A UNIQUE COMMITTEE
redolent with gratitude, that the tear of grief is almost dissolved in that of joy. For the present we are compelled to let the few lines that follow speak for all:
From the Mayor of Ribemont, District of Saint-Quentin:
“In behalf of the necessitous population of Ribemont, the task of telling you how much the different articles, which you were kind enough to send to our commune, are appreciated, is an agreeable one.
“How many of these articles fill urgent needs, and how concerned are our unhappy people, having lost everything through the invasion of the enemy. Many of them have found absolutely nothing of what they possessed before the war, furniture, linen, clothes, kitchen utensils—everything has disappeared. Thus you see with what eager eyes each looks on what he can obtain through your generosity.
“Rest assured that the name of Christian Science will come to the lips of each one, as sentiments of kindness, mutual aid and solidarity are evoked. . . .”
From the Countess de Mareuil:
“I found your Committee's address in the parcels given me for the devastated village of Boullancourt, and I thank you with all my heart for your kindness.
“We had there an estate and a castle which are entirely destroyed, so that we cannot further help the 150 people of the little village. A dozen families have already come back, and during this cold weather are living in the ruins of our cellars, preferring to suffer anything rather than lose the chance to sow wheat in two months. Their love for the soil will save this little bit of France, and our own land for my three children. You can infer how much your generosity was needed. They will bless your name forever.
“It is awful for the race to suffer after having shed almost the last drop of blood, and your warm clothes will save more than one of these little fellows. . . .
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