Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1889-06-14

The executive OF the commonwealth OF
Pennsylvania mas refrained h thertO from
making an appeal TO the people for their
benefactiOns in order that he might receive
definite and reliable information from the
centres OF disasters during tho late Hoods,
which have been unprecedented in the his
tory OF the state or nation. Communication
by wire has been established with Johns
town 10 day. The civil authorities ire in
control, the adjutant general of the ate
cooperating with them. Order has been
restored and il likely 10 continue News
paper reports as To the loss Of life ard
property have not been exaggerated. The
valley of the Conemaugh, which is peculiar,
has been swept from one end 10 the other
"a with the bosom Of destruction. IL con
tanned population Of 40, 900 to $4,000 people
living for the most part along the bank OF a
small river, confined with narrow limits.
The most conservative estimate place tho
loss of life at 5000 human beings. ard of
property at s25, 100000 Whole towns have
been utterly destroyed; not vestige re
mains. In the more substantial towns
buildings remain, but in "a damaged condi
ton.
Those who are least able TO bear it have
suffered the loss Of everything. The most
pressing needs, so far as food is concerned.
have been supplied. Clothing OF al sorts
for men, women and children is greatly
needed. Money is urgently required 10 re-
move the debris, bury the dead and care
temporarily for widows and orphans nd
for the non eless generally Other locali-
ties have suffered 10 some extent in the
same way, but not in the same degree
Late advces would seem 10 Indicate that
there is great loss OF life and destruction Of
property along the west branch Of the Sus-
quehanna aud in localities from which we
can get no definite Information. What does
come, however, is of the most appalling
character, and IL is expected that the
details Will add new horrors 10 the sltud-
ton.
The responses from within and without
the ST te have been most generous and
cheering. North and sOutl, east and west,
from the United states and from England,
there comes the same hearty, generous re
Spouse of sympathy and help. The Prcsi-
dent, governors of states, mayors OF cities,
and individuals and communities, priYa o
and municipal corporations, seem 10 vie
with each other intheir expressions Of sym
pathy and in their contributions OF sub
stantial aid. But gratifying as their
responses are there is no danger of
their exceeding the necessities of the 3itua-
ton.
a careful organization has been made up
on the ground tor distribution Of whatever
assistance is furnished in kind. The adju-
tant general OF the state is the representa-
/ tive OF state authority and is giving person
al attention in connection with the chief
burgess Of Johnstown and a committee OF
relief TO the Distribute Of help which is
furnished Funds contributed in aid Of the
sufferers can be deposited with DreXel ~
Co., Philadelphia; Jacob A. Homberger,
banker, Harrisburg, or VIM. X. Thompson
q Co. Pittsburg. All money con ributed
VIII be used carefully and ludiciously.
| Present wants are fairly met. A large force
will be emplo, ed at once TO remove the de-
bris and bury the dead, so as to avoid
disease and epidemic
The people Of the commonwealth and
others whose unseliish generosity is hereby
heartily appreciated and acknowledged may
be assured that their contributions will De
! faithfully husbanded and udicously eX-
pended and that every effort p s. bic will
be made TO bring their benefactons 10 the
immediate ana direct relief of those for
whose benefit they are intended.
JAMES a. BEAVER, Governor.