8o EDWARD T. DEVINE 



from which donations are received. If contributions are 

 made from distant commimities, it may be advisable that 

 there should be representatives upon the controlling body 

 from such communities, or at least there should be as members 

 of it citizens of sufficient reputation and standing to inspire a 

 feeling of confidence even in the most distant places. After 

 the Johnstown flood, a commission was appointed by state 

 authority on which there was comparatively little local repre- 

 sentation, and the principal responsibility in Johnstown itself, 

 during the period of greatest need, rested upon what was 

 known as a finance committee. Although there are ad- 

 vantages in an authoritative and widely representative com- 

 mission, such as that which was then created, it is doubtful 

 whether the resulting delays and the lack of familiarity with 

 the actual situation are not fatal objections. It is certain that 

 commissions, if made at a distance, should be influenced by 

 the opinions of those who are on the spot. In any event, the 

 real responsibility will naturally rest principally upon the local 

 executive committee and its executive. The committee should 

 lay down the principles on which aid is to be extended, and 

 full responsibility for carrying them into effect should devolve 

 upon the executive. 



Material should be preserved for the publication of a de- 

 tailed report, including a detailed financial record both of 

 receipts and disbursements. This is not only due to contribu- 

 tors and to the public as a guide in future emergencies, but it 

 is of advantage to those who are responsible for the relief 

 measures, in order that, if criticism or controversies arise, a full 

 statement can be made. The fire report of the Chicago Re- 

 lief and Aid society and the report published in Calcutta of 

 the Central Executive committee of the Indian Famine Char- 

 itable Relief fund of 1900 may be cited as models of most com- 

 plete and elaborate reports; and, although of briefer compass, 

 the report of the secretary of the Johnstown Flood Relief 

 commission, the report of the Jacksonville (1901) Relief 

 association, and the report of the Minnesota State commis- 

 sion for the relief of fire sufferers (September, 1894; report 

 printed 1895) are equally explicit and valuable as sources of 

 information. 



