Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1888-07-14
What Was Done.

What WAS Done.
At eight o'clock last evening Major j.
O. Anderson called the meeting to order IN
the hall of the Chamber, Reilly building,
and moved that n. Reilly take the chair.
This prevailing, Messrs. Austin Beach, OF
the IateHgener; W. s. Meek, Of the
Ners-Letter, and W. @. Beans, of the REG
IsrER, were made Secretaries.
His Honor Mayor Seabright then took
the floor, and recited the facts connected
with the reception of the appeal from
Rowlesburg, and his action in securing the
meeting he then addressed. He said all
would agree in saying that this was o case
where the people of Wheeling ought to do
something, or good deal. We all knew,
from sad experience, what a flood was.
Major j. G. Anderson said he had been
detained in the mountains by the HOOD ior
two days. At Rowlesburg the situation
was pitiable. The water had been over
or into nearly every building IN the town,
and eighteen houses had been washed away
completely. OF one low Of thirteen not q
yestiye remained. There were some very
distressing cases in the town. He cited
two instances where workingmen, EN-
ployed in the mills, had Just finished pay
ing for their homes, and had lost them
completely, with all the savings OF years
of labor. One of the largest of the saw
mills was completely carried OF, another
was a wreck, and the others might as well
fatn fhQrQ
not q log available for work, and would
be none for months to come. Between
two and three million feet OF lumber had
been carried away, entailiDg Immense loss.
One man had lost sixty thousand dollars,
and others had lost in proportion. Major
Anderson went on to explain the nature OF
the industries Of the town, saying that
nearly every man in the place depended
either upon the lumber industry or the
railroad for 3 means of livelihood. The
cutting of lumber had come to an end for
long time to come, and the ability Of the
people to earn wages was gone. Proceed
inc he said the question to be considered
by the meeting was, should the efforts OF
the citizens be concentrated upon Rowles-
burg, as that was the only place asking Tor
help, or should there be q general fund
raised for the flooded district, and only
such portion of the sum secured sent to
the town named, as would seem to be
sufficient to provide against want. He
referred to the very great loss
in other parts of the State,
and especially in Harrison county, where
the damage seemed to be in the neigabor-
hood of one million dollars. He also
touched upon the situation at Grafton,
where the water was from seven to ten
feet higher than ever before. Two feet
more would have put the water In the b.
&c o. railroad hotel. Going back to Row
lesburg, he said the destruction there
could hardly be described. Houses were
turned upside down in the streets, and all
along the valley there was wreck and ruin.
The meeting ought, in his judgment, con-
slider all these things, and then decide
whether to confine the money to Rowles-
burg, or divide it. The town named,
however, should be aided forthwith.
Mayor Seabrigbt thought there ought
to be q strong committee appointed to so
licit aid. He also suggested that she pas
tors of the several churches be requested
to take up collections tomorrow for the
fund.
Mr.. Hart said he had autographed to the
Mayors of Q number OF towns in the
flooded district, and had heard from all
save Morgsntown, which appeared to be
cut of from telegraphic communication.
The towns all seemed able to take care Of
themselves, except Rowlesburg. What
ever should be done. must needs be done
Quickly to be of value. There might yet
be calls for help from other points, but
the present cry ought to meet with imme-
diats response. He was glad to say the
spirit shown in the flooded dis
trict was q healthy one. The
people preferred to help themselves, if pos
sible, and this was always good sign. He
recalled the fact that the people of the in
terror had aided Wheeling in her hour of
need, and this was good opportunity to
show our appreciation. He moved the ap-
pointment of committee of three to So
licit money.
The discussion was carried on by Hon.
N. B. Scott, Major Anderson and others.
Mr.. j. B. fancy thought it would be q
good plan to look after the sufferers gen.
orally, or at least 90 many rs might require
or appeal for aid. If large sum should
be sent to Rowlesburg, subsequent appeals
from other points might not receive ade-
quate response. he detailed the situation
in Harrison county, and said the loss there
was very great. Many families who would
not apply for help were in want.
After further and careful consideration,
Mr.. Harris motion to appoint q committee
of three, to solicit aid, was adopted, and
the Chair named as such committee Messrs.
Joseph Speidel, ]. O. Anderson and Hugo
Loos. His Honor the Mayor was first
named as one Of the committee, but he
said be preferred to work ION the outside"
and retired in favor Of "some one better
able 10 influence the business mel" as he
smilingly put it.
The committee will set to work early
this morning. the money collected being
turned over to the President and Treasurer
Of the Chamber Of Commerce. and by to-
night funds will be on the way 10 relieve
the distress ut Rowlesburg. The commit
tee and the officers of the Chamber will
exercise their discretion as to how much
win be sent 10 the town named, but prob
ably fifteen hundred or two thousand dol
lars wiz 90.
Bright, Interesting, Ne,rsy-T7s SUN
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