THE INDIAN TRAGEDY [To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.]
SIR,—The appalling earthquake which has devastated the whole province of Bihar has aroused the sympathy of the whole world. From all sides help and offers of help have been sent. Up till now, the activity of all the helpers, official and non-official, has rightly been directed to the relief of the immediate distress, to the medical treatment of the vast multitude injured, to the disposal of the thousands dead, to providing food and clothing for the helpless, and shelter for the homeless, and to precautions against epidemic diseases. As soon as the extent and appalling magnitude of the disaster became known, the efforts of the Provincial Government and the local officers were supported by help and offers of help from all over India. The resources of the local Government with the assistance given and offered from all parts, will be adequate for the present relief of the distressed, but there remains the stupendous problem of rebuilding the shattered towns and restoring the economic life of the community.
Six large towns are today a heap of ruins, and many other towns have suffered badly. Most of those whose homes have been destroyed have lost all that they possessed. They must receive help to rebuild their houses and to make a fresh start in life. The funds which have so far been collected or promised up to the time of writing are but a drop in the ocean to what is required. For the reconstruction of the Province of Bihar an enormous sum of money will be required. A rough estimate has been made that the damage to the buildings owned by the local Government will alone amount to more than two crores of rupees. The damage done to private property is many times greater, and most of it has been suffered by persons too poor to rebuild their houses without help. At least four million pounds sterling will be required to restore the economic life of the province, and energetic and continuing efforts must be made not only throughout India but throughout the whole Empire -to obtain subscriptions and thus help the strickened Province. The Empire has a noble reputation of charity and that reputation is now put to the test. A generous response• to the Viceroy's appeal will enhance it. The earthquake has already produced a political truce throughout India, and all parties of every caste and creed are wholeheartedly collaborating with district officers ; there is intensive co- operation and a pooling of efforts on behalf of the stricken 'Province. The earthquake will probably finally deliver 'India from the ill-conceived movements of Mr. Gandhi:- POOH14
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