The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-10-03
PETITION
FOR RED
CROSS
American Missionaries at Mon.
astIr Ask ThatCorps Of Society
Ba Admitted TO Macedonia.

Constantinople Oct 3--The following IL
the text Of the petition. signed by 21 men
and owmen. constituting the American
missions at Monastir. Philippopolis and
Samako. recently presented to United
States Minister Leishman and to the
British ambassador, Sir Nicholas O'Con-
ner requesting them to secure the admis-
sion of a corps OF the Red Cross society
into Turkey; or, as an alternative, per-
mission for our members OF the American
missions to dispense charity.
After reciting that state OF insurrec-
ton exists I'm parts OF European Turkey
and that great suffering will certainly
result thereform. the petition proceeds:
I'VE, the undersigned, know absolutely.
from unimpeachable authority that the
suffering OF the Inhabitants in the dis
turbed districts Is already widespread and
acute and II Is sure TO become more so
as time passes and winter draws on.
Without a canvass OF the districts In
question we do not care to estimate the
number OF homeless people who are suf-
fering from lack OF food, clothing. medi-
cal attendance. etc.
I'VE are morally certain, however, that
the number runs Into thousands In
some places they are living on roots and
grass even now at the end OF the har-
vest What will the ydo later. We have
eye witness that in some places the
wounded are lying without medical at
tendants and with no remedies or pallia-
tives within reach OF their friends.
Regardless OF the question as to where
the responsibility lies and regardless or
the creed OF nationality of the sufferers,
it seems to us that the condition is one
which must compel the sympathy OF
every humane person, especially I'm view
of the fact that the greater part OF the
sufferers are women and little children.
Hence, we humbly and urgently petition
the governments OF the United States and
OF Great Britain 10 take active measures
to induce the Red Cross societies OF
America and England 10 bring relief TO
the stricken districts. and also to encour-
age the opening OF popular subscriptions.
The Ottoman government should welcome
with avidity the offer OF such relief for
its suffering subjects. Should II see fit
however. to object TO or obstruct the dis
tribution OF relief we foel II our solemn
duyt, In the name OF suffering humanity.
10 implore the governments or the United
States and Great Britain to jointly and
promptly bring TO bear whatever pressure
may be necessary TO secure the humane
end I'm view.
The thought OF whole districts welter-
Ing I'm blood without n single doctor or
trained nurse In relieve the suffering.
Is too brutally revolving to be tolerated
in this twentieth century.
II the authorities object 10 the entrance
Of the Red Cross societies but consent
10 allow tne private distribution OF re-
lief. our missions would be willing 10 un-
dertake N TO the extent OF our limited
ability. should funds be sent TO us for
this purpose. In any case the call is for
urgent action and II should be prompt
n II Is to be effective
The gangrene in the wounds Of men and
women Will not stay Its action TO await
prolonged formalities and starving babies
will wall out their lives II succor Is de-
layed. Needless. however. 10 multiply
words since our appeal r. TO men whose
sympathies are keen and who represent
nations always quick 10 respond 10 the
cry OF help from those IN need and IN
misery.