Custer chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, Black Hills, D.T. [S.D.]) 1880-1890, 1889-12-28
DAK0TANS In NEED
Governor Mellette Visits the
Drouth Districts and Makes
a Report.
The Most of the Destitution Exists
in Miner and Faux
Counties.
The Settlers Are I'm Good Spirits and
Realize That Their Mishap Is
One Common q Every
New Country.
Facts About Dakota pe.titution.

PIERRE, 5. d., Dec. 1s.-Governor
Mellette has returned from an extended
trip through Sully, Faulk, Potter and
Sphinx counties, and on being inter
viewed on the condition of the destitute
settlers, which he investigated, offered
the following:
End things not so bad as I feared and
not so good as l hoped. There are two
eenters of the dry district, Miner county in
the south and Faux county in the north.
Excepting a light crop in West Faux there
was an almost total failure of crops in
these two counties and in portions OF the
adjacent counties, except to the east, MAX
Ing in each case a dry district somewhat
greater than double the area of each
ecInty.
There are many cases Of absolute desti-
tuition and there would have been suffering
but for the prompt assistance furnished
from all other parts OF the state and also
adjoining states. The counties are
thoroughly organized for the distribu-
ton of supplies. In spite of all
precaution mistakes will be made, but
experience has begotten caution, and
the supplies are now generally placed
In the sIorehouse and given out only on the
order of the township committeeman. The
cLief need now is for food, feed and grain.
Clothing is coming IN boUntifully. / shogld
say the articles most needed are -four, meal
aud corn. The weather continues delight
tul and every day is IA godsend; the winter
Is bound to be short, ind with the present
organizations TO max their needs known
our people will not suffer. Without fuel
and seed In the spring, however, they will
still be absolutely helpless. Goods should
be consigned to the relief committeeman
or station agent, all to 10 into the same
/ ENnalS Ia gAnHna nAAI hnn
been met by the railroad companies, who
furnished free transportation to all sup
plies, and besides, the Chicago, Milwaukee
and ST. Paul railway has donated 2,5JV tons
Of coal, and the Chicago and Northwestern
is giving free freight on coal to an unlim-
tied extent at every station where the need
exists, and half rates TO those in
need Of this. amounting to many thou
sands of dollars. Without this help we
should have been in a sore strait. The peo-
pie are usually healthy and in good spirits.
They realize that their mishap Is one com
mon to every new country and arises from
the fact that they have not yet acquired a
sufficient surplus and diversity OF products
to tide them over. They properly feel that
ike conditions from this or other causes
have occurred in every pioneer settlement.
They confidently expect "a favorable sea
son aud abundant crops next year and
they will be ready in the future ON their
part to keep the unfortunate in other
places. In fact the greatest danger of
need and priyation that may induce disease
Is among those who not only refuse TO ask
aid but to accept it, or who may be in
remote places and not make their wants
known. They are greatly encouraged at
lie little help allowed TO each; the moral
effect is excellent and they will go to work
n the spring with renewed faith in rhe
country and state.
So 1920
iition are being circulated in the eastern
papers. The purpose of these papers is not
20 obtain relief but to hinder immigration.
Dur people, however, are accustomed 10
This treatment. These papers have already
located several terrible blizzards upon US,
while in truth every day is like perfect In.
iian summer or spring. Our n~eighboring
states are experimenting the efforts of our
Dwn people in a magnificent manner, and
shey do it knowing just the facts-that
hey are contributing from "a bountiful har-
rest TO their poorer neighbors who would
otherwise suffer, or at least be left help
less in the spring. They know from expert
.nce what it Is to settle in a new country.
Tell all these good people that their every
bounty thrills with Joy the hearts of men,
women and children. They accept IL, not
As beggars, but rs brothers, and that they
will be always the more willing to respond
70 calls from them, and that every ounce
given becomes pounds to them.
Governor Mellette is working earn
,stly devising new means TO relieve the
distress, and said hat a great many of
the needy had found means OF relief by
coming to Pierre and working on the
many large improvements under way,
and his investigation of the restitution
has been complete, and he takes the
matter personally in charge.