duty to those in need. Later,
after eight years, when he again visited America, he was
given a pension as General in the American Army. With the
back pay during his absence, the sum amounted to about
$15,000. Although poor himself, he felt deep compassion for
the neglected colored children and, with the money given
him, he established the first school in America devoted
exclusively to the education of the colored youth.

I am sure you know the story in all its details, but I
desire the colored people of America to know that to-day the
descendants of the man who--unasked--aided them--plead for a
crust of bread, a spoonful of milk for their hungry
children. Tell them this and God will bless and prosper you
in your telling and them in their giving. Do not think that
small amounts are useless--five cents may save a life. I am
sending Mr. Paderewski's appeal, but conditions, to-day, are
worse now than when it was written. Will you help Poland?
Will you do it now?

Please reply to Hotel Gotham.

Yours in work for humanity,

[Signed] HELENA PADEREWSKI.

_Dr. Booker T. Washington, Tuskegee, Alabama._

In spite of disease, pain, and weakness--in spite of the fact that he
must have realized that his remaining time for his own chosen work had
narrowed down to a matter of weeks--he instantly responded to this
appeal. Immediately he sent Madame Paderewski's letter to the Negro
press of the entire country with this explanatory note:

MADAME PADEREWSKI'S APPEAL FOR POLISH VICTIMS

Madame Helena Paderewski, wife of the famous pianist, has
addressed a letter to Dr. Booker T. Washington, of the
Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute, making an appeal
for the Polish victims of the European War. The letter is
sent to the press with the thought that there may be those
among the Negro people who may feel disposed to respond to
Madame Paderewski's appeal.

An organization known as the Polish Victims' Relief Fund has
been organized, with headquarters in Aeolian Building, 35
West Forty-Second Street, New York City. Madame Paderewski's
letter follows, etc.

Immediately after Mr. Washington's death Mrs. Washington received the
following note from Madame Paderewski:

_New York, November 15, 1916._

_Mrs. Booker T. Washington, Tuskegee, Alabama._

MY