"I am deeply pained to learn from your inquiry that imputations have been cast upon the integrity, or impartiality, or the motives actuating your Committee in their desire to afford relief to the distressed poor in this crisis. My means of information are extensive. The Committees to whom you are entrusting your funds in this district are composed of men of all political and religious shades. The utmost care is taken in distribution. The only test is destitution. I am astonished to hear of the imputations to which you refer. Already by your contributions to this quarter much misery has been alleviated, and as the season moves into spring, deaths without number will be the consequence unless some aid comes through a charitable public. It is quite true that our rulers should institute a system of public work. Our people want work, and not alms. In the absence of this aid from Government anyone who would by imputing unworthy motives to your Committee, check the hand of charity, will incur a dreadful responsibility before God and the country. No one here questions the honour, the motives, or the judicious action of your Committee. On the contrary, all approve and are deeply grateful.