The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1882-03-01

C3ty-A Healthy Body OF
Men Who are Anxious
for Work.
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. "a = The
Russian Jewish refugees, for whose
reception the public-spirited citizens
Of Philadelphia have SO amply pro.
vided, were landed at the American
Steamship Company's wharf, at the
foot of Christian street, yesterday af-
ternoon. The party numbered 325
in all, 60 being women, Sc children
and go men. They sailed from
Liverpool on February II, in the
steamship Illinois, and yesterday
morning the vessel passed in the
Capes of the Delaware and proceed
ed on her way to this city. She was
met off Chester by the revenue cutter,
Tench Cox, having on board Simon
Stern, Lucien Moss and Simon
Muir, members of the Reception
Committee, and other ladies and
gentleman interested in the welfare
Of the refugees, while at the wharf
were gathered Rev. A. Bernstein,
Rev. DR.. Hirst, William Hacken-
burg, NJ. Simon, E. Freschie and
Levi Meyer also members of the
committee appointed to welcome the
outcasts to America.
When the cutters passengers had
clambered over the ships side and
stood on deck amidst the uncouth
Russians, shaking them by the
hand, the most grotesque express
sions of joy spread over the features
of these fugitive subjects of the Gar.
They crowded about their visitors
and in broken German accents gave
vent to their feelings. Early in the
morning, when land was first sight
ed, the whole company had gathered
on the ships deck and kneeling Of
fered up prayers for the blessings
that had so far attended them since
leaving their homes. Indeed on
the entire voyage they strictly OBJ
served the requirements of their re.
ligion. The voyage was pleasant.
Only one child died on the way.
The appearance of the refugees
does not differ materially from the
average immigrants that arrive in
this country. They are probably
poorer and bring less baggage, but
in physical appearance they amply
make up for this lack of worldly
goods. One of the assistant port
physicians said TO the committee
that in an experience of thirteen
years he had not seen so large a
body of men gathered SO indiscrimi-
nately from the European peasantry
that had made a better physical
showing or were in sounder health.
There were no helpless old men and
women and no invalids. Their
clothing to be sure was dirty and
somewhat old, the effects OF a two
weeks residence in the steerage, but
as the Anglo Jewish Association of
Liverpool had supplied them with
fresh clothes before leaving that city
they were clean compared with the
average immigrant. Many Hunga-
rians were passengers by the same
steamer, and though they are more
robust than the Russians they are a
much dirtler set. Many of these
outcasts are farmers, and nearly all
have trades by which they can earn
a living. Bes.Ies the Russians
there were l56 other passengers in
the steerage and So in the immedi-
ate apartments.
AS soon as possible the refugees
were taken to the West Philadelphia
depot, where temporary quarters
have been provided for them under
the direction OF Isidore Binswanger,
Chairman of tie Committee on
Building and Furniture, assisted by
Messrs. Hano, Prolaski, Kahn and
Frescirie. The old rertaurant had
been turned into a dining-room, and
was set with tin plates, cups, knives
and forks. Adjoining this, in what
was once the mems waiting room.
223 cot beds were set. They were
spread with clean blankets and
snowy white sheets and pillow cas-
es. A wooden partition through
the centre of the room separated it
into two apartments for men and
women, while number of cots were
secluded from the remainder for any
who might chance to be taken sick.
Stationary wash bowls and bath
rooms with every convenience for
securing cleanliness are provi led in
profusion. After a hungry crowd
had been given its supper every per-
son was obliged to take a bath be-
fore retiring. A large amount of
clothing had been provided for the
refugees, and each were given fresh
undergarments and clean outer cloth
ing. 1t is unncertain how long
these people will be Obliged to re
ceive aid from the public. A GEN.
sus will be taken with a view to as
certain the fitness of each man for
work. On this basis situations will
be found for the people whenever
they can work.
The Committee of Finance has is
sued an appeal for funds in which
it states that the wrongs suffered by
the defenceless Russian refugees
are unprecedented in history, their
homes being burned, property de-
stroyed or stolen, wives and daugh
ters outraged, and even murdered.
In this condition they appeal to the
people of America for help. The
committee has also decided to hold
a public meeting in the Academy
of Music on Saturday evening,
March 4, at which prominent speak
ers will present their claims of these
unfortunates to the sympathy of
America.