Mr. Eveleigh emphasized that the formation of the central committee should be looked upon pessimistically, not optimistically, especially as the hot weather was coming on. There were many things that the central committee would have to meet, the financial and physical ones being the most important. He was told there were in Shanghai between 6,000 and 8,000 and these were in a terrible condition in spite of everything that had been done for them. The newspaper editors had done everything they could, but no action had been taken for or against what had been advocated. At the present time he estimated it would take three men to care for one Russian. The Chinese had their problems, hence any assistance looked for would have to come from the foreign community. The question, thought Mr. Eveleigh, should be attacked on a larger scale and Governments, not only individuals, should be brought in. Five millionaires would find it a hard proposition in caring for the refugees. The central committee could approach the Council and present the real situation and explain that the funds were exhausted. Mr. Eveleigh suggested that a general campaign should be started, in the street, by advertising and in the newspapers. It was too big a proposition for any individual.
Mrs. C. W. Harvey stated that the soup kitchen could probably last through July but after that she did not think there were sufficient funds for its continuance. Certain unscrupulous persons had been going round with certain papers, stating that the kitchen was being closed and asking for funds. This, said Mrs. Harvey, was not authorized and no money should be given to such persons. Certain people had already given money, hence she wished to give a warning. Five hundred were being fed in the kitchen but after it closed she could not say what would happen. There would, she thought, probably be starvation, suicide and murder.
Mr. Poet submitted that the question of clothing and lodging should be taken care of by the central committee.
Miss Jensen read a letter from Mrs. Cornfoot in which that lady expressed the hope that some means would materialize whereby the unfortunate refugees could be sent away.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.