Ghent 1890
Fundraising Concerts for Beleaguered Textile Workers
Like the Lancashire Cotton Famine the American Civil War was disrupting cotton-based business in Belgium.
From the Richmond Daily Dispatch May 19, 1862:
Destitution of the Artisans of Belgium
–The Belgian Minister of War has addressed to the Generals commanding territorial divisions, Generals of infantry and cavalry, and to all the chiefs of corps, the following circular:
Brussels, April 8, 1862.
Gentlemen:
The war in America has produced an unfortunate crisis in the cotton manufactures of all countries. The town of Ghent has, in particular, suffered much from that crisis, and it is urgent to assist the numerous and brave workmen by demanding of public charity resources which the deficiency of work has completely dried up. I have thought that the army would be disposed to lend its assistance to any measure that would tend to alleviates those sufferings; and in order to enable each to bring his offering to the gallant army of labor. I have decided that in each garrison possessing a band of music arrangements shall be made for organizing a concert, the product of which shall be applied to the assistance of the working population of Ghent. Have the goodness, gentlemen, to take, in that which concerns you, the necessary steps for the execution of this project.
Chalazal.
