The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1897-03-02
.THE DISTRESS is GREAT |
OVER ONE HUNDRED PEOPLE HAVE BEEN
AIDED THUS FAR.
DOBATIONS Are MUCH NEEDED
The Committee to Meet Tonight and Ar
range Plans By Which to Increase
Funds For Relief--Revenue Ex-
pected Prom the Al. C.
Fields Minstrel Per-
formance

Many people have responded nODly to the
call for aid in behalf of the distressed
worthy poor of town, but there are greater
number of people who either have not been
sufficiently aroused to their sense of duty, or
do not grasp the situation in all its force
The distress in the town, as discovered by in
vestigatons of the past few days is
much greater than was thought by even
the promoters of the movement to extend
relief and none who can possibly do so should
withhold helping hand. The investigating
committee have found some families strug-
Cling along with almost absolutely no food
One family made a breakfast of bread and
salt few days ago, and the bread was by no
means plentiful. In other cases sick children
have been found without clothing or foot
wear, and in other instances people have been
found sick and with no bed upon which to
rest. The situation in many quarters is
simply terrible and becomes more heart
rending as personal investigation is pushed
and no citizens having sense Of humanity
can stand idly by and not help the relief
cause. Contributions of money, provisions
and clothing are very much needed and it is
hoped they will be sent to the relief head
quarters at 30 West Centre street with all
possible promptness
The committee meets with some very
touching instances in the distribution Of re-
lief Some poor women have wept audibly
when supplied with food and other relief and
each tear has gone to the hearts Of the COM
mittee as adding that much more bitterness
to the condition Of affairs.
Although the relief has not been received
as promptly and plentifully as it should, still
the committee has manrged to supply every
r.,.I i. ~. Il 81.
obligations have been assumed with the
conviction that there are enough people
in the borough who will see that the obli-
cations will be fulfilled. The committee will
not turn away any worthy applicant for re-
lief, even though the funds in hand may be
exhausted This far 105 people have been
assisted.
1t is to be regretted that a contrast is noticed
between the spirit shown thus far by the peo-
pie of Shenandoah and that exhibited by the
Mahanoy City people. The relief movement
in this town was first started but the cash
contributions have aggregated but $50, while
| in Mahanoy City the cash funds have already
reached between S4OO and $500. 1t is hardly
possible that the people of Shenandoah in
tend to allow this vast difference in the ex-
hibition Of humanity to continue when there
I
tribute amounts equal to all that has thus faI
been donated in cash here and never miss it,
( This is the first time in many years that the
condition of the people has been such as tc
require such urgent appeals for their aid and
they surely will not be left to suffer, especially
/ when the movement is a general one
Tonight the general committee on organi.
zation will meet in the Council chamber, al
] A. ofa nd 3 s- LII a.. Al
/ generous offer of Mr.. p. j. Ferguson to give
the free use of his theatre for any entertain.
ments that may be arranged to raise relief
funds will be acted upon There is an
abundance of musical and theatrical talent
Of a very high order in the town that can be
secured for such occasions. 1t is hoped that
volunteers in this line of work will notify
the committee at once, so that the material
for program will be at hand as soon as il is
decided to hold an entertainment.
There is one thing that should not be lost
to sight and that is the performance to be
/ given at Ferguson's theatre tomorrow night
| by the Al. G. Fields Minstrels This is an
| opportunity by whi;h many will be enabled
at small individual cost to considerably swell
/ the cash relief fund. The entertainment i.
frst-class in every particular and none need
| hesitate on that score in attending it,
At a meeting of the teachers institute las
night it was decided to have Potato Day in
the public schools. 1t will probably be held
on Thursday or Friday. Volunteers ar,
wanted to haul the potatoes to the relie
headquarters, 35 West Centre street, after tn,
collection is made No doubt many team
will be at the service of the committee ant
it is desired that offers be made soon, so tha
assignments to each school can be made.