MACEDONIA: WORDS FROM AN EYE-WITNESS. [To THE EDITOR OP THE
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STR,—I returned on Tuesday, November 17th, from Macedonia, and perhaps the conclusions of a mere traveller may be of some service to your readers.
The Christian parts of the vilayet of Monastir are practically devastated; starvation is imminent, and the people will during the winter be absolutely without the means of sustenance. They have come down from the mountains, but the cold of the high. lying valleys is intense, and it is impossible to say how they can live with practically no shelter, clothing, or food. It will, of course, be a matter of opinion how far the Turkish Government is bound to keep from starvation subjects who have rebelled. It must be admitted that among the Turks the frequent desire is that the number of the Christians should be greatly reduced through starvation, and thus put an end to the chance of a successful insurrection.
I first visited the Florina district, where, owing to the nearness of the railway, the refugees can comparatively easily be fed and looked after. I then went to the Kastoria district, which is about two days' journey from the railway. Here the authorities were compelling the villagers to return to their ruins from the towns where they had gained shelter; and unless prompt relief is given, the majority of them must die by the end of January. If funds do not come in more rapidly the Relief Committee would not be justified in starting further dep6ts in this district. The only depOt at present is at Klisura, about six hours from the railway. I next made my way across country to Ochrida, where relief is being actively dispensed. It may seem impossible to feed and save nearly a hundred thou- sand people in this terrible position, but it must be remembered that the cost of feeding one individual here would almost support a family there ; and they are a hardy race, used to exposure and rough food. Money goes a long way in Macedonia. A family has only a straw shelter, and no blankets ; but for Os. a large native blanket could be bought, and under it the whole family could keep warm at night; is. 9d. will purchase a thick quilted cotton coat, proof against cold,—so for 15s. or 20s. a whole family can be saved from death from cold, while 20s. would keep a person from starvation for the winter. If .e100,000 could be raised, the Relief Committee could open and work depots throughout the devastated regions, an1 besides supplying the necessaries of life, the relief agent would himself be a guarantee against further violence and robbery. The office of the Macedonian Relief Fund is at 116 Victoria Street, S.W.
37 Kensington Square, W.
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