Jasper County Democrat, Volume 11, Number 62, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 January 1909 — $800,000 FOR SUFFERERS [ARTICLE]

$800,000 FOR SUFFERERS

1300,000 Added to the Amount Originally Agreed Upon. Washington, Jan. 5. President Roosevelt in a message to congress asked for a direct appropriation of $500,000 for the relief of the stricken people in the earthquake zone. letter he urged that the sum be increased to SBOO,OOO. This, the most generous fund ever contributed for the American people for succor of sufferers in other lands, is to supplement the dispatch of the supply ships Celtic from New York and the Culgoa from Port Said. Following is the text of the message: The appalling x ? calamity which has befallen the people of Italy Is followed by distress and suffering throughout a wide region among many thousands who have escaped with life, but whose shelter and food and means of living are destroyed.

"The immense debt of civilization to Italy, the warm ’ and steadfast friendship between that country and our own. the affection for their native land felt by great numbers of good American citizens, who are immigrants front Italy, the abundance with which God has blessed us in our safe-ty-all these should prompt us to immediate and effective relief.

"Confident of your approval. I have ordered the government supply ships Celtic and Culgoa to the scene of the disaster, where, upon receiving the authority which I now ask from you, they will be able to dispense food, clothing and other supplies with which they are laden to the value of about $300,000.

Eight vessels of the returning battleship fleet ai;e already under orders for Italian waters and that government has been asked it their services can be made useful.

‘T recomrtend that the congress approve the application of supplies above indicated and further appropriate the sum of SBOO,OOO to be applied to the work of relief at the discretion of the executive and with the consent of the Italian government.”