The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1913-03-29
Mass Meeting Today Brings Generous
 Response COMMITTEE NAMED TO PUSH
 AN ACTIVE CAMPAIGN Civic and FraternaI Organizations Join in Cause to Bring SuccOr 10 Stricken Cities of Ohio
 and Indiana

@~AAA
 It took just fourteen minutes for public spirited citizens of Bridgeport to raise $1, 400 for the relief of flood sufferers in the West, at a meeting in City Hall this morning. A civic organization for the furtherance of the campaign for relief funds was speedily organized and within a few minutes $1, 400 was subscribed.
 With the organization of a general committee to push the work in fra teriaI and social circles, it is believed that the city of Bridgeport will rank among the first in New England in point of financial aid rendered the flood victims. Mayor Clifford B. Wilson will name the general commit tee before Monday, and the relief work will be furthered in the extensive or ganization circles of the city.
 The Bridgeport Flood Relief Fund, as this city's contribution to the suc- cor of her distressed sister cities will be known, will centralize all subscrip- tions to the cause. Two big benefit concerts one at Polis tomorrow ev- ening, and the other at Fox's Lyric Theatre, April 6. undoubtedly will add a vast sum to the fund
 There were about 40 citizens pres ent at the Common CouHcil chamber this morning, when Mayor Wilson called to order the meeting which was 4o consider ways and means for ren- derine financial aid to the stricken cities.
 Mayor wilson briefly explained the purpose of the meeting.
 A M. Cooper, president of the Tax Board, suggested that general com 1nitte. executive committee and treas urer of the fund be appointed This plan of procedure, he said, had been dfscussed at Tr informal meeting prfor to the mass meeting Mir. Cooper sylxrrested that the executive commit tee of five take charge of the dtspo- rsftion of the fund. He suggested the name Of Frank T. Staples for treas a1rer At the suggestion of Mayor wilson. the executive committee was increased to seven, and the following were named by His Honor:
 F. c. Blanchard, president of the Manufacturers Association.
 Charles D. Davis, president of the Business Mems Association.
 Fred Enos, president of the Board od Trade.
 Prank T. Staples. president of the Automobile Club of Bridgeport.
 Robert S. DeForest, president Of the Board of Aldermen.
 Probate Judge Edward F. Hallen-
 A. M. Cooper, president of the Board of Apportionment and Taxation MT. Staples was named treasurer.
 The general committee, composed o1 two presentaitves of each civic body will be announced later by the Mayor This committee win have genera charge of the raising of funds.
 Following the ratification of the committee named by the mayor, Fred ECf1os President of the Board o1 Trade. announced that a substantial check had been sent him by Supreme Court Justice Wheeler, the same tc be applied to the fund. The amount of the check. at Justice Wheelers re quest, was not disclosed, but MT FJuos said it was for a handsome amount.
 Allan w. Paige said that immediate aid must be given and suggested thai steps be taken at once to ascertain the most expedient means of helping President C. D. Davis, of the Business Mems association, inquired if any method of disbursing the funds hac been considered. Supt. F. A. Johnson of the Charities department. salo tnS Red Cross society was ably fitted tc put to best use any material aid in contingencies like the present and suggested that that organization bt selected to disburse the Bridgepor1 fund.
 On motion of F. W. Bolande, this matter was referred to the executive committee with power to act.
 Mir Davis announced contribution nf s1oo from the Business Mems asso ciation, and President Enos said th' Board of Trade would make a, similar gift. Treasurer Staples then passed around a subscription blank and re reived pledges, which with those il possession of the mayor, made grand total of $1,4Oo for a quarter of ar hours work The meeting then ad 5ourned subject to the call of thu chairman
 The executive committee then me Tn the mayors office with Mayor Wilson presiding. C. D. Davis wa Rlected secretary.
 Mayor Wilson was authorized t, telegraph the governors of Ohio ant Indiana, asking their advice to tn most expedient agencies for the dis bursing of the funds. The committe probably will be guided by the re plies received from these officials
 At the suggestion of MT EnoS, i, was decided to have a corps of volun teer solicitors begin a canvass of tn manufacturing and mercantile house of the city Monday. The solicitor will have credentials from the com n1itee and official subscription blank that are being printed this afternoon
 Treasurer Staples says that societ. officers, who desire subscription blanks for use at meetings, may hay same by calling at the offices O James Staples SS Co, in State St.
 MaSor Wilson was highly pleased lief work here
 'It Is characteristic of the good peo pie of Bridgeport to respond so nobl. bosA cause like thiss" he said after tn.