Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1892-12-27
A GIGANTIC CHARITY.
Over 100000 and Thousands Of Tons Of
Food Sent to Starving Russians.

WA-Ht>GroN Dee. % - Ex-Governor
John W. Hoyt, chairman of the Russian
4 famine relief committee of the United
States, has furnished to the press the report
of the relief offered by America to the sui-
| ferers from the famine in Russia. II is. in
part, as follows:
The famine itself as the world nov
knows, was one of the most appalling in all
| history, embracing population of some
| 20 900 900 and aggravated by the fierce
ness of winter almost unparalleled. 1t
was therefore challenge to the entire
| Christian world in the face of limitations
of the ability to help. Happily the New
World has been blessed with hountiful har
vests. anil Russia's millions could properly
turn to us in silent appeal for help Thr
people of the Northwest first showed their
appreciation, but awaited the action of the
President of the United States, who, or
January ). sent message to Congress
recommending such action as would insure
free transportation of the peoples gifts
The report then tells how, Congress not
acting. Governor Merriman of Minnesota
Clara Barton and others took up the work
which resulted in sending "a shipload OF
stores TO Russia from Iowa. The forma
ton of the national committee consisting
among others, of the President and Vice
President of the United States. followed
and money was raised by the chambers OF
commerce of various cities and forwarded
to the American minister ut St. Peters
burg.
The Missouri carried over 5000 900
pounds of flour and corn meal: the Indiana
2l30 tons of flour and other stores; the
Conemaugh, 1862 tons the Tynehead car
ried Iowa's big contribution, and the Leigh
2, 1870, 800 pounds of flour,
The money sent to Russia it is hard to
estimate, but the report says it doubtless
far exceeds 500, 900, and there are still
various sums left in the hands of commit
tees and other agencies. Among the contri-
buttons was S2400 from ,Johnstown, which
suffered from the Conemangh flood. and
s250o from Jacksonville.
Credit is given to railroad corpor atom
for transportation and to the International
Navigation Company for the ships Indiana
and Conemaugh, and to the Atlantic Trans
por, line for the Missouri. In concluding
the report says
Justice demands the statement that the
bulk of Americas entire contribution is t.
be credited to citizens in humble circum
s;ances-people who, without thought OF
the rewards and honors accorded to large
offerings and conspicuous service have been
able to give only by means of extra labor.
and acts of self denial. The reception ac-
fcorded to our freighted ships by the people
and official representatives of Russia-nay
by the imperial family, whose cordial hos
pitality and simplicity of bearing appear To
have won the hearts of all who have been
accorded a reception-was unprecedented
| Demonstrations of grateful appreciation
could hardly have been more abundant or
more earnest and cordial. Intertwining OF
the national flags, innumerable appropriate
/ banners and devices, the joyous rendering
of our national airs, eloquent speeches
clasped hands and kingly gifts-all these
were repeated as often as one of our ship
| touched the Russian shore.
! Nor was this all. Being really in no
| need of American help in the distribution
so thoroughly well provided for, nor yet in
need of the proffered service of such as
were ready to give their time and risk their
/ lives in personal care of the starving and
diving peasants. nevertheless, with but ona
| exception occasioned by msinformation
! all who offered this. or any sort of aid ,wer,
/ made most welcome and afforded every
possible assistance in realizing their de
! sires.'