The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1915-04-03
APPEAL FOR POLISH DESTITUTE.

To the People of the City of St. Paul:
The present war in Europe has
thrust itself upon the attention of the
American people, time and again, in
most horrifying manner. The dis
tress which has accompanied the
struggle finds no comparison in the
previous history of the human race.
We have been called upon to relieve
the distress under which the popula-
ton of Belgium has been suffering
and the result, thank God, has been
impressive in it's exhibition of Ameri-
can sympathy and unstinted charity.
Events in the Eastern theater of
the war have imposed upon the teem-
ing population of Russian Poland,
Austrian Poland and German Poland
calamities which, in their heart-rend-
ing nature and vast extent, surpass all
that has been, hitherto, experienced.
The contending armies have swept to
and fro over the entire district which,
at the close of the eighteenth century,
constituted the ancient kingdom of Po-
land. The necessary result has been
widespread destruction, involving rail-
roads, highways, bridges, cities, towns,
villages and farms, the extinction of
industry and the exile of the people
from their abodes. Millions of men,
women and children are now refugees;
many of them without shelter and
without food; and, unless relief be af-
forded, the loss of life will be appal-
ling. The generous aid which has been
given to Belgium has stayed the de.
structive work of war in that country,
so far as non-combatants are concern
ed, and the same kind of relief is
needed, in yet greater measure, by
Poles, Jews and the people of other
races who inhabit the district between
the rivers known as the Oder and the
Vistula. There is no help for them, no
possibility Of saving their lives unless
the American people come to the res
cue. The various nations of Europe are
weighted down with all the cares and
responsibilities and monetary demands
which they can possibly sustain. They
cannot save the people of Poland. We
must do it.
These startling facts have led to the
formation Of general commission
which has undertaken the collection
of money, food and clothing for the
assistance of the people in the Polish
territory. We ask every person who
receives this circular to consider, with
thoughtful care, the terrible conditions
which afflict our brothers and sisters
and their children in this far.off Euro.
pean country, and to help US with all
the contributions, large and small,
which come within the range of his
financial ability. We respectfully ask
that no delay occur in responding to
this, our appeal, because in spite Of
the best and most vigorous efforts
which can be made, thousands will
perish before the supplies sent from
America will arrive. The funds con-
tributed to US will be transmitted to
the American Red Cross for distribu-
ton. The treasurer of our organize
ton is Mr.. Henry Won der Weyer, vice
president of the Merchants National
Bank of this city.
A. o. EBERHART,
JOHN w. WILLIS,
/. L. RYPINS,
KARL KOCH,
JOSEPH J. BLACHOWSKI,
MRS. THEO. KOCH,
MRS. JACOB WIRTH,
MRS. A. H. LINDEKE,
For the Commission.
st. Paul, MIMI, March 20, 1915.
The play given on st. Patrick