Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1916-01-06
IF POSSIBLE
HELP THE
SUFFERING

President Wilson issued a proclama-
ton on December 18th, setting Satur-
day, January 1st, 1916,as special day
upon which the people of the United
States may make such contributions
| as they feel disposed for the aid of the
stricken people of Poland The Presi-
| dent cites the resolution received by
him from the Senate of the United
States which sets forth briefly the
needs of the Polish population. The
resolution is as follows:
WHEREAS, the attention of the
people of the United States has been
from time to time directed to the ap-
pallng situation in Poland, where
practically the entire population today
is homeless, and where men, women
and children are perishing by the
thousands for lack of shelter, clothing,
and food
AND WHEREAS, the people of the
United States have demonstrated
their sympathy for the suffering peo-
pie on all sides in the great European
war by their splendid and successful
charitable work in Belgium, Servia and
other places; and feeling that the
American people would quickly res
pond to an appeal for help in Poland,
there is brought home to them.
Be 1t Resolved, That, approaching
the suffering of these stricken people,
it is suggested that the President of
the United States set aside day in
the forthcoming holiday season upon
which day direct appeal to the sym
pathy of all American citizens shall
be made, and an opportunity shall be
given all to contribute to a much need
ed holiday fund for relief in Poland
No greater need by an entire nation
has ever existed as now prevails in
Poland.
Sixteen million of totally destitute
people, the greater part of them wo-
men and children, are facing starva-
ton and the grim possibility of death
by freezing.
The winters of Poland are always
looked forward to with dread. even
by those Injured to their Iardships.
but the present winter, it is feared,
will cause suffering the like of which
has never been known in the history
of mankind. Widows and children
hundreds of thousands-are wandering
IN the wastes of Poland Descrip-
lions have reached this country of
their emaciated forms, budding in
the cannon ruts and disease laden
trenches, and of starving professions
of the old and sick, of feeble children
and infants, stopping every now and
then to bury one who had given up the
struggle.
Yet we, in America, are preparing
to enjoy the season of Peace on Earth
and Good Will Toward Men
The American Polish Relief Com
mission of II and IA East 10th Street,
New York City, propose to forward
money, food and clothing to these suf-
fering people. The Commission num-
bers among it's members men of ma
ton wide repute, few of whom are
given below:
DIR. John Greer Hibben, President
Princeton University.
DR.. Nicholas Murray Butler, Presi-
dent Columbia University.
Hon. Theodore E. Burton, of Ohio.
Henry j. Patten of Chicago.
Governor Arthur S. Capper of Kan
saS.
E. A. Van Valkenburg, Philadelphia
North American, and others.
Gifts of food and clothing NAV he
sent to the Commissions headquarters
n New York City. Cash contribu-
ions should be made payable to the
Guaranty Trust Co., Treasurer, New
York City.
American Polish Relief Com
mission