Marion and Marion County.
The activity and interest displayed by the local Relief Committee at Marion have already been noted. Probably one reason why they had accomplished so much more than had been done at the other points was that the situation in Marion County was apparently much more serious than in either of the other places.
Immediately following the disaster wagon loads of supplies had been promptly dispatched to the districts affected. The men to whom the distribution of these supplies was entrusted told me that they hoped nothing more would be sent at present. Indeed, Mr. S. U. Davis had asked that a contribution of $200 that had been offered be placed in bank and held for later distribution. He and Mr. F. Davis know personally every family in that section and both urged that no more relief be sent at present. Mr. F. Davis said that as long as the supplies lasted that were sent to his store, the negroes collected around and refused to do any work. When work was offered they said, “We all don’t have to pick no cotton, do white folks am gwine to feed us.” He also told of a white man who had $700 in bank but who, nevertheless, had sent his brother to see if Mr. Davis did not have “something for him.” In this connection it may be noticed that however poverty-stricken a colored family might be nothing would induce any of the girls of the family to accept positions as house-workers. Both Mr. S. U. Davis and Mr. F. Davis urged that hereafter relief be sent direct to individual cases of distress, upon their recommendation, after thorough investigation had proved that help was necessary.
It might be thought that possibly these statements were colored by the anti-negro bias with which the Southerner is usually credited, but though fully alive to the weaknesses of the negro, everyone with whom I talked manifested genuine sympathy with all cases of real distress, whether the sufferers were white or colored. Everyone with whom I spoke agreed that during October and November, while work was plentiful, all relief should be withheld, except in the special cases alluded to above. After this will come the winter months when work is scarce and there are few sources of income except a little fur trapping, or odd jobs. Mr. Davis had already written to a lumber company which has extensive timber holdings throughout the lower part of the county suggesting that if they could see their way clear to commence operations in that section at once the opportunities for employment that this would offer would be a veritable Godsend to the community. But, however favorable conditions may shape themselves and however generous may be the local responses to the need for help, it still would seem to be a certainty that outside assistance will be needed for this section. The destruction has been so great—the committee estimated that from 1,500 to 2,000 bales of cotton had been destroyed within the flooded area—and the loss has fallen so heavily on rich and poor alike, that it does not seem possible that the community can grapple with the problem unaided.
All relief work has been done, so far, through local committees who are thoroughly familiar with every detail of the circumstances of those who need help and if this policy be maintained there is very little possibility that any funds will be unwisely applied.
In conclusion, I should like to say a deeply appreciative word concerning the kindness and courtesy of the Relief Committees in the three cities. Though, during the investigation, I traveled over many miles of country, in no case was it necessary to use Red Cross money in hiring livery rigs, as all this was arranged for by the committees and individuals interested. I would make special mention of the kindness of the committee at Marion, who entertained me while I was in their city, and of the courtesy of Mr. S. U. Davis, at whose home I was entertained and who spent a day and a half in showing me the situation in Marion County, placing at my disposal his invaluable and intimate knowledge of local conditions. I also take great pleasure in expressing appreciation of the active and energetic co-operation of the State President, Mr. A. C. Kaufman, who arranged my itinerary and who, by letters of introduction, paved the way for me in every city visited.
Pee Dee River Flood.