he
plains.

These were poor little peoples. They tried to make the great State know
of their distress, but the rich railroad proprietors held the _press_,
and no one knew their condition or could get correct information. At
length a faithful clergyman came to Washington, to President Cleveland,
and the Red Cross.

We consulted with the President, who gave encouragement for us to go to
Texas and learn the facts.

In mid-winter, 1886, accompanied by Dr. Hubbell, the journey was
undertaken. We proceeded to Albany, Texas, made headquarters--traveled
over the stricken counties, found wretchedness, hunger, thirst, cold,
heart-breaking discouragement. The third year of drought was upon them,
and the good people of that great State, misled by its press, its press
in turn misled by the speculators, innocently discredited every report
of distress, and amused themselves by little sly innuendoes and witty
jokes on the "Texas Famine."

The condition was pitiful. To them it was hopeless. And yet not a dollar
or a pound was needed outside of Texas. They only required to know the
truth. This then was our task. We ceased to journey over arid fields of
suffering, and turned our steps resolutely to the editorial rooms of the
Dallas and Galveston News, at Dallas. Both editors were present; both
sat half-breathless while the flood of information rolled over them in
no uncertain terms.

I shall never forget the tears in the mild blue eyes of General Belo, as
he learned what he had done, and was still doing. Twelve hours brought
another issue of the two papers. A column of editorial told the true
situation. A modest contribution of the Red Cross headed a subscription
list, General Belo following with his, and almost immediately the
legislature made an appropriation of one hundred thousand dollars for
food and supplies.

The tender-hearted and conscience-smitten people sent their donations.
Our task was done. We had seen and conquered.

In the midst of a cold rain in February we reached Washington. A concise
and full report was made to President Cleveland, saying in conclusion:
"I thank you with all my heart, Mr. President, for the encouragement at
the commencement, and for the privilege of writing you. We have done
this little bit of work faithfully and hope it may meet your approval."

President Cleveland's letter of thanks still bears testimony of his care
for the people of the country, and his faith in its institutions.

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