Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1916-04-07
D. A. r. Relief or The Belgians.

D. A. R. Relief OF The Belgians.
The Commission for the Relief in Belgium
has issued pamphlet showing the present
appalling condition of that country, saying
there would be wholesale starvation with
in three or four weeks if the Importation
of food into Belgium were stopped" This
is greatly strengthened by report from
Mr.. Frederick C. Wolcott on his return from
a three-weeks' stay in Belgium. where he
had been sent by the Rockefeller Founda-
ton to study the situation. Mr.. Walcott
says, in part, "Of the seven million inhabi-
tants in Belgium, three million were vir-
tually destitute and drawing daily one
meal, consisting Of the equivalent of three
thick slices of bread and pint Of soup.
Stations for the distribution are only large
enough to accommodate between thirty
and fifty people, so long queue of the
hungry extends into the streets for block
or more. Most of those who wait are so
poor that they have no protection in the
shape of an umbrella or thick coat against
the discomfort Of stormy days. have
seen thousands Of people lined up in snow
or rain, soaked and chilly, waiting for
bread and soup. have returned to the
distributing stations at the end of the day
and have found men. women and children
sometimes still standing in line. but COM
PEELED to 90 back to their pitiful homes
cold. wet and miserable. 1t was not until
eighteen weary hours afterward that they
got the meal they missed. There is an
other stratum of society just above the
poorer working people which is only par
TALLY destitute, but these must swallow
their pride and stand in line every day for
the supplementary ration. Most Of them
are mothers and fathers who have children
only partially nourished.
Picture the mental condition of people
without work for more than year and a
half. daily face to face with the possibility
of starvation, cut off from communication
with the outside world by barbed wire and
armed cordons of a conquerine foreign
army. Through the American Commits
sion, of which Mr.. Herbert C. Hoover is the
head, Americans have done much for the
relief of stricken Belgium. They must do
more. The Belsians are doing all they can
to help themselves. but the conditions are
all against them. The industries are par
alyzed."
Samuel w. Fairchild Chairman Of the
Greater New York Committee, of the Com
mission, says: "Now that Lent is upon us,
and many are sacrificing Injuries and
pleasures, it is a seasonable time for our
thoughts to turn to these innocent victims
of the worlds war; and make contribu-
ton to relieve their sufferinss."
1t is further stated, There is no other
channel by which help can be sent to these
stricken people, and except for the C. R.
B. they must perish"
Next Saturday. April 9Th, will be the
birthday of King Albert of Belgium. and
the public is urged to then buy a tiny paper
Belgian flag, and to wear it on the 9th and
9th. thus showing that you are helping to
relieve this stricken country. The cost Of
the flag is seven cents. which is the actual
cost of the daily ration for one person; SO
that each flag that you purchase will mean
one days ration for some destitute person
All churches are asked to make specia
mention of the cause on Sunday, the 9th
The Daughters Of the American Revolu-
ton are establishing points where the flags
may be bought. All contributions and as
sistance will be gratefully received ant
forwarded to the Commission for Relief II
Belgium. Persons who are willing to hell
this cause may be supplied with the flag
by applying to any member of the Daugh
tiers Of the American Revolution.
give. in Gods name. and Give Now"