Those who were able to respond to our appeal last spring will be glad to hear that their contributions relieved much suffering and anxiety, and gave encouragement and hope to people who are peculiarly at the mercy of the destructive forces which follow war and defeat, and who in normal times contribute so much toward the progress of ideas, the elements upon which civilization depends.
The funds reached the amount of $5820.00, and have been carefully and promptly administered by our special committees appointed in Germany by the “Auslandshilfe,” and in Austria, by the “American Committee for Vienna Relief.”
Discriminating and sympathetic investigations have been made in all sections of the countries, and reports from the committees and letters from recipients leave no question of the value of the work we have done, nor that conditions in Germany and Austria are even worse now than last year. Letters quoted on the back of this page show how great is the necessity that something shall be done at once to prevent further exhaustion and despair. Reluctance to accept aid is characteristic of such people, and only the dire need of their families compel them to accept it.
We urge you to help us through the present crisis to assist those who are struggling to survive and continue their work, and whose only hope is in the quick response of those of us who are not willing to turn our faces aside from the catastrophe.
Will you send us another contribution? Will you also ask your friends to aid, either by direct contributions or by giving benefits? We shall be glad to send you additional blanks.
Please use enclosed envelopes in sending your remittance and make checks payable to the “American Assistance.”
We have no overhead expenses and assure you of immediate application of all funds to the relief of those we are seeking to help.
“The kindness of the American Assistance in my great need has given me moral strength and hope and the courage to continue my work.”
“It is hard to accept a gift without giving an equivalent, but confronted as I am, and as are many of my colleagues, with the utmost necessity, I accept this gift with heartiest thanks.”
“In our extreme need and in behalf of our little boy of a year and a half, we send our thanks.”
“The gift enabled me to buy necessary food and clothing.”
“The gift enabled me to continue my work of teaching in the University when I was almost compelled to seek another occupation.”
“In view of the financial condition of the Goethe and Schiller Archives I am still limited to prewar salary, and but for the kind gift from America my struggle would have been hopeless, but the knowledge that high-minded people are ready to help has given strength and courage to a man on the brink of despair.”
“At a recent meeting of the Senate (University) a petition from the Docents shows their conditions literally unbearable. Half of the Docents receive a yearly income of one half of the necessary minimum of $60.00 for unmarried -- and $100.00 for married men. Many are unable for lack of funds to heat even a single room.”
Dr. Von Borscht from Munich writes: “These evidences of true human kindness gives our people new hope and courage for the future.”
From Vienna: “On account of the exorbitant prices of all necessities, even the University Professors cannot maintain their households, although their salaries have been increased.”
One of the American Friends’ Service Committee, after three years in Germany, writes: “Teachers are suffering very much. It seems dreadful to sit quietly by and watch splendid people die.”
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