Cleveland, where the above rally was held, was one of several dozen cities throughout the
country and the world to call special rallies for Chicago. In this case the "mass meeting"
was held while the fire was "still raging." The aged poet John Greenleaf Whittier was
among the many inspired by these gatherings and the contributions they produced, which
he saw as a redemption from the "primal sin of selfishness." In his poem on the fire,
Whittier praised the pledges of help that answered the telegraphed news of the fire:
A sudden impulse thrilled each wire
That signalled round that sea of fire;
Swift words of cheer, warm heart-throbs came;
In tears of pity died the flame!
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The Relief and Aid Society 