The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1915-02-13
HELP FOR THE BELeIANs.


ed to undertake the work Of assisting
the Louisiana Division of the American
Commission for Relief in Belgium, Of
which Mrs. F. w. Parham is state
chairman. Mrs. E. Robinson was un
able to serve, but hopes to assist Mrs
LawrasOn through the columns of this
paper, by publishing appeals, and list
| of donations. Miss Zellie Lawrason
has agreed to do the packing, so that
donations sent to her direct, or left al
this Office, will receive her attention
Mrs. Lawrason will not name a com.
mittee of ladies, but will appreciate
assistance from all who find it in their
hearts to give something for the relief
of the suffering people Of devastated
Belgium.
The readers of this paper are al.
ready familiar with what is practical
to donate for sending to these needy
ones across the sea. Warm, second.
hand clothing, clean and whole, how
ever worn, will be acceptable, as Bel.
gain cold lasts longer than ours. Non.
perishable foods, as grains, beans, and
potatoes, are practical helps for the
starving. A few pennies to buy con-
densed milk for the babies is gift
within the means of all.
A lady at Dinard in France, writing
to Life, after describing the sufferings
of the thousands, who have poured into
France from flame and sword-swept
Belgium, makes strong argument for
help in these words:
81 beg you in happy, safe America to
deny yourselves cigar, theatre seat
and an extra hat and help us to help
them. Ten cents will buy a child ten
rolls of bread. Fifty cents will cover
little feet which never again will be
caressed by mother. A dollar will
buy shawl for widow. Give, give,
beg of your generous hearts. America
has led the world in charity for less
worthy causes. Compassion knows no
nationality. Pity blesses the giver and
the poor. You mothers, when you tuck
your children safely into bed at night,
remember these little beings, reared
in no less care and luxury, who are
adrift in world which has used them
i'll. The aged, too, like older children,
having lived, have earned rest before
death, yet they, too, are cast out from
homes, knowing nothing of where dear
ones are, their sons at the front fight
ing for honor's sake the enemy which
has destroyed them. In the name of
pity and human sympathy, implore
your aid, for America is the only place
which we can turn to now. Dry these
tears. Comfort these children. AS
suage this tragic old age"
The foregoing should make it's ap-
peal to every heart. 1t should silence
the argument that there are plenty of
poor people here at home, since the
poorest man that walks on American
soil is not so poor as any of these, our
transatlantic brethren, because the
former has help within his call, while
the latter are utterly without help or
sustenance, save that of strangers.
Poor as nearly every one feels himself
just now in West Feliciana, he is rich
by comparison. Each one can give
something. Individual West Felician-
ians have already contributed to va
rious Belgian relief funds, but the need
is great, and there is still opportunity
for others, who have not contributed,
to this supreme call for American
charity.
Send something in as soon as posi-
Bile, so as to catch the next ship. He
gives twice, who gives quickly. Dona-
tons will be acknowledged in these
columns by Mrs. Lawrason.