New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1908-10-26
ur-PRrCANB SUFFERERS.

Mrs Henry Mostyln president OF the Bahama
Islands branch. after spending the summer IN the
states reached her home at Nassau few hours
before the terrific hurricane Of october devas-
tated The islands She has sent letter descr1PtlFe
Of the disasters and appeals for such Sunshine
help for the poor sufferers especially on the OUT
islands where the sponge divers live. as II may De
possible to give. She says: About the only piece
of rood fortune attending my arrival was that we
were on shore when the terrible hurricane swept
over these islands The steamer we came down IN
had a dreadful experience. for she was unable 70
land her cargo before the storm broke, and had 10
pu: to sea for safety passing through the centre
of the hurricane about fifteen miles offshore Ihis
hurricane completed the work OF devastation begun
by the earlier one of September u-13 and whereas
our own island escaped before this time II was
swept from end to end. together with the remain
ing islands of the group. I hardly know how to
describe TO you the ruin It has wrought or the
poverty and suffering that must follow in its wake
On our island there were few buildings destroyed,
from 20 10 S. per cent Of the fruit crop-grape-
fruit AMI oranges-is total loss. and there we're
heavy losses in the shipping besides From our
house We saw five vessels wrecked and several
more swept out to sea On some of the other ISL
ands everything appears to have gone down before
the fury Of the storm-houses. churches, govern
ment buildings. and the islands thmselves devas-
tated Without dwellings,. food or clothing, the
moor people are in sad way. The government has
already sent relief boats with foodstufs. etc. 10
some of the islands. but many vessels nave oeen
lost 1t has been difficult to ind others TO take their
places and the weather has been unsafe for small
craft so that in one two instances these boats
themselves have come 70 grief The clergy are
doing all they 20 help by collecting old clothing
and in fact, anything they can get TO send 10 the
out islands to relieve the destitute. and very
anxious that T. S. 5. branch here should send
in its contribution I have sent such old clothing
as have been able 10 contribute myself. and now
propose 10 have several meetings Of our branch 20
make up such simple garments as seem most
needed for the people Of this class.
Can YOU help in any way? OF course. IT is
only the very common kind of clothing that is
needed and If you do not have such az your dis
posaI remnants of gingtam and muslin 20 be made
up would hello
You have too many needs in the North with the
winter Just coming for us 10 ask for much
help but the present need here in many cases is
urgent with people living in caves and with only
such clothes they have on their backs
We have lost heavily ourselves-about s. per cent
OF our grapefruit crop-and nearly everything that
went TO make the place beautiful is either de-
stroyed or hopelessly mutilated. II has been a
sorry homecoming and the outlook for our winter
season is very depressing.
The rain has been one Of the worst features OF
the hurricane. Over thirty-nine inches fell in
twelve days-rnore than the entire rainfall of last
year. We occupying a friends house in town.
and during the hurricane the house was inacces-
sble except over stone walls for the water COW
cred the grounds like lake and the wind. blowing
at times with velocity of eighty miles hour.
made Il beat in against the walls
The T S. S. president adds her appeal 10 that OF
Mrs Mostyn in behalf of the unfortunate island
people. As it is always hot IN the Bahamas only
light summer clothing is needed. VIII the Sunshine
mothers please look over the outgrown frocks and
of their children and send anything that can
be spared for destitute little ones and thin
wrappers and gowns, not too fine. for the mothers?
II interested friends who have no suitable gar
ments to pass on will supply materials to be
III or o bllV
gratefully received All contributions sent To the
general Office will be forwarded by parcels post on
the Ward Line steamers Every available garment
at the office last Friday by steamer but
much larger contributions are needed 10 go by the
next steamer The president feels sure that many
will wish TO help T. S. s. branch at Nassau
20 contribute much relief possible at this time
of unusual distress