New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-06-05
c,,.yrTy and COMPENSATION;

Tha Dimensions of the Conemaugh catastro-
nbe do not shrink, and new details OF horror
and misery are constantly revealed Leadeh
Skies and persistent rain have deepened the
olooro and even increased the distress which
an the valley, and the only alienation which
10. ,eaobed the sufferers has come from the
practical sympathy of the world. Unquench-
ahls flames were still busy, at the latest re-
nor,s. with the ghastly wreck at Johnstown,
Init we cannot regret that the fire keeps steadily
at work. 1t is kinder than the natural I'M
pn!ses of men. The desire OF those who would
rescue the mutilated remnants Of their dead
from this conglomerate mass Of corruption is
comprehensive, but we doubt il it ought to be
encouraged. Only an occasional identification
can in any case be possible, and it would be
better IL that bideous source of danger could
be utterly consumed.
II may be conceived that at this stage the
scenes Of death are more horrible to the imag-
nation of those who read about them than TO
those before whose eyes they are enacted. IL
Ia n kindly weakness Of our nature that 40
cumulated horrors blunt the senses, and THAI
after a time tho mind refuses to receive new
impressions. Persons whose duty it has been
10 assist in the work Of Identification succeed
ing fatal disasters-as, for instance, IN the
Brooklyn morgues after the theatre hre-"li'
fecall the fortunate deadening OF the sensloil-
tiles which enabled them TO complete their
task. 1t is to be hoped that the brave men
and women who are at work in the valley OF
death have outliyed the overwhelming con-
sIousness of what surrounds them Here, at
a distance, il is q relief to turn from reports OF
the destruction that has been wrought TO the
splendid story of relief and reparanon. Inc
whole civilized world is sharing in this blessed
work. From the cities Of Europe contributions
are being added in generous measure TO the
funds which are rapidly accommodating in every
centre of population at home. individuals are
doing their utmost and corporations are proving
that they have souls Legislatures and munich
naIIties, churches and theatres, clubs and ex-
changes, are vieing with each other In measures
of relief, transportation companies are giving
the free use Of their facilities, and life insur-
ance companies have made the road to their
treasures broad and easy for ali survivors OF
the food who have o claim upon them. a
special recognition is due to the great Pennsyl-
yauia Railroad Company, which has devoted
81 5, 900 to the sufferers, Notwithstanding the
enormous loss which it has sustained.
The fact Is familiar but not the less on that
account worthy Of grateful acknowledgment
that human nature redeems itself from many
faults and acquits Itself Of many charges when.
ever some overwhelming proof Is given Of
human helplessness. We have heard much oil
late about the hateful lust Of gain which has
cnslayed the American people, but suddenly
az IL to rebuke the SANDER, they become ma
ton Of almsgivers, and End no pleasure 30 keen
as that of diminishing their savings. II Is 81.
| ready evident that the response to the demand
| for succor will be without precedent among
the splendid benefactions Of the past. spon.
taneous outpouring of benevoieDce has followed
every great calamity Of recent years. The Chi
cago fire, the yellow fever epidemic of the pre-
| ceding decade, the Charleston earthquake, tbs
| MIL River catastrophe, are memorable not only
| for the havoc which they caused, but also FOL
the universal charity ahich they called int
exercise. Never before has there been such al
opportunity as now, and the world will LONG
remember how nobly II was improved.