St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1894-09-09


issued the following statement:
state Commission Report.
The commission appointed by the
governor to supervise the work OF the
permanent relief of the sufferers by fire
have visited the burned district ana the
city of Duluth.
We find that the work of searching
+ II and burying the dead is now practi-
caIly completed. The devastated dis
trlct has been thoroughly explored by
trained woodsmen, and we think that
nearly all of the bodies have been dis
covered. Great praise is due for the
devotion and fidelity with which this
dreadful task has been accomplished.
1t remains to dispose OF the carcasses OF
dead animals, which will be menace
10 the health OF the community.
We find that about 1900 people from
Hinckley, Sandstone and other parts,
found refuge at Duluth, where their
immediate wants have been most gen.
erously met by tine citizens.
The churches suspended their serv-
ices, and 27O people were lodged and
fed i'll the parIors of the Presbyterian
church and Pilgrim Congregational
church. The members of the Bethel
threw open their doors, receiving about
200, the Odd Fellows provided build
ing. The ladies' relief society. under
the leadership of Mrs. A. Nj. Miller,
received and distributed thousands OF
pieces of clothing, purchasing new
when necessary. The associated char.
tiles rendered efficient aid in registra-
ton and investigation, while the gen.
eral relief committee. headed by Z. Z.
Gridey, chairman, and A. b. Chapln,
treasurer, established dor:aitories In
business blocks, and an admirable eat
ing house TO feed 600 people. A large
number were cared for by private citI-
Zens in their own houses.
The number of refugees at Duluth
has now been reduced 10 about 700.
Work has been found for a considerable
number, and the people of Duluth will
continue to provide temporarily for the
rest until they can be permanently 10
Gated.
The People of Duluth
have raised about $4,000 in cash contri-
buttons, besides clothing, lumber, ETC.,
to the value of several thousand dollars.
We find that about 500 refugees have
been cared for at Pine City, thirteen
miles south of Hinckley. A relief train
arrived the day after the fire with sup
plies for immediate relief, but 1t was
found that the citizens of Pine City had
already provided food and lodging for
the entire company. An efficient local
committee was established with James
Harley as chairman, and +. A. Hodge
as treasurer. This committee was sub
seoueptly enlarged by the addition of
members from st. Paul, Minneapolis
and Saltwater.
Tents were provided by the governor,
lodging about $50 people; hospital was
established; warehouses were opened in
charge of competent stOrekeeper. A
commissary department was established
and burial and searching parties were
organized.
The relief committees of st. Paul and
Minneapolis placed money and sup
plies at the disposal of the Pine City
committee on which they have drawn
as necessary.
Eighty.six of the sufferers were taken
to the village of Mora. and the citizens
of that place organized and cared for
them most efficiently. being assisted by
supplies and relief parties from the city
of st. Cloud.
We can report, therefore, that as far
as the immediate relief Is concerned, it
has been splendidly taken care OF and
most effective organization established
to carry on the work. This leaves but
little for the state commission to do in
the way of temporary relief. But
hundreds of people have been left abso-
lutely destitute, their homes and every
article of theirs absolutely destroyed.
10 re-estabish these people as far as
possible in their old homes, and when
not practicable to locate them elsewhere
under such conditions as will enable
them to support themselves will be the
endeavor of this commission.
Sufferers Classified.
The fire sufferers may be classified as
follows:
/. Single men who need only an out
fit of clothing and perhaps little
money to enable them to look for work
2. Small farmers, most of whom
have bought 40 to 100 acres of land or
contract, on which they have paid a
small amount. Most of these people
want to go back onto the land. There
are probably $50 of these farmers.
g. Villagers of Hinckley aud Sand
stone. Some of these people want tt
return at once; others may have to seel
new homes if the industries at those
places are not resumed.
4. Widows with small children whit
ought to locate in the smaller towns O.
the state.
The sufferers by this fire are an ex
cellent class of people, and they repre-
sent fairly the people of the state
Their requests are moderate, but thu
commission finds that a very larg,
amount Of money, building materia
and supplies will be needed. Contribu
tions of baled hay, oats. barley. ant
especially winter rye, are needed to pre-
vide seed and feed for stock.
While contributions of material ar
acceptable, the commission would re
mind the people of the state that none
is the most portable and useful contr
button possible. A large proportion Q
the people are farmers: they must b
fitted out with houses. farming implt
ments and supplies until they can rails
crop; and this will require larg
amount of money. We appeal. there
fore, TO all towns and municipalities I
give 10 the extent of their ability. TIL
commission wishes to acknowledge tn
magnificent liberaiity Of the contribu
tions already reported, and they wi
endeavor to use every dollar entruste
to them TO the best possible purpose.
Cash contributions should be sent
rect 70 Kenneth Clark, treasurer, S
Paul. Those having supplies will n