The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-07-04
HELP SALEM!
The Red Cross Asks Aid for the stricken
Town,

To THE EDITOR or THE SuN--Sir: The
people Of this fine old Commonwealth Of
Massachusetts have responded most gem
erously to the needs of Salem and at first
It was the hope OF the relief committee
that no assistance outside the State would
be needed
\ more complete and thorough investi-
cation OF the situation has revealed the
fact that the relief problem is far larger
than at first supposed. Not only have
thousands of persons lost their homes but
the burning of the large factories and
mills have deprived them of their means
Of livelihood.
To prevent still further suffering and
distress. these people must be cared for
until employment and more adequate shell
ter than tents schools and overcrowded
dwellings can be provided for them. The
committee on employment is making
every effort to obtain work until the mills
can be rebuilt.
In the largest camp. at Forest River
Park. there are over 1000 men, women
and children At tho outdoor Kitchens
the occupants of the tents get their food
In tin plates and cups and take 1t to Il
large tent where tables and benches are
provided.
No food is allowed in the tents, as
cleanly conditions must be maintained TO
prevent disease. The daily expense Of
providing food for from 5000 to 10 900
persons amounts to thousands OF dollars
and is eating the relief fund away
rapidly.
Large quantities OF clothing have been
given to the Red Cross clothing bureau.
but great quantities Of blankets and
mattresses had 10 be purchased. Com
tinued cold and rainy weather has ne
cessitatee warmer clothing. more han-
kets and tne flooring OF all the tents in
the camps.
The Red Cross has provided large
number Of It's efficient enrolled Red Cross
nurses who are doing most excellent SER
vice at headquarters. the camps, ma
ternity and contagious hospitals. The
patients and nurses Of the Salem Hospi-
tai. which was burned, are being cared
for at the Beverly Hospital
MIX stations. where proper food Tor
babies Is prepared, have been established
at the camps and In other parts Of the
city, and az the Maternity Hospital there
has been at least one birth every day
since the FIRE.
Many OF the refugees are Canadian
French Poles, Italians and Greeks. but
there are also large number Of Ameri-
cans The people are brave but II Is
pathetic 10 watch the trembling lip and
tear filed ewes OF some good woman as
she tells OF the loss OF her little home and
of the beloved household treasures
Few Of the people had any Insurance.
and save for a little hastily gathered
clothing, generally lost all they had. They
need help. which should bee and will be
given them.
No call for aid was ever made to
Massachusetts in vain. and now the
American Red Cross. our great national
mutual aid society. asks that our people
help The sufferers In this old Common
wealth.
Contributions can he sent In New York
to Mr.. Fulton Cutting, appointed special
treasurer Of this fund by the Mayor or
TO Mr. Jacob Schiff, Red Cross treasurer.
10 be forwarded TO Mr. Gardiner Lane.
the Massachusetts Red Cross treasurer.
MABEL r. BoARnMAN.
Chairman OF the National Relief Board
for the American Red Cross.
WAsHISGroS. July 3.