The colored American., 1901-06-08

commiSsary-the very first One-Woulu
he opened the next morning on the cor
nnr of Julia and Eagle streets, WIN
DIR Smalls in charge, assisted by Prof.
7 w. Johnson and Drs. Hills, Smith
and Anderson. They have a dozen
abIe-bodied helpers. This magnificent
activity for the speedy relief OF the
sufferers by men, several OF Whom
had saved only the garments worn at
the time the fire drove them out INTO
the streets. instead of commanding
unanimous and enthusiastic support
and confidence in their ability, and
thus proving to the general authOrl-
ties that they were unit so FAR as
relieving suffering was concerned, act
ed in just the opposite direction, 10
the extent that the "cOmmittee-mak-
ing Influences were stirred into the
most amazing prOlificacy. The ladies
before mentioned, feeling that the out
side work was in good hands and
knowing other phases of practical help
which they could more effectively do
through the Home agencies, retired
from the outside work. A cOlOred aux
Iiary was subsequently formed, with
Mr.. BlOdgett as President, and Mr..
Douglass WetmOre as Chairman Of the
Executive Committee. Though this
was done by the cOlored people, it has
been recognized by the authorities. Be-
sides the commlssary conducted by DR..
SmallS, another has been opened under
the direction Of Mrs. q. w. Robinson,
wife of the weIl-knOwn produce deal
er. All the other auXiliaries are con-
Quoted by white people.
AS have said, BoyIan Home opened
her doors as a shelter for the terrified
crowds who knew Of her hOspitable
spirit, and Miss Emerson sent word
to the Mayor that it could be used as
a temporary hospital in case there was
need for such. Every available cor
ner large enough for a bed was utiI-
lied during the first awful days, and
it would seem like eXaggeratiOn were
l to tell the actual number enter
tanned. There is necessarily consider
able ''red tape connected with the
work Of distribution at the commlssar-
les, and many suddenly reduced heads
of families are unable to go through
the ordeal Of standing hours and hours
in line, with the possibility of not
being reached before the hour set for
closing. Many most narrowing in
stances of this kind can be cited. This
class find it easier to come to BOylan
Home, and it is among these that Boy
lan'S best efforts are now being direct
ed. The dreSSmaking department, re-
infOrced by teachers and fire victims.
has been converted into an emergency
relief sewing room. Many garments
have been made almost while the peO-
pie waited for them. The day school
has been going, and the children not
only helped with clothing, but dinners
have been provided for them. Money
for this work, and for necessary house
hold necessities, for unmade material
ticking, piliOw-caslng, sheeting. calico
prints for infants and growing chill
dren'S clothing, shoes and cast-ofr
clothing, are greatly needed. Anyone
disposed to help us can direct to Boy
Ian Home, 32S Davis Street. Goods
may be sent either in my care or to
Miss Hattie E. Emerson. Superlntend-
ent OF the Home. All boxes should
be marked Relief" I beg all who
may be disposed to help to do so quick
~. L am surrounded by heartrending
misery, and on every hand subdued
voices and tightened lips that trembIe
and falter when forced to speak attest
the awful Gethsemane through which
their stricken souls are passing. You