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1923letter from Joh. Schlotthauer

discussing conditions in Kukkus.

Kukkus, May 31, 1923
To: The American Volga Relief Society
126 S. 11th Street
Lincoln, Nebraska

Once again I had the good fortune to be able to provide the untiring and ever gallant Mr. Volz, overnight shelter here with me. He has twice now made the journey to the Tarlykov District and the time that he spends with us has, both times, seemed like a holiday. This last time he brought us the wonderful news that our dear Kukkusers (in America) had sent an entire transport of clothing for their Kukkusers (here). Firstly, best of thanks to all the untiring workers and friends for their blessed efforts, second naturally, a wish that everything will happily arrive here. The clothing emergency is extraordinary. As in the previous year when we trembled excitedly over each and every piece of bread, so it is now as we wait longingly for things with which one can cover ones nakedness. A Clothing Draft arrived here sent by Jakob Reichel in Lincoln, to his brother-in-law Peter Ohlberg. I must say that it was very plentiful and the material was excellent. I ask
that whoever has the capability of coming to the aid of their friends in this manner, to do so. It will help them very much and also is the most secure way (no longer possible---Welt-Post Editor).
Since the 10th of February the A.R.A. is again operating the Kitchens for the children. Currently 500 children are being fed. Since January we have been receiving 40 Pud of food per month from the National Lutheran Council. After Mr. Volz visited many of the poorest of the poor we also received 11 orders of 3 Pud each which, as well as the aforementioned 40 Pud from the Lutheran Council, was distributed tot he poorest of the poor. Their number amounts to 181 souls. Recently a new Commission was selected for the distribution of food and clothing from America which consists of 7men. Four of the men are from the Church Executive Committee which consists of: Konrad Weigand, Johannes Beckier, Balzer, Heinrich Hergenraeder, Gottfried and Konrad Heinrich; and 3 men from the community: Jakob Eurich (Wanke), Heinrich Eurich (Molke), Heinrich Felsich (Kuber). As Chairman is Konrad Weigand and as Secretary, J. Schlotthauer.
Now we come to the larger question: How should the clothing being shipped bedistributed here. Yes, hopefully among the poorest, but there are not 181 souls as with the above mentioned distribution but perhaps 2,181 in need. Here we must do something differently to support those who are completely nakedfrom those who have somewhat more and others with less. This is obvious and I think also in accordance with your wishes. You would all do the same if you were here and say: the naked are to get a larger share thanthose who are still clothed to some extent. My friend George Herzog who wrote a letter to the Soviet in which he insisted that the clothing be equally distributed to everyone, hopefully, after he reads these few lines, will change his mind. I say to him and all of our dear friends that it is not right to dictate from over there that so and so should get them and no others. If you were here and could see what we see every day you would
understand the facts and say: give Hannes there who is without even a shirt and cannot go out in the street when it is snowing so he can go to church a greater share than to Philipp who still has 2 changes of clothing. Thus, from what we see, if we are to act fairly, adjustments must be made. Above all however, you should not think that I want to give you orders here, God as my witness! But nevertheless I must speak my mind.
The Commission is fearful of distributing the clothing because of the difficulty of selecting the more naked from among the naked, but nevertheless there are differences. I must say that it is much easier to make a donation than to distribute the donation among the masses. I have already experienced much bitterness: And Mr. Repp and Mr. Volz who came here and worked faithfully, industriously and sincerely, would agree that the main thing is to act in such a manner that you are able to answer for your actions before God. Now, dear George Herzog, it pleases me mightily to see that you are a faithful worker in this blessed effort, not only in words alone, but you have already show it by your good deeds, which I myself am aware of and nevertheless I ask that you not become angry if some things also do not go as we would have wanted them to go, for on the whole, so much has already been accomplished that the world, and most of all, we, are in awe. From
this place, receive our best greetings!
This report is being written at Easter but nature has played a trick on us because when you look out on the street, it still seems to be the middle of winter. There is a storm going on the like of which we have not had all winter. One does not know whether one should say Happy Easter or Merry Christmas!
Health conditions would be better were it not for Malaria. It is a serious disease. There is not enough Quinine to go around. Mr. Volz, who I compare to the earlier Russian nobility, with his needles, buttons, thread, soap and thimbles, etc., with which he pleases the ladies and who also each time brings a good dose of Quinine and other medicines, will not be able to help everyone. The disease is uncommonly persistent and the people are being laid low.
There have been no cases of adult deaths lately. We are busily preparing for the sowing of seed but we are terribly short of working livestock.
To close, I confirm, with the greatest joy, the receipt of a clothing draft from Mr. Vol. With it he has addressed a very sore spot because for some years now the communities have only been capable of providing life support to most needy. Thus he has made all the Schoolmasters on the Talky happy, as well as myself.
Best greetings to both my friends Philipp Schneider and Georg Kukkus, as well as to all the readers (of the Welt-Post).

Joh. Schlotthauer

PS: In the last week I picked up a food order of 3 Pud from the A.R.A., even with my best efforts I was unable to discover which good and dear friend sent it to me because I had received no letter about it. Please write to me again.
Wilms Heinrich sends his "Vetter" Phil. Dittenber, best greetings. His family is still well.

J. S.

translated by
Hugh Lichtenwald, from the farm in Monetta, SC
VC, Wiesenmueller

Owner/Source	Die Welt Post-translated by Hugh Lichtenwald
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