Martinsburg journal. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1920-1977, 1921-09-21

But, as was the case IN Belgium III
1914, the preliminary struggle iu'
wolves not 80 much question of
supplies as of organization, says T..
A. Wray, London correspondent OF
the l. N. S.
Comparing what happened In the
carly days In Belgium to the pres
ent situation in Russia may help
10 visualize the work lying before
the American Relief efforts In both
instances the relief workers were
faced with q certain hostility; only
in the present case they are not
faced with a ruthless army.
saw the first American ship
containing food enter the harbor of
Amagadom on December 4. 1914
Its gallant commander had never
left the seas around Nova Scotia
before. But despite German sub
marines and mines, although en-
tirely ignorant OF the difficulties
OF Atlantic transportation, he had
safely brought his precious cargo
into a neutral port.
~ anxious crowd OF us, the first
relief workers. awaited him.
Throughout tho Saturday night and
during the early hours OF Sunday
we scanned the sea for the ships
approach. Despite the messages
from London we began to doubt.
Then at last the vessel hove In
sight and excitement grew to few
Ir height We knew that at least
- million refugees, who had fed un.
welcomed into Holland, were at
the point of starvation.
We knew that at least twice as
many Belgians, in their native vii
lagos adjoining the Dutch frontier.
We're in a like or worse Drodica-
ment.
Intrepid American Officer.
II was four that afternoon when
the ship cast anchor. BY five
O'Clock We had three gangs of men
working like demops-at triple
wages-to unload her. BY midday
ON Monday the greater part of her
food was placed on the wharf.
We had chartered special train
After providing for the worst needs
OF the refugees into Holland our
chief aim was to relieve the Bel
gians in the Tlurnemond district.
who were reported to be literally
on the verge OF starvation. Every
thing they possessed had been pill
+ laged by the invading armies.
/ Captain Jackson. OF the Ameri-
can Army. was in charge of the
/ train With a small section OF
/ helpers he sped on his journey
with all the steam that Dutch
engine could make. 1t was when
he found the Belgian frontier, with
German soldiers confronting him
that the real trouble began
Have you a permit to bring this
food in here?" asked the command
ant OF the German troops.
"The permit OF humanity" ans
wered Captain Jackson
III you have no official permit
then | shall seize the contents oil
the train" answered tho com
MAJ liant.
Captain Jackson jumped on the
engine and unfolded the Stars and
Stripes.
Now seize them at your peril, "
was his reply.
4 The cOmnandant gave way, The
trains precious burden was unload
ed. Many people were saved from
death and the supply Of American
food into Belgium was initiated
there and then.
spot sufficient in numbers to safe
guard the food at the moment
Those present were only able 10 en-
sure the proper organization Of itg
arrival 1t would take time for the
requisite personnel to reach Bel
/ GUM from America in those trou
/ bled time
Hoover to the Rescue
1 Herbert Hoover saved the situa-
ton. He appealed to the Ameri-
Z can Rhodes scholars at oxford Uni
yersity to abandon their vacations
and devote themseles to the cause.
They came as one man.
But, az they would be the first
/ to acknowledge, they were totally
inexperienced and faced with cir
cumstances about which they had
never dreamed, Some Of them
men like Robertson Smith and
Tracy Kittredge-have since be-
come among the greatest Of relief
administrators. But at that mo
ment they were faced an IN
known situation. 1t took them
months Of work amounting 10 slay-
cry TO put the organization on its
feet. Meanwhile fresh workers
we're arriving from the United
States.
But while this was going on we
n Rotterdam were faced with a
nav problem. Despite barbed wire
and senhies Belgians were escap-
ing across the frontier In hordes
that sometimes suggested a plague
o, i0custs.
Dutch Way Of Food Bins.
There never has been any love
.ost between the Dutch and Beig-
laus. In this case the Helgians are
certainly not welcome. All the
food the Dutch possessed they want
ed for themselves They never
Intended taking any chances.
Today the American Relief Ad-
m.nistration in Russia is faced
with a similar pr0blem-but in