Omaha daily bee., 1914-12-23


UPLAND, Neb., Dec. 2l.-To the Editor
Of The Bee: There has developed in one
town OF the state a slight opposition to
the governors idea OF a statewide or
ganization for Belgian relief. THIS is
highly TO be regretted. though the reason
given Is that we should take care of our
own poor. OF course. we should see that
no ono at home be starving, but IL one
will only stop to consider the vast amount
OF difference In tho intensity and wide
scale of the suffering in Belgium and
that at home, the latter will be conceived
to be so infinitesimal in comparison that
one should hesitate to make even a
suggestion TO decry a cause 50 worthy.
OF course we do not know the conditions
In Grand Island, but we do know that
generally speaking our great state, taken
az whole, had good crops this year,
and especially Of wheat. and that we are
obtaining so per cent more for this crop
as a result OF the war and It's distressing
results than the price before hostiities
were thought of and that in our little
village OF Upland, at least, we know of
no case where charity is needed. Can we
not spare some OF that 80 per cent in
crease in prices or a little OF that wheat,
to put in the mouths of those hungry
little children, widows and other help
less invalids OF Belgium?
And before anyone opposes this move
let him realize fully that he Is actually
taking away the bread out of these
mouths by this kind of talk, a very seri-
Gus thing in its consequences II we have
anything in us Of the human qualities Of
charity, compassion and pity for limo
cent sufferers. II anyone does not feel
like giving, let him at least withhold his
tongue, because. God knows. there will be
enough OF US who will not lack in ex-
cuses to part with little Of their abund-
ance TO help relieve the terrible misery
OF a worthy, Woodworking. industrious
and honest people. brought down TO
starvation and death by no fault OF
theirs.
With great many of us IL should not
be with few cents that we should con-
soientiously dismiss this great crisis from
our minds or our hearts. Let the dollars
rain down on the unfortunates and lest
there might be those who would feel a
pang in parting with IS. so or $40, let
them remember that s. 10 probably going
to save life and what feeling can sur
pass in happiness and comfort that which
is the result OF having responded to the
tun extent OF our ability the call OF help
less misery? Let us then help the gov
ernor with all our might; let us even
forestall him by going ahead and organ
izing committees 20 solicit funds or wheat
or flour or clothing.
In our little % . OF Upland with less
than 900 Inhabitants and the community
OF farmers trading here We raised S642
in about two days, after the people were
appealed TO through the local paper,
moving picture show and the meeting
OF the favorably inclined Our solicitors
were generally welcome
They found the people in a receptive
mood, generally eager to contribute The
spirit OF the west was evident. A few
who had been overlooked or missed by
our solicitors went to some trouble to
take part in the good work. Practically
everybody gave something and Il was re
marka BILE how quite few owning nothing
but their team. q few cows and chickens
big heart and "houseful OF kids" were
glad OF the occasion to help those less
fortunate than themselves r
Member Of the Belgian Relief Com
mittee of Upland. Neb.