Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-11-06
MADAME TSAMAD0S
GIVES HEART FELT
APPEAL FOR GREECE

"Greece Of the Present Day and It's
Problems" was the subject of the
graphic story of conditions in Greece
told Wednesday evening by Madame
Tsamados, at the monthly meeting of
the Parent-Tteacher Association in the
High School auditorium. The speaker,
who was in picturesque native cos
tune. was introduced by Mrs. Julia S.
Maxcy. President of the association.
Madame Tsamados stated that
Greece had long been the barrier be-
tween the Western civilization and
, the march of the Eastern Ottomans
and that this struggle was but a pro-
longation of the age-old struggle be-
tween the Greeks, and the nations to
the east. She declared that the Allies
were to be blamed a great deal for the
amongst them led to their withdrawal
Of support and the consequent retreat
from Smyrna with its destruction.
As result Of the wars which have
made Greece land Of refugees many
childron and women are merely exist
ing in refugee camps where they are
herded together under conditions
which Americans would not consider
Mt for animals. The speaker declared
that In a warehouse she had seen as
many as four children sleeping on the
remnants OF a mattress. one of the
Tour dying with consumption. There
was little air or light in that building.
never a ray of sunshine, only a damp
ness which penetrated to the bones,
and chilled the blood. and in that at
mosphere three hundred children live
living death.
One of the most striking stories
that Madame Tsamodus told was that
or the boy who killed himself Pinned
TO MS breast they found a note which
said. please sell my body to the fac
Tory or Medicin and give the money
10 my mother to buy food for the
paby. meaning his baby sister.
In giving some statistics, which
were somewhat Of a surprise to tho
audience. she stated that these father
less children of Greece, are in reality
the children of refugees in Greece and
not the children of Greece itself. She
stated that the refugees are the rem
nants OF the Christian population of
ASIA Minor and Eastern Thrace, the
majority OF whom were forcibly de-
ported after the destruction of Smyr-
ma. These refugees are in Greece he
cause that country was the only one
In the world which would accept them.
The refugees have increased the al
ready crowded population of Greece
more than rs per cent. Since October.
1ss]. more than one and a half million
refugees nave landed in Greece with
more than 100000 of them dying. She
stated that the Greek government has
already contributed more than twenty
million dollars towards their relief but
that more is needed.
Madame Tsamados explained that
the RELIEF work is under way. that the
problem most pressing Is the securing
OF means to carry out the work of re-
lief ana to broaden 1t out until IT
meets the demand Of the existing ne
cessity.
At the conclusion Of her talk Ma
dame Tsamados sang. playing her own
two charming native
songs.
There was an enthusiastic response
20 the exhortation, and 1t was but a
Few moments from the time the talk
closed until a fund amounting to sixty
uoHarss sunicient to save a child for a |
year was subscribed. The Parent |
Ieachers' Association contributed five |
dollars and practically every person i
present either paid one dollar toward !
The amount or gave their pledge. Mrs. |
Laura e. Richards spoke briefly. on /
Madame Tsamados' talk, expressing
her unqualified approval Of the work
that 10 being carried on.
At the business meeting held before i
The talk. the following officers were |
dominated and elected: President, Mrs. !
suiia s. Maxcy. vice-pfesident, Mrs. !
:. w. Gerrish. secretary. Mrs. Ralph
stone. treasurer. Mrs. Charles Gray,
chairman Of the Educational commit.
zee. Miss Martha Bartlett. Chairman
q the Social committee, Mrs. w. o
sobb. chairman Of the Financial com
nittee, J. n. L. Bates
AZ the close Of the meeting refresh
nents were served in the Domestic
science rooms. with the following stu
lents serving: Misses Elisabeth Har-
Weeks, and Mana Marson.