New-York tribune., 1917-07-15
France in Urgent
Need of Temporary
Reconstruction
More Important than Per-
manent Attempts, H. G.
Beatty Writes

Temporary reconstruction work in
France is more important than perna-
nent attempts, in the opinion Of H. G.
Beatty, of the American Relief Clear
ing House in Paris, correspondent OF
John Mofat, executive chairman Of the
French Hero's Fund, at $50 Madison
Avenue.
"The aims involved in permanent re-
construction work are too big for any
charitable undertaking" writes Mr..
Beatty. "The chief problem is to ena-
bic the earliest possible return Of peo-
pie to devastated areas, and therefore
temporary work is advisable. Towns
and villages where refugee population
is sheltered need TO be relieved, and
means must be found 70 enable those
people TO support life.
"In many Of the devastated regions
the people have not been wholly de-
prived Of a means Of existence. The
territory over which the Germans
passed in their invasion Of France and
from which they were elected by the
Battle of the Marne has suffered the
least. Buildings were not extensively
damaged, a small amount Of livestock
remains and the ground can be imme-
diately cultivated if proper tools are
provided.
Where Devastation Is Complete
an the belt where the Allied and
German armies operated following
their permanent intrenchment very
little remains. The devastation has
been absolute, and the land will prob
ably be uninhabitable for many years.
The character of the soil has been
completely changed by the action Of
shells. the fine earth has been as
persed and the rocky subsoll upturned'
No reconstruction will be undertaken
there at present.
Better conditions have been found
in regions recently retaken from the
Germans. While only isolated villages
used as concentration points are leit
the ground is not turned up by shells
and sections are still arabic for certain
crops Reconstruction work should De
done at A1ce in that territory TO pro-
vide living for the population released
bv the Germans, rather than send the
people TO other places.
"in few places habitations remain
A large amount Of material is avail
able. however, for constructing tenn
norarv shelters. Material for doors
/ windows and roofs must be furnished
Refuse lumber can be used for making
household furniture. Kitchen utensils
are wanted.
after the construction Of shelters,
q great need will arise for agricultural
implements, seeds, chickens, rabbits,
pigs, cows and horses
Medal Issued by American Fund
4 medal has been issued by the
American Fund for French Wounded,
l22 Madison Avenue, commem orating
the entrance Of America into the war,
and the first three, struck in gold. have
been presented in France 20 Marshal
loire former Premier Vivisni and
President Poincare by Miss Anne Nor
gan. Another medal was given last
week 70 Nine. Sarah Bernhsrdt and ad
ditional ones will be presented 70 lead
ers in the Allied nations. Repllcas
will be struck of for the public and
profits from the sale will be used Tor
relief work among American soldiers.
Theodore Spicer-Simson designed the
medal.
Mrs. Elizabeth Nevin. chairman OF
the fund. is in charge OF the sale.
Mrs. Lewis 3. Stillwell, chairman OF
the executive committee Of the fund
issued a statement yesterday in which
she said that more efficient work can
be accomplished if collection and dis
tribution Of funds be done by separate
organizations.
The committee OF cooperation of the
Red Cross has sought 20 give assist
ance 70 the American Fund for French
Wounded, but that organization does
not want 70 lose its individuality in the
work Of distributing relief, according
20 Mrs. Stillwell.