The times., 1899-08-15
WASHINGTON ASKED TO HELP.
The Local Authorities Appealed to
for Aid Aid for Porto A.,co.

The Local Authorities Appealed to
for Aid Aid for Porto A.,co.
The following letter, addressed to the
Commissioners of the District cf Columbia,
was received at the District Building yes
terday from Secretary Root:
To the Honorable the Commissioners of the Dis
trict of Columbia:
GentIemen-The Governor General OF Porto
Rico confirms the report that upon the Sth in
slant a hurricane swept over that island, en-
tirely denolishing many Of the towns, destroy
ing many lives, and reducing, SO far as he can
estimate not less than 100000 OF the inhabitants
TO the condition OF absolute destitution, with
out homes or food. Unless immediate and ef-
fective relief is given these unfortunate people
viii perish oi famine.
Under these conditions the President deems
that appeal should be made to the humanity
OF the American people. 1t IS an appeal 10
their patriotism also, fer the inhabitants OF For
to Rico have freely and gladly submitted them
selves to the guardianship Of the United States
and have voluntarily surrendered the protection
of Spain, TO which they were formerly entitled,
confidently relying upon more generous and be
neficent treatment at our hands. The highest
consideration of honor and good faith unite with
the prcmptings OF humanity to require from the
United States generous response TO the de
lnand of Porto Rican distress.
This Department has directed the immediate
distribution OF ratioas to, the sufferers by the
army in Porto Rico, so far as il is within the
power OF the Executive, put IN Lne dOSellct VI
an appropriation we must rely largely upon
private contributions.
| beg that you will call upon the public-spir-
tied and humane people Of Washington and the
District of Columbia to take active and lmrne-
date measures in this exigency. The Cavern
ment transport McPherson will be sent directly
from the port of New York on Monday, the
l4th instant, 70 carry the supplies that may be
obtained by that time, but further transports
will be sent at future dates, of which public
notice will be given. Amy committee charged
with the raising of funds will receive full in
formation and advice upon communicating with
this department. Very respectfully,
ELIHU ROOT. Secretary OF War.
The appeal is accompanied by facsimiles
of the dispatches that have been received
at the War Department relative to the
damage done by the high winds and rains
that ragged in the interior OF the island
during the terrible period of the storm.
Commissioner Wight was prompt in re-
spending 10 the appeal. He designated
Charles j. Bell to act as treasurer OF the
fund to be raised in this city and has called
upon all of the newspapers and banks to
receive whatever money may be offered.
This action will, 1t is thought. bring the
matter to the direct attention of the public
and afford a convenient means of helping
the sufferers.
The appeal for aid is not only for money.
but for food and clothing also. 1t is said
that many of the persons on the island who
have suffered from the effects Of the storm
were not only deprived Of their homes and
their means of livelihood, but also OF their
clothing and the little food they may have
had in their homes at the time the storm
struck them. These people Will starve un-
less aid is sent out to them directly, and
the War Department has authorized the
collection OF all kinds of supplies for them.
Army transports will sail from New York
at regular intervals to carry supplies to
the Inhabitants of the island.
Commissioner Wight addressed letter
to the president of each bank in the city
asking him to receive contributions at his
bank and the newspapers have also been
called on to act in the same capacity. The
following appeal to the people was also
made by Mr.. Wight:
August II. $780,
To the Citizens of the District OF Columbia:
The Commissioners OF the District OF Columbia
have been requested by the Secretary of War
TO call for contributions of money in aid Ct
those who have greatly suffered through the
elements in Porto Rico. The Commissioners
therefore appeal to the good people of the Dis
triet to aid in this cause they have often
and generously done in the past, and con
tributions may be sent to Mr.. Charles j. Bell
president Of the American Security and Trust
Company, who has consented, at the request or
the Commissioners, to act as treasurer Of this
fund, or through any Of the banks of the city
the newspapers. Contributions will be ac-
knowledged and forwarded promptly to the Sec
rotary OF War JOHN b. WIGHT
President Board oi Commissioners d. C.
The matter of receiving the supplies for
the sufferers has not been considered
yet, but it is thought that any that may be
offered viii be received at the War De-
partment.