Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1894-08-23
STARVING PEOPLE.
Gov. Altgeld Examines Into the
Distress at Pullman.
he ISSUES A PROCLAMATION.
The Governor Writes to MIR. Pullman but
He Declines to Act on His SUCCESS
tlons--An Appeal to the Public
for Aid.

,HIcAG0, Aug. 81 can do little
myself" said Gov, Altgeld yesterday,
'and il anything considerable were TO
be done the money would have to come
out Of the governments financial re-
sources | might convene the legis-
lature for the purpose of making an
appropriation, or ! might make an APP
peal to the people Of the state. ! think
we have gone to the bottom Of things
now and can proceed intelligently, and
1t remains to DO seen what can be
done"
The governor used these words ut the
close Of the consultation respecting
the Pullman strikers, AT the invita-
ton Of the governor committee met
at his Office togive information regard
ing the strikers
, lie was told that 2,4S6 families had
been helped since the beginning Of the
strike and that about $50, 900 had been
given the relief committee, oil Of which
had been used.
The governor last night issued the
following proclamation addressed
10 the people Of the state Of Illinois, and
especially those Of the city Of Chicago
There IL great distress growing out Of the
want Of food In and around the town Of pull
man. More than 001 families, or In the neigh
borh0od Of 5000 people, are utterly destitute
Nearly tour-dfths Of them are women and chill
dren. The men hive endcayored to get work,
but were unable TO do so.
As a rule the men are d superior class OF
laborers- industrious, capable and steady ana
some Of them have worked for the Pullman
company for more than ten years. Those who
have been given work can vet food but are
still In such an impoverished condition that
they cannot help their nelghbOrs II they would,
The relief society Is unable to got supplies.
On last Saturday It gave to each family two
pounds Of oatmeal and two pounds Of corn
meal and having nothing left II suspended
operations leaving the people In an absolutely
helpless condition.
The county commissioners Of Cook county,
~ oVerseefs Of the poor, have rendered some
assistance, but owing TO the limited appropria-
ton they can furnish relief but for short
time.
We cannot now stop TO inquire the cause Of
this distress The good people OF this state
cannot allow women ami children by the hun
dred to perish Of hunger therefore call upon
all humane and charltaby disposed citizens 70
contribute what they eau towards giving relief
TO these people
The governor has also called on the
commissioners Of Cook county to do all
In their power in the matter.
The correspondence between Coy,
Altgeld and Mr. Pullman began last
Sunday when, IN response to number
Of appeals made to him by Pullman
strikers for assistance. Gov Altgeld
sent lengthy telegram 10 Mr. Pull
man, calling his attention to the situa-
ton as set forth in The appeal, and say
inQ that the strikers claimed they
struck after years Of toll because their
wages were 20 reduced that their chill
dren went hungry. Yesterday the
governor sent letter to Mr.. Pullman
stating that he had examined the con-
ditions at Pullman and asking him to
cancel the rents Ia October J and maxi