CLARA BARTON  SPEECHES & WRITINGS FILE Books  The Red Cross Proofs (includes annotations)[*h—*] do more. while the State did nothing. They ?
the survivors would perish of famine and disease or overrun the neighboring
districts as a swarm of tramping beggars speedily gave place to "charges" that 
the same survivors were too independent to work. They performed it so well, not 
to extend their deserved praise further, that they have left the storm-swept islands
and their inhabitants in better condition in all respects than before the flood.
   And now, having completed their labors, without pay or expectation of pay
and at their own charges, and all so quietly that few knew of their coming in and 
going out at any time, without a word of rebuke or reply to those who have found
fault with them, without receiving so much as a formal expression of thanks from 
any public authority or authorities, for what they have done, and for what they
have not done, the little party yesterday took final leave of the scenes of their long
and arduous service and departed to their homes, there to await the next call that
shall come to them from suffering and sorrowing humanity, in whatever field of 
pain or distress.
There are many good people in South Carolina, however, who know what they
have done, and who appreciate both the motives which have inspired their work
? performance. We speak for them all, we are sure, when we
? the truest
#
↓
↓

Being taken from the editorial columns of the leading
 Journal of the State, the article is quoted here, not as a comment 
by the "Red Cross", but as a representative expression of opinion
 from the press of South Carolina.red cross             2 Hinton
In my journeyings and conversations with local committees, I have
been particular to make inquiries on this point, and am fully convinced
that the figures given are correct and within the facts. Do they not
vindicate the simple, if appropriately stern, policy of the Red Cross in
bending all the beneficent forces at its disposal to the task of rehabilitating 
the industrial life and energies of this afflicted people? The
question answers itself as the near future must give its favorable
endorsement also.
It would fill a small volume to even barely mention the evidences
of gratitude and reverence, too, that follows the Red Cross work and
attend in blessings upon her who has directed it from the simple people
whose wants have been so well served. The quaintness of dialect
attaches a picturesqueness to the abundant notes I have taken. But
perhaps, as a summing up of results I may quote most aptly a few
words from one who understands, and whose wide and varied experience 
fits him admirably to present a verdict, shrewd and rude though in
form it may be. The man who from a chattel slave has become a
naval officer, a congressman, a general of militia and a collector of
customs, winning and maintaining in all places a respectful consideration 
from even his bitterest opponents, must command recognition at
large. Robert Small, then, just before the Red Cross retired, summed
up the condition in this graphic figure: "If the Red Cross had not
come, the buzzard would have been the fattest animal on these
islands."
As I write these closing pages there comes to me a copy of the
Charleston News and Courier, of the date of June 30. I [gladly] insert it
here, [and] to close this report of observation and review, made in a field
of beneficent work, so admirably performed that even the warm hued
and appreciative words that follow grow pale to me as I recall and
review what I was enabled to learn for myself, and so thoroughly
understand. [Here are the editorial words of generous acknowledgment
Of the Red Cross chief and staff, and their work it is said:]                                                                                                                  ]
They performed it so well [tl ah]: though they fed and clothed scores of thousands
for months together, they have been subjected to complaints because they did not
do more, while the State did nothing. They performed it so well that fears that
the survivors would perish of famine and disease or overrun the neighboring
districts as a swarm of tramping beggars speedily gave place to "charges" that
the same survivors were too independent to work. They performed it so well, not
to extend their deserved praise further, that they have left the storm-swept islands
and their inhabitants in better condition in all respects than before the flood.
And now, having completed their labors, without pay or expectation of pay
and at their own charges, and all so quietly that few knew of their coming in and
going out at any time, without a word of rebuke or reply to those who have found
fault with them, without receiving so much as a formal expression of thanks from
any public authority or authorities, for what they have they have done, and for what they
have not done, the little party yesterday took final leave of the scenes of their long
and arduous service and departed to their homes, there to await the next call that
shall come to them from suffering and sorrowing humanity, in whatever field of
pain or distress.
There are many good people in South Carolina, however, who know what they
have done, and who appreciate both the motives which have inspired their work
and manner of its performance. We speak for them all, we are sure, when we
say that they will forever hereafter regard these "cross bearers" among the truest
and noblest of the followers of Him who has given to their sign its blessed and
eternal significance as the emblem of divine mercy and of a charity which is as
wide as the world itself.

P.891
Red Cross Hinton      5
[*Sea
Islands*]                                                                                                      
REPORT OF MR.RICHARD J. HINTON.
 Following is an extract form the very exhaustive report of that
gifted writer, Richard J. Hinton, who was appointed a special agent to
review the work of the Red Cross in the Sea Islands. probably no
better qualified observer or sterner critic could have been chosen to
overlook the labors of another; and it is with much satisfaction that
his account [endorsement] is presented:
The conditions having been thus presented, as I learned of or saw
them personally, I turn to the summarization of the work done between
the date of taking control at Beaufort, October 2, 1893, and the final
withdrawal of the Red Cross from the South Carolina, June twenty-fourth
of the present year. The leaving of Beaufort and the Sea Islands
proper was on the eighth of June. When the work began, over thirty-one 
thousand persons on the islands were in need of food to keep them
from starvation, and the larger portion were without shelter or adequate
clothing. They were literally a community of people "peeled, stript
and riven," by storm, death, sickness, hunger and nakedness. Their
employment was gone, their homes destroyed, their fields made sour
and unfertile by sea salt and slime, tools were lost, stock drowned,
crops washed out and destroyed, even the birds of the air and the fish
 of the sea had fled their midst. [Themselves seemed to be only tolerated
in the State of which they were citizens.]
It seems almost impossible to make clear how this great mass of
persons have been cared for, and further how several thousand more on
the mainland have been aided, with the small means at the disposal
of the Red Cross. The aggregate of money received and expended has
not exceeded $33,000, and the total value of clothing and benefactions
in supplies, transportation; etc., will not exceed on a liberal estimate,
as much more. If the total of all at their disposition for the great
work done be at $65,000, it will undoubtly be a liberal statement,
I have not undertaken to make a positive one on the financial side, as I
know what will be clearly shown; but I am close enough to accuracy
for the purpose before me.
 Counting the relief then extended to the [?]
be fairly stated that for a period of eight months 32,500 persons [?]                                                                                                                         been kept alive, cared for while sick, and placed again in a fair
industrial and self-dependent position, as a working community, upon
an expenditure of two dollars per capita, counting all supplies furnished
at the money total stated. As to actual cash expended, the per capita
has not exceeded one dollar. And to understand how this could be
accomplished it has been necessary for me to make clear, even to detail,
the character of the people aided and the conditions of their usual life.
No other people less hardy could have lived through it. None other
less kindly in nature, or so ready to follow advice and obey helpful
instructions, could have been moved with so little friction, or have been
so readily roused to renew exertions. Of course, it follows that they
have all aided each other with what little was left. They could live on
so little also, and it was most fortunate too that the food they could
readily turn to was both cheap in cost and life sustaining in character.
Facing the severe, even savage, problems of the situation, the Red
Cross at once grasped: First, The immediate nd pressing need-that 
of sustaining life on the barest approximate to sustenance that the
means at hand allowed. That settled upon, the second step was to
formulate the policy that I have assumed to term "the Labor Ration."
Other and minor actions naturally followed these two points-to keep 
the people alive; encourage them to restoration of courage and industry by
supplying tools, nails, lumber, etc. ; and paying in needed food for the
days of labor required to restore themselves and their families to where
Hope could open for them the way of security again. Miss Barton's 
experience with the people of these islands during part of the Civil
War period was sufficient to aid her judgement. The slaves and freed
people were always willing to live on "hog and hominy." So pork
and grits were decided upon as staples. The amount issued formerly as
plantation rations was necessarily cut to the point which would keep
people alive and no more. It seems an awfully meagre ration but it
was like the widow's cruse, enough and a little more: one pound of
port=k and one peck of grits per week for each of a family of seven. The
"labor ration" when issued was double the "life ration." This was
given to the men who dug 300 miles of drainage ditches by which at
least 10,000 acres of land were restored to use and fertility. It was
issued to the men and women, too, who worked under foremen selected
from their own numbers, in re-building and repairing 6000 cabins,
scores of other buildings, wharves, bridges, boats, etc.; in road making
and ditch digging, with other needed work. The record shows the
following interesting facts:
From October 2, 1893, to June 7 1894 (the last weekly issue being
June 1) a period of thirty-six weeks, 40,509 persons were relieved, of
whom 2,761 families, or about 19,000 persons lived on the main land.
The total number of families receiving weekly rations is stated at 7,172.
The weekly allowance for this period of thirty-six weeks is given at
7,147 bushels of grits and 386 cwts. of pork, making a total for the
regular life ration of 257,292 bushels of grits and 10,368 cwts. of
meat. To this must be added 34,000 rations issued to needy persons
on the mainland, that is, 340 cwts of meat and 13,625 bushels of grits.
It is also stated 6,500 rations were issued for labor done. As each
such ration was double in amount to that of the life ration, the total
was, on that basis, 130 cwts. of meat, and of grits 186 1/2 bushels.
Altogether , then, the total issued appears to have been, of grits 271,103 1/2
bushels, and of meat 10,838 cwts.  there was also a quantity 
of flour and of groceries, moderate in amount, the totals of which I
have mislaid.  These could not have added greatly to the aggregate
given. Medical supplies were not stated.  Besides the food supplies,
I have records of 500,000 feet of lumber, 350,000 feet of which was
issued direct to the farmers for rebuilding purposes. The balance was
used in various useful ways.
[? were issued. Of seeds five?]
an expenditure of two dollars per capita, counting all supplies furnished 
at the money total stated.  As to actual cash expended, the per capita 
has not exceeded one dollar.  And to understand how this could be 
accomplished it has been necessary for me to make clear, even to detail, 
the character of the people aided and the conditions of their usual life. 
No other people less hardy could have lived through it.  None other 
less kindly in nature, or so ready to follow advice and obey helpful 
instructions, could have been moved with so little friction, or have been 
so readily roused to renew exertions.  Of course, it follows that they 
have all aided each other with what little was left. They could live on
so little also, and it was most fortunate too that the food they could 
readily turn to was both cheap in cost and life sustaining in character.

Facing the severe, even savage, problems of the situation, the Red 
Cross at once grasped:  First, The immediate and pressing need--that 
of sustaining life on the barest approximate to sustenance that the 
means at hand allowed.  That settled upon, the second step was to 
formulate the policy that I have assumed to term "The Labor Ration."  
Other and minor action naturally followed these two points--to keep the
people alive; encourage them to restoration of courage and industry by 
supplying tools, nails, lumber, etc.; and paying in needed food for the 
days of labor required to restore themselves and their families to where 
Hope could open for them the way of security again.  Miss Barton's 
experience with the people of these islands during part of the Civil 
War period was sufficient to aid her judgment.  The slaves and freed 
people were always willing to live on "hog and hominy."  So pork 
and grits were decided upon as staples.  The amount issued formerly as 
plantation rations was necessarily cut to the point which would keep 
people alive and no more.  It seems an awfully meagre ration, but it 
was like the widow's cruse, enough and a little more: one pound of 
pork and one peck of grits per week for each of a family of seven.  The 
"labor ration" when issued was double the "life ration."  This was 
given to the men who dug 300 miles of drainage ditches by which at 
least 10,000 acres of land were restored to use and fertility.  It was 
issued to the men and women, too, who worked under foremen selected 
from their own numbers, in re-building and repairing 6000 cabins, 
scores of other buildings, wharves, bridges, boats, etc.;  in road making 
and ditch digging, with other needed work.  The record shows the 
following interesting facts:

From October 2, 1893, to June 7 1984, (the last weekly issue being 
June 1), a period of thirty-six weeks, 40,509 persons were relieved, of 
whom 2,761 families, or about 19,000 persons lived on the main land.  
The total number of families receiving weekly rations is stated at 7,172.  
The weekly allowance for this period of thirty-six weeks is given at 
7,147 bushels of grits and 386 cwts. of pork, making a total for the 
regular life ration of 257,292 bushels of grits and 10,368 cwts. of 
meat.  To this must be added 34,000 rations issued to needy persons 
on the mainland, that is, 340 cwts of neat and 13,625 bushels of grits.  
It is also stated 6,500 rations were issued for labor done.  As each 
such ration was double in amount to that of the life rations, the total 
was, on that basis, 130 cwts. of meat, and of grits 186 1/2 bushels.  
Altogether, then, the total issued appears to have been, of grits 271,103 1/2 
bushels, the total of meat 10,838 cwts.  There was also a quantity 
of flour and of groceries, moderate in amount, the totals of which I 
have mislaid.  These could not have added greatly to the aggregate 
given.  Medical supplies were not stated.  Besides the food supplies,
I have records of 500,000 feet of lumber, 350,000 of which was 
issued direct to the farmers for rebuilding purposes.  The balance was 
used in various useful ways.

Of garments of various kinds, 20,000 were issued.  Of seeds five 
tons were distributed; 15,000 packages of garden vegetables being 
included.  Of peas and beans 800 bushels, of Irish potatoes and of 
corn 1,800 bushels were distributed for seed purposes.  The latter gift 
was made by the president of the Red Cross [Society].  In addition to 
the lumber, 500 kegs of nails, 600 hatchets, 600 hand-saws and a large 
number of hoes, spades and shovels distributed for neighborhood 
use.  Besides the rebuilding of dwellings, etc., the people repaired 
over 100 miles of roads, constructed 245 miles of drainage ditches, 
some being quite large, and thus recovering for agricultural service
about 10,000 acres of overflowed land. A large number of row-boats
[??? fold covers words] uses.  To the usual 
area put to cotton, upland rice and cow-peas, the returns show 
an addition of about 15,000 acres to the food producing area, 5,000 of 
which were planted with Irish potatoes.

[*Make corrections and put into pages and send page proofs.*]



red cross
Camp Alger.       541

ensign may soon float by the side of the flags of all of the nations and 
peoples of the world, as an evidence of the advance of civilization, and 
the universal desire that there be no more war; that men everywhere 
are ready to extend a helping hand to all who suffer from disaster or 
disease.  When this glad day comes war will be no more.  Arbitration 
will be the supreme power. 

