THE SURVEY, Volume 30, Number 2, Apr 12, 1913 THE COMMON WELFARE IN THE WAKE OF THE FLOOD By the end of last week, according to reports from the Red Cross representatives in the flood district, the relief situation was being satisfactorily handled: and out of the chaos a careful survey was revealing more definitely the extent of the rehabilitation problem. This unfortunately does not shrink in magnitude, on the basis of later reports, as does the list of dead. It is clear that large sums will be needed. Every message from Red Cross agents emphasizes the urgent necessity for continuing and redoubling the efforts to secure funds. The New York office of the Red Cross received a despatch at the end of the week from Ernest P. Bicknell, national director of the Red Cross at Columbus, which gives the most comprehensive, summary of the situation thus far received. He says: “Have just returned from tour of flooded towns with Governor Cox and Flood Relief Commission. Governor and Commission have requested Red Cross to take charge of relief operations in Ohio and all money contributed through governor will be expended under direction of the Red Cross. This assures absolute freedom from conflict of authority or confusion in expenditure in Ohio. “The emergency relief situation in each flooded district in Ohio is well covered. Dayton, Columbus, Cincinnati, Piqua, Troy, Ottawa, Sidney, Hamilton, Miamisburg, Middleton, Zanesville and Tiffin are covered by Red Cross representatives. Information is being rapidly accumulated on which to base rehabilitation. Am pushing men into other flooded towns as fast as water subsides and we can get the men. It has been most difficult to get reliable information; wires are still down and transportation extremely difficult. Further rains are impeding progress. “The best information we can get indicates the following conditions throughout state. Four hundred sixty dead in Ohio. 4,200 homes destroyed, estimated 40,500 people temporarily homeless and 9,000 families, outside of Dayton, Columbus and Cincinnati, will need rehabilitation. “Col. Miller, chief quartermaster, reports need of underwear of all sorts, as well as bedding and blankets. Some Ohio towns are just being heard from. At least thirty cities and towns are inundated in Ohio, twenty in Indiana and many in Illinois, Kentucky and West Virginia. Boundary line surrounding flooded territory more than two thousand miles long. Situation very serious in a number of Indiana cities. I am going to Indianapolis tomorrow at urgent request of Governor Ralston.