New-York tribune., 1915-03-22
BELCIUM'S THANKS
POUR into U. S.
Letters from People of
Stricken Nation Express
Gratitude for Aid.
GOD BLESS YOU,
SAY THOUSANDS
Sembrich to Sing in Boston for
Polish Relief - Funds
Growing Daily.

More than 200 letters were being
sorted yesterday in the Offices Of the
Commission for Relief in Belgium.
They conveyed the thanks of the Bel
gians to the people OF the United
States; not the perfunctory and formal
messages of gratitude which rulers Of
nations exchange, but the simple, cor
dial word one stout-hearted neighbor
gives another who has helped him in
adversely
Some are signed by as many as 100
citizens, some by the burgomaster and
his council, and some by the burgo-
master alone. Some are inscribed on
parchment with illuminated borders
and decorated with the arms and ma
tional colors of Belgium. Some are
written on the plainest Of paper. In
every one a courteous ana simple peo-
pie speaks. About half the population
of Belgium is represented by the let
ters. Not one seems to have the slight
est doubt that he and his neighbors
were rescued IN the nick of time from
privation and starvation.
"Be certain, Mr.. Chairman" writes
DR.. V. n. Werice, burgomaster OK
Jette-St. Pierre, that the memory OF
your benefactions will always be IT
by the people of Jette-St. Pierre. These
marks of sympathy are particularly
precious to US, when we know that even
the children of noble America have
helped us; and we have learned 70 love
them, too. This sympathy Is the best
encouragement TO US TO preserve IN
the course of patience and resignation
that we have been since six months.
At present we can bless you with all
our hearts. All among US, rich and
poor, have been united in the same mis-
fortune; the one you have saved from
absolute privations and the other, per
haps, from death ITSELF
Many Receive Aid.
In Jette-St. Pierre the commission
clothed 800 families, found work for
600 and issues 1000 rations daily.
"In the name of the Commune OF
Lummen," writes its burgomaster, 81
send you the expressions of gratitude
from the entire population. Fire de-
stroyed 65 of our houses and made
homeless 73 families. II is only be-
cause of your efforts that we have been
able to resist famine and the rlgors
Of the season."
Six citizens of Halen sent letter OF
thanks for preservation OF many citi-
zens from starvation. The authorities
of the Commune of Heers are 'eternally
grateful" and hope sometime to prove
this sentiment by their acts"
"Our parish at Kerkhoven,' writes
members of the Council, formed from
three communes very widely separated,
had found itself far from every freight
food centre. The population is very
poor, and even in normal times scarcely
earns from barren soil a meagre sub
sistence. Added TO this, more than 400
children were about 10 be victims OF
the famine. We would be lacking in
the most elementary duties if we did
not try to thank you in the name Of our
entire population. which you have
saved. May God bless youl May the
generations that come never forget
what you have done, and may history
reserve for you one of its most beau
tiful pages"
Zepperen sent thanks ain the name
Of our l,70O inhabitants, OF workers and
small farmers" From Levingnen, from
Malines, from Peer, from Achel and
from a host of other communities,
which even the war has not made IA
milisr to American ears, came gratitude
and good wishes.
Tribute TO America.
"The Committee of Zeelham," writes
one of its members, addresses an
k.r Ia 20 Ea sta-kk kvr l.
of America. All the population OF
Zeelham knows that each American has
contributed 10 the work of combined
generosity which your commission has
so admirably undertaken. II Will also
remember that If it has been spareS
the curse of famine II owes this TO you
the American nation, toward whom
turn all the nations of the world-be-
cause the world feels itself dominated
by the powers Of peace and the justice
which is yours"
Nine. Sembrich, who will 20 TO Bos-
ton on Wednesday 70 sing for the
American Polish Relief Fund, has or
ganized concert for the same purpose
to take place in New York Sunday
afternoon, April l8, at Carnegie Hall.
Appearing with her will be Josef Hof-
mann. Nine. Alma Gluck and Efrem
Llmballst.
The Committee Of Mercy acknowledged
yesterday contributors which bring its
fund to Sl26,3377l. "A friend in Balti-
more" sent $3.50.
An appeal for funds TO be used before
Passover begins, on March 30, has been
sent out by the American Jewish Relief
| Committee, the Central Committee for
the Relief OF Jews Suffering Through
the War and the Provisional Executiv,
Committee for General Zionist AEAirz