And may I say in closing that no one during the past quarter of a 
century has in a larger degree aided in the cultivation of peace and 
good will among men and the promotion of a spirit of fraternity among 
the peoples of the earth than the president of the American National 
Red Cross, who, during the Spanish war, has rendered such valuable 
and indefatigable service in the cause of humanity.

[*New page___New Page*]
[CHICKAMAUGA PARK, GA.] 
[*Camp Thomas*]

The agent first appointed for Chickamauga Park, was Dr. Charles 
R. Gill.  Shortly afterwards, however, Dr. Gill expressed a desire to 
go to Cuba, and he was relieved, Mr. E. C. Smith being placed in 
charge of this field, which proved eventually to be one of the most 
important stations of the Red Cross.  As the demands of the camp 
increased, Mr. A. M. Smith was sent to assist his brother in the work.  
Their services have been eminently satisfactory to all concerned, and 
many voluntary expressions of appreciation have been received.  All 
requisitions for assistance were promptly filled by the Executive Committee 
in New York, and in addition to the large amount of supplies 
sent, about $16,000 in cash were expended at the camp.  Mr. Smith 
in his report on the work done at this camp, says:

The headquarters of the American National Red Cross, at Camp 
Thomas, Chickamauga Park, Ga. was located alongside the historic 
Brotherton House, which was in the thickest of the fight in 1863.  No 
array of mere numerals written to express dollars, or tables of figures 
standing for quantities, could in comprehensive sense tell the story of 
Red Cross work at Chickamauga, in 1898.  The record is written 
indelibly in the hearts of thousands of soldiers who were stricken with
disease on this battlefield, and the story has been told at quiet home 
firesides in every State of the Union.

All those who have labored in the work of mercy have been repaid 
a thousandfold in words of thankfulness and appreciation from fevered 
lips, and the praise of Christian men and women throughout the 
country.  In answer to the petitions of anxious wives, mothers and 
fathers, and the tender prayers of prattling infants, God put strength 
in the arms of the noble women who wore the badge of the Red Cross, 
and made them heroic in an hour of great trial.

It has been testified by the gallant survivors of Santiago, and other 
sanguinary engagements, that the chief terror was carried to the hearts 
of our gallant men through the awful silence of the enemy's bullets, 
and the mystery which enshrouded their position because of the use of 
smokeless powder, leaving no mark for retaliation.  Here in Chickamauga, 
men fell from the ranks day after day, who seemed to have been 
singled out as the most robust and hardy of all, and were carried helpless 
to the regimental, division, corps and general hospitals, stricken 
by an unseen foe.  The enemy lurked in the air that all breathed, and 
the apparently pure, limpid water, God's greatest gift to man, became 
his deadliest enemy. 

When the plague descended on the camp, and a full realization of 
present and impending horrors was forced upon all intelligent minds, 
frantic efforts were made to stay the progress of the destroyer, but the 
seeds had been sown, and the epidemic was fated to run its course.  
It seemed incongruous that such a spot should be so afflicted; in all the 
wide continent there is no fairer place.  The valley stretching between 
Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge is one of the most beautiful 
of all the fertile valleys of the world; sunshine and shade here mingle 
to satisfy every sense.  Our boys entered the park joyfully, and all 
who should have known of the requirements of a camp, pronounced it 
an ideal spot.  There was no adequate preparation for the unexpected, 
which some say "always happens."  The action of the Red Cross 
redeemed the situation.  Stephen E. Barton, chairman of the Executive 
Committee, promptly authorized measures to alleviate suffering, to quote 
the language of the authorization, "without stint."  Elias Charles 
Smith, the field agent of the Red Cross, acting at once on the orders 
of his superior, proceeded to find ways, the means being furnished.  
Milk and ice were the chief requisites.  All the farming country 
surrounding camp was called to supply the milk, some of it 
coming from as far as Biltmore, N. C., from the celebrated dairy of a 
millionaire.

The ice came from Chattanooga, and both ice and milk were 
supplied without delay, with no red tape, no halting, "without stint," 
to the sick.  Requisitions for carloads of delicacies were sent by 
telegraph, and when the needs were urgent the goods came, not by 
freight but by express.  Soups, wines, fruit, and in fact every 
conceivable article that could contribute to the comfort and recovery 
of the sick was sent for, dispatched, received and distributed.  There 
were no "middle men" to question or quibble about the advisability 
of things being done; no halting and haggling about how things 
should be done.  The field agent of the Red Cross ascertained the 
urgent necessities of the sick, through the best official sources, and --
presto!--the necessities were on the ground and in use.

The problem of nursing was coincident.  Men in the division 
and other hospitals were willing, no doubt, but there was "lack of 
woman's nursing."  There was no "dearth of woman's tears,"--at 
homedisease on this battlefield, and the story has been told at quiet home
firesides in every State of the Union. 
         All those who have labored in the work of mercy have been repaid
a thousandfold in words of thankfulness and appreciation from fevered
lips, and the praise of Christian men and women throughout the
country. In answer to the petitions of anxious wives, mothers and
fathers, and the tender prayers of prattling infants, God put strength 
in the arms of the noble women who wore the badge of the Red Cross, 
and made them heroic in an hour of great trial.
       It has been testified by the gallant survivors of Santiago, and other 
sanguinary engagements, that the chief terror was carried to the hearts 
of our gallant men through the awful silence of the enemy's bullets, 
and the mystery which enshrouded their position because of the use of 
smokeless powder, leaving no mark for retaliation. Here in Chickamauga, 
men fell from the ranks day after day, who seemed to have been 
singled out as the most robust and hardy of all, and were carried helpless 
to the regimental, divi ion, corps, and general hospitals, stricken 
by an unseen foe. The enemy [*danger*] lurked in the air that all breathed,
and the apparently pure, limpid water, God's greatest gift to man, became 
his deadliest enemy. 
        When the plague descended on the camp, and a full realization of 
present and impending horrors was forced upon all intelligent minds, 
frantic efforts were made to stay the progress of the destroyer, but the 
seeds had been sown, and the epidemic was fated to run its course. 
It seemed incongruous that such a spot should be so afflicted; in all the 
wide continent there is no fairer place. The valley stretching between 
Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge is one of the most beautiful 
of all the fertile valleys of the world; sunshine and shade here mingle
to satisfy every sense. Our boys entered the park joyfully, and all 
who should have known of the requirements of a camp, pronounced it 
an ideal spot. There was no adequate preparation for the unexpected, 
which some say "always happens." The action of the Red Cross 
redeemed the situation. Stephen E. Barton, chairman of the Executive 
Committee, promptly authorized measures to alleviate suffering, to quote 
the language of the authorization, "without stint." Elias Charles 
Smith, the field agent of the Red Cross, acting at once on the orders 
of his superior, proceeded to find ways, the means being furnished. 
Milk and ice were the chief requisites. All the farming country 
surrounding the camp was called upon to supply the milk, some of it 
coming from as far as Biltmore, N. C., from the celebrated dairy of a 
millionaire.
The ice came from Chattanooga, and both ice and milk were
supplied without delay, with no red tape, no halting, "without stint,"
to the sick. Requisitions for carloads of delicacies were sent by
telegraph, and when the needs were urgent the goods came, not by
freight but by express. Soups, wines, fruit, and in fact every
conceivable article that could contribute to the comfort and recovery
of the sick was sent for dispatched, received and distributed. There
were no "middle men" to question or quibble about the advisability
of things being done[;][*,*] no halting and haggling about how things
should be done. The field agent of the Red Cross ascertained the
urgent necessities of the sick, through the best official sources, and --
presto! -- the necessities were on the ground and in use.
     The problem of nursing was coincident. Men in the division 
and other hospitals were willing, no doubt, but there was "lack of
woman's nursing." There was no "dearth of woman's tears," at home.
     The Red Cross [???] Auxiliary No. 3. of New York, through 
the agency of Miss Maud Cromlein in the field, took up this work. At
one time there were 140 young women graduate nurses in the service
of the Red Cross in this camp, mainly at Sternberg Hospital. How to
care for this large number of refined young women, unused to the
hardships of camp life, was a serious problem. Dormitories were built
to shelter them, and furnished for their comfort. A contract was made
with a steam laundry at Chattanooga to wash their clothing and everything
possible was done to make their stay at least endurable. Some
fell sick, of course, and were tenderly cared for or furloughed and sent
to their homes. Under the direction of Miss Maxwell a perfect system
was established in all the work, which commanded the respect and
approbation of the medical officers. Diet kitchens were introduced,
and the sick were furnished with every [luxury.] [*nurssing delicacy.*]
     It is now a matter of history that this first organized experiment
of using women in large numbers as nurses in a field hospital has been
an unqualified success. It has the official approval of the medical
officers of the [*g*]overnment from Surgeon-General Sternberg to the
smallest [subaltern.] [*humblest subaltern*]
     The Red Cross did not confine its efforts to the help of nurses
wearing the Red Cross. At the old Third Division First Corps
Hospital, afterward called Sanger, Sisters of Charity and Sisters of Mercy
ministered to the sick. The same attention was given to them; all
requisitions for milk and ice and delicacies were promptly filled. One
of these noble women, Sister Stella Boyle, wrote, "We are overwhelmed
with your kindness--what should we have done without the
Red Cross!" Leiter Hospital received the same help; milk and ice
and delicacies were furnished "promptly and without stint." That
was the watchword. And so with the regimental hospitals, the
surgeons in charge made requisition for necessary supplies and they 
were forthcoming, even to the day of the departure of the last troops
from the camp, the hospital trains being supplied as well. Thus the

Red Cross    2
Red Cross followed the sick to the doors of their own homes.
     The Christian women of Chattanooga belonging to the Epworth
League and the churches of that city, did a greatly needed work in
establishing hospitals for the care of sick soldiers enroute. They were
amazed and delighted when they learned they could make requisition
on the Red Cross for necessary supplies.
     Field Agent E. C. Smith, frail of body but stout of soul, was
stricken at his post of duty with typhoid [September 12, but in
convalescent and rapidly gaining strength. When Miss Cromlein and
Miss Maxwell retired about the same date, they were succeeded by
Miss Gladwin and Miss Lounsburry, who hav ably a naged the affairs
of the Red Cross at Sternberg. Under my direction Miss Gladwin
recently visited Anniston, Ala., and found the service of the Red
Cross greatly needed at Camp Shipp. Miss Gladwin has established
a Diet Kitchen at that camp and has done much to better the condition
of the soldiers in the camp hospitals.
     There a e still 200 sick at Sternberg and 50 at Leiter, but these will
soon I hope be furloughed and returned to their homes.
     All who have represented the Red Cross at Chickamauga have
worked with the grea[*t*]est self-denial and enthusiasm, with full appreciation
of the lofty aims of the society and with personal pride. When
the roll of honor is made up, I know of no name that should be
omitted.
[*new page*]
At Jacksonville, Fla., the work at the camp was under the direction 
of the Rev. Alexander Kent, of Washington, D. C., who has
been a member of the American National Red Cross for many years.
He began his duties about the middle of June and, assisted by his son,
continued until the order for the abandonment of the camp was issued.
The territory covered by this agency included also the camps at Miami
and Fernandina. The affairs of the Red Cross in this field were most
efficiently conducted and with great credit to Dr. Kent and his assistant.
In addition to the medical and hospital supplies and delicacies,
which were furnished in great quantities, over thirteen thousand dollars
were spent in adding to the comforts of the sick and convalescent.
Dr. Kent makes the following interesting report:

