Evening star., 1914-08-09
CABLES BIG SUMS
TOU.S. CONSULS
State Department AlIeviates
Discomfort of Americans
in War Zone.
CITIZENS ABROAD ARE
IN NO ACTUAL DANGER
Federal Relief Committee Issues In
structions How Friends Can As
sist Persons in Europe.

Large sums were cabled by the State
Department to its principal diplomatic
and consular offices in the war zone
yesterday for the immediate use in
alleviating the suffering or discomfort
of Americans in the various capitals.
Secretary Garrison said he had prac-
tically decided to charter vessels Of
neutral countries abroad to bring the
American refugees home.
Assurance was given to the relatives
eral relief committee appointed by the
President, after its first meeting. that
the AMERICANS in Europe are not in any
actual danger.
The statement given out by Secre-
tary McAdoo. chairman of the board,
said:
TT is desired that our citizens view
the situation with calmness and cour-
age, and constantly keep in mind the
difficulties which exist. They may have
the comforting assurance that the gov
ernment is using every agency at its
command to do whatever 1t Is possi-
BILE to do under the existing circum-
stances; and the further comforting
thought that it is discomfort and un-
easiness which will be endured by
their friends and not actual peril or
danger"
Refugees Distress Minimized.
So reassuring was news concerning the
American refugees received in consular
dispatches late last night that Secretary
Garrison announced that the number OF
that it now appeared unnecessary to
send transports to more than two or
three of the principal European ports.
Lieut.. Col Squier, American military
attache in London. reported that condi-
ttons in England were rapidly approach
ing normal, although large numbers of
Americans from the continent continued
to arrive there. Preparations were be-
ing made, he said, to bring all Americans
in Switzerland who desired transporta-
ton. to Calais, Boulogne or Dieppe by
special train.
Railroad operations in France. the dis
patches said, have been almost complete
ly restored. and it was thought no fur
Americans there.
The situation as now presented calls
for financial assistance rather than for
means of transportation" said Secretary
Garrison. Governmental aid in actual
physical transportation has been con-
siderably reduced in proportion by late
dispatches. Gold is now in the creates,
demand. and that is on the way. AS
soon as the bankers learn that We have
the gold to redeem letters of credit and
other papers that trouble will be over
Need Money in Switzerland.
OF all the Americans in Europe, the
Secretary said, those in Switzerland ap-
pear to need financial relief most. Speedy
relief in this direction is assured, how
ever, and the conditions there, 1t is said
will be alleviated within the next sev-
eral days.
Further advices from various con-
sular officers reported a general i'm
proyement of conditions.
According to the dispatches there are
now 1000 Americans in London, and
probably $1,000 on the continent. -Four
thousand Americans arrived in London
today from Belgium and France. More
than 500 are reported to be in Berne,
Switzerland, and these are to be re-
moved by special trains. 1t is estimated
Continued on Second Page.) -