New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-09-12
RELIEF FOR GALVESTON.

The horror at Galveston grows 1t is com
mon rule for the first reports Of disasters to be
the worst, and for later details to lessen the
seriousness of the case. Not so in this catas-
trophe. The earliest reports were bad. but
they conveyed scarcely a hint Of the awful
magnitude of the ruin that had been wrought.
Each succeeding dispatch has portrayed the
scene in darker colors, heightened the roll OF
victims and of losses and emphasized with
more urgent stress the appeal for aid and re-
lief. At the present moment we may hope that
the worst is known, though we have even yetno
assurance of that fact Certainly what is known
is bad enough to send a thrill of horror and Of
pity through every heart in the land. con-
siderable city, one of the great shipping ports
of the Union, has been almost blotted from
the map. The property losses inflicted upon
it are such as would, in proportion to the popu-
lation, be represented in New-York by the loss
Of not only millions. but more than a billion of
dollars. The destruction OF life has reached
figures which will probably never be fully
known, but which far exceed those in many
battle memorable in history for its wholesale
bloodshed. These are the few concrete facts
which can be expressed in words and figures.
Before the scene Of terror, bereavement priva-
ton and keen suffering which Galveston pre-
sents to-day, and, despite all efforts, must for
some time present Imagination itself recoils
The CLEAN of light which falls upon the
picture proceeds from the ccmmendable prompt
ness. energy and generosity with which the
survivors at Galveston itself and people all
over the land are addressing themselves to the
task of relief and restoration. In such emer-
gences, Of food or fire or pestlence or famine,
whether at home or abroad, the American peo-
pie are never found wanting. They will not
A., i
not to-day be backward in the grateful labors
Of relief. But 1t will not do for any one to
rest idly upon that assurance. There must
come to all the realization that this is an indi-
vidual business, and that upon each one rests
the responsibility Of doing the duty and vindi-
eating the fair fame Of the whole Nation.
There is instant need Of food and clothing and
of money with which these can be procured.
Indeed, money is doubtless by far the best form
Of gift, at least at this distance. For a gift
Of money made In New-York this morning may
be transmitted by telegraph and reach Calves
ton this evening in the form of food or clothes.
This public has been giving generously to the
| Indian Famine Fund, to The Tribune Fresh
Air Fund, and to many other worthy causes
But its resources Of beneicence are not ex-
| hausted. 1t can give and should give at once
| a splendid fund for the Galveston sufferers
! from storm and food. We have said the news
Of what has happened is enough to thrill every
| heart We shall be guilty Of no anticlimax
if we add that it should open every pocket
The Tribune will be glad to receive to ac-
knowledge in its columnsA and to forward
promptly to Governor sayers, at Austin Tex,
all contributions of money for the relief of
| Galveston and the other stricken places which
its readers may be moved to make. Concern
ing the readiest method Of forwarding gifts OF
| food, clothes and other articles full informa
| ton will be given in our news columns