CHAPTER XXXI
The Work of Relief
PRESIDENT WILSON PROMPTLY IN DIRECTION—WASHINGTON ASTIR AS IN TIME OF WAR—BACKING OF CONGRESS PLEDGED—AMERICAN RED CROSS TO THE RESCUE—RAILROADS BRAVELY HELPING—RELIEF FROM STATES AND INDIVIDUALS—AN ARMY OF PEACE.
The sympathetic response of the American people never fails to measure up to the summons of any calamity. Relief is plentiful and prompt. The awful story of the flood and tornado was no sooner told than the machinery of government, the organized forces of the Red Cross and individual efforts in every city within reach were co-operating to provide succor and supplies to the sufferers. Tents for shelter, cots, food by the trainload, hospital and medical supplies, were almost immediately on their way to the stricken district.
WASHINGTON ASTIR AS IN TIME OF WAR
The Federal Government was alive to the needs of the flooded districts of the Middle West with activity that almost surpassed the hustle and bustle of war times. Every department from the White House down, directed its energies toward the relief of distress and suffering in Ohio and Indiana. As the result of appeals from Governor Cox, the American Red Cross and others, President Wilson issued an appeal to the nation at large to help the sufferers.
President Wilson's Messages
For the Relief of the Stricken States
To Mayor Dahlman, of Omaha: