The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1900-08-10
INDIA FAMINE RELIEF.

The India famine relief movement in
this country is noble charity to which
the American people have contributed
with their usual generosity. Whatever
the shortcoming of the British Govern
ment or the Indian Government may be,
the question is, after all, one of simple
humanity, and when this sentiment is APP
pealed to in the United States the re-
spouse is always prompt and hearty. The
energy and intelligence with which the
relief movement has been pressed reflect
the highest credit upon those who are
directing it. 1t is purely an American
movement, organized by humane and
sympathetic people in the United States
in response to the cry for help from
India's suffering millions.
A recent publication by the India relief
committee explains that, while rains have
fallen in the famine-stricken districts,
there will be need of all the assistance
the world can give for the next three
months. With the exception of a shower
on July 90, 1899, the present rain is the
first Western India has had for two years.
Until the rain has fallen continuously for
weeks the ground will not be soaked
sufficiently for successful cultivation.
Hence for several months India will be
dependent upon the worlds charity, and
in the western and central provinces.
Although the Indian Government main
tains relief works and poorhouses, it is
not able alone to cope with the situation.
If the worlds charity is stopped sud
denly under the mistaken impression that
it is no longer required millions of home
less and helpless people will be in immi-
nent danger of starving to death.
Not only do India's afflicted people
need food, but most of those in the famine
stricken districts are without clothes and
bedding. The rains which fit the soil for
cultivation threaten death to those who
are exposed to the chill, moist atmosphere.
Not one in a thousand of those who live
in the provinces where the famine has
been most severe has blankets or cloth
ing. SO it will be seen that when all
danger of starvation has finally passed
other wants of the afflicted must be sup
piled, or disease and exposure will claim
many victims. Moreover, the famine
has left Christendom another legacy which
are fully half a million motherless and
fatherless children to be cared for, the
sons and daughters of parents who perish
ed from famine and plague. Something
They must be sheltered, clothed and fed,
and it is quite certain that the Indian
Government alone will pot be able to care
for them. Earnest appeals are made by
little ones-appeals which will not be
ignored when the world realizes the horror
of the situation in India.
The famine in India is Il tragedy which
who have visited the famine stricken
provinces and seen the utter desolation
which prevails. The scenes of suffering
from plague and privation are indescriba-
BILE Earnest American men and women
who are familiar with the conditions de-
clare that the situation has not been
exaggerated-tha it would be impossible
to give an adequate idea of the misery
which prevails. In the name of humanity
they appeal to charitable Americans to
help tighten the burden of at1iiction which
rests so heavily upon India. They are
engaged in a noble work in alternating
the misery of millions of starving and
plague stricken people, and the cause in
which they are enlisted deserves the sup
port of all who are able to contribute
Baltimore SIM.