Shanghai, June 20, The Refugees:
An Urgent Appeal To the Editor of the "NonrH-CHINA Dany News"
Sm,—In these days of political and economic unrest and uncertainty, appeals to charitable people are "scarcely well placed. One hesitates to add another jeremíad tọ the many to which the kindhearted Shanghailander is already accustomed. Yet, if one makes an excursion into the Hongkew District, one cannot remain unimpressed by the misery and distress of a group of innocent human beings. Through great sacrifices, cate has been taken of the healthy, but little thought has been given as yet to the sick, to the tuberculous and—psychoneurotic, both of which are increasing in number, Starvation and mental agony find easily an ally in tuberculosis and the ever lurking microbe cannot find a more suitable breeding ground than the overcrowded homes of these poorly nourished people.
A new organization, the "European Emigrants' Associated Hospitals," has been created with great enthusiasm, which has a committee composed of leading citizens of our city. Both the International Settlement and - the French Concession are officially represented on it. Everybody on the Committee realizes that a hospital for 200 noninfectious and 150 infectious cases is necessary. Everybody agrees that this is a problem which has grown beyond the limits of the Refugee Committee and only an international organization can handle the situation.
It is most regrettable that no encouragement has been given from responsible quarters, Neither the Municipal Council nor the French Concession has given any constructive suggestion. Either ways or means must be devised to stop the further influx of refugees to Shanghai and other places opened, or definite steps should "be taken to assume at least part of the responsibility. At present the Refugee Committee is maintaining a hospital for 50-60 patients, which is already struggling for accommodation and maintenance.
But what about the hospitalization of another 150 cases? What shall be done in case of outbreaks of epidemics? How should we handle the increasing number of mental cates?. What should we do with the growing number of tuberculous children? Collections at cocktail parties is a charming suggestion, but I am afraid that the effect of cocktails reacts generally in a slightly different way, than in the compassionate reaction to help sufferers! We need quick and immediate help! We have to make 8 start, before it is too late.
Qui cite dat, his dat! Kindly send donations to Mr. Ellis Hayim, 27 The Bund, and suggestions to F. Reiss, M.D, Chairman of the European Emigrants' Associated Hospitals for Shanghai, 142 Museum Road, Shang-
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.