Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-05-13

New York. May 12.-Ignace Jan
Paderewsl1i, the pianist, who has come
to America to organize the work
which is being carried on here for the
relief of Polish victims of the war,
hopes to be able shortly to announce
he personnel of a national American
relief committee. He has been seek
ing as members prominent men ami
women throughout the country who
will consolidate the work of the sew
eral Polish relief committees already
organized whose means thus far have
been sufficient to relive but a linn
tied number of sufferers. Mr..
Paderewski issued the following ap-
peal:
The present European war is, on
the eastern front, raging exclusively
over Polish soil. 1t is sweeping away
every sign Of civilization, destroying
dwellings, devastating fields, gardens
and forests, starving and eNterminat-
ing human beings and animals alike
An area equal in size to the states Of
New York and Pennsylvania has been
laid waste Two hundred towns
400 churches, 1900 villages have been
ullleu 1 Ic loSSSo AL
property destroyed. and in agricul-
tural, industrial and commercial pro-
auctions brought to an absolute
standstill, amount to S2.500,000,000.
"a total of 100000 Inhabitants
including nearly 100000 Jews, are
continuously enduring the horrors Of
this gigantic struggle. Very few only
could flee to the places which arc Still
holding their own against the ag
grcssors; the great majority, almost
II 10000 of helpless women and chill
drcn, homeless peasants. unemployed
workmen, the very essence and
strength of nation, have been driven
out into the open. Thousands and
thousands are hiding among ruins, IL
woods or in hollows; feeding on roots
and on the bark of trees.
ITO provide an immediate aid to
this almost incredible number Of suf-
ferers, to concentrate the efforts Of all
who may be touched by so appalling
a distress a General Polish Relief
Committee has been formed on
neutral soil. in Lausanne, Switzerland.
The president Of that committee is
the greatest of Poland's living sons,
Henryk Sienkiewicz, the writer; it's
members are all men of high standing,
universally respected, representing
the three parts of ancient Poland, all
united by the one desire to lessen the
sufferings Of our countrymen without
distinction Of race, religion, or politi-
cal opinion.
inf fol
ganized. having it's agencies in every
part of the country, our committee
could accomplish comparatively little
towards the succoring Of whole ma
ton. The funds put into our hands
were extremely modest. Poland has
nothing more to give, for she is
ruined, and the interest and sympathy
of other countries are totally absorbed
by other worthy causes.
"A few Polish Relief Committees
have been organized in this country,
but. however noble are the hearts Of
the organizers. however great the
generosity of their supporters, the
means so far collected will relieve but
a very limited number Of sufferers
And there are millions Of families
helpless. hungry, sick, succumbing.
In the face of such disaster in
dividual efforts must remain inefV
ficint. Only a great wave Of mani
kinds pity can surmont so immense a
wave Of human misery.
only great, enlightened, generous
nation can help effectually our perish
ing multitudes.
Nobody knows better than do the
kindness and generosity OF the Ameri-
can people. Ardent and prompt.
warm hearted. free-handed, they al
ways respond with the enthusiasm Of
youth to everything that is true, sin.
cere.
rs there anything more true than
human pain?
rs there anything more sincere
than the cry for help from those who
suffer?
In the name Of Christian charity,
In the name Of common humanity, /,
therefore. appeal to the great Ameri-
can people. They have already CIV