Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-08-14
Commissioners Solicit Aid for Desti-
tute Porto Ricans.
SECRETARY ROOFS COMMUNICATION
Mr.. Charles J. Bell to Serve as
Custodian of the Fund.
SCOPE OF THE DISASTER

The District Commissioners this morning
received a letter from Elihu Root, Secre-
tary of War. calling attention to the des-
utution in Porto Rico as a result of the
recent West Indian hurricane, which did
such great damage in the new island pos
session of the United States. AS result
of this letter and the statements made
therein the Commissioners today issued the
following appeal:
ITO the Citizens of the District of CO.
lumbia:
The Commissioners of the District of
Columbia have been requested by the Sec
rotary Of War to call for contributions of
money in aid of those who have SO greatly
suffered through the elements in Porto
Rico The Commissioners therefore appeal
to the good people of the District to aid in
this cause, they have so often and so
generously done in the past. and contrbu-
tons may be sent to Mr. Charles J. Bell.
president of the American Security and
Trust Company, who has consented, at the
request of the Commissioners to act
treasurer of this fund, or through any of
the banks of the city or the newspapers.
Contributions will be acknowledged and
forwarded promptly to the Secretary Of
War
(signed) JOHN B. WIGHT.
Pres. Board of Commissioners, d. c."
The Secretary's Letter.
Secretary Roots letter to the Commits
soners differs from that sent to the mayors
of all cities of over 2U,0JD population. 1t
written and mailed Saturday after
noon. and consequently did not reach the
municipal building until this morning. The
text of the communication from the Secre-
tary Is as follows:
ITO the Honorable the Commissioners of
the District of Columbia
Gentlemen: The governor general of
Porto Rico confirms the report that upon
the Sth instant a hurricane swept over that
island, entirely demolishing many of the
towns, destroying many lives, and reduc-
ing. so far as he can estimate. not less
than 100000 of the inhabitants to the con-
dition of absolute restitution, without
homes or food. Unless immediate and ef-
fective relief is given these unfortunate
people will perish of famine
Under these conditions the President
deems that an appeal should be made 10 the
humanity of the American people. 1t Is
an appeal to their patriotism also. for the
inhabitants of Porto Rico have freely and
gladly submitted themselves to the guard
ianship of the United States, and have vol.
unfairly surl endered the protection of
Spain to which they We're formerly en-
titled, confidently relying upon more gen
erous and beneficent treatment at our
hands. The highest consideration OF hoilor
and good faith unite with the prompungs
of humanity to require from the tinted
States a generous response TO the demand
of Porto Rican distress
This department has directed the i'm
mediate distribution of ratiOnS to the SUI
ferers BY the army in Porto Rico, so far as
it is within the power of the executive, but
in the absence of an appropriation we must
rely largely upon private CONTRIBUTIONS
II beg that YOU will call upon the public
spirited and humane people of Washington
and the District of Columbia to take active
and immediate measures in this eXlgency
Tho government transport Mcpherson will
be sent directly from the port OF New
York on Monday, the 18th instant, TO carry
the supplies that may be obtained by that
time but further transports will be sent at
future dates of which public notice VIII be
given Any committee charged with the
raising Of funds will receive fuil in1orma-
ton and advice upon communicating with
this department..
Copies of the cablegrams received from
General Davis. commanding in Porto Rico,
and which have been published, accolnpa-
MED Secretary Roots letter.
Reply to Secretary Root.
The following letter was Immediately adj
dressed to Secretary Root:
Dear Sir: The Commissioners are in re-
ceipt this morning of your letter of the
18th instant requesting them to present to
the people of Washington the urgent need
for the relief of the inhabitants of Porto
Rico, who have been rendered homeless
and destitute by the recent hurricane, and
will take pleasure in doing what tl3Sy can
ton.
Although many of the citizens of the
District who are conspicuous for Their gem
trGSity in responding TO Such calls are
way on their summer absences, where 1t
will be difficult TO reach them. the Com
missioners have no doubt mat our people
will maintain their reputation for public
spirited liberality in meeting this appeal to
their benevoence."
This letter was signed by John b. Wight
president of the board of Commissioners.
The Commissioners, in considering the
matter thought that the most expeditions
manner IF reaching the public was through
an appeal in the public press, rather than
by appointment of committee for canvass
ing purposes This decision was reached in
the belief that not only would the residents
Of the city be more generally and promptly
informed of the necessity of funds. but
those absent from the city would also be
made acquainted with the fact that Wash
ingtons patriotism and charity had been
appealed to by a suffering and destitute
people.
Mr.. Bell Treasurer.
Mr. Charles ]. Bell, president of the
American Security and Trust Company.
was requested to act treasurer the fol-
lowing letter being addressed to him:
Dear Sir. The Commissioners are in re-
Ceipt of letter from the Secretary Of War
inviting attention to the suffering in Porto
Rico as result of the recent hurricane
and begging that they will call upon the
public-spirited and humane people of Wash
iugton and The District to take active and
immediate measures in this exigency. The
Commissioners have thought that perhaps
the best way to reach the people would he
to give notice through the press that sub
scriptons will be received at any or all of
the banks in the city and the newspaper
offices. which subscriptions should be for
warded at once to the treasurer of this
fund. The Commissioners request that you
will act as the treasurer of this fund and
receive such subscriptions may be sent
for this purpose The Commissioners
would be glad to know if this proposed plan
meets with your approval and to have any
suggestions that you may care to make in
regard to the matter. either as to change in
the plan or any improving additions to it.
Ii the plan does meet your approval and
you will consent to act as treasurer the
Commissioners will at once address a note
to the various banks requesting them to re-
ceve subscriptions.
Mr.. Bell responded expressing thorough
approval and announcing his Willingness to
serve in the capacity requested.
Generous Response Anticipated.
This afternoon letters are being sent out
to the various banks requesting that they
/ receive contributions and forward the same
10 Treasurer Bell. The newspapers will