JACKSONVILLE, FLA.
On June 16 I arrived in Jacksonville, in company with Miss
Clara Barton, then on her way to Key West and Santiago. We visited
Camp Cuba Libre in the afternoon, when I enjoyed the great advantage
of being presented by Miss Barton to several of the officials as the representative 
of the Red Cross at this point. On the following morning
I visited the hospital--that of the Second Division, the First being at
Miami and the Third not fo m d--where I found what appeared to me
to be very distressing and unhealthful conditions. The number of 
patients at that time was small, but, few as they were, no adequate
provision had been made for their comfort. Most of them, indeed,
were on cots, but few had either sheets or nightshirts to cover their
nakedness. They were either lying in soiled underclothing, sweltering
in the heat under army blankets, or destitute of any clothing whatever.
I lost no time in ordering one hundred sheets, with the same number of
pillow-cases and ticks, having assurance from one of the surgeons that
the latter could be readily filled with moss and pine needles, making a 
comfort-giving and healthful pillow. By the time this need was met I
learned that the sick were destitute of suitable food, so I made i my
next business to provide a sufficiency of this. No sooner had I begun
this work than I had to face the fact that the hospital had no proper
facilities for cooking this food and no place in which to care for it and
keep it cool and sweet when prepared. So I purchased a large Blue
Flame oil stove and a No. 6 Alaska ice chest. I soon discovered that 
the patients were suffering from want of ice and made haste to secure
an adequate supply of this. But in all these things adequate provision
for one week was no adequate provision for the next. Patients came
into the hospital in ever-increasing numbers; cots, sheets, pillows and
pillow-cases had to be doubled and trebled and quadrupled as the
weeks went by. The government provided many sheets, many cots
and many pillows, but the demand ever outran the supply, and the Red
Cross was called on continually to make up the lack. In the matter of
ice, milk, eggs, lemon, malted milk, peptonoids, clam bouillon, beef
extract, calfsfoot, jelly, gelatine, cornstarch, tapioca, condensed milk,
rice, barley, sugar, butter, and delicacies of all kinds, the government
made no provision, neither did the hospital from its ration fund. All
supplies of this kind were furnished by the Red Cross or by other
charitable or beneficent agencies. So far as I have been able to learn, 
and I questioned those in charge of the division hospitals, no use was
made of the ration fund in the Jacksonville hospitals in the way of procuring
delicacies for patients. The sole reliance for these things was
the Red Cross and similar agencies of individual and organized
beneficence.
     Of individual beneficence the most marked examples were Mrs.
Marshall, proprietor of the Carleton Hotel; Mrs. Moulton, wife of Colonel
Moulton, of the Second Illinois, and Mrs. Rich, a quiet, modest lady
of this city. These gave their whole time to the work of devising ways
and means for promoting the comfort and health of the sick. They
made chicken broth, ice cream, wine jellies and a variety of delicacies
grateful to the palates of the sick soldiers. Other Jacksonville ladies
did much in this direction, but these ladies were constant and untiring
in their efforts. Though Mrs. Marshall had many of the soldiers [??]Miami and the Third not formed--where I found what appeared to me 
to be very distressing and unhealthful conditions.  The number of 
patients at that time was small, but, few as they were, no adequate 
provision had been made for their comfort.  Most of them indeed, 
were on cots, but few had either sheets or nightshirts to cover their 
nakedness.  They were either lying in soiled underclothing, sweltering 
in the heat under army blankets, or destitute of any clothing whatever. 
I lost no time in ordering one hundred sheets, with the same number of pillow-cases and ticks, having assurance from one of the surgeons that the latter could be readily filled with moss and pine needles, making a comfort-giving and healthful pillow.  By the time this need was met I learned that the sick were destitute of suitable food, so I made it my next business to provide a sufficiency of this.  No sooner had I begun this work than I had to face the fact that the hospital had no proper facilities for cooking this food and no place in which to care for it and keep it cool and sweet when prepared.  So I purchased a large Blue Flame oil stove and a No. 6 Alaska ice chest.  I soon discovered that the patients were suffering from want of ice and made haste to secure an adequate supply of this.  But in all these things adequate provision for one week was no adequate provision for the next.  Patients came into the hospital in ever-increasing numbers; cots, sheets, pillows and pillow-cases had to be doubled and trebled and quadrupled as the weeks went by.  The government provided many sheets, many cots and many pillows, but the demand ever outran the supply, and the Red Cross was called on continually to make up the lack. In the matter of ice, milk, eggs, lemons, malted milk, peptonoids, clam bullion, beef extract, calfsfoot jelly, gelatine, cornstarch, tapioca, condensed milk, rice, barley, sugar, butter, and delicacies of all kinds, the government made no provision, neither did the hospital from its ration fund.  All supplies of this kind were furnished by the Red Cross or by other charitable or beneficent agencies. So far as I have been able to learn, and I questioned those in charge of the division hospitals, no use was made of the ration fund in the Jacksonville hospitals in the way of procuring delicacies for patients.  The sole reliance for these things was the Red Cross and similar agencies of individual and organized beneficence. 
     Of individual beneficence the most marked examples were Mrs. Marshall, proprietor of the Carleton Hotel; Mrs. Moulton, wife of Colonel Moulton, of the Second Illinois, and Mrs. Rich, a quiet, modest lady of this city.  These gave their whole time to the work of devising ways and means for promoting the comfort and health of the sick.  They made chicken broth, ice cream, wine jellies and a variety of delicacies grateful to the palates of the sick soldiers.  Other Jacksonville ladies did much in this direction, but these ladies were constant and untiring in their efforts.  Though Mrs. Marshall had many of the soldiers cared for free of charge at her own hotel, never for a day was she absent from the camp.  She was a veritable ministering angel, and the Red Cross is greatly indebted to her for much of the information that helped us to give wisely and when most needed.  Through Mrs. Moulton many of the good people of Chicago bestowed their benefactions.  Five days out of every week found Mrs. Rich at one of the division hospitals, making her ice cream for the boys and giving them a taste of her delicious wine jellies.  When the Red Cross learned of her excellent work it took pains to keep her supplied with all needed material, beside furnishing a twenty-five quart ice cream freezer with which to do her work.  All of these women deserve a more extended and worthier tribute than we can pay them in this [paper] report. [*(?)*]
     With the growth of the hospital there came ever-increasing demands for ice and milk, for delicacies of every sort, and for all the comforts and conveniences that tend to make hospital work pleasant and effective.  Early in the history of the Second Division hospital, the Red Cross paid the bills for a bath house and a kitchen.  It furnished also the large circular wall tent for convalescents.  It gave over a hundred cots and mattresses, and nearly a thousand pillows.  Of sheets and pillow-cases, nightshirts and pajamas, it gave many thousands.  We not only distributed a large number sent from New York; boxes were sent us from St. Augustine, from Augusta, Ga., from Connecticut, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia.  Few people have any conception of the quantity of such articles required to keep a hospital with five hundred to seven hundred patients in good running order.  So often are these things soiled that there must be at least three or four sets to every cot.  When there are three or four hospitals, with an aggregate sick list ranging from fifteen hundred to two thousand, the number of sheets and pillow-cases, nightshirts and pajamas necessary to keep the beds and patients presentable is surprisingly large.  Of course the government has supplied the greater number of sheets and pillow-cases, but the Red Cross has furnished probably the greater number of pillow, nightshirts and pajamas.  In none of these things has the supply ever quite equaled the demand. Even at the Red Cross              3
present time the cry of need is almost as loud as ever.  When the recuperating hospital was established at Pablo Beach, the Red Cross, at the request of the chief-surgeon, supplied two hundred and fifty sets of dishes with a complete outfit of pitchers, trays, buckets and many other things.  Even the business of the chief-surgeon's office and that of the surgeon at Pablo Beach is transacted on desks furnished by the Red Cross at the request of these parties.  It has contributed [*X*] to furnish the diet kitchens with stoves, utensils and dishes, and has supplied the hospitals themselves with many articles of convenience and comfort. It provided four dozen large clothes hampers, printed many thousands of patient records and other papers. It had fifty large ice chests manufactured and placed one in each ward of the principal hospitals. It
gave over seven hundred buckets for carrying of offal, and furnished
screens for the use of the nurses. It gave bed-pans and urinals
in large numbers, over a thousand tumblers, medicine glasses, graduated
glasses, a sterilizing apparatus, hypodermic syringes and needles. 
Of the latter we learned that there was not a single whole one in the 
hospital at the time we were called on. Scores of men had been 
obliged to receive their hypodermic injections from a broken point,
suffering greatly from the operation and subsequent results. The Red
Cross has furnished over one thousand dollars worth of medicines not
[?] the government list, besides Malted Milk, Peptonoids, Pepto
[??ngan], Peptogenic Milk Powder, Maltine and a large shipment of
medicines sent from New York. It has given over a thousand bath
and surgical sponges and towels in immense quantities. In short, with
the exception of tents, cots, blankets, and, to a considerable extent, 
sheets, furnished by the government, the Red Cross, up to September [*1st*]
1, furnished the greater part of the hospital equipment. As the several
heads of divisions have said to me again and again. "The hospitals
never could have equipped themselves from their ration fund. They 
would have broken down utterly without the aid of the Red Cross."
   We have spent here over thirteen thousand dollars in cash for hospital
equipment and supplies of various kinds, including ice and milk, in
addition to the large quantities of goods sent from New York the cost
of which we do not know. And with all this, the need has not been
met as fully or as promptly as it should have been. The number of
the sick increased so greatly beyond the expectations of the officers in
charge that the supply has never, for any considerable time, been equal
to the demand. Even now, when the government has allowed sixty
cents a day for each patient in the hospital, and has recently so
extended the order as to include regimental as well as division hospitals,
there is still continuons appeal to the Red Cross for a variety 
of thing, which those in charge of the hospital fund do not feel warranted 
in buying, and as yet few of the regiments have gotten their 
hospitals into shape to ask for anything. As they move to Savannah
in a few days, they will not be in condition to draw any money for weeks
to come. It is very fortunate therefore, that your committee has seen
fit to grant our last requisition, for the goods you have shipped will 
be of great benefit to the soldiers on their way to Cuba.
          I have omitted to state that a most important part of the work of
the Red Cross has been the supplying of ice for the purpose of cooling
the drinking water of the camps. Our ice bills for camp and hospitals,
at an average of thirty-five cents per hundred pounds have been over
six thousand dollars, the Second Division hospital alone often consuming
from four to five tons a day. Our milk bills were also large,
averaging for some time over five hundred dollars a week, at a cost of
forty cents a gallon.
          Our relations with both army and medical officials have been, on the
whole, harmonious and pleasant. Perhaps the best evidence of this is
the fact that the government teams and men have always been at our 
service whether to haul the goods from the wharf to the store or from
the store to the camp. Some little feeling arose over my attitude in
regard to the necessity for female nurses, but as the outcome has
abundantly shown the soundness of my contention, that has pretty
much passed away. Our hospitals have been far from ideal but I
believe that they are generally regarded as the best in the country, and
perhaps none have realized their shortcomings and defects more than
the men charged with their administration. It is not an easy matter
to select, even from an American army, a sufficient number of capable
and reliable men for so large and complex an institution, and incapacity
or infidelity at any point is liable not only to bring the most serious results,
but to throw discredit upon the entire management. Doubtless many
things have been done that should never have been permitted, and
many left undone that constitute a record of what ought to be criminal
neglect, yet these things can be wholly avoided only by men of the
highest ability and largest experience, working with trained subordinates,
and with every facility for successful endeavor. It has not been
possible to secure such conditions in any of the hospitals. The men in
charge have been obliged to use such material as they could get, and
often the commanding officers of regiments, when asked for a detail formet as fully or as promptly as it should have been. The number of
the sick increased so greatly beyond the expectations of the officers in
charge that the supply has never, for any considerable time, been equal
to the demand. Even now, when the government has allowed sixty
cents a day for each patient in the hospital, and has recently so
extended the order as to include regimental as well as division hospitals,
there is still continuons appeal to the Red Cross for a variety 
of thing, which those in charge of the hospital fund do not feel warranted 
in buying, and as yet few of the regiments have gotten their 
hospitals into shape to ask for anything. As they move to Savannah
in a few days, they will not be in condition to draw any money for weeks
to come. It is very fortunate therefore, that your committee has seen
fit to grant our last requisition, for the goods you have shipped will 
be of great benefit to the soldiers on their way to Cuba.
          I have omitted to state that a most important part of the work of
the Red Cross has been the supplying of ice for the purpose of cooling
the drinking water of the camps. Our ice bills for camp and hospitals,
at an average of thirty-five cents per hundred pounds have been over
six thousand dollars, the Second Division hospital alone often consuming
from four to five tons a day. Our milk bills were also large,
averaging for some time over five hundred dollars a week, at a cost of
forty cents a gallon.
          Our relations with both army and medical officials have been, on the
whole, harmonious and pleasant. Perhaps the best evidence of this is
the fact that the government teams and men have always been at our 
service whether to haul the goods from the wharf to the store or from
the store to the camp. Some little feeling arose over my attitude in
regard to the necessity for female nurses, but as the outcome has
abundantly shown the soundness of my contention, that has pretty
much passed away. Our hospitals have been far from ideal but I
believe that they are generally regarded as the best in the country, and
perhaps none have realized their shortcomings and defects more than
the men charged with their administration. It is not an easy matter
to select, even from an American army, a sufficient number of capable
and reliable men for so large and complex an institution, and incapacity
or infidelity at any point is liable not only to bring the most serious results,
but to throw discredit upon the entire management. Doubtless many
things have been done that should never have been permitted, and
many left undone that constitute a record of what ought to be criminal
neglect, yet these things can be wholly avoided only by men of the
highest ability and largest experience, working with trained subordinates,
and with every facility for successful endeavor. It has not been
possible to secure such conditions in any of the hospitals. The men in
charge have been obliged to use such material as they could get, and
often the commanding officers of regiments, when asked for a detail for
hospital work, have given the very poorest material they had. I am
disposed, therefore, to have pretty large charity always for the surgeon-
in-charge. He has a most difficult task, and at the very best, can only
hope for moderate success. Ideal results he can never secure.
          I have said nothing of our work at Miami or Fernandina, for there
is little to say. The troops were moved from Miami so soon after we
were made acquainted with their needs, that we did little more than
supply the hospital with ice, during the weeks in which the sick were 
convalescing. We were not permitted to do even this at Fernandina.
Those in charge of the hospitals, division and regimental, disclaimed
all need of aid. The government supplied them with all that they
required. We have had many testimonies from officers and privates,
showing the profound appreciation everywhere felt for the work of the
Red Cross. Perhaps no other part of its work was so highly prized by 
the soldiers at large as that which furnished them cool drinking water.
          Had the chief-surgeon, Colonel Maus, not been so deeply prejudiced
against female nurses in general, and Red Cross nurses in
particular, we might have done a much greater work in hospitals
than was permitted to us. While the Second Division hospital was
still young, the Red Cross offered its nurses freely and gratuitously.
It offered to shelter and feed them at its own expense, but the offer was
spurned indignantly and with scarcely disguised contempt. We were
told that female nurses were not needed, that the hospital had already
more skilled nurses than it could use, and that female nurses were a 
nuisance round a camp anyway. Most of them, the chief-surgeon
affirmed, were drawn to the work by a morbid sentimentality or by
motives of even a more questionable character. He would have none
of them. But the time came when even this officer had to change his
attitude if not his opinions, and women nurses were sought for and
welcomed to the hospital by hundreds. That they have proven a great
blessing to the boys, no one now questions; many most pronounced in
their opposition are now loudest in their praise, and the Red Cross
rejoices that the good work is being done, though itself denied the 
privilege of doing.
[*New Page*]
          Early in the month of August, Mr. D. L. Cobb, counsel to the American
National Red Cross, [in] on the course of a tour of inspection, arrived at
Fort McPherson, Georgia, to see if any assistance was required at the
post, and if an agency could be established. It was found that Mrs.
Anna E. Nave, wife of Rev. Orville J. Nave, chaplain of the post, and
their daughter, Miss Hermione Nave, had established a small dietary
kitchen and were supporting a table for convalescents. The object of
the kitchen was to provide light and nutritive diet for the soldiers in
the barracks who were suffering from stomach troubles, dysentery and
[*capo→ Fort McPherson, Ga.*]


