EMERGENCY RELIEF IN GREAT DISASTERS 79 



have especially suffered, and that as a consequence no outside 

 relief is needed; or, on the other hand, as at Galveston after 

 the inundation in September, 1900, and at Kansas City, Kan- 

 sas, 1903, that all classes have been so uniformly stricken that 

 outside relief is imperative; or it may be, as at East St. Louis 

 and adjoininfj; villa^i2;es, that relief is provided in sufficient 

 quantity from towns and cities in the immediate vicinity, 

 although not in sufficient amount from the stricken town or 

 city itself. 



It is indispensable that there shall be a quick perception 

 of the essential features of the existing situation in those who 

 would lead a community and outside sympathizers to a wise 

 conclusion in the face of impending or accomplished destruc- 

 tion of life and property. 



AMien it has been decided that there is need of relief, 

 whether in the form of money, of transportation, of labor, or 

 of whatever form, then there should be summoned an execu- 

 tive, if such a one can be found, who is endowed with financial 

 capacity, a knowledge of human nature, experience in dealing 

 with men, and acquaintance with the peculiar and difficult 

 problems constantly arising in the attempt to relieve suffering 

 and distress without injury to the self respect of those who are 

 to be aided, and without injury to their neighbors. If the 

 problem is a large and complicated one, numerous subcom- 

 mittees will be requisite and a staff of assistants. There 

 should be searching inquiry into the claims for relief where 

 the facts are not fully know^n. The bureau of inquiry inaugu- 

 rated at JohnstowTi by Mr. Tom L. Johnson, of Cleveland, 

 speedily became one of the most important features of the 

 whole relief system, and upon it eventually devolved the real 

 decision as to the persons to be aided and as to the amounts 

 they should receive. 



There should be an executive committee, whether called 

 by that name, as in Chicago, or by some other designation, 

 thoroughly acquainted with local conditions and in constant 

 touch with the relief operations. AVhether this committee 

 should have the full responsibility, or should itself be re- 

 sponsible to a larger board or commission, will depend upon 

 various conditions, and especially upon the extent of the area 



