St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1894-09-19
IN VERY BAD TASTE.
CRITICISM FROM EIINCKLEY OF
STATE COMMISSION.
Kenneth Clark Shows That the
Utmost Vigilance Is Used in
the Relief Work.

Inc attack upon the state relleI cOin-
mission, emaiIating from certain resi-
dents of Hinckley, is looked upon out
side that locality as being wide of the
facts and in decidedly bad taste. The
relief is contributed by people outside
the suffering localities, and the con-
tributOrs know too well the eminent
standing of the gentlemen composing
the relief commission to have the slight
est alarm as to the disposition or
their charity. The general expression
is that it is unwise for these
Einekley citizens, wEO are compare
lively unknown, TO ask those contribut-
ing to the relief of their stricken local
ity to entrust their donations 10 them,
when the state has provided commits
sion composed Of men known TO be
active and honorable. ST. Paul people
and people from other parts seen in the
city who have been heavy contributors
to the relief Of the sufferers, discussed
the matter freely yesterday. AMI in very
uncomplimentary terms 10 the certain
Hinckley men, who evidently want to
get hold of the cash and dispense it to
suit themselves.
kenneth Clark, treasurer of the relief
commission. was interviewed specially
concerning the matter. He said:
''lt seems singular that such mis-
statement OF facts could have emenated
from any one in Hinckley. In the first
place, this state commission is composed
of men whose standing is a sufficient
guaranty to all charitably inclined
placed where they will do the most
good and with the utmost promptneSs.
1t is not intended that the money and
other contributions shall be placed
where anybody can get rake-otf for
himself.
H. Ii. Hart, for many years secretary
of the state board of corrections and
charities. and man of the most active
character, and whose integrity is above
possible suspicion. is our general agent,
located at Hinckley, where he oversees
with the utmost vigilance the whole
work of relief. He is assisted by
John f. Jackson. OF ST. Paul.
and George Marchant, of Mime
ap0lis. two widely known relief experts.
Mr.. Marchant is i'll constant service at
Hinckley Investigating all cases pre-
sented for assistance. Mr.. jackson is
located at Pine City, doing like service.
Mr.. Howard, of Duluth. il most efficient
man, is constantly at Hinckley. super
vising all building and building mater
ial. George Holt. of Minneapolis, is at
Duluth, looking after the wants of the
1000 refugees at that city. and, by the
way, who We're admirably cared for
by the citizens of Duluth. Then Mar
chant and Jackson have number Of
clerks at Hinckley and Pine City who
perform the work of giving out supplies
as directed by their chiefs. They have
no earthly opportunity to misappro-
pirate anything, even if they were so
inclined.
''During the past week Mr.. Holt and
the others have disposed of 500 Of the
people needing RELIEF. getting them TO
their friends and in other ways placing
them beyond the need of further relief.
Lumber is going into Hinckley, Sand
stone and other places as rapidly as pos
siDle, and as fast as Cases can be i'll
vestigated buildings are going up.
There were about three hundred farm
erS burned out. SOME of these owed
for their farms, the mortgages being
greater than the value of the farms. 1t
would be folly for us to put up houses
OH these farms Just for the winter, when
we would only be enhancing the value
of the security of the mortgages.
The farmers who were thus heavily
mortgaged are to select lands provided
by the Duluth railroad, and Soon as
their selections are made we will pro-
coed to put up houses for them. And
they will be given a winters supply of
food. clothing and fuel. and he helped
until they are aUle TO produce for them
selves.
''There is nobody, of all the l,500 suf-
ferers from the fire, going hungry or
InSufhciently clad. All the immediate
wants have been provided for.
"The criticism from Hinckley comes
with singular effect. when it is consid-
cred that Charles A. PillsDury, one of
the commissioners, whose time Is worth
at least Sl00 a day to him. is making
repeated excursions to Hinckley to
spend DAY or so at a time
overlooking matters personally; and
when man of the business cares
of Nj. q. Norton, Of Winona, another
member OF the commission, will leave
HIS ueSh lOT odyS dI tiiuc " travel
clear to Hinckley to personally look
after the Keller work, and when such a
man as Charles II. Graves, of Duluth,
Will forsake his business to spend time
and money in behalf of the sufferers.
Then there is Gov. Nelson, taking days
away from his campaign, even cancel
ing dates occasionally, TO look in person
after the sufferers.
~ cannot think that this criticism is
made by the best citizens of Hlnckiey.
For my part, will frankly say that had
known what an immense amount of
work would have been entailed by ac-
ceptng position on the commission,
would not have accepted the trust. But
am in it now, and cannot back out
with any sort of grace, hence shall
stick to my trust. and do the best l can
to discharge ii faithfully and wisely"
Maj. Page Improving.
The wife of Maj. Page, the Brooklyn