The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1899-08-14
HELP PORTO RICO.
Secretary Roots Circular
Asking Aid for Hur-
ricane Sufferers.
AVERT THE THREATENED FAHIHE
Mayor Hoos Issues . Proc;
lamation and Receives
Ready Response,
AVERT THE THREATENED FAMINE

secretary OF War Elihu Root forwarded
to all the Mayors of the cities Ia the
United States the following letter, a copy
OF which Mayor Hoos received on Satur-
day.:
The Governor General Of Porto Rico
confirms the report that upon the 8tlz
INST hurricane swept over that island
enurely demolishing many Of the towns.
eestEoying many lives and reducing 50
lar as can be estimated not less than
luV, VeO OF the inhabitants to be condition
q absolute destitution, without homes or
Unless individual ana effective relief Is
given these unfortunate people will perish
Under these eonditions the President
aesires that an appeal should be made to
the humanity OF the American people.
Il IS an appeal to their patriotism also.
freely and gladly submitted themselves to
Tue guardianship of the United States and
nave voluntarily surrendered the protec-
tlon OF Spain TO which they were formerly
entitled, confidently relying on more gem
eFous and beneficent treatment at our
bands. The highest consideration Of
promptings of humanity to require from
the United States a generous response to
the demand Of the Porto Rican distress:
This Department has directed the
Immediate distribution of rations to the
sufferers by the army in Porto Rico, 50
lar as IN within the power Of the execu-
priations. largely from private contribu-
tions.
Il beg that you win call upon the public
spirited and humane people Of your city
to take active and Immediate measures
in this exigency. The government trans
port Mcpherson. from the port Of New
to carry all supplies of food which can be
obtained. Further transports will be sent
at future dates, of which public notice
will be given"
In response to the Secretary OF Wars
request the Mayor issued this proclama-
tion:-
ITO the People of Jersey City,
Whereas. A destructive hurricane has
swept over the island Of Porto Rico ds-
thousands of the inhabitants destitute
and without food and shelter; and
w Whereas. These unfortunate people VII
mediate relief is given them;
Therefore l. as Mayor OF Jersey
City. erdeavoring to second the appeal
people by President Mckinley through
Elihu Root, the Secretary of War. call
upon you. the people OF Jersey City, 10
contribute such money as YOU can spare
for the raising of fund to be used 10
alleviate and prevent further suffering
in stor1n-sWept Porto Rico. This is an
appeal 10 your feelings for suffering hui
manity and aiso to your patriotism.
Porte Rico freely and gladly submitted
herself to the guardianship Of the United
States, and is entitled to generous and
benehcent treatment at our hansis- am
confident that my fellow citizens will not
be appealed TO in vain and that Jersey
City will efeerfully contribute towards
this fund
Witness my hand and seal, this 18th
day of August. A. D. 1899.
EDWARD HOOS, Mayor
Contributions will be received by the
Mayor and by him forwarded to the prop
er authorities for distribution. This
morning the Mayor received the follow
ing sums
X. Warren, H.. ... ......... $50
Leonard J. Gordon. ;. .... -...... 800
E. B. H, No. Sc Brunswick ........ rs
r. w. F.. . ...... 100
Total ..... 49,. $1,000. ....... sss e