Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-08-22
Lim..ssed Response From Washington
to Recent Appeal.
BUT LIBERAL DONATIONS EXPECTED
Clothing Of Light Variety viii Be
of Great Benefit
LADIES AIDING IN WORK

Notwithstanding the necessity for the
immediate relief of the sufferers from the
recent Porto Rican hurricane, and the
forcibe manner in which the restitution
prevailing in the island has been impressed
upon the people by high officials of the
national and local governments, the resi-
dents of Washington have so far exhibited
no great energy or enthusiasm in con-
tributing to the alienation of the terrible
conditions brought about by the elements.
Although headquarters for the reception of
clothing and supplies were opened in the
Inter-O Ocean building last Saturday, there
have, so far. been but twelve contributions.
While the officials and the publc-spirited
residents having the relief work in charge
are somewhat disappointed at this showing,
they are not discouraged.
A thorough system of canvassfng Is be-
ing organized, and it is believed that within
the next few days there will be an thrush
of supplies that will soon put Washington
abreast of the other cities in this philan-
thropic and charitable work. 1t is pointed
out that never have Washngtonians failed
to cheerfully meet any call for assistance
from human sufferers. The eXasperating
an torrid weather of the last few DAYS
has had much to do. 1t is believed, with the
lack of contributions. All who could posi-
bly, arrange their affairs to that end have
sought cooler places than the capital city.
When the people fully realize how much
they can assist by simply sending in cast
of clothing, however, 1t is believed the
storerooms will soon be stocked and Wash
ington will be enabled to ship a large con-
signment to New York, there to be placed
aboard an army transport and conveyed
rapidly to the stricken people OF the indies
Kind of Clothing Wanted.
The clothing desired for the Porto Ricans
Is Of the light variety. Much of the pres
ent summers apparel is now or soon will
be discarded. This will fill in very handily
one of the greatest wants. Linen and crash
suits and trousers and straw hats are just
the things to be shipped. The merchants
alone are not expected to contribute every
thing. The private citizens of other cities
are coming forward in a most gratifying
manner and giving freely of their old cloth
ing.
the wardrobe closet and will drop me a
postal at the Inter-Ocean building l will
send for the articles, said Col. l.. P.
Wright, who is in charge of the supplies.
From this it will be seen there need be not
the slightest trouble connected with the Civ
ing. Food and supplies of all kinds are
badly needed and will be gratefully re-
ceived. Such supplies will also be called for
if postal is mailed to headquarters.
That the people do not yet fully grasp
the situation is evident from Two contribu-
lions out Of the dozen received. One large
box contained only some very abbreviated
do not burden themselves with clothing.
they require more extensive bodily covering
than that afforded by the articles men
toned. The second peculiar contribution
received consisted entirely of very high
standing colors, which, it is conceded,
would be much out of place in Porto Rico.
All sorts of shirts and hats. underclotheS
and lighter clothing will prove of great
benefit. A strict book account is kept of
all supplies received and the donors will
receive appropriate receipt from head
quarters.
Ladies' Volunteer Services.
number of ladies' have volunteered their
services, and are now actively at work
oanvassing the city. Some of the ladies
have consented to receive the supplies con-
tributed from their immediate neighbor-
hood bearing individually the expense and
trouble of conveying the articles TO the
lnter-Ocean building. Among those at
present prominently engaged in the Porto
Rican relief work are Mrs. George H.
Smith and Mrs A. J. Smith, the latter hav-
ing recently beer in Porto Rico and con-
sequently in a position to thoroughly I'M
derstand the needs of the present emer-
gency; Mrs. NJ. j. Foote. who has son in
the hurricane district; Mrs. J. l.. Waters
Mrs. John NJ. Kelley and Mrs. Mary E.
Mann.
The Secretary of War and the District
Commissioners have appealed to the peo-
pie for aid for the Porto Ricans. Other
cities have readily responded Washing
ton. it IS confidently expected, will soon
have a prominent place in the phiIsn-
throric procession.