I can report that a sufficient amount of clothing and other household articles has been forwarded to the district to provide for the needs of all the fire sufferers, and with the money raised by the Citizens’ Committee of Detroit and other cities of the State, together with the amount raised by the Michigan Branch of the Red Cross, sufficient food and fodder for the cattle and horses can be provided to take care of all requirements up to the middle of the winter. When the State Legislature meets they will, no doubt, provide the extra funds that may be needed. SOUTH CAROLINA FLOOD RELIEF BY A. C. KAUFMAN President of State Branch About the end of last August, a flood more violent in its character than any known to have visited these localities at any previous period, swept down from the mountains of North Carolina, across the Piedmont section of South Carolina, continuing with maddening rush along the Congaree, Wateree and Pee Dee Rivers, overflowing vast tracts of fertile lands in high cultivation. It laid waste completely these fruitful fields—garden spots—smiling with luxuriant crops of cotton and corn, wrecking comfortable homes of all their possessions—yes, their all indeed—the property of a contented, happy and prosperous people. [Illustration: COLUMBIA BRIDGE AT TIME OF FLOOD.] [Illustration: CONGAREE RIVER—ISLAND SUBMERGED.] As soon as the extent of the disaster reached me, I immediately notified the authorities at Washington and at once came a reply order, by wire, to issue an appeal for help. This appeal was promptly issued as directed, and contributions began to come in. With that noble spirit so characteristic of the present management of the Red Cross, recognizing the fact that instant assistance was needed, a message flashed by wire from Washington, to draw upon the National body for three hundred dollars, reached us, at the right time, and was used with marked effect. Following this quickly came a check from Honorable William H. Taft for one hundred dollars, forwarded to him from a prominent lady in New York, to be devoted to this purpose. On September 11th another Red Cross check for three hundred dollars was sent, and on October 17th still another for one hundred dollars. These added to a check for fifty dollars from Honorable Robert C. Ogden, of New York, made eight hundred and fifty dollars contributed from sources outside the State. Within the State $675.41 are credited, and of this $260.00 were the gift of our colored fellow-citizens. The total amount, therefore, which our Treasurer, John B. Reeves, has had in bank for this fund, as shown by his books, is $1,525.41, reduced by payments to different committees to $1,067.41. Credit must also be given to those who have sent in large donations of wearing apparel, bed clothing, etc. These have been carefully packed by active lady friends and shipped by Mr. W. E. Renneker, agent of the Atlantic Coast Line, free of cost for distribution among the most needy sufferers.