The American Red Cross Bulletin (Vol. IV, No. 4, October 1909)

by American National Red Cross

REPORT OF F. G. FREYER, SECRETARY-TREASURER OF THE BEIRUT RELIEF COMMITTEE.

Beirut, Syria, July 12, 1909.

Mr. E. G. Freyer, Secretary-Treasurer of the Relief Committee, with his financial statements sends a special appeal for Kessab. He also says, in regard to the Committee’s work as American Red Cross Agents:

We realized, first, that under the American National Red Cross our Committee would take the field as a distinctively American undertaking, even though recognizing the principle which governs all Red Cross work—that its benefits should reach all in need, irrespective of nationality or creed.

Secondly, it gave the Committee a standing, a guarantee before the public which enabled it to raise funds in quarters where remittances under other circumstances might not have been forthcoming.

The sending of doctors and nurses to Adana in the name and under the protection of the Red Cross flag was not only a source of satisfaction to the Committee, but of the very greatest help and blessing to the many who at that time required immediate medical aid.

Those of us who have lived in the Orient for years have become accustomed to the remark, and in many cases have allowed ourselves to believe, that the native will not help himself, much less others, but that he is willing to be dependent on the charity of the outside world. Be this as it may under ordinary conditions, the present crisis has fully demonstrated that the native can and will rise to the occasion and help not only himself but his neighbor as well.

In looking over the summary of receipts it is more than gratifying to note the very generous response which has come to our appeal from the Syrians, or those whom we designate as “natives.” When we consider that out of a total of 564,538 piasters received fully one-third has come from native sources, this fact in itself may be considered a success commensurate with any relief and help which the money itself has brought to the sufferers. It is proverbial that it is difficult to get money from the native. It is a satisfaction to know that he is sympathetic, and that he can and will help.

Many cases can be cited where sacrifices have been made to help along the work of relief. One man who had saved his metallic pieces (1 cent plus) for nearly three years, and who had his small box nearly full, handed it over with the remark, “Here, I have saved these for three years. I know not what the box contains. Take it for the fund.” The proceeds of that box netted the fund 385 piasters, or $13.75. The children brought their pennies, school girls went without portions of their meals, the poor gave of their little, and by these acts of self-denial helped to feed and clothe their fellow-countrymen.

We have esteemed it a privilege to work under Red Cross auspices, even though our funds have come also from many other sources.

From England we have received many contributions, large and small. The latter are numerous, and indicate the desire many have had to help.

A Special Appeal for Kessab.

Relief work at Kessab, as in many of the disturbed districts of northern Syria, has been going on since the end of April last. During that time the Beirut Relief Committee has been able to aid in feeding and clothing the many widows and orphans who were left entirely destitute, while tools for carpenters, blacksmiths, and masons, also plows and farming implements, have been sent there so that the work of reconstruction might begin.

Until now relief work has consisted chiefly in feeding the hungry; more could not be undertaken on a large scale. The summer months have proved favorable in that the people did not require special housing. Improvised tents and shelters of various kinds were constructed, and for the present these have served their purpose well, but the great question which confronts all who are engaged in this work is, how these people are to be housed and sheltered during the bleak winter months. It must be remembered that the winters at Kessab are exceptionally severe. Situated on the side of a mountain at a high altitude, the winds and rains not infrequently cause the place to be entirely covered with ice and snow.

Then, again, how are they to be provided with food to tide over the winter, or until they can raise their next crop of silk worms, the chief industry of Kessab? We can not go on feeding them indefinitely, yet it is a duty to feed and house this people until, under ordinary conditions, they can provide their own support and repair their homes.

In regard to providing shelter, it is thought that it may be feasible to erect two or three large barracks to give at least temporary shelter to the women and children. Conference with those on the field and those who know the conditions which hold good at Kessab may prove that this is not a feasible plan, but that it would be better to roof over some of the larger buildings. While practically all the houses in Kessab were destroyed by fire, the walls of most of them are standing and in good condition. It may be found more advantageous to roof over several of these large houses, or even the Protestant and Armenian Churches. The latter could be used by the constituents of either sect, and under such conditions as the Relief Committee may see fit to make. Unless some such measure of relief is adopted immediately great will be the suffering and privation of the people of Kessab during the coming winter months.

The very lowest estimate places the cost of the construction work at $10,000 and the cost of a sufficient quantity of wheat to sparingly supply the needs of the people at $5,000.

In view of the foregoing facts a special appeal is therefore made for $15,000, $10,000 of which to be specifically designated as intended for and to be applied to constructive work.

It is hoped that these specific objects for which funds are so urgently needed, and the receipt of which will do untold good, may appeal to many who are in a position to give.

Abstract of First Financial Statement, Beirut Relief Committee, June 24, 1909.

Your Committee has long felt the necessity of rendering at least a preliminary statement, showing amounts received and expended, in connection with the relief work made possible through your generosity.

Without the aid of regularly paid assistants it has, however, been impossible for the Committee to render such an account earlier, feeling that its first efforts should be directed toward the work of relief rather than that of accounts.

It is a pleasure to acknowledge with thanks the gifts of so many who have responded to our call for aid. Considerable has been done to alleviate the sufferings and wants of the sick and destitute, but from all accounts from the stricken districts the work of relief is far from completed. Until we can get sufficient funds wherewith to purchase tools, etc., the people can not be set to work at their various trades. This, and this only, can solve the problem of reconstruction which confronts all engaged in this work.

Very truly, yours,

G. BIE RAVNDAL,
American Consul-General,
Chairman.

GEO. E. POST, M. D.
E. G. FREYER,
Secretary and Treasurer.

RECEIPTS.
	Piasters.
Syria	136,581.10
Palestine	28,012.05
Asia Minor	17,505.00
Cyprus	1,322.35
Egypt	35,667.25
Belgium	815.25
France	543.30
England	51,658.25
America	223,930.25
Grand Total	496,037.20
	£3,627 6s. 7d.
	$17,715.62
EXPENDITURES.
	Piasters.
Adana	60,088.10
Kessab	76,960.10
Alexandretta	81,006.25
Latakia	7,000.00
Antioch	26,029.20
Tarsus	14,099.05
Aintab	12,462.20
Marash (Americans)	79,193.20
Marash (Germans)	23,253.30
Deaconesses, Beirut	4,404.00
Miscellaneous	31,575.00
Grand total	416,072.20
Beirut currency:	Piasters.
Total receipts	496,037.20
Total expended	416,072.20
June 24, 1909. Balance on deposit in bank	79,965.00

E. G. FREYER, Treasurer.