A Cry from the Small Fry

Wednesday, October 25, 1871

Owners of small businesses—those with capital of less than $5,000—who have lost everything to the fire assemble in Court House Square to make public their need for help and their desire for a fair share of the relief funds.  Speaking to another matter, the Relief and Aid Society claims that all those who need lodgings now have them, most having found shelter with their relatives and friends.  The Society also states that it has erected barracks for the burnt out poor in Washington Square Park.  All those who wish to work will be given employment, the Society says, but vagabonds will not be tolerated.  Working class Chicagoans who own land but have no money to pay for a new house are being given materials with which to erect a modest home for the winter.