Red Koss                      4
kindred digestive disorders, and to care for the convalescents from 
typhoid fever and other serious sickness, until they were sufficiently
recovered to be again returned to the company mess.
          As this kitchen was performing an important part in the care of
these men, and the demands upon it were daily increasing, it was proposed
that it be continued, and its work extended as the demands 
increased, and that the Red Cross would pay all expenses and furnish
all the supplies required. Rev. Orville J. Nave was accordingly
appointed as the field agent at Fort McPherson, the kitchen remaining
under the immediate care and supervision of Mrs Nave and her
daughter, assisted by a committee of representative women of the city
of Atlanta, including Mrs. Governor Atkinson, Miss Mary L. Gordon-[Huntely],
Hentley [*?)*] Mrs. Loulie [*OK*] M. Gordon, Miss Junia McKinley, Mrs. E. H.
Barnes, and others.
          Under the auspices of the Red Cross the capacity of the kitchen
was soon doubled, and the table was maintained until the first of
October, when assistance was no longer necessary. At the table about
20,000 meals were served.  By this means doubtless many lives were
saved, for the percentage of relapses among the typhoid fever cases,
ordinarily quite large, was very small at this post. In addition to the
supplies of food, medicines and clothing sent to this field, in response
to the requisitions, some $1400 in cash were expended in support of
the table and in furnishing those things which were at times needed
quickly, and which could be purchased in the local markets at Atlanta.
          A stenographer was also furnished, so that Dr. Nave might be
able to answer the many inquiries from parents and relatives of the
men in hospitals, and attend to the ordinary correspondence connected
with the work. Seven nurses were [furnished] supplied to assist in the
hospital work. Dr. Nave in his report says:
           [*small type*]
          The importance of this work, as a supplement to that done by
the government for the relief of the sick, cannot be overstated. An
institution, such as an army hospital, deals with the sick by masses.
Much must be left to subordinates, many of whom have little or no
experience in caring for the sick. The system is devised for the many.
But, where many are sick, a percentage of the patients cannot regain
health without special care. The work done by the Red Cross at Fort
McPherson was that which could not be done effectually by institutional
methods. Furthermore, those who assisted in the work were
actuated solely by philanthropic motives. They therefore brought
elements to their work that employes too often lack, elements of
gentleness and love. Two thousand soldiers in as many homes, nursed
back to health, live to love and honor the Red Cross in memory of the
helping hand sent to them and administered through the hospital at
Fort McPherson. The total cash expenditures, including the cost of
maintaining the kitchen, was $2242.
          To Dr. Nave, his wife and daughter, and to the Atlanta Committee
of the Red Cross, great credit is due for the efficient manner in
which the auxiliary work at this point was carried on. Acting with
[great] discretion, and with loyalty to the principles of the Red Cross,
they have carried their work to a successful conclusion without a complaint
from any source.
[*New page*]
          At Camp Hobson, Lithia Springs, Ga., a diet kitchen was also
maintained, under the direction of Miss Junia McKinley, assisted by
the Atlanta Committee of the Red Cross, of which the following [report] account
is received:

                                            CAMP HOBSON, GA.
          The diet kitchen was opened here on Monday, August 9, and
remained in operation three weeks, at the expiration of which time the
camp broke up. During the first week after the kitchen was established,
when detachments from the Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Twenty-first
and Twenty-fifth regiments were in camp, 1176 meals were served.
The next week orders were received for the removal of the Eighth and 
part of the other regiments to Montauk Point, consequently the number
of convalescents was reduced, but during the second and third week
2066 meals were served, making a total of 3242 meals served at the
table and in the hospital during the time the kitchen was in operation.
The meals were furnished to convalescents in the hospital, men relieved
from duty but not sick enough to be in the hospital, and to the hospital
corps. The table meals consisted of the following: For breakfast,
cereals, coffee, tea, fresh milk, eggs, toast, bread and butter. For
dinner, soups, bouillons, rice and milk, eggs, crackers, bread and fresh
milk, coffee, California fruits (canned), wine, jelly or simple dessert.
Supper was the same as breakfast, with the addition of stewed fruit.
To patients in hospital, beef tea (made from fresh beef as well as 
extracts), soft boiled eggs, cream toast and fresh milk was served at
regular hours.
          The only paid help [was] were [*were*] two men and one woman, the latter lived
near the camp and reported for duty at first meal call and remained 
until dining tent and kitchen were in order. The other work in
kitchen was gratuitously done by Atlanta members of Red Cross
Society, assisted by Mrs. Edward H Barnes, Miss [Louie] Loulie Gordon
Roper (niece of General J. B. Gordon), Miss Emmie McDonnell, Miss
Estelle Whelan, Mrs. George Boykin Saunders, all of Atlanta, and the
Ladies from Sweetwater Park hotel, who came over daily from theFort McPherson. The total cash expenditures, including the cost of
maintaining the kitchen, was $2242.
          To Dr. Nave, his wife and daughter, and to the Atlanta Committee 
of the Red Cross, great credit is due to the efficient manner in 
which the auxiliary work at this point was carried on. Acting with 
[great] discretion, and with loyalty to the principles of the Red Cross,
they have carried their work to a successful conclusion without a complaint 
from any source.
                                         [*New page*]
          At Camp Hobson, Lithia Springs, Ga., a diet kitchen was also 
maintained, under the direction of Miss Junia McKinley, assisted by 
the Atlanta Committee of the Red Cross, of which the following [report] account
is received:

                                    CAMP HOBSON, GA.

          The diet kitchen was opened here on Monday, August 9, and 
remained in operation three weeks, at the expiration of which time the 
camp broke up. During the first week after the kitchen was established, 
when detachments from the Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Twenty-first 
and Twenty-fifth regiments were in camp, 1176 meals were served.  
The next week orders were received for the removal of the Eighth and 
part of the other regiments to Montauk Point, consequently the number 
of convalescents was reduced, but during the second and third week 
2066 meals were served, making a total of 3242 meals served at the 
table and in the hospital during the time the kitchen was in operation.  
The meals were furnished to convalescents in the hospital, men relieved 
from duty but not sick enough to be in the hospital, and to the hospital 
corps. The table meals consisted of the following: For breakfast, 
cereals, coffee, tea, fresh milk, eggs, toast, bread and butter. For 
dinner, soups, bouillons, rice and milk, eggs, crackers, bread and fresh 
milk, coffee, California fruits (canned), wine, jelly or simple dessert.  
Super was the same as breakfast, with the addition of stewed fruit. 
To the patients in hospital, beef tea (made from fresh beef as well as 
extracts), soft-boiled eggs, cream toast and fresh milk were served at 
regular hours.
          The only paid help was [was] were [*were*] two men and one woman, the latter lived 
near the camp and reported for duty at first meal call and remained 
until dining tent and kitchen were in order. The other work 
in kitchen was gratuitously done by Atlanta members of Red Cross 
Society, assisted by Mrs. Edward H. Barnes, Miss Louie Gordon [Louie] Loulie Gordon
Roper (niece of General J.B. Gordon), Miss Emmie McDonnell, Miss
Estelle Wheland, Mrs. George Boykin Saunders, all of Atlanta, and the 
ladies from Sweetwater Park Hotel, who came over daily from the 
hotel, about half a mile distant from camp, and assisted in serving 
table meals, also carrying in delicacies to hospitals and distributed flowers 
among the patients.
          It affords us pleasure to acknowledge the uniform courtesy of the 
army officials, especially the Commandant, Major Thomas Wilhelm, 
Chief Surgeon Major E.L. Swift, Assistant Surgeons Street, Bak and 
Johnson and Lieutenant Norman, quartermaster. Major Wilhelm had 
our kitchen built and fly tent for dining hall put up in a few hours 
after our arrival, detailed men to help whenever needed in kitchen, 
and with finest courtesy assured us of his appreciation of what was 
being done to add to the comfort of his sick and convalescent men.
          Besides the regular kitchen work at Camp Hobson, the Red Cross 
furnished for a short time to the hospitals one [lay] special nurse (Miss McKinley) 
and one trained nurse (Miss McLain), who remained until our last 
patients were sent to Fort McPherson General Hospital and went with 
them in the hospital train, ministering to their wants until they were 
transferred to their respective wards there. In this connection we 
think proper to state that many of our Camp Hobson patients now in 
Fort McPherson Hospital, one of the best equipped and best managed 
hospitals in the country, assure us that they can never forget the unfailing 
kindness of Chief Surgeon Swift and assistants, the faithful care 
of their Red Cross nurses, nor the delicacies furnished by the diet 
kitchen at Camp Hobson.
          The Red Cross having authorized Miss McKinley to furnish anything 
necessary for the sick, medicines, fine whiskey and hospital 
supplies were ordered by telephone from Atlanta, as there was some 
delay in shipment of government supplies, the orders were promptly 
filled and proved important factors in improving hospital wards. Clothing 
was furnished to some of the Camp Hobson men who were left 
behind and could not draw needed articles of clothing as their "descriptive 
lists" had not been furnished. When the Twenty-first Regiment 
left for the North, coffee was served on the train to the entire regiment 
in second section. Most of the ice used after the diet kitchen was 
established was furnished through Mr. Percy R. Pyne, of New York, 
who kindly supplied what was needed. Thanks are due G.F. Mathews 
& Co., of New York, who wrote that they would furnish all the 
tea needed in the kitchen, but as the camp was about to break up, their 
kind offer was not accepted.


red cross                5
          Special thanks are due to H.W. Blake, manager of Sweetwater 
Park Hotel at Lithia Springs, for may courtesies extended, when our 
milkman was late, or our groceries (ordered from Atlanta) were 
delayed, he furnished fresh milk and eggs for the patients until our 
supplies arrived. Mrs. Blake sent daily from the beautiful hotel 
gardens, flowers for hospitals and dining table, also for distribution in 
hospital trains before leaving Camp Hobson.
          In conclusion, we can venture to assure you that while the time of 
our work at Camp Hobson was short, great good was accomplished, the
improvement of convalescents who took meals at the kitchen was very
rapid, owing to the well prepared and nourishing food furnished them. 
The surgeons, as well as hospital stewards were much gratified at 
marked improvement in hospital wards after the arrival of Red Cross 
nurses.
          Upon the departure of every hospital train, we served iced milk to 
fever patients, milk toast to those not restricted to liquid diet, and 
supplied milk and stimulants for their journey. We thank the Red 
Cross for the privilege of assisting in their relief work for our soldiers 
at Camp Hobson, whose appreciation for all that was done for them was 
unbounded and their gratitude a delight to those who ministered to 
their wants.
          [*New page*]
          The story of the Red Cross of St. Paul, Minn., is briefly told in 
the report by Miss Caroline M. Beaumont, the recording secretary:

                                      ST. PAUL, MINN.

[*Please put this in small type*]
     The St. Paul Red Cross Aid Society was organized on the ninth of 
May, 1898, shortly after the beginning of the war, pursuant to a 
general call for aid, with Mr. A.S. Tallmadge as president, and a full 
board of officers. It was first intended to form a regular auxiliary 
of the Red Cross, directly tributary to the National Organization, and 
distribute supplies through headquarters only. But the fact that the 
State volunteer regiments were actually in need of immediate aid to 
equip them to leave for points of mobilization, induced the society to 
turn their attention to local needs first. [Therefore it was determined to 
retain the name Red Cross Aid Society, leaving it free to afford relief in 
any direction.]
          The Twelfth, Thirteenth and Fourteenth Minnesota Volunteers 
were first furnished with hospital supplies, delicacies for the sick, and 
all those necessary articles which the government does not supply, or 
furnishes only in meagre quantities. Working headquarters were 
established, requests for donations were published which met with 
immediate response, which testified to the generosity of the citizens of 
St. Paul and surrounding towns. Successful entertainments were also 
given, sewing and packing committees were appointed, and women 
from all over the city gave freely of their means, their time and their 
efforts, as they thought of a husband, a son, or a dear one in far away 
Cuba or Manila. The patriotism and loyalty of the men of Minnesota 
was shared and often inspired by the women, who gave so freely. The 
women of St. Paul, with willing hands and loving hearts, have shared 
in the glories of the war, and the sorrows of personal loss has been 
mitigated by pride of race, and the love of a country that has borne 
such soldiers and sailors as our brave boys.
          Not in Minnesota alone, but in all the States, the willing hands [*space*]
and loving hearts of the women of America have been among the 
foremost in affording relief to the sick and wounded. At home in the 
auxiliaries, in the hospitals, on the transports and at the front, wherever 
sickness and suffering called.
          Early in the campaign they seemed to awaken to the true meaning 
and the great mission of the Red Cross, and, setting before them the 
standard, they have followed it from one field of suffering to another. 
True soldiers of humanity, they have labored earnestly and incessantly, 
and have proven themselves worthy to wear the emblem of their loving, 
faithful service--the Red Cross of Geneva.
          [*New page*]

                                MONTAUK POINT, L. I.
          At the request of the New York Relief Committee, the executive 
committee of the Red Cross appointed Mr. Howard Townsend as the 
field agent at Montauk Point, Long Island, under whose supervision 
the work of the Red Cross at this important station was admirably 
conducted. Mr. Townsend in his report says:

          The Red Cross appeared on the ground on Sunday, August 7, 
1898, and its representative remained there permanently after August 
10. The first, and in some respects the most important work, was the 
delivery of a daily supply of pure water to the government officials at 
the camp. For the first ten days the most serious problem was how 
to obtain good water, and until the great well was dug, the hospitals 
were supplied by the Red Cross. Ten thousand gallons of Hygeia 
water were delivered at the camp, and four tank cars brought daily 
from Jamaica sufficient spring water to prevent a water famine.
          There was important work to be done also in connection with the 
general hospital, furnishing to it such supplies as were rendered necessary 
by the hurry and confusion of the first two weeks of the camp's 
existence. Cots, clothing, bed-clothing, household appliances and 
cooking utensils, refrigerators and other articles, in short a large part 
of the things necessary for a hospital. All of these things were[*p? put this in small type*]
distribute supplies through headquarters only. But the fact that the 
State volunteer regiments were actually in need of immediate aid to 
equip them to leave for points of mobilization, induced the society to 
turn their attention to local needs first. [Therefore it was determined to 
retain the name Red Cross Aid Society, leaving it free to afford relief in 
any direction.]
          The Twelfth, Thirteenth and Fourteenth Minnesota Volunteers 
were first furnished with hospital supplies, delicacies for the sick, and 
all those necessary articles which the government does not supply, or 
furnishes only in meagre quantities. Working headquarters were 
established, requests for donations were published which met with 
immediate response, which testified to the generosity of the citizens of 
St. Paul and surrounding towns. Successful entertainments were also 
given, sewing and packing committees were appointed, and women 
from all over the city gave freely of their means, their time and their 
efforts, as they thought of a husband, a son, or a dear one in far away 
Cuba or Manila. The patriotism and loyalty of the men of Minnesota 
was shared and often inspired by the women, who gave so freely. The 
women of St. Paul, with willing hands and loving hearts, have shared 
in the glories of the war, and the sorrows of personal loss has been 
mitigated by pride of race, and the love of a country that has borne 
such soldiers and sailors as our brave boys.
          Not in Minnesota alone, but in all the States, the willing hands [*space*]
and loving hearts of the women of America have been among the 
foremost in affording relief to the sick and wounded. At home in the 
auxiliaries, in the hospitals, on the transports and at the front, wherever 
sickness and suffering called.
          Early in the campaign they seemed to awaken to the true meaning 
and the great mission of the Red Cross, and, setting before them the 
standard, they have followed it from one field of suffering to another. 
True soldiers of humanity, they have labored earnestly and incessantly, 
and have proven themselves worthy to wear the emblem of their loving, 
faithful service--the Red Cross of Geneva.
          [*New page*]
          At the request of the New York Relief Committee, the executive 
committee of the Red Cross appointed Mr. Howard Townsend as the 
field agent at Montauk Point, Long Island, under whose supervision 
the work of the Red Cross at this important station was admirably 
conducted. Mr. Townsend in his report says:

                                MONTAUK POINT, L. I.

