The Athena press. [volume] (Athena, Umatilla County, Or.) 18??-1942, 1895-01-04
CAN YOU HELP THEM9
'Nebraska's Starving People Solici
Your Aid.


Last week the Press published
an article in regard to the terrible
suffering among many farmers in
western Nebraska. All crops there
this season were a total failure and
many deaths from starvation have
been reported. We are in receipt
Of the following letter in regard TO
the matter:
'sPoRTLAND, Ore, Dec. 25, 1894.
DEAR SIR: An appeal has come to
usin behalf of the thousands Of
men, women and children in the
western half of the State of Neb-
raska who are facing the terrors of
winter in that region with scant
clothing, no fuel and no provisions.
In many counties of that state
there have been no crops for two
years and these people have no
money with which to buy supplies
of any kind. Some cases of death
from starvation have already been
reported and many more will die
III the same way unless assisted.
The Governor of Nebraska has
telegraphed us today that there is
much need for food and seed grain
in nearly half the state, and that
while they are doing what they
can themselves, they will gladly
receive anything we will forward.
EggWhile our own people are not
Messed with prosperity we have
had an abundant harvest and can
spare something to relieve the dis
tiess of others. The railroad COM
panies will carry free to Grand
Island, Nebraska, the headquarters
of the Relief Committee, all gifts
from this state when shipped in
carloads.
The Chamber of commerce of
this city has appointed the under
signed a committee to take charge
ofthe matter here, and we have
already forwarded one carload and
have two more in process of ac-
cumulation. We made an appeal
yesterday through all the churches
in the city and shall make per-
sonal canvass for further contribu-
stions.
We cordially invite and earnest
ly ask you to assist in this work
and hope you will try to enlist the
services and interest of your entire
community. Anything that peo-
pie can eat or wear will be of use
and wheat for seed will be a bless
ing to many poor farmers who
must sow and hope for another
crop.
All shipments Of less than o car
load, originating at any point on.
the Southern Pacific lines in Greg
on, can be sent to Portland marked
Nebraska Relief Committee, care
0. r. 4 N. Co., and they will be
massed into carloads here, without
any charge for drayage or storage.
Weshall be glad to correspond
with you and any letters addressed
to the chairman, Mr.. #. X. Arnold
275 Stark Street, will be promptly
answered. Very truly yours,
F. X. BEACH,
J. T. Ross,
J. e. HAsELTINE, SCom.
III. A. SHoREY,
F. X. ARNOLD.
It is suggested by prominent
business man of Athena that the
farmers and citizens contribute and
send to these suffering people a
carload of grain. This can easily
be done if all will take an interest
in the matter and act in concert.
This is an urgent call, and should
be needed by everyone. Who will
set the ball rolling?
LATER.
Since the above was in type we
Fare informed that w. J. Wilkinson
agent for the Pacific Coast Elevat-
or company. has taken the matter
in hand and will receive all dona-
tions Of wheat. The Athena Flour
ing Mill Company will grind a car
load Of -four free, and the railroad
will transport tito the governor Of
Nebraska, free Of charge. This is
q most worthy cause and should
receive thesupport Of all.