Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-06-20
THE RELIEF COMMISSION
Accompany Gov. Beaver to Johnstown-
A Practical Conference.

Gov. Beaver and the relief commission ap-
pointed by him visited Johrstown yesterday
and made personal examination of the flooded
district. Gen. Hastings told them that he cal
eulated to be able to clear up the rivers and
highways for less than $500. O0O The members
OF the commission, whose only knowledge of
the damage wrought by the disaster had been
gained from the published accounts in the
newspapers, were shocked at the actual condi-
ton of affairs.
4 conference was held with the finance COM
mittee Of the town, and the latter stated what
the needs Of the people were and offered sug-
gestions as to the disposition of the money on
hand.
PORTABLE HOUSES NEEDED.
They stated that the best thing to be done
now, in view of the fact that great portion of
the debris had been cleared away, was to bring
portable houses to the town and have them put
up for immediate occupancy The commission.
after discussing the matter, unanimously
agreed to authorize the purchase of 500 houses
and have them put together Immediately upon
their arrival. In addition to purchasing and
putting the houses together, they will furnish
them with the furniture essential to begin
housekeeping again. This was satisfactory to
the members of the committee, and after fully
explaining the situation and what had already
been done the committee retired. The COM
mission then discussed the matter as explained.
outlined their future work. and authorized
Gen. Hastings to build little stores for the mer-
chants OF the town. so as to enable them to be-
gin business. resolution was passed author
izing the use of ali money contributed and all
cash IN sight to be spent through the relief
committee as the latter saw fit. Mayor Filter
OF Philadelphia and 5. S. Marvin, of Pittsburg.
were appointed committees in their cities to
transact the business of the commission. All
shipments of clothing and provisions must be
sent to Gen. Hastings.
WHAT GOV. BEAVER SAYS.
After the meeting of the commission had ad-
journed Governor Beaver spoke Of his visit
about the vicinity and said: II had no idea that
the damage was so great until made per-
sonal inspection of the whole place. Upon my
other visit l did not see enough of the ruins
aud then the worst of the DISSOLUTION escaped NV
observation The situation since then has
greatly improved and the work of giving relief
has progressed nicely. The work of clearing
up the streets and opening the rivers has been
carried on more rapidly than any one could ex-
pect. l thought it hardly possible that SO
much could be done in two weeks and the
place does not look like the same town Wis
tied ten days ago. The situation has been mas
tered by Gen. Hastings, and it is only ques-
ton of few days more hard, unremit!ing
work until the debris shall have been cleaned d
up. All our efforts will now be directed to
make this relief work self-supporting The
best charity is the kind that makes persons
help themselves. If the residents of this place
see that We want them to strike out and go
ahead, instead of waiting for us to help them.
they will get along great deal more rapidly
The commission appreciates the advantage of
having the people with them"
SUBSTANTIAL CONTRIBUTIONS.
A train consisting of nineteen freight cars
loaded with provisions OF all kinds arrived in
Johnstown last evening from Caldron, Neb.
Among other things these cars contained
/ horses and carts, while the roofs of the cars
were fuil of the citizens of the town who have
rendered their services to Gen Hastings
Printed on muslin sheets attached 10 the sides
OF these cars were the inscriptions. .'Substan-
| tai Contributions OF the Northwest" and PRO
| ducts OF the Plains" This novel contribution
Is the largest received yet in bulk by the relief
| committee since the food