          The Red Cross appeared on the ground on Sunday, August 7, 
1898 and its representative remained there permanently after August 
10. The first, and in some respects the most important work, was the 
delivery of a daily supply of pure water to the government officials at 
the camp. For the first ten days the most serious problem was how 
to obtain good water, and until the great well was dug, the hospitals 
were supplied by the Red Cross. Ten thousand gallons of Hygeia 
water were delivered at the camp, and four tank cars brought daily 
from Jamaica sufficient spring water to prevent a water famine.
          There was important work to be done also in connection with the 
general hospital, furnishing to it such supplies as were rendered necessary 
by the hurry and confusion of the first two weeks of the camp's 
existence. Cots, clothing, bed-clothing, household appliances and 
cooking utensils, refrigerators and other articles, in short a large part 
of the things necessary for a hospital. All of these things were
promptly supplied, through the quick communication established with
the Red Cross supply depot in New York City, and the system of
placing orders by telegraph, by which supplies most needed were often
on hand within a few hours after the need was discovered.
          Delicacies, fruits and milk were furnished to the hospitals until the
government itself was able to meet the demand in this direction.
Although the quarantine regulations prevented the Red Cross from
being in constant attendance at the detention hospital, yet we kept it
abundantly supplied with delicacies, and quite often with necessities.
Many tons of supplies were furnished, including food, clothing and
stimulants.
          The necessity arising for trained nurses at the general hospital,
the services of twenty trained women nurses were offered about August
16, their salaries and all expenses to be paid by the Red Cross. The
Secretary of War promptly directed the acceptance of the offer, although
insisting that the government should pay all expenses. Since that
time there have been as many as one hundred and forty nurses in the
hospital at one time, in addition to about one hundred and ten Sisters
of Charity.
          These women nurses uniformly conducted themselves with decorum
in the camp, and their services undoubtedly saved the lives of many
patients. All the nurses, except the Sisters of Charity, were furnished 
through the instrumentality of the Red Cross. The division hospitals
were established later in the history of the camp, and these were also
supplied with suitable provisions, delicacies, medical stores and instruments,
and Red Cross nurses.
          The Red Cross yacht arrived at Camp Wyckoff on the eleventh of
August with the first load of supplies. The boat was furnished for the 
use of the Red Cross by the Relief Committee of the Red Cross in New
York.


          red cross                6                                                      117
          This vessel is admirably fitted for carrying a small number of sick
people. and was offered to the government by the relief committee, and
has been in steady use as a hospital ship, conveying fifteen invalids at
a time to the various hospitals along the Connecticut coast and in New
York City.
          After the first confusion incident to the establishment of the camp,
the Red Cross extended its field to include a visit to the regimental
hospitals, which were discovered to be in great need of food and equipment
suitable for sick, particularly in the hospitals of the infantry
divisions. The assistant agent, Dr. Brewer, and Mr. Samuel Parrish,
of Southampton, N.Y., devoted themselves particularly to daily visits
of the regiments, and were able to materially help the regimental surgeons
in their discouraging work, hampered as they were by lack of
medical stores and equipment.
          The auxiliary for the maintenance of trained nurses sent to the
camp Mrs. Willard, a dietary expert, who, in conjunction with the
Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association, and with the assistance of
Dr. Prescott, established diet kitchens in the various hospitals, and
supplied the patients with such satisfactory diet that the government
agreed to pay the expense of this part of the work.
          Another branch of work was carried on by the Red Cross and
which appealed particularly to the sick, which was an attempt made to
answer, each day, inquiries from all parts of the country concerning men
from whom their relatives and friends had heard nothing perhaps since
the army left Cuba.
           Another division of the work was that concerning the feeding of
the sick and hungry men arriving on the transports. Dr. Magruder,
the chief quarantine officer, gave much of his time to this part of the
service, carrying continually in his boats stores of Red Cross provisions
and delicacies with which he supplied [?os] ships that were in quarantine
and suffering most from lack of food. At the quarantine dock,
where the sick men were landed, Captain Guilfoyl of the Ninth Cavalry
rendered most efficient service in helping the sick, while at the same
time enforcing the quarantine regulations.
           At the railroad dock an important part of this work was carried on.
There Dr. and Mrs. Valentine Mott were stationed day after day as
the transports unloaded their men. Captain Edwards, of the First 
United States Cavalry, had already volunteered to aid and, by order of
Major-General Young, he was permitted to have his men assist. Every 
regiment that landed stacked arms, and in single file passed by a tent,
erected by the military officials, where each man was given a glass of
milk, or a cup of beef tea, and in some instances the men volunteered
the statement that they were too weak to have marched to the hospital,
and could have gone no further but for this friendly help at the dock.
          In the meantime, at the railway station, the men going on sick
furlough frequently collapsed just before the departure of the train, or
became faint through want of food. Here the Red Cross arranged 
that every sick man should be supplied with milk, and, where it was
necessary, given a few ounces of whiskey, so as to enable him to continue
his journey. The increasing number of furloughed men required
the establishment of an emergency hospital near the railway station,
and this was installed in two tents erected for the Red Cross by the 
army officers.
          These tents at times sheltered for the night as many as twenty
sick men who were unable to catch the train, and who would otherwise
have been obliged to sit up in the station until morning. This work, and
the emergency hospital, were under the charge of Miss Martha Draper.
          Owing to the cheerful recognition given to the Red Cross, when
the camp was first opened, due to the courtesy of Major-General
Young, the Red Cross was able to enter into a far broader sphere of 
usefulness than would otherwise have been possible. We are also
particularly indebted to Captain Chase, of the Third Cavalry, Captain
Guilfoyle, of the Ninth Cavalry, and Captain Fuller, of the First
Cavalry, for their constant endeavors to aid the representatives of the
Red Cross in carrying out their work of supplementing the efforts of
the government, to relieve the suffering and in ministering to the 
comfort of the men and officers of the Fifth Army Corps.         [*new page*]
          The States of the Pacific coast; Washington, ,Oregon, California,
Nevada and others, have taken a very prominent part in the relief
work during the war, under the Red Cross. It is yet too soon to write
the story of the great service they have rendered, for the work still
continues and only partial reports are at hand. In the latter part of
June the following letter was received by the chairman of the executive
committee of the Red Cross, from Mrs. L. L. Dunbar, secretary of the 
Red Cross of San Francisco:
[*Space*]
          DEAR SIR :-- Referring to my letter of a few days since, I enclose herewith
summary of the Red Cross work in California to date, which I trust will prove of
interest to you.
          You will note that there has been a generous response by the citizens of
California to the call for funds with which to establish the work of the Red Cross.
This society seems to have sprung into life fully equipped for any emergency.
Committees have been formed. Ten to twelve thousand dollars on hand available
for further use ; soldiers welcomes on arrival with friendly words and good cheer ;
none have left the port of entry for their long march to the camping ground
without a good breakfast furnished by the Red Cross ; further comforts provided
while in camp,and physical welfare carefully looked after.
          Without working on constitutional lines, not having to this date receivedIn the meantime, at the railway station, the men going on sick 
furlough frequently collapsed just before the departure of the train, or 
became faint through want of food.  Here the Red Cross arranged 
that every sick man should be supplied with milk, and, where it was 
necessary, given a few ounces of whiskey, so as to enable him to continue 
his journey.  The increasing number of furloughed men required 
the establishment of an emergency hospital near the railway station, 
and this was installed in two tents erected for the Red Cross by the 
army officers.
          These tents at times sheltered for the night as many as twenty 
sick men who were unable to catch the train, and who would otherwise 
have been obliged to sit up in the station until morning.  This work, and 
the emergency hospital, were under the charge of Miss Martha Draper.
          Owing to the cheerful recognition given to the Red Cross, when 
the camp was first opened, due to the courtesy of Major-General 
Young, the Red Cross was able to enter into a far broader sphere of 
usefulness than would otherwise have been possible.  We are also 
particularly indebted to Captain Chase, of the Third Cavalry, Captain 
Guilfoyle, of the Ninth Cavalry, and Captain Fuller, of the First 
Cavalry, for their consistent endeavors to aid the representatives of the 
Red Cross in carrying out their work of supplementing the efforts of 
the government, to relieve the suffering and in ministering to the 
comfort of the men and officers of the Fifth Army Corps.
[*The Pacific Coast ------ caps*]
[*Heading*]
          The States of the Pacific coast, Washington, ,Oregon, California, 
Nevada, and others, have taken a very prominent part in the relief 
work during the war, under the Red Cross.  It is yet too soon to write 
the story of the great services they have rendered, for the work still 
continues and only partial reports are at hand.  In the latter part of 
June the following letter was received by the chairman of the executive 
committee of the Red Cross, from Mrs. L.L. Dunbar, secretary of the 
Red Cross of San Francisco: 
[*space*]
          DEAR SIR:--Referring to my letter of a few days since, I enclose herewith 
summary of the Red Cross work in California to date, which I trust will prove of 
interest to you.
          You will note that there has been a generous response by the citizens of 
California to the call for funds with which to establish the work of the Red Cross.
          This society seems to have sprung into life fully equipped for any emergency.  
Committees have been formed.  Ten to twelve thousand dollars on hand available 
for further use; soldiers welcomed on arrival with friendly words and good cheer; 
none have left the port of entry for their long march to the camping ground 
without a good breakfast furnished by the Red Cross; further comforts provided 
while in camp, and physical welfare carefully looked after.
          Without working on constitutional lines, not having to this date received 
details of the plan of operation as carried out under the rules or regulations of the 
American National Red Cross, we have adopted common sense methods as seem 
proper in war times, or as would suggest themselves in case of any great public 
calamity, not standing on the order of doing, but doing as occasion seems to 
require.
          The primary movement toward organization was the result of a desire to 
equip our National Guard to a war footing, it having been pointed out to a few 
leaders in charitable and patriotic work after the first call for troops that the need 
existed for medical supplies and surgical appliances in the National Guard to 
properly outfit them to meet all contingencies.  At the time they were not aware 
that the Spaniards were so poor at target practice as they proved to be at Manila.  
While it is the province of the State to supply above needs, the Legislature was 
not in session, time was limited, ships for Manila were soon to sail, therefore it 
seemed proper not to wait on uncertain legislation, and it was [therefore] resolved 
and immediately made effective to supply above needs which was done, involving 
the expenditure of three thousand dollars.
          Referring to the minutes of the Red Cross Society of San Francisco, we find a 
communication was forwarded to Washington, placing all resources at the services 
of the government.  The supplies for the National Guard, mentioned above, were 
purchased under the direction of Surgeon-General Hopkins, National Guard of 
California.  As the movement enlarged and we learned the intention to concentrate 
large bodies of troops from all over the United States, our work expanded. The 
government was inadequately prepared to take care of so many troops on the 
coast and for some times after their arrival, to prevent positive suffering, the Red 
Cross Society by, and with the consent of the United States commanding officers, 
supplied any and everything that seemed to be needed by the soldiers for their 
health and comfort.  All of the ladies connected with the society vied with each 
other in giving their whole time and attention to the work, and the number of 
letters that have since been received by the society from the soldiers is the best .
evidence of the appreciation of the manner in which this work has been done. We erected a 
Red Cross hospital tent, supplied trained nurses, medical supplies, etc., and from 
that day to this [the] the tent has been occupied by those in need of medical 
attention.


Redcross                               7                                                                             132
          The matter of sending an expedition to the Philippines was discussed, but as 
we got along in our work we found to do effective work in this connection it was 
necessary to have the authority of the government through the American National 
Red Cross, and my previous letter upon this subject explains in detail our views in .
regard to this expedition.  This will remain in statu quo until we hear further from 
you.
          We furnished twenty thousand bandages to the troops, made after patterns 
given to us by the army officers.  We arranged with several of the hospitals here 
to receive and care for very sick men, and they have been generous in this respect.  
The French hospital has been very kind.  That you may see the scope of our work, 
we have the following committees at work harmoniously under the intelligent 
direction of a most efficient chairman, aided by the noble work on the part of their 
assistants:  Hospital Committee, Finance Committee,Nursing Committee, Subscription 
Committee, Society Badge Committee, Identification Medal Committee, 
Printing, Entertainments, Hospitality, Press, Information, Auditing, Stores, Ambulance, 
Schools, Clubs.  From this you will see that the field has been very comprehensively 
covered, and as a sample of the work of each committee, I enclose 
herewith the report of the Nursing Committee, from which you can judge the 
nature of the work, and hot it is conducted by each committee, and I trust that 
this will give you the information required to judge what has been done here, and 
we would be glad to receive such suggestions from you in reference to this matter 
as you, from your large experience, may find necessary to make.
          We hope that your representative will visit San Francisco to confer with the 
State Association.  It seems to us necessary.

