saved will soon exhaust the surplus Of the lat
ter. What these people require is aid to pro-
cure such necessities as will enable them to
live and till their lands. They must have food
until tho harvests of 1882 are gathered. Any
thing short OF this will fail to accomplish the
undertaking. The first effect of this disaster
was to stupefy and paralyze the energies of the
people. The prompt encouragement received
has stimulated them to new efforts to help
themselves. With the bare land and their
labor only left they will begin to build anew
Already many are constructing log
houses, and every available team is be-
ing worked with vigor to put in wheat the
seed FOR which is furnished by the relief COM
mittees. They appreciate their condition and
the necessity for labor, and will struggle hard
to do their part as they have an opportunity. l
have thought 1t due to the public who have
read the appeals heretofore made, to lay these
results OF personal inspection before them
The necessity for continued assistance to enable
the sufferers to 60 through the coming winter
and to become self-sustaining is in nowise
abated The we-known generosity of the
American people has never been invoked in a
more merilorious cause
DAVID H JEROME, Governor.