Rensselaer Union, Volume 9, Number 41, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 June 1877 — To the Benevolent Public. [ARTICLE]

To the Benevolent Public.

Mt. Carmel, 111.. June 11,1877. The claims of this city upon the practical sympathies of all generous people throughout our land would not be denied by any who might witness its present damaged condition. The devastation and suffering caused by the tornado of a week since is past comprehension by any who did not see it, or have since then visited the scene of woe, which is so terrible a sorrow to so many. A hundred families homeless and penniless, over a hundred wounded and about a score of dead, with a pecuniary loss of not less than four hundred thousand dollars, is too heavy a load for a population of only twenty-two hundred to carry alone. The experience of Chicago and other places of this and other lands, in their days of adversity, show us that they did not call in vain for help. I do not believe when the facts and necessities of these people are known, that any will be left to want. If in all other cities add towns aid committees, under the direction of board of trade or city or town officials, will do a little, this place may again be made to arise out of deep distress to bless the kindness of our people all over the land. Any aid sent to R, 8. Gordon, Mayor, or T. J. Shannon, of the banking house of Shannon & Beall, of this city, Chairman of the Relief Committee,will be wisely aud faithfully appropriated to the use of those who are needy and worthy. I Gzo.'P. Edgar, Correspondent, of New York Mayor's Office, Mt. Carmel, 111., I June It, 1877. f . I cheerfully indorse the above appeal of Maj. Edgar, of New York City, a former resident of this city, who has been with us a few days past. His statement is not overdrawn. It is simply the truth. I hope all who read it will send us such aid as they will deem it a privilege to do in behalf of suffering humanity.

R. S. GORDON,

Mayor.