The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 32, July 1928 - April, 1929 Page: 110
361 p. : maps ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
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Southwestern Iistorical Quarterly
with its wheels clogged with mud. Everybody turned out to see
the strange sight with as much enthusiasm as if it had been the
elephant at a circus.19
One of the most outstanding characteristics of the drouth was
its spiritual effect upon the people. Never before had they been
more united. Everybody seemed burdened with the spirit of hard
times, and bound together by a common sympathy. Everyone
made some kind of an effort to cheer the gloomy spirit of his
neighbor. A controversy developed, but it was the result of a
diversity of opinion as to procedure and not due to diversity of
interests. Some of the more optimistically religious persons went
so far as to pronounce the drouth a blessing. Others claimed that
the Almighty had sent it upon the people as a calamity because they
had been too prosperous and too forgetful.20
As early as the first of August, 1886, it was evident that if
those people who wanted to remain in the country did stay, they
would require aid from some outside sources. A number of in-
dividuals and organizations petitioned the governor to issue a
proclamation calling upon the people of the state to contribute as
generously as possible and send all funds and provisions to the
county judges or relief committees of the counties asking for aid.21
The response was disappointing; in many places, the eastern
counties held, or attempted to hold, mass meetings for relief pur-
poses. The people were indifferent and the meetings were poorly
attended. Committees were appointed to raise funds, but even
they worked half-heartedly; but some money and provisions were
raised.22 A few counties did respond generously. Wilson County
shipped a car load of provisions to Runnels County.23 The people
of Weatherford purchased 10,000 bushels of wheat which was re-
sold to the farmers of Parker and adjoining counties on twelve
months time. The Farm and Ranch contributed one car load of
mixed planting seed, and, in addition, established a bureau for
"the drouth sufferers". A vigorous campaign was carried on
through its columns for all kinds of aid.24 By this means, numer-
19Hasell Free Press, July 31, 1886.
20Taylor County News, June 18, 1886.
2'Taylor County News, September 13, 1886.
=Ibid., August 30, 1886.
3"Ibid.
"aTaylor County News, Sepember 3, 1886.110
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Texas State Historical Association. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 32, July 1928 - April, 1929, periodical, 1929; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101089/m1/114/: accessed April 19, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.