The age-herald., 1900-09-19
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Mrs. James A. Kirk of Pratt City, who left Birmingham immediately after she re- ceived news of the Galveston disaster, and has made the journey to the grief-stricken city on the gulf, writes for this depart ment an interesting account of the relief work that Is being done for the sufferers. Mrs. Kirk was in New Orleans at the time the Womans Relief Corps was organized. She proceeded then to Houston, from which city her letter is dated It is as follows
 Houston. Tex, September 16, 1900
 Yesterday during a twelve hours wait at New Orleans I attended a mass meet ing of the women of that city, called for the purpose of organizing a relief associa- tion for the benefit of the Galveston suf- ferers. With the usual generosity of the Crescent City (and, indeed. of the whole world. as shocking calamities teach us), the spacious hall of the St. Charles Hotel was filled at the appointed hour with eager women, anxious to lend hand in the mo- ble work. The Mayor, who was present with several other well-known men, ex- plained the object of the meeting with we'll chosen words, saying that he would not make an address of charity to the women of New Orleans noted for generosity, but
 
 feelingly he did 1t, explaining the urgent want of clothing and the great need of prompt action. An organization was form ed, with Mrs Mollie Moore Davis pres- ident, and other prominent women assist ing as officers, chairmen of various com mittees, etc. In short time the sum or $150 was raised and plan of work mapped out for the immediate collecting of wearing apparel
 Tn New Orleans one notes but few changes with the passing of the years. It is look into the past to one who left 1t in youth to come back and find so much untouched by the hand Of the iconoclast, Progress. Truly, the same flowers are blowing in beautiful Jackson Square, with it's proud statue withstanding the rust of time, and the historic gray buildings near it look not a shade more gray The nno- vations which have come one almost re- sents a blot on the picture.
 Here in Ho aston there is little evidence of the storm. In the outskirts few piles of debris yet uncleared tell of a hard blow, but the general theme Is Galveston, where the storm gathered all its energy and spent its fury. The city hall Is headquar- ters for all the relief bureaus; and a busy place 1t is, with note of sadness echong through its long halls. In one of the largest apartments are piles of clothing and a bevy of noble women, despite the heat, which is intense. who are asserting, folding, distributing, dressing a stricken city. Many are the tales of woe heard here, as sad-faced women show prefer ence for black garments, and men with tears rolling down their cheeks are choos- ing childrens clothing. and still half the tale Is yet untold.
 Galveston today, with the bluest sky over head and the quiet gulf waters washing her shores, Is a veritable charnal house, wreck strewn and horrible. For sanitary reasons the dead are being burned, for the sea has literally given up its dead," all the bodies which were thrown in just after the storm, having washed ashore, came back home, as 1t were. There Is much red tape observed in regard to going to Galveston, only those being permitted to pass who are searching for loved ones. For the sight-seer, the mere gratifer of morbid curiosity, there is no place, as every available spot on the boats and trains must be kept for the unfortun- ate refugees. with whom Houston is crowd ed, and for whom she is nobly providing every accommodation. Under no circum- stances is a woman given d pass to Calves ton, owing to what influence I know not, but an exception has been made, and in my pocketbook Is the coveted pass which tomorrow morning allows me to pass into this city of the dead. going to my loved ones, who are there and unhurt.
 The railroads and telegra ph companies are doing yeoman service; free transportation is given all those who wish to leave to wherever they want to go.
 It is not encore alone 10 which player folks respond. Underneath stage emotions are hearts that are touched by the stories of the great disasters of the world, and when the cries for assistance reach their ears, they are among the first to send lief to grief-stricken cities. In the relief corps that were organized during the South African war, the beautiful American wo- men of the stage who were In London at that time were recognized leaders in the work of relief, which included such an ex- tensive undertaking as the equiping of a hospital ship. But whether the work of re- lief is undertaken on either small or a broader scale, the generosity of theatrical people Is always in evidence and when a benefit performance is suggested the most distinguished, well as the lesser stars, respond with a willingness that has made their generosity proveriable.
 Since the disastrous events at Galveston the relief funds have been swelled by the be neft performances arranged by New York theatrical managers. number of stage favorites have appeared, and benefits have taken place at all of the principal theaters that have opened. At the Herald Square, where Arizona" is in the second week of its metropolitan run, the man. agers donated one entire nights proceeds to the Galveston sufferers. At the vaude- vile houses benefit performances have been given, the managers and players respond ing most liberally as soon as the need of assistance to the stricken city by the gulf became known.
 While New York theaters have been the scene of these benefit performances, the American player folk in London have ar ranged benefit for this week. Mir. George W. Lederer cabled his London company, who are at the Shaftsbury in The Casino Girl" As a result great London benefit for the victims of the Galveston disaster will augment the relief funds.
 Mrs. James Brown-Potter, Kyrl Bellew, Robert Taber and Edna May will appear in front as flower sellers, and the relief fund will be swelled by the efforts of those well-known Americans, who are great ta- vorites in London.
 In New York Frances Wilson will give a F,,xxra 1f ..,alE g.f