Fort Worth Daily Gazette

THE DROUTH COMMISSION.
An Interview with the Chairman as to its Doings-Time Wanted,

Last night a GAZETTE man had a meeting with that gallant soldier of three wars, General Walter P. Lane, of Marshall, appointed by Governor Ross at the head of the commission to distribute the state's donation of $100,000 to the sufferers in the drouth smitten region of Western Texas.

With his usual friendly courtesy General Lane spoke freely of what he and his colleagues, Messrs. William Ferguson of San Antonio and I. P. Teague of Kaufman, had done in the discharge of their trust. The last named gentlemen are also in the city, and the three will leave for Austin via the Missouri Pacific to-night.

Said General Lane: The papers have already given accounts of our movements since starting out from the capital on the 6th of last month, and anything like a regular resume would be tedious. We saw, of course, a good deal of suffering in the forty counties wherein aid was needed. The fund we had to draw on was for nothing but bread, though we were often implored for seed instead, which could not be given. About $10 for a family of five was the basis of giving adopted, and you can see that this would not go far, even for bread alone.

"Where was the most distress?"

"In Stephens county, I think, though it was nearly as bad in Eastland. The settlers there were mostly small farmers, who made nothing and were utterly without resources. In some of the counties, the wealthy cattlemen and merchants of means have done a noble part by their needy brothers. I want you to note also the generosity of a Massachusetts man, J. J. H. Gregory of Marblehead, who sent us twelve large barrels of mixed garden seeds."

RAIN SORLEY NEEDED

Mention of seed prompted an inquiry as to the present status of the section in question as to crop prospects. General Lane shook his head.

"There is," said he, "great need of rain pretty much all over the drouth district. Wheat is suffering and the oats and corn planted will not come up until the ground is soaked. Stock water is scarce in many counties and in a good large district, there is but little grass."

UNEXPENDED BALANCE

"We have spent hardly half the sum donated, about $45,000, I think," continued the General, "being afraid to give all at once as we went, until the whole territory had been gone over, and we knew exactly how it should be distributed, in proportion to existing suffering. Do you think the balance should be given out?

Of course, for the relief so far tendered has been but temporary. But we were allowed only forty days for the accomplishment of the work, and as that time will be out next Tuesday a report must be made to the Legislature by then. An extension of time was asked for but refused, so I can't say what will be done with the rest of the money, against which the commissioners could not draw after the 1st inst. Some of the legislators will be after turning it back into the state treasury, I suppose. I think, though, that every dollar of it ought to go for the purpose it was appropriated."

Before leaving General Lane assured the reporter that the contributions for seed raised by THE GAZETTE and other papers were as "bread cast upon the waters," and that the people in whose behalf the subscriptions were made would ever be mindful of the noble-hearted citizens of Fort Worth.