Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 40, Number 30, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 December 1907 — MANY FAMILIES IN WANT. [ARTICLE]

MANY FAMILIES IN WANT.

.Coal Mine Disaster Makes Women and Children Destitute. It is now evident that it is going to require a long time to complete the work of recovering all the bodies of those killed In the Monongah, W. Va., ■ coal mine explosion. That the company recognizes this is evidenced by the fact |hat buildings have been erected and equipped for cooking and serving warm meals to the rescuers. Heretofore they have subsisted on toffee and cold lunches, s- ' v Distress and want among women and children dependent on the men who lost their lives, which was not recognized at first, is now, being brought forcibly before the community, and it is realized that there is a great work of charity to be done. It is estimated that there are between 350 and 400 fanjiiies now* in want. Some of these will later receive insurance, but many have nothing to . look forward to, Headed —by the churclies, a relief movement has been started, and a general appeal to the

public is being made. Many West Virginia towns have already acted and others are ready to do so. Less than one-fourth of the total number of victims have been found. The others, undoubtedly between 300 and 400 in number, lie in unknown sections of the vast workings in the great hills that overlook the town.