The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1885-04-01
OFFICE OF GLENvrLLE Crescent, /
March 2S, 1885.

y
W. Pa.:
DEAR sIRs:-Yours Of the 2sd at hand
and contents noted and considered. Aftel
reading the rapidly travelling and greatly
exaggerated reports about the distress
destitution, &C., in the interior counties o.
this State, and fully appreciating the
charitable disposition oil the true West
Yirginian, l am not surprised at the re-
ceipt OF numerous letters OF this nature.
For the past month or more have given
this subject considerable attention and
made dilipent inquiry as to the true state
OF affairs in this county, and will gladly
transmit TO you, as far as possible, a can
did and impartial report OF such. investiga-
ton: Gilmer county has, as has all other
sections OF the country, a number Of poor
people, and, also, few who are more or
esssindolent and careless. Various eau.
ses may be assigned for the poverty, but 1t
is useless for me to name them, as they
arc the same the world over.
As to the suffering among humanity, l
do not know Of a single family in danger
Of starving. Many poor men are in cx-
tremely close quarters, and with them
money is almost unknown. These poor,
when in suffering condition, are always
subjects of charity, and will be looked
after by their neiehbors who are more
fortunately situated.
TnEINpoLEsr CLASS.
The indolent class, which / have mem
toned, however, are to censured rather
than pitied. Censured because they fail
to provide, during the growing season, for
their families. This latter is the most
lamentable palt Of the situation; the in.
nocent (wife and small children must
suffer for the acts OF the indolent husband
and father:
Among this class Of people feed stuff for
such stock rs they may possess, has, in
many cases, been entirely consumed,
while in other cases II has been sparingly
fed. Many OF this class OF people have
but poor shelter for their stock. while
others permit their stock TO breast the
chilling blasts without any shelter. The
scarcity Of feed reduced the stock greatly,
and many OF them perished during the
extreme severe weather. am OF the
opinion, too, that much Of the stock has
died by come disease, but ] do not believe
that any stock has died from actual star.
yation. Considerable stock has died, and
in some instances poor men have lost
their last COW and hog. So much for the
loss Of stock.
And now, to recapitulate: The winter
has been unusually severe, owing TO the
drought last summer less corn and hay
was raised than during previous seasons,
and timbermen failed to get their lumber
to market. From these facts feed stuff and
money are scarce in this county, but our
people are not suffering and / firmly be-
lieve, though pressed close, will make it
through the next succeeding months and
until crops can be grown. At any rate the
county can take care OF any and all who
may need ASSISTANCE.
/ Isincerely hope this winters experience
may prove valuable lesson to the indo-
lent class Of our people. to such an extent
that they will provide for such severe win
ters. Our ground Is fertile and every man
in the county, be he ever 80 poor, can buy
or lease enough to make an honest, com-
Portable living.
Inthis connection desire TO state that
the monied men and merchants, with.few
exceptions, are extending aid to such as
are deserving, and by thus doing have, no
doubt, prevented suffering in some localir
ties, s
4s to the state Of affairs ia other coun.
ties ] am unable to say.
Now, sirs, in conclusion and in behalf oil
the people Of Gilmer county, allow me to
express gratitude for your prohered aid. l
sincerely hope we may never need II, but
live do not we shall hold you in kindly
remembrance. Most respectfully,
QMARLEs d. MoRToN.