The activity and interest displayed by the local Relief Committee
at Marion have already been noted. Probably one reason why they had
accomplished so much more than had been done at the other points was that
the situation in Marion County was apparently much more serious than in
either of the other places.
Immediately following the disaster wagon loads of supplies had been
promptly dispatched to the districts affected. The men to whom the
distribution of these supplies was entrusted told me that they hoped
nothing more would be sent at present. Indeed, Mr. S. U. Davis had asked
that a contribution of $200 that had been offered be placed in bank and
held for later distribution. He and Mr. F. Davis know personally every
family in that section and both urged that no more relief be sent at
present. Mr. F. Davis said that as long as the supplies lasted that
were sent to his store, the negroes collected around and refused to do
any work. When work was offered they said, “We all don’t have to pick
no cotton, do white folks am gwine to feed us.” He also told of a white
man who had $700 in bank but who, nevertheless, had sent his brother to
see if Mr. Davis did not have “something for him.” In this connection it
may be noticed that however poverty-stricken a colored family might be
nothing would induce any of the girls of the family to accept positions
as house-workers. Both Mr. S. U. Davis and Mr. F. Davis urged that
hereafter relief be sent direct to individual cases of distress, upon
their recommendation, after thorough investigation had proved that help
was necessary.
It might be thought that possibly these statements were colored by the
anti-negro bias with which the Southerner is usually credited, but though
fully alive to the weaknesses of the negro, everyone with whom I talked
manifested genuine sympathy with all cases of real distress, whether the
sufferers were white or colored. Everyone with whom I spoke agreed that
during October and November, while work was plentiful, all relief should
be withheld, except in the special cases alluded to above. After this
will come the winter months when work is scarce and there are few sources
of income except a little fur trapping, or odd jobs. Mr. Davis had
already written to a lumber company which has extensive timber holdings
throughout the lower part of the county suggesting that if they could
see their way clear to commence operations in that section at once the
opportunities for employment that this would offer would be a veritable
Godsend to the community. But, however favorable conditions may shape
themselves and however generous may be the local responses to the need
for help, it still would seem to be a certainty that outside assistance
will be needed for this section. The destruction has been so great—the
committee estimated that from 1,500 to 2,000 bales of cotton had been
destroyed within the flooded area—and the loss has fallen so heavily on
rich and poor alike, that it does not seem possible that the community
can grapple with the problem unaided.
All relief work has been done, so far, through local committees who are
thoroughly familiar with every detail of the circumstances of those
who need help and if this policy be maintained there is very little
possibility that any funds will be unwisely applied.
In conclusion, I should like to say a deeply appreciative word concerning
the kindness and courtesy of the Relief Committees in the three cities.
Though, during the investigation, I traveled over many miles of country,
in no case was it necessary to use Red Cross money in hiring livery
rigs, as all this was arranged for by the committees and individuals
interested. I would make special mention of the kindness of the committee
at Marion, who entertained me while I was in their city, and of the
courtesy of Mr. S. U. Davis, at whose home I was entertained and who
spent a day and a half in showing me the situation in Marion County,
placing at my disposal his invaluable and intimate knowledge of local
conditions. I also take great pleasure in expressing appreciation of
the active and energetic co-operation of the State President, Mr. A. C.
Kaufman, who arranged my itinerary and who, by letters of introduction,
paved the way for me in every city visited.
[Illustration: PEE DEE RIVER FLOOD.]