Putnam patriot., 1919-03-21
DRIVE FOR RELIEF
 IN NEAR EAST
Campaign to Raise $2, 500 In This District Stars In Put
 nam March 31
Organization Perfected Wednesday
 Evening

lief work in the Near East will start in Putnam Monday. March 31. with Principal E. H. Snow as chairman. This district includes Putnam, Thomp- son. Woodstock, Pomfret, Eastford and Abingdon The districts quota of $2,600 should be raised without trouble.
 i The total fund asked for is thirty million dollars to sustain the lives of S,950,000 Christians and Jews through the winter through their re- turn to new life free from religious and political persecution. Of this grand total Connecticut is asked to raise $600,000 and already many towns and cities have conducted cam paigns and have gone over the top.
 The movement has the sanction of the government and the president and all funds are transmitted through the department of state. Included in the destitute are 100000 orphans, all in ] desperate need. Catholics, Protest ants and Jews alike have been the vic tins of Turkish oppression and of 1 Turkish government orders to exter- minate or drive from their homes and industries every other people in the Near East Catholics, Protestants and Jews alike are receiving every help within our power
 The reason the Red Cross has not 1 taken hold of the work is because it i felt that it would be duplication of work already being done. The ap- propriation of the government of a hundred million can not be used be- cause there is no recognized nation 1t is hoped, however, to establish Ar menia as a separate independent gov ernmnt. i Horrible tales have come out of the Near East of sufferings, the ratishing of young girls and women, and the horrible treatment accorded victims by the terrible Turk When the con ditions are thoroughly understood it never fails to loosen purse strings.
 The first attempt to organize local ly was made Tuesday when Rev. H. , w. Hurlbut of Groton, representing l the state committee, and George R. i Hoskins of Hartford met small num- Der of citizens. It was planned at that time to have each pastor in the city appoint three members of his congregation to attend a meeting the following night in the Chamber of Commerce rooms.
 At the Wednesday night meeting Mir Hoskins presided and outlined the purpose of the Near East relief. Those present were Rev. c. c. s. Mac Kay, Rev. s. J. A Rock, Rev. James H. Potter, F.. H. Snow, John G. John son, J. J. Dupre, Mrs. s. M Wheel ock, Samuel Rich and A. s. Macdon- aid. E. H. Snow was unanimously elected chairman of the drive and the meeting was turned over to him. Charles H. Brown was elected treasurer. The first dollar received was contributed by MT Hoskins, who said he was so pleased that so many came out to the meeting in rain that he wanted to contribute something to start the campaign.
 John G. Johnson agreed to take the matter up with the manufacturers to get their cooperation. Captains of wards were named as follows: Ward ] 1, Mrs. Frank Thorburn; ward 2, John Dean ward 8, J. J. Dupre; ward 4. Mrs. Andrew " Frost The busi- ness section will be looked after by ! Miss Marion Warren.
 A. s. Macdonald and L. T. Champ | lin were elected as a publicity com | mittee. It is decided that the work will be done by house to house can vass, but anyone not solicited and wishing to contribute may send their contributions to the treasurer, MT. Brown.
 Already some funds have been col lected in churches and by other or ganizations and forwarded to head quarters. The district will be credit ed with all such money on it's quota.
 Pomfret has organized with Mrs. H. D. Lewis and John Ash at the head of the drive In Woodstock Mrs. Geo. Nj. Sampson; Thompson, Miss Black mar, and Eastford, Mrs. Charles Ia tenn.
 Probably during the campaign there will be speakers, Armenians in native costume if possible. Several other features are under considration to swell the fund.
 Putnam's share of the $2,600 is from $1,300 to s1,500. It would seem that the small amount asked for would be readily forthcoming not withstanding people have been repeat edly called upon for contributions to one worthy cause or another.
 I Mansfiad and William Mans