          In response to this appeal it was decided to send a representative 
of the American National Red Cross to confer with the proposed 
societies of the Pacific Coast, to acquaint them with the rules governing 
the Red Cross in time of war, to explain the relationship that exists 
between such societies and the national body, and to accord to them 
official recognition, so that they might proceed as regular auxiliaries 
of the Red Cross.
          Accordingly Judge Joseph Sheldon, a member of the executive 
committee, was selected for the task.  His mission was a most successful 
one. Every State on the Pacific Coast, and almost every important 
city and town, is now represented in the ranks of the Red Cross.  
Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Colorado, all have borne a 
noble part.  In presenting to the assembled delegates a resume of the 
history and principles of the Red Cross, Judge Sheldon, in his address 
at Golden State hall on August 11, said:

          My remarks this evening will be partly in explanation of the legal relations 
of "The American National Red Cross" to the Government of the United States 
under the treaty by which our government and that of forty nations or more 
have bound themselves in regard to the conduct of war, especially in [regard] respect to 
the sick and wounded in hospitals and after great battles.  They may also serve 
as an answer to certain specific questions that have been asked as to organizing 
and conducting auxiliary societies.  They will include a brief sketch of the rise 
of the humane spirit in which the whole movement originated, and which constitutes 
the chief glory of the latter half of the nineteenth century.  It is an 
evolution of civilization; it forms a striking contrast with the spirit in which 
war was formerly conducted.
          In the ancient times, and even in the Napoleonic wars, little attention was 
paid to the sick and wounded.  The medical staff, fully occupied with the 
ordinary disabilities of troops, uniformly and inevitably broke down under the 
accumulating burdens cast upon them after great battles and sieges.  The sick 
and wounded, in immense numbers, lay where they fell, for days after great 
battles.
          But this century has witnessed the rise of a more humane spirit than any 
that has previously prevailed. The care of the insane, the deaf and dumb, the 
blind, the unfortunate, the ignorant, the criminal, the prisoner, and the outcast, 
the liberation of slaves and peons and serfs, the gradual breaking down of the caste 
in all directions, and the final resting of governments broadly on the consent of 
the governed, indicate its rise and growth.
          In 1854, the deplorable condition of the British Army at Scutari drew the 
attention of the British Government to the preventable suffering, disease and 
death that prevailed in their camps, and Florence Nightingale's humane work 
there is known to the whole world.
          In June, 1859, occurred the memorable battle of Solferino, in which the 
French and Sardinians were on one side and the Austrians on the other. The 
battle raged for more than sixteen hours, over a wide reach of country, and at 
its conclusion sixteen thousand French and Sardinians and twenty thousand 
Austrians lay dead and wounded on that field. The old fact reappeared. There 
was no possible recourse in the medical staff for these people, dead and dying.  
A Swiss gentleman Henry Dunaut by name, happened to be traveling near this 
battlefield, just after the conclusion of the battle, and was horrified at the spectacle 
presented. He engaged personally for some days in the work of relief 
but the facts haunted him afterwards; the immense mass of individuals suffering 
needless torments, from hunger, thirst, and pain, and the stenches and despair 
and death were ever before him.  He wrote a book about it, entitled "A Souvenir 
of Solferino." He lectured about it before the Society of Public Utility at 
Geneva. That society became interested in the matter. Gustav Moynier, a 
gentleman of independent fortune and the present president of the society, 
Louis Appia, a philanthropic physician, and Adolph Ador, a publicist of standing 
and reputation took the matter up heartily.  They interested the attention of 
the Swiss Federal Council in the possibility of devising some means of preventing 
so much needless suffering on battlefields and in the hospitals in the time of war.
          The work of Florence Nightingale in the Crimea was cited and used as a 
proof of what might be done, if the work was undertaken in a larger and more 
comprehensive way. The Swiss Federal Council carefully, cautiously, sounded 
the courts of the greater nationalities as to their willingness to undertake so 
great an innovation upon the immemorial usages of warfare, as to mingle philanthropy 
with was while war was raging. They found these nationalities noncommittal, 
but warily inclined to look into their proposal. A conference was 
called to meet at Geneva in August, 1863.
          While these events were in progress in Europe, during 1860, 1861, and 1862, 
our Civil War broke out, and the memorable meeting of the projectors of the 
Sanitary Commission with Abraham Lincoln took place. The great President 
listened with grave attention to their proposals. It seemed so unusual, even 
preposterous, to him at that time, that he said to them: "Now, gentlemen, 
that you have stated what you propose to do if you are permitted, will you 
please state to me frankly what you really design to do and what you are driving 
at, as it is perfectly evident that you cannot expect to accomplish what you say 
you are going to do." They explained their plans to him in downright simplicity 
and earnestness.  It was a new departure in method of carrying on 
war, but he gave his hearty approval of their well-meant designs, however 
impracticable they appeared to him to be.  The success of the Sanitary Commission 
was, from the first, pronounced and decided. The great heart of the 
people responded with abundant returns to the call of the commission, and no 
part of the country responded with more substantial help and more contagious 
enthusiasm than the Pacific coast, under the inspiration of its own patrioticof "The American National Red Cross" to the Government of the United States
under the treaty by which our government and that of forty nations or more
have bound themselves in regard to the conduct of war, especially in [regard] respect to
the sick and wounded in hospitals and after great battles. They may also serve
as an answer to certain specific questions that have been asked as to organizing
and conducting auxiliary societies. They will include a brief sketch of the rise
of the humane spirit in which the whole movement originated, and which constitutes
the chief glory of the latter half of the nineteenth century. It is an
evolution of civilization; it forms a striking contrast with the spirit in which
war was formerly conducted.
In the ancient times, end even in the Napoleonic wars, little attention was
paid to the sick and wounded. The medical staff, fully occupied with the
ordinary disabilities of troops, uniformly and inevitably broke down under the
accumulating burdens cast upon them after great battles and sieges. The sick
and wounded, in immense numbers, lay where they fell, for days after great
battles.
But this century has witnessed the rise of more humane spirit than any
that has previously prevailed. The care of the insane, the deaf and dumb, the
blind, the unfortunate, the ignorant, the criminal, the prisoner, and the outcast,
the liberation of slaves and peons and serfs, the gradual breaking down of caste
in all directions, and the final resting of governments broadly on the consent of
the governed, indicate its rise and growth.
In 1854, the deplorable condition of the British Army at Scutari drew the
attention of the British Government to the preventable suffering, disease and
death that prevailed in their camps, and Florence Nightingale's humane work
there is known to the whole world. 
In June, 1859, occurred the memorable battle of Solferino, in which the
French and Sardinians were on one side and the Austrians on the other. The
battle raged for more than sixten hours, over a wide reach of country, and at
its conclusion sixteen thousand French and Sardinians and twenty thousand
Austrians lay dead and wounded on that field. The old fact reappeared. There
was no possible recourse in the medical staff for these people, dead and dying.
A Swiss gentleman, Henry Dunaut by name, happened to be traveling near this
battlefield, just after the conclusion of the battle, and was horrified at the spectacle
presented. He engaged personally for some days in the work of relief
but the facts haunted him afterwards; the immense mass of individuals suffering
needless torments, from hunger, thirst, and pain, and the stenches and despair
and death were ever before him. He wrote a book about it, entitled, "A Souvenir
of Solferino." He lectured about it before the Society of Public Utility at
Geneva. That society became interested in the matter. Gustav Moynier, a
gentleman of independent fortune and the present president of the society,
Louis Appia, a philanthropic physician, and Adolph Ador, a publicist of standing
and reputation, took the matter up heartily. They interested the attention of
the Swiss Federal Council in the possibility of devising some means of preventing
so much needless suffering on battlefields and in hospitals in time of war.
The work of Florence Nightingale in the Crimea was cited and used as a
proof of what might be done, if the work was undertaken in a larger and more
comprehensive way. The Swiss Federal Council carefully, cautiously, sounded
the courts of the greater nationalities as to their willingness to undertake so
great an innovation upon the immemorial usages of warfare, as to mingle philanthropy
with war while war was raging. They found these nationalities noncommittal,
but warily inclined to look into their proposal. A conference was
called to meet at Geneva in August, 1863.
While these events were in progress in Europe, during 1860, 1861 and 1862,
our Civil War broke out, and the memorable meeting of the projectors of the
Sanitary Commission with Abraham Lincoln took place. The great President
listened with grave attention to their proposals. It seemed so unusual, even
preposterous, to him at that time, that he said to them: "Now, gentlemen,
that you have stated what you propose to do if you are permitted, will you
please state to me frankly what you really design to do and what you are driving
at, as it is perfectly evident that you cannot expect to accomplish what you say
you are going to do." They explained their plans to him in downright simplicity
and earnestness. It was a new departure in the method of carrying on
war, but he gave his hearty approval of their well-meant designs, however
impractical they appeared to him to be. The success of the Sanitary Commission 
was, from the first, pronounced and decided. The great heart of the
people responded with abundant returns to the call of the commission, and no
part of the country responded with more substantial help and more contagious
enthusiasm than the Pacific coast, under the inspiration of its own patriotic
feelings and the guiding genius of Henry W. Bellows and Starr King.
[Applause.]
The effect was felt beyond the sea, and the conference of August, 1863, took
place while these triumphs of the Sanitary Commission in the Northern armies
were ringing round the world. Napoleon III., with considerable warmth, took
up the measure proposed, the other great continental powers followed; and with
Great Britain, they assembled by their conferees, and cautiously surveyed the
ground. In that conference and in the more formal conference of the following
years, the United States was represented by the Honorable Mr. Fogg, then our
Minister to Switzerland, and by Mr. Bowles, then an American banker in Paris.
The result of the conference of 1864 was that they formulated ten articles as 
being the fundamental propositions on which all might agree.

These ten fundamental propositions were agreed upon and formed the substance
of a treaty between the nations that joined in adopting them, and were
ratified and became the fundamental law of these nations.
In 1868, fifteen other propositions were proposed to be added to the original
ten, adopting and applying the same principles to naval warfare that were
originally applied to conflicts on the land, and these propositions have been
adopted by Spain and the United States as the fundamental principles on which
the present war on the sea shall be conducted.
On the first day of March, 1882, the United States gave its adhesion to the
treaty and to the fifteen additional articles. In 1884, the principles originally
adopted to govern nations in warfare were still further extended to the greater
calamities of peace. That has since been called the American Amendment. It
came about something in this way: In 1884, there was called by the Central
Committee a meeting of all the delegates from the treaty nations. Twenty-three
questions of importance were sent out to the delegates from the different nationalities
for them to consider and report upon when they should come together in
conference. The year before, Greece had been suffering from an earthquake,
and the Red Cross Society of Greece had done noble service on that occasion.
The question of whether the Red Cross Societies should extend their activities
to the greater calamities of peace was sent to the delegates from Greece. This
had been a matter that had engaged the attention of the American National Red
Cross for a long time.
The delegates were resolved that whatever the report from Greece might be,
that we should sustain that proposition and insist upon it, and we were prepared
to show why the Government of the United States had waited for seventeen
years before it would take up this treaty and adopt it. It was said to that conference:
"You wonder why the people of the United States, which you are
pleased to say is one of the most humane among the nations of the earth, has
neglected so long to adopt the treaty of the Red Cross. While not undertaking to
say what motives may have influenced the government, it is plain that a proposition
that requires the people of the United States to wait until they shall have
war to exercise their activities, could never be very attractive to a people that
in downright good faith never expected to have another war after the termination
of their Civil War. We are a great nation, spread over a very great space,
and we are liable all the time to the great calamities of peace. Our great
rivers like the Mississippi and Ohio overflow their banks, sometimes extending
a flood many miles wide and a thousand miles long. Sometimes great cyclones
throw up a tidal wave that sweeps our sea islands. Great conflagrations devastate
our cities and our forests. We need for the relief of the people under such
conditions the very same kind of discipline and work that you require in case
of war. It is the only preparation that we can have for war. And we can
assure you that if you will broaden out the scope of the Red Cross so that our
people can see that there is something for them to do under the Red Cross in
time of peace, you will have an abundance of evidence that the Red Cross is
accepted by the people of the United States with enthusiasm." It was opposed
in the conference, but finally it was unanimously approved.
Since that time, I may say to you, there has been extraordinary work done
by the American National Society of the Red Cross.
It has been asked whether after this war is over, you ought to keep up your
organization. No one can doubt that your work in the last four months has
been of inestimable value, not alone to the soldiers and sailors and to their
families, but to yourselves and the country at large. No one can doubt that if,
by some evil mischance, the war shall be continued, and fevers and sickness,
wounds and death, should continue to be rife. that your blessed work would
grow in efficiency and power, in directness and value, and in the public appreciation,
as you more perfectly learn the business which you have so hastily,
nobly, and successfully, taken up.

