Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-04-08
FOR FEDERAL AID.
FLoOD-RELIEF MESSAGE SENT TO
CONGRESS.
The PRESIDENT ASKS ACTION


WASHINGTON, April THE President
sent this message to Congress to-day
ITO the Senate and House Of Representa-
tives:
Information which has recently come
to me from the Governors Of Arkansas,
Mississippi and Louisiana, and from
prominent citizens Of these States and
Tennessee. warrants the conclusion that
widespread distress involving the de-
struction OF a large amount OF property
and loss of human life, has resulted from
the floods which have submerged that
section of the country. These are stated
on reliable authority to be the most
destructive floods that have ever de-
vastated the Mississippi Valley, the
water being much higher than the high
est stage it has reached before From
Marion, Ark. north Of Memphis. to
Greenville Miss, n distance of more
than go miles by river, It is reported
that there are now at least fifty towns
and villages under water: and n territory
extending from 100 miles north OF Mem
phs to 800 miles south. and from five to
forty miles wide. Is submerged Hun
dreds Of thousands Of acres Of cultivated
soil. with growing crops, are included
I'm the submerged territory. In this Sec
tion alone there are from 5000 to 5000
people whose property has been de-
stroyed. and whose business has been
suspended The growing crops have
been ruined. thousands OF cattle have
been drowned and the inhabitants Of
certain areas threatened with starvation.
As "A great majority Of the sufferers are
small farmers they have thus been left
entirely destitute. and will DO unprepared
for work, even after the floods have sub
sided.
"The entire Mississippi Valley I'm Ar
kansas is flooded. and communication
with many points cut off. In MISSISSIPPI
a like condition exists. The levees in
Louisiana. with single exception. have
held. but the water is rising, and the
situation there is reported as being eX-
tremely critical
"Cnder such circumstances, the citizens
Of these states look for the cooperation
and support Of the National Government
I'm relieving the pressing cases Of destitu-
ton for food. clothing and shelter which
are beyond the reach OF local efforts. The
authorities who have communicated with
the Executive recognize that their first
and most energetic duty Is TO provide,
as far as possible. the means OF caring
for their own citizens but nearly all of
them agree in the opinion that after their
resources have been exhausted, a sum
aggregating at least $4,000, and, possibly.
$4,000, will be required for immediate
use.
"Precedents are not wanting that in
such emergencies as this. Congress has
al IT,.
action. involving the expenditure Of con-
siderable sums Of money. with satisfac-
tory results. In 1874 $3.50 coo was appro-
priated. and in 1882 $4,000 was also ap-
propriated for relief IN the same direction,
besides large sums in other years
"The Citizens Relief Committee of
Memphis. which has taken prompt action,
has already cared for from 500 TO 1909
refugees from the flooded districts. and
they are still arriving i'm that city in large
numbers daily. Supplies and provisions
nave been sent to the various points in
Arkansas and Mississippi by this COM
mittee; but the utmost that can be done
by these efforts is TO partly relieve the
most acute cases of suffering. No action
has yet been taken for the great ma
jorty Of the Inhabitants living in the in
terror, whose condition has already been
described.
"Under these conditions. and having
exerted themselves to the fullest extent.
the local authorities have reluctantly con-
fessed their inability 10 further cope with
this distressing situation, unaided by re-
lief from the government.
1T has therefore. seemed 10 me that
the representatives of the people should
be promptly informed of the nature and
extent Of the suffering and needs Of these
stricken people, and i have communicated
these facts. in the hope and belief that
the legislative branch Of the government
will promptly REINFORCE the work Of the
local authorities in the States named.
(Signed civilian NJ KINLEY,
Executive Mansion, April Z, 1891"