Peace Donation from a Leper
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Chambers of
JA BARDIN
Judge of the Superior Court
Monterey County
Salinas, California
President Woodrow Wilson,
Washington, DC
Sir:
A few days ago Jesus Y. Garcia, a stranger in this community and a native of the Philippine Islands, died at the county farm. He was a leper and of course was restrained of his liberty and for months he was left alone.
After his death and burial there was found among his effects the following will written in a good hand on a portion of a magazine page. It's existence was not suspected until found.
"Montery County Hospital.
I give and bequeath one hundred forty dollars and ninet-five cents ($140.95) to the government of the United States in order that President Wilson, with power larger and greater than mine, might succeed in bringing everlasting peace.
JY Garcia.
March 24, 1918.
I am sorry that I could not find any flag of the United States of America, in order that I might place it over my heart when I close my eyes,- JYG"
Today his grave has been covered with flowers. A flag staff has been erected there and a beautiful silken American flag waves above the mortal remains of this one of America's adopted children, who loved this country because this country had been kind and just to the land of his birth.
Every penny this patriot has left behind, while only a pittance, will in due season be forwarded to you to be applied towards the consummation of the ideals that so deeply appealed to this lonely, unhappy Filipino.
Respectfully yours,
JA BARDIN.
- - - - - - - - - -
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
My dear Judge Bardin:
The facts recounted in your interesting letter of have touched me very deeply. I wish that the poor fellow who left the little sum of money might be accessible to a message from me, but since he is gone I can only express to you the deep feeling which the incident has caused, a feeling of gratitude that the simpler people, as well as the better informed, in the Philippines should have acquired in this short time such a friendly sentiment towards this country.
I shall not know exactly what to do with the money, but you may be sure I shall try to apply it to the objects that Garcia had in mind.
Cordially and sincerely yours,
WOODROW WILSON
Judge J. A. Bardin,
Superior Court,
Salinas, California.