Red Cross     8
But if this war shall now cease, and we shall again have peace, with all its
blessed attendants, are we not quite so sure as we were at the close of the Civil
War that the spears can now be beaten into pruning hooks, and that we ourselves
shall never learn or practice war any more? But even if we ourselves can manage
to keep at peace with all the world, is it not certain that war impends this
moment over all Europe and Asia, in which we may at any time become
involved? The Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate
of the United States, accustomed to scan the horizon for coming portents of
war, has lately announced his conviction that European war is not far in the 
future. The death of Franz Joseph, of Austria-Hungary, might precipitate a
war among the nationalities which his steadying hand alone now holds in the
bonds of peace. The old rivalries of Great Britain and Russia, among the
nationalities of Asia, direct the attention of all thoughtful statesmen to the precarious
conditions of peace.
But even if all these are evil dreams, and the millennium of peace has at
last actually dawned upon the world, still we have not yet achieved such a victory
over the forces of nature that they will not still bring calamities upon great
multitudes of people, in which they will cry out for relief at your hands. the
rivers will overflow their banks as the forests disappear; fires will desolate cities
and forests; disease will strike down whole populations, and earthquakes make
the solid globe itself seem about to thaw again into fluidity, and distress and
ruin by the fate of millions.
But while these are all possible fields in which you may yet be called to
work, we must not fail to remember that the Red Cross is not merely another
society for general charity. It does not assume or undertake to do the work of
the church, of the benefit society, or of any other of the ten thousand forms of
charitable associations which are the distinguishing features of our age. It is
military philanthropy. Its primary work is the relief of sick and wounded
soldiers and sailors in time of war, in fixed and field hospitals, and after great
battles. All the rest is incidental to this great primary work - is preparation
for it. It therefore learns and practices subordination to the military and
medical chiefs. It raises no controverted questions. It never [obtrudes] intrudes. It is
never in the way of the operations of the army. It seeks to be always on hand
when it is needed, with its supplies and its help. It cares religiously for the
health and cheer of its own assistants, in order that they may never themselves
be a burden. But incidentally, the work of the Red Cross is a work in the
interest of perpetual peace. No peace society appealing to rulers against war
was ever so effective as the cold, matter-of-fact preparation for death and
wounds and sickness on an enormous scale, saying in deeds more eloquent than
words that these things are the necessary accompaniment of war. When Olivier
in the Thiergarten, in Berlin, before the Franco-German war said he "accepted
war with a light heart," he did not realize the grim facts of Gravelotte and
Strasburg and Sedan, which the humane work of the Red Cross might mitigate,
but could not prevent.
Again, I think I may appeal to the brief experience of you all to say
whether the work has not tended to broaden your interest in all human life;
whether it has not tended to smooth over the differences and the isolations in
which you have hitherto lived; whether differences in creeds and parties and in
social life have not broadened out into grander harmonies and nobler agreements
than you have ever imagined to be possible.
So, from every point of view, I think you will wisely conclude that it is
grandly worth your while to keep up your organizations, and that you will help
to build up an endowment for the Red Cross that will enable it to act with the
promptness of electricity, the steadiness of assured knowledge, and the sympathy
of true women.
[*New page*]

THE RED CROSS OF CALIFORNIA

The Red Cross of California has, perhaps been the most prominent
in war relief on the coast, and in the islands of the Pacific. To
add to the comforts of the men, and to assist in the care of the sick
and wounded, the people of the State of California have contributed,
and expended through their own auxiliaries of the Red Cross, over
one hundred thousand dollars. I here insert, as an example of the
work done by the people of the Pacific Coast, the report of one of the
leading central State organizations, the California Red Cross:
The beginning of Red Cross organization and work in California
can best be told in the reports of the San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley
and other societies, as they existed some little time before the State
Association was formed. In less than one month after the organization
of the San Francisco Red Cross, the necessity for a central organization
through which the many societies forming throughout the State could
work intelligently, became apparent. All were desirous of doing
something to aid the "Boys in Clue," and realizing the truth of the
old statement, "In union there is strength," it was decided to form a
State organization, which all Red Cross Societies would be invited to
join. An advisory council met on May 16, in the Occidental Hotel,
and the question of a State organization was thoroughly discussed.
On May 25 the council again met and final steps were taken toward
organizing a State Association. It was resolved that the governing
body of the association should be an executive board, consisting of
fifteen members, six of whom should be from San Francisco, four from
Alameda County and five from the State at large, and that the headquarters
should be in San Francisco.
Pursuant to this resolution the following were elected an executive
board: Mrs. W. B. Harrington, Mrs. W. R. Smedberg, Mrs. J. 
F. Merrill, Mrs. E. R. Dimond, Mrs. L. L. Dunbar, of San Francisco;
Mrs. J. M. Griffith, of Los Angeles [Angelis]; Mrs. Granville Abbott and Mr.
F. B. Ginn, of Oakland; Mrs. G. W. Haight, of Berkeley; Mrs. S. A. 
O'Neill, of Alameda; Mrs. A. Elkuss, of Sacramento, and Mrs. W. 
Baker, of Marin County; leaving two vacancies, which were later
filled by Mrs. S. F. Lieb, of San Jose, and Mrs. D. H. Webster, of
Fresno. Several changes have occurred in the board since its formation.
Mrs. Merrill, having been elected President of the San Francisco
Society, resigned from the State Board, and Mr. Adolph Mack was
elected to fill the vacancy thus caused. Mrs. Granville Abbott and Mr. 
Ginn, of the Oakland Society, resigned, their successors being Mrs. O.
F. Long and Mrs. J. G. Lemmon. Mrs. Haight, of the Berkely
Society, was succeeded by Mrs. Warring Wilkinson, and Mrs. Louis
Weinman was elected to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of
Mrs. E. R. Dimond. The officers of the board are Mrs. W. B. Harrington,
president; Mrs. J. M. Griffith, vice-president; Mrs. L. L. 
Dunbar, secretary; William E. Brown, treasurer, and Mrs. E. R. 
Dimond, assistant treasurer.
Later the positions of second and third vice-presidents were created
and Mrs. Long was elected second vice-president and Mrs. Elkus third
vice-president. Mrs. Louis Weinman was elected corresponding secretarywork done by the people of the Pacific Coast, [?]
leading central State organizations, the California Red Cross: 

                            THE RED CROSS OF CALIFORNIA.

      The beginning of Red Cross organization and work in California
can best be told in the reports of the San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley
and other societies, as they existed some little time before the State
Association was formed.  In less then one month after the organization 
of the San Francisco Red Cross, the necessity for a central organization
through which the many societies forming throughout the State could
work intelligently, became apparent.  All were desirous of doing 
something to aid the "Boys in Blue," and realizing the truth of the 
old statement, "In union there is strength," it was decided to form a
State organization, which all Red Cross Societies would be invited to 
join.  An advisory council met on May 16, in the Occidental Hotel,
and the question of a State organization was throughly discussed. 
On May 25 the council[s] again met and final steps were taken toward 
organizing a State Association.  It was resolved that the governing
body of the association should be an executive board, consisting of
fifteen members, six of whom should be from San Francisco, four from 
Alameda County and five from the State at large, and that the head-
quarters should be in San Francisco. 
      Pursuant to this resolution the following were elected an executive
board:  Mrs. W. B. Harrington, Mrs. W. R. Smedberg, Mrs. J.
F. Merrill, Mrs. E. R. Dimond, Mrs. L. L. Dunbar, of San Francisco; 
Mrs. J. M. Griffith, of Los Angelis [Angeles]; Mrs. Granville Abbott and Mr. 
F. B. Ginn, of Oakland; Mrs. G W. Haight, of Berkeley; Mrs. S. A.
O'Neill, of Alameda; Mrs. A. Elkuss, of Sacramento, and Mrs. W.
Baker, of Marin County; leaving two vacancies which were later
filled by Mrs. S. F. Lieb, of San Jose, and Mrs. D. H. Webster, of 
Fresno.  Several changes have occurred in the board since its formation.
Mrs. Merrill, having been elected President of the San Francisco 
Society, resigned from the State Board, and Mr. Adolph Mack was
elected to fill the vacancy thus caused.   Mrs. Granville Abbott and Mr. 
Ginn, of the Oakland Society, resigned, their successors being Mrs. O.
F. Long and Mrs. J. G. Lemmon.  Mrs. Haight, of the Berkeley
Society, was succeeded by Mrs. Warring Wilkinson, and Mrs. Louis 
Weinman was elected to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of
Mrs. E. R. Dimond.  The officers of the board are Mrs. W. B. Harrington,
president; Mrs. J. M. Griffith, vice-president; Mrs. L. L. 
Dunbar, secretary; William E. Brown, treasurer, and Mrs. E. R. 
Dimond, assistant treasurer. 
       Later the positions of second and third vice-presidents were created
and Mrs. Long [?] was elected second vice-president and Mrs. Elkus third
vice-president.  Mrs. Louis Weinman was elected corresponding secretary.
Mrs. Dimond, who had been in the work since its inception,
was compelled to resign on account of ill health, early in September, 
her positions both as a member of the board and as assistant treasurer, 
the vacancies being filled by the election of Mrs. Weinman, Miss
Miriam K. Wallis being elected corresponding secretary in place of 
Mrs. Weinman.  It was with sincere regret that Mrs. Dimond's resignation
was received, her work, both as assistant treasurer and as a 
member of the board, being been most satisfactory. 
        Shortly after the formation of the State Association, through the
kindness of Mrs. P. A. Hearst, two rooms were given us rent free in 
the Examiner Building for headquarters.  We own a very large debt
of gratitude to Mrs. Hearst, and take this occasion to thank her most 
sincerely for her kindness.  Since its organization the executive 
board has held twenty-three meetings besides these there have been 
two meetings of the association. 
     One of the first steps taken by the board was open a correspondence
with the American National Red Cross, with a view to 
becoming an auxiliary to the parent organization, and also to gain
official information in regard to the work of the Red Cross. 
      While awaiting a reply to our communication a constitution was
framed and adopted.  A circular letter was prepared, giving information
in regard to the formation of auxiliary societies, the conditions of
membership in the State Association and other matters of detail.  This 
circular letter, the constitutions of the State Association and the San 
Francisco Red Cross, and a form of constitution for local societies were
printed in pamphlet form and sent to all Red Cross societies throughout
the State, also to societies in Nevada, Oregon, Idaho, Dakota, 
Nebraska, Kansas and Iowa.  Applications for membership were rapidly
received until we had enrolled 101 auxiliary societies.  Besides
these there are a number of Red Cross societies not enrolled which 
have aided us with both money and supplies.  A copy of the pamphlet, 
together with a detailed statement of the work of the Red Cross of 
California, was sent to Mr. Stephen E. Barton, vice-president of the 
American National Red Cross, and soon after a response was received, 
expressing pleasure at what had been done and promising that a delegate
should be sent to inspect our work and advise in organizing. 


red cross      9                                                                     brass
         Judge Joseph Sheldon, the promised delegate, arrived about the
middle of July; he informed himself fully as to what had been done;
expressed his surprise that without definite knowledge of the work of
the American National Red Cross, we had planned our work so closely on
its lines.  Being satisfied with the work, Judge Sheldon recognized
California Red Cross State Association as an auxiliary to the American
National Red Cross.  Leaving each auxiliary to tell its own story of
the work it has done, we shall give an account of our own stewardship. 
        With the first expedition, two finely trained nurses, Messrs. 
Waage and Lewis, were sent by the S. F. [*San Francisco*] Red Cross to Manila.  The
splendid work of these men, who gave up lucrative positions, and 
volunteered their services, has been told over and over again in letters
received from both officers and men.  Following the formation of the 
State Association,[*?*] it was decided that it should take charge of the 
nurses, and Mrs. Wendell Easton, chairman of the Committee on 
Nurses, transferred her work to the State Society.  Through the 
efforts of Mrs. Easton, aided by Dr. Beverly Cole, a course of lectures
and clinics was arranged.  Fifty or sixty enthusiastic men and women
were in daily attendance on these lectures.  Drs. Cole, Kugeler, 
McCone, Rixford, Stafford, Somers and Weill gave much of their 
valuable time to this work, and aided Mrs. Easton greatly.  The 
sincere thanks of the society are again extended to them.
     It was not until the fourth expedition was ordered to Manila that
an opportunity was given us to send more nurses.  Mrs. Easton reports
four good men available, Dr. F. J. Hart, Leon Crowther, Eugene 
Rosenthal and O. H. Schlott, all of whom were engaged at once. 
It being deemed advisable, and strongly urged by army surgeons, it
was decided to establish on the arrival of this expedition at Manila a
Field Hospital.  A financial agent, and a steward who would take
charge of the bulk of the supplies for such a hospital, and such funds
as the society should see fit to place at his disposal, being a necessity, 
Mr. Schlott was selected to fill the position.  There being four transport 
ships, Dr. Hart was assigned to duty on the "Puebla," Mr. Crowther
on the "Peru," Mr. Rosenthal on the "Pennsylvania," and Mr. 
Schlott on the "Rio Janeiro."  With each of the ships, supplies were 
sent in charge of our nurses for the use of the sick men en route. 
      In Mr. Schlott's care was also sent the greater portion of an 
equipment for a Field Hospital of 125 beds, and supplies sufficient for
five or six months' use.  The balance of the equipment was sent on 
the "Scandia," as there was not sufficient room on the "Rio Janeiro."
Five hundred dollars was placed in the Hong-Kong and Shanghai Bank
to be drawn upon by Mr. Schlott.   We have received letters telling of
the excellent work done by our nurses on the ships.  All have arrived
in Manila and our Field Hospital has been established.  A cablegram
signed by Majors McCarthy and Woodruff, surgeons, was received
recently apprising us of the success of the work.  The State Association
had now sent six nurses to the front.  Not nearly enough considering
the reports of sickness among the troops; it was therefore [*lead*]
decided, if possible, to send more.  The great desire of the board was
to send women nurses and well as men. 
      In the earlier stages of our work, it was decided to take initiatory
steps toward securing a hospital ship for the Pacific Coast, but in 
response to telegrams sent to the President, and Secretaries of War and
Navy, we were assured that such a ship would be furnished by the 
government, and the matter was dropped.  In August, the ships
"Scandia" and "Arizona" were purchased by the government, to 
be used for transporting troops and government hospital supplies to 
Manila and to return as hospital ships.  We were notified that we could 
send nurses on these ships and steps were taken at once to secure them. 
Shortly after, the office was thrown into a commotion by the announcement
from General Merriam that a limited number of women nurses 
would be sent.  Mrs. Easton and a long list of names of nurses who
had offered their services and were ready to go at a moment's notice. 
Eight of these were: Misses Garlick, Smythe, Ralph, Elsifer, Laswell, 
Shaefer, Mrs. Palm, and Mrs. Leman.  The men selected were: Drs. 
Ross, Caldwell, Dwight, and Messrs Leonard , Durst, Kibel, Heyl, and
Tanner.  Four were sent on the "Scandia," the remaining twelve on 
the "Arizona."  We were rejoiced at being able to send the women 
nurses and feel sure they will do excellent work.  As many of the 
nurses as are needed will remain on duty at the Field Hospital, the others 
will return with the ships, caring for the sick men being sent back. 
We have not as yet had time to receive reports from our agent Mr. 
Schloll [*tt*], but feel assured that the work is in good hands and that our 
Field Hospital at Manila will prove a blessing to many a sick boy. 
        No provision having been made by the government, for the care
of convalescent soldiers, who upon leaving the hospital went back to 
their tents and in their weakened condition in many instances contracted
colds or suffered relapses that perhaps resulted in death; it was
decided to secure a home where convalescent men could have better 
care.  An effort was made to secure a suitable house in the neighborhood
of the Presidio.  This being impossible, upon consultation with 
the military authorities, it was decided to build a house at the Presidio. 
General Miller looked over the ground and selected the most eligible
spot.  The idea of erecting the home was taken up most enthusiastically
by the auxiliaries, and the money required was soon in the 
treasury.   Messrs Newsome and Meyers kindly donated plans and in 
three weeks from the day of starting, it was finished.  It is a one story
building, containing a large wards, four small rooms, dining and sitting
[?][?] kitchen, office storerooms, two bath rooms, etc.  Theto be drawn upon by Mr. Schlott.  We have received letters telling of the excellent work done by our nurses on the ships.  All have arrived in Manila and our Field Hospital has been established.  A cablegram is signed by Majors McCarthy and Woodruff, surgeons, was received recently apprising us of the success of the work.  The State Association had now sent six nurses to the front.  Not nearly enough considering the reports of sickness among the troops; it was therefore [lead] decided, if possible to send more.  The great desire of the board was to send women nurses as well as men.

