COPY
Sept. 18, 1923.
Dear Miss Addams:
It is with a very sore heart that I write to you today as the object of this letter is a question to which I can only brace [me?] up through the anxieties for my life's work: the Berlin Social School. The unfortunate events of the last two months the financial collapse of Germany have shaken all social work in its foundations and it seems doubtful, what of all the activities not bringing immediate material relief will be able to survive. I need not tell you what it would mean to Germany if the schools will go into the abyss too. You know, as many people on your side do, that it has developed the spiritual and moral strength in our country.
However, the present situation is fatal. The last two months have, in spite of government, municipal and private help, made it necessary to use up this whole capital of the schools and we have actually not the money for the October salaries and for coal.
I know that it is very much the same everywhere, -- and I know that millions in Russia are dying. Yet I think you will understand that, before allowing my ship to wreck, I am stretching out a hand for help and I venture to ask you opinion if you believe the Social Schools of U.S.A. could be approached for help.
I suppose ↑if↓ it would be possible to keep the school going for another year, it might be saved and eventually taken over by the municipality but this would in any case take some time and the danger is immediate. [To me] it would not be possible to ask personal friends or individuals in another country to help but I think if the schools would do something, I could accept it and our Board of Managers would be very grateful indeed. If I had anything like private means left, I would not think of any such thing but of course I am working now for my daily bread too and have nothing left.
I hope you will decide entirely according to your opinion and set aside thought of me -- if you could advise such a plan and if you would lend your help to it. I suppose 100 dollars could save the school for one year but of course, I cannot judge if the schools would feel that there is a bond which makes them inclined to consider help and if it is within their [possibility].
I had thought of writing about it to [Carolena] Wood first but in a way I think you know more about my work and you are more intimately tied to the same sort of work in your country. I know [what?] it [means] to [bother?] you and I hope you will know what it costs me to do it and how I feel about it. This is all I can say. If you [think nothing can be done], please do not bother to answer. I shall fully understand. And I am always yours in admiration and affection.
Alice Salomon.
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