Plentywood herald. [volume] (Plentywood, Mont.) 1908-current, 1931-12-24

heart-ache, together with privation and self
denial.
AT first the p~ublic-spirited citizens
in each locality began in a small way on
what limited means they had and with no
previous experience in this relief work.
They had, therefore, to feel their way, cut
and try. Through the aid of the county a
large quantity of millet seed was obtained
with which to plant a catch-crop of feed for
the milking COWS and to furnish feed for
winter. Then special road work allowed in
order that heads of families might earn mon
ey with which to buy necessities. Even the
gopher tail bounty paid by the county was
no small item for this purpose. Later in the
fall coal was made available either through
strip mines or on credit through other mines
privately owned. Wherever feasible those
becoming dependent on the county were
furnished employment.
Then the outside world became acquain-
ted with our destitute situation, tender
hearts were touched and sympathetic hands
responded with a willingness and generosity
that was heartening. Through the efforts of
various organizations tangible results were
soon forthcoming.
The American Red Cross, that veteran
set its mac s'outh relief
OF mercy, was 500 on its way, came in and
was a new form of relief for them having
first functioned last year in the south. While
it was commenced primarily for drouth re-
lief there were several re-adjustments made
necessary to the local conditions.
Thousands of dollars Of groceries bot
with Red Cross funds have been distributed
through local stores and before winter is ov-
er there will be many thousands of dollars
more. Scores of carloads of potatoes, vege-
tables, clothing and other supplies have been
shipped in freight free and distributed. More
shipments will come from time to time as
needed. The Red Cross has come to stay,
until tn. job is done.
Among the other outstanding organic
atoms aiding in this relief work S the Farm
ers Union. 1t has a large membership thru
out the this territory and their work was OF
a neighborly character. They went at it
promptly and with a spirit Of "neighbor
help neighbor' that truly exemplifies that
sentiment. 1t was the helping hand of the
farmers from one section of the country
reaching over to a sore distressed neighbor
in another. Their prompt and most generous
help is a shining mark of real neighborliness.
To those who nave so generously lon
ated and assembled this relief there will be
the satisfaction that it has been gratefully re-
ceived and worthily placed. To a great ex-
tent it is our home folks who have benefited
this time instead Of some far-off. The local
relief calls have met with most generous re-
sponses from those in position to do so.
While the outside organizations have
been and are still prominently engaged in
this work the local people are justly entitled
to a recognition as their share of the honors.
They did not have the material things to give
but gave most generously Of their time and
efforts, and in many cases made sacrifices in
order to distribute and assist wherever pos
sible. Even the very needy in some cases did
their bit In helping out-passing it on. A val
liable work, a real service has been perform
ed willing and we'll. A most valuable spirit
Of cooperation has been developed and it's
lessons and worth demonstrated.
While the large numbers being helped,
the vast amount of supplies used, and the
publicity given is regarded in some quarters
as a black eye" to the country and ought
to be suppressed, it should not be so regard
ed. 1t is no disgrace, we did our best, and this
misfortune may happen anywhere and to
anybody. Blu. to our home folks here this
relief work has been more than physical or
material relief. 1t has been most h~eartening
and encouraging. We are made to feel that
there are real friends about us, that there is
such a thing as relief. They are real facts,
not just promises.
The drouth brought famine. Famine
brought Humanity. That is our harvest for
th1c xroar L.~--:- TT