The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-12-24

all possible revenue expended. Since 1877
the rainfall has been below the average
and the people have therefore not recoV-
cred their usual condition. IL Is on top Oh
such a history that the rain has again
failed, and now, with only two moh'hS
of the famine period passed, government
is helping two and half millions.
INDUSTRIOUS RACE
These people are busy and Indus
trious race. On their little farms OF per
haps an acre they support themselves ana
ask no help Of none. And those VINO nave
no land manage somehow to provide ior
their simple needs But when the rams 90
not come, millions are helpless and food
less. The scenes which follow. even II
relief be afforded by government, are Oh
ten most terrible ones.
"You ask why England does not care
for her own? The government of England
through its representative government In
Ird'a. has taken in hand the great problem
of saving lives with an efficiency that de-
serves the praise and gratitude or the
world A Famine Code exists, brought
mp 10 date Ready prepared plans for new
roads, railway embankment, irrigation
works, exists SO that no time Is LOST
in opening relief employment bureaus.
This previous preparation Is what mas
made IL possible for relief to be Afforded
10 two and a half million inside or SIX
weeks from the beginning OF the famine.
II is a wonderful illustration Of what
a perfect organization can do when turned
to the problem of saving life.
In connection with these relief employ
ment agencies, which are widely dlstriD-
uted, there are maintained kitchens for
the free distribution Of food for those
- nrly al
for the small children whose work IS
of no value. These relief camps means
the saving Of millions Of lives and human
ity comes a debt OF gratitude to England 5
representatives I'm India for the way I'm
which they meet their terrible response
bility
PRIVATE BENEVOLENCE.
However much government does. there
is an unlimited field for private benevol-
ence. Government can do little more than
save from starvation. Private aid can
help TO relieve the terrible distress which
grows out Of the famine II can care for
the infirm, too weak to reach the re Ter
camps II can sell grain at a creap rate.
buy the products Of the weavers. and look
after children. both orphans made by the
death of the parents by the famine and
those abandoned by parents I'm their d.ss-
pair-the latter a not inconsiderable num-
her. Rich men of India. native and
European are raising famine funds
but the field of suffering is no immense.
involving so many millions, that other
nations must help for humanitys sake.
I'm the famine three years ago farmers
Of Western States. and people elsewhere,
poured money and grain into India, saw
ing many lives. IL IL not midas fault
that the need for helping her people comes
again. Americas generosity must again be
put TO the test. While her pockets are
full will she see great nation In wantY
IL IS the very essence OF our Christian
faith that We must open hearts and purse
when men cry for bread.
missionaries of the various Doarus
working In the famine area are sending
pleading letters and cabegrams for money
with which 10 relieve the suffering which
they see They are the best avenues Tor
American help, for with their native
agents, teachers and preachers they form
effective and ready made organizations FOR
the wise distribution of relief. Treasur-
ers OF these boards will receive and for
ward money. midas cry is immediate.
Her people are not ungrateful TO Ameri-
ca or TO England and there Is. In my
judgment. no fear OF political revolt