f grain throughout Russia.
When Dr. Hubbell reached Riga he learned that two hundred and forty
peasants had been waiting on the dock two days, watching and waiting for
the ship from America. Not waiting for food, for Riga was not in a
famine province, but waiting that they might not miss the opportunity
and the honor of unloading the American ship that had brought food to
their unfortunate brothers in the interior. As soon as they could get
into the hold of the ship, one hundred and forty of them began the
unloading. They worked night and day, without rest, determined to unload
the entire cargo themselves, without help. But on the third night our
Consul, Mr. Bornholdt, insisted on their having a relief of twelve
hours, and when the twelve hours were up they were all in their places
again, and remained until the cargo was out, declining to take any pay
for their labor. Twelve women worked along with them in the same spirit,
in the ship and on the dock, with needles, sewing up the rents in the
bags, to prevent waste in handling, and cooking meals for the men.
The Mayor of St. Petersburg, in an address on behalf of that city to
American donors, declared:
"The Russian people know how to be grateful. If up to this day these two
great countries, Russia and the United States, have not only never
quarreled, but on the contrary wished each other prosperity and strength
always, these feelings of sympathy can grow only stronger in the future,
both countries being conscious that in the season of trial for either it
will find in the other cordial succor and support. And can true
friendship be tested if not in the hour of misfortune?"
A peasant of Samara sent to a Russian editor, together with three
colored eggs, a letter which he asked to have forwarded to America. The
following is an extract from the letter:
"Christ is risen! To the merciful benefactors, the protectors of the
poor, the feeders of the starving, the guardians of the orphans--Christ
is risen.
"North Americans! May the Lord grant you a peaceful and long life and
prosperity to your land, and may your fields be filled with abundant
harvest--Christ is risen. Your mercifulness gives us a helping hand.
Through your charity you have satisfied the starving. And for your
magnificent alms accept from me this humble gift, which I send to the
entire American people for your great beneficence, from all the hearts
of the poor filled with feelings of joy."
In the grat
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