Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-09-08
Practical Relief,

Throughout the entire effort of the citi-
zens of Washington to receive the return
ing regiment with appropriate honors and
attentions there has been a steady, con-
sistent development of the idea of prac-
teal relief Immediately after the move
tment was begun for the organization of
formal demonstration of welcome The Star
advanced the suggestion that steps should
be taken without delay for the reception
and relief of the men as they landed at
Montauk Point, in view of disclosures to
the condition of the volunteers landed by
other transports and their suffering from
the lack Of sufficient food supplies ard the
absence of proper medical attention The
stars appeal for means to cope with the
emergency thus arising was generously
swered and when the first detachment
landed funds had been provided to supply
whatever deficiencies might exist between
the governmental provision and the needs
of the men. Fortunately the District Regi-
ment found matters in much better shape
at Camp Wikoff than had been the rule
prior to its arrival and there was not such
urgent demand for immediate relief
funds as had been at first justifiably an
ticipated. The thought of practical aid,
however, had been so gladly and gener-
ously received by the community that it
was a. once apparent that there was an
opportunity as there was assuredly the
need for continuing efforts toward the
practical assistance of needy members of
the regiment and their families both be-
fore and after the arrival of our soldiers
in this city. The Stars contention that our
welcome should begin at Montauk Point and
should not end with the day of home-com-
Ing. but should be continuous, so far as
he md
was universally Endorsed. and the surplus
of The Stars Montauk Point relief fund
formally devoted to promoting the
welfare of those volunteers who return
sick, debilitated, out of employment, dis
heartened or for any reason in need of
material attention.
The citizens reception committee has
taken sensible, practical view of the mat
ter from the beginning. 1t adopted The
Stars suggestion and sent a supplement
tary relief committee to Montauk Point
The chairman of the finance committee in
his appeal to the people of Washington
assured them that their contributions would
be expended as far as possible for practi-
cal ends reducing to a minimum the ex-
penditures for the displays which might be
incidental to the formal reception of the
regiment. The chairman of the general
SOLllI4lllStr TOO, III Whatever ne mas UO1e,
has worked hard for the creation of means
for the substantial aid of the troops by
the community. This has been his an
nourced policy from the beginning and
committees have been formed by him to
carry out whatever may be planned to this
end. The machinery for the exhibition of
a helpful interest in the individuals who
may return home in need of assistance is
thus provided and the contributions have
been coming in so generously as to ensure
the wherewithal for a good start along this
line Of practical patriotism.
The Star is naturally gratifed that its
early suggestions and efforts toward the
substantial and continuous reception of the
troops have been so thoroughly seconded
and aided by the committees in charge of
the reception and that the enterprise has
been directed into the channels of the
greatest good TO the needy. Its initiative
taken upon the arrival of the second and
third battalions at Nontauk, has resulted
in one Of the most commendable of or
gained undertakings, assuring that the
men who return here will not lack for the
necessities of life and will not be forgot
ten in the enthusiasm of the greeting to-
morrow when the regiment arrives. The
kindly care of those who suffer from the
sickness contracted in camp or in the field,
the citizens paternal watchfulness to see
that no man lacks for employment because
OF his patriotic sacrifices, the wise expen-
diture of money in multitude Of ways to
ensure comfort and cheerfulness on the
part of debilitated volunteers will all be
characteristic of the capital city and it is
most gratifying to observe the hearty lib
eral spirit with which the citizens have
united in the effort to extend a helping
hand to the young men who so worthily
represented them in this campaign.