"A Committee, of which our venerated Bishop, the Most Rev. Dr. MacCormack, is Chairman, has been organized for the relief of the distress which not only threatens, but actually prevails this moment, to a large extent, in this parish. The Committee had been actually working for more than a week, and every day it is besieged by crowds of strong men, and calling for something to keep away starvation. The severest inquiry is made into the destitution of each applicant, and no one has his application admitted whose destitution is not most industriously ascertained.

"After the closest investigation, there are at this moment 200 families, or about 1,000 people, receiving some relief from the very limited funds at the disposal of the Committee, and in the near future we have proof there will be 200 families, or another 1,000 people of this parish facing starvation, unless some relieving hands keep it away from them.

"May we ask you, gentlemen, in the name of the highest virtue, that your kind hand will be stretched out to us, and from one of the many hands that are wanted this moment to keep away death from the doors of our people.