In the earlier stages of our work, it was decided to take initiatory steps towards securing a hospital ship for the Pacific Coast, but in response to telegrams sent to the PResident, and Secretaries of WAr and Navy, we were assured that such a ship would be furnished by the government, and the matter was dropped.  In August, the ships "Scandia" and "Arizona" were purchased by the government, to be used for transporting troops and government hospital supplies to Manila and to return as hospital ships.  WE were notified that we could send nurses on these ships and steps were taken as once to secure them.  Shortly after, the office was thrown into a commotion by the announcement from General Merriam that a limited number of women nurses would be sent.  Mrs. Easton had a long list of names of nurses who had offered their services and were ready to go at a moment's notice.  Eight of these were: Misses Garlick, Smythe, Ralph, Elsifer, Laswell, Shaefer, Mrs. Palm, and Mrs. Leman.  The men selected were: Drs. Ross, Caldwell, Dwight, and Messrs Leonard, Durst, Kibbel, Heyl, and Tanner.  Four were sent on the "Scandia," the remaining twelve on the "Arizona."  We were rejoiced at being able to send the women nurses and feel sure they will do excellent work.  As many of the nurses as are needed will remain on duty at the Field Hospital, the others will return with the ships, caring for the sick men being sent back.  WE have not yet had time to receive reports from our agent Mr. Schlott, but feel assured that the work is in good hands and that our Field Hospital at Manila will prove a blessing to many a sick boy.

No provision having been made by the government, for the care of convalescent soldiers, who upon leaving the hospital went back to their tents and in their weakened condition in many instances contracted colds or suffered relapse that perhaps resulted in death; it was decided to secure a home where convalescent men could have better care.  An effort was made to secure a suitable house in the neighborhood of the Presidio.  This being impossible, upon consultation with the military authorities, it was decided to build a house at the Presidio.  General Miller looked over the ground and selected the most eligible spot.  The idea of erecting the home was taken up most enthusiastically by the auxiliaries and the money required was soon in the treasury.  Messrs Newsom and Meyers kindly donated plans and in three weeks from the day of starting, it was finished.  It is a one story building, containing a large ward, four small rooms, dining and sitting room combined, kitchen, office, storerooms, two bath rooms, etc.  The large ward accommodates twenty beds, the fourth room is used by the nurses.

Requests came quickly from both private individuals and auxiliaries to be allowed to completely furnish one or more beds, so that by the time the building was finished the furnishings were ready.  Fourteen patients were admitted the day of opening and within a few days every bed was occupied.  It is a most inviting and homelike place, exquisitely neat, with health giving sunlight pouring in all day.  Trained nurses are in attendance night and day and everything possible is done to bring back health and strength.  The happiness of the boys is unbounded, and their expressions of joy are pathetic.  "It's most like heaven" was one boy's sentiment.  It is talked of in the Division Hospital, and is the goal to which the sick men look forward.  Miss McKinstry who has been superintendent since the opening, has done splendid work.  She received no compensation whatever, other than the gratitude of her charges and the high commendation of the surgeons.

The sincere thanks of the executive board are extended to Miss McKinstry, and it is with deep regret that her resignation, which she was compelled to send in because of illness in her family, was accepted.  Sixty-three men have been cared for in the home, and thirty-seven discharged.  They are under the care of Major Surgeon Matthews, of the Division Hospital who regulates their coming and going.  He expresses himself in most unqualified terms of praise for Miss McKinstry's work, and also of the benefit the home has been to the boys.

All of the troops leaving for Manila have been supplied with identification medals by the State Society, irrespective of the States from which they came.  In several instances the money expended for these has been refunded by either the governor of the State, or Red Cross societies.  The executive board desires to express its sincere appreciation of the aid and has received from it's auxiliaries.  All have responded promptly and rally to our calls for aid, which have only been made when absolutely necessary.  It has been our endeavor to expend all money sent to us as carefully and judiciously as possible, considering the trust placed in us as sacred.  Our treasurer's report will show.

Red cross 10 brass

how the money has been expended.  Not a dollar has been paid for the services of our women since the organization of the association.  WE have been in the office from 9 a.m. until 5 and 6 p.m., gladly giving our time and strength for the cause.

We have endeavored in all our work not to transgress army regulations.  To that end our president has held many conferences with Generals Merritt and Merriam, as well as the surgeons in charge.  They have aided us courteously and kindly in our work, and have granted us all the privileges possible, for which we are more grateful.  WE have also kept in touch with the American REd Cross, and have reported our work fully.

The parent organization has shown its confidence in us by delegating the work in the Philippines to our association.  Mr. Barton, the chairman of the executive board and vice-president of the American National Red Cross, has referred all societies in the West to us, advising them to work through the California Red Cross.  We have in our membership a society in Pocatello, Idaho; one in Almo, Idaho; one in Corvallis, Oregon; and one in Beatrice, Nebraska.

The Elko (Nevada) Red Cross has withdrawn to become an auxiliary of their own State organization.  Two societies have disbanded, their members were only summer residents, who have returned to their city homes.  It is our earnest desire that our auxiliary societies will not disband, feeling that the war is over.  We have assumed certain obligations in establishing the Field Hospital at Manila, as well as the Convalescent Home at the Presidio, and our work cannot cease at this time.  We sincerely hope the auxiliaries will stand loyally by us as they have done in the past.

A short times since, an appeal was made for a regular monthly contribution, no matter how small, from each auxiliary.  Many of the societies have responded, and we hope soon to hear from others.  We have certain and sure expenses to meet and a variable income is rather a source of uneasiness.

The thanks of the executive board are extended to the Pacific Telephone and TElegraph Company for the free use of the telephones; to the Western Union Telegraph Company for the free use of their wires in the State; to Wells, Fargo & Co., and the Southern Pacific Railroad Company for free transportation of supplies.  Our demands upon them have been heavy, and were generously granted.  To the press of San Francisco we are most deeply indebted for the generous and courteous treatment we have received, and we extend our sincere thanks.  To the 20,000 people of California, wearing the little badge of membership in the Red Cross, we extend cordial greetings and thanks for their kind interest in our work.

We have been helped more than we can tell by the kind words and expression of confidence from our auxiliaries.  How well we have done our work, we will leave you to judge.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF THE RED 
                              CROSS OF CALIFORNIA
While this statement is incomplete, inasmuch as reports from all
the local auxiliaries have not yet been received, it illustrates how
universal was the organization of the Red Cross in one of the States of 
the far West:
Place                                                                           Receipts            Expenses                Balance
California Red Cross State Association, Cal . .     $22,119.74          $10,472.63             $11,647.11
Red Cross Society, San Francisco, Cal . . . . . . .    55,408.83            33,434.18               21,974.65
                                  San Jose, Cal . . . . . . . . . . .    2,274.66               1,456.03                 809.63
                                  Lompoc, Cal . . . . . . . . . . . .    234.70                  124.35                    110.35
                                  Palo Alto, Cal . . . . . . . . . . .     222.90                  153.15                     69.75
                                  Ventura, Cal . . . . . . . . . . . .     193.40                  179.95                    13.45
                                  San Leandro, Cal . . . . . . . . .    73.50                    69.65                      3.85
                                  Centersville, Cal . . . . . . . . . .    165.90                 133.55                    32.35
                                  Suisun, Cal . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    405.80                 154.65                    251.15
                                  Tulare, Cal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   55.70                    53.45                      2.25
                                  Sacramento, Cal . . . . . . . . . .   6,373.43               2,749.75               3,623.68
                                  Mendocino, Cal . . . . . . . . . . .   105.10                  102.29                     2.81   
                                  Grass Valley, Cal . . . . . . . . . .    787.10                  571.09                     216.01
                                  Berkeley, Cal . . . . . . . . . . . . .    1,092.91               485.37                    607.54
                                  Sansalido, Cal . . . . . . . . . . . .    612.30                  322.20                    290.10
                                  Redwood City, Cal . . . . . . . . .   335.55                  222.63                    112.92
                                  Galt, Cal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   67.75                     59.04                       8.71
                                  Auburn, Cal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  257.67                  200.77                     56.90
                                  Santa Cruz, Cal . . . . . . . . . . . .  493.45                 393.60                     99.85
                                  San Diego, Cal . . . . . . . . . . . .   410.25                  257.39                     152.86
                                  Fresno, Cal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   326.00                 292.30                     33.70
                                  Los Angeles, Cal . . . . . . . . . . .  2,586.28              1,397.92                  1,188.36
                                  Walnut Creek, Cal . . . . . . . . . .  171.75                   142.28                       29.47
                                  Belvedere, Cal . . . . . . . . . . . . .  310.00                  192.35                       117.65
                                  Martinez, Cal . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  233.31                  199.80                       33.51
                                  Monterey, Cal . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  312.38                  177.95                      134.43
                                  Stockton, Cal . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   316.10                  176.00                      140.10
                                  San Rafael, Cal . . . . . . . . . . . . .   1,416.55               750.10                     666.45
                                  Colfax, Cal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  116.13                   50.00                        66.13
                                  Nevada City, Cal . . . . . . . . . . . .   365.05                 342.77                      22.28
                                  Vacaville, Cal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   211.85                  141.26                       70.59
                                  Calistoga, Cal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  168.90                  135.53                      33.27
                                  Downieville, Cal . . . . . . . . . . . . .   43.00                    25.16                        17.84
                                  Willow Glen, Cal . . . . . . . . . . . . .   97.35                    52.40                      44.95
                                  Hopeland, Cal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   58.00                   50.05                        7.95CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF THE RED CROSS OF CALIFORNIA.
small caps                                                               small caps

While this statement is incomplete, inasmuch as reports from all the local auxiliaries have not yet been received, it illustrates how universal was the organization of the Red Cross in one of the States of the far West:

PLACE.                                                                  RECEIPTS.              EXPENSES.                 BALANCE.
California Red Cross State Association, Cal.       .$22,119.74             $10, 472.63             $11, 647.11
Red Cross Society, San Francisco, Cal. . . . .           55, 408.83               33,434.18                21, 974.65
"              "          "  San Jose, Cal. . . . . . . .                   2,74.66                1,465.03                      809.63
"              "          "  Lompoc, Cal. . . . . . . . .                   234.70                   124.35                      110.35
"              "          "  Palo Alto, Cal. . . . . . . . .                  222.90                  153.15                        69.75

  quarters opened May 31, 189 [???]
kindly detailed members of the company to decorate and make attractive
the room, loaning for this purpose the historic centennial flag
which, for the first time in over twenty years, passed from the custody
of the company.  Members of the battery reported for duty each
morning, this assisting the committee of ladies in charge in many ways.

A telephone was put in by the Oregon Telephone Company, electric
lights supplied by the General Electric Company, chairs, tables
and other furnishings provided by the business houses of the city.
The Singer Machine Company sent sewing machines for the use of the
supply committee and work began in earnest. Women from every
part of the community representing church, club and society organizations,
enrolled their names and offered their services in the emergency
call, showing more plainly than words can describe the broadening
influence of these organizations upon the mother heart of the land.
Laying aside prejudices, creeds, and personal affiliations, they became 
a unit in this patriotic work. Day after day with aching hearts but
smiling faces they toiled - the membership grew into the hundreds - 
subscriptions came pouring in, the sums ranging from $100 to the
dimes, nickels and pennies of the children.

Word was received that the volunteers of Oregon were to be mobilized
at Portland and on April 27, Brigadier-General Charles F. Beebe, 
O. N. G., issued special orders for the preparation of a suitable camp
within the city limits. The site selected was the Irvington race track, 
and April 29 one hundred and sixty-one tents were pitched, the name,
Camp McKinley, adopted, and on the morning of April 30, 1898, the
first company arrived and active camp life began.

Members of the different committees of the Emergency Corps visited
the camp daily, consulting with the commanding officers as to the
health, comfort and needs of the soldiers in their charge. Open house
was kept at headquarters for the volunteers when in the city and everything
human ingenuity could suggest and loving hearts contribute to
smooth the pathway from comfortable civil life to the hardship and
discipline of camp life was done. This was not planned nor worked
out by one person but by by united effort on the part of all, whose kindly
ministrations grew out of a desire to cheer and encourage these brave
Oregon volunteers - the flower of the State - who had given up home
and position, offering their lives to their country in the noble work of
liberating an oppressed and outraged people.

Meantime circular letters had been sent to the cities and towns
throughout the state urging the patriotic women to form auxiliaries for
the purpose of raising money to swell the regiment fund and also help in
the purchasing of a flag to be presented to the volunteers by the women
of the State.

Hood River was the first to respond, with Roseburg, Pendeleton,
Corvallis, Hillsboro, LaFayette, LaGrande, Hubbard, Weston, Woodburn, 
Astoria and THe Dalles, quickly falling in line. Faithfully
have these auxiliaries assisted in every line of work that it has been 
found necessary to take up - contributions of money and supplies have
been given, while in their respective localities a fund has been raised
to assist the families of the volunteers. Hospital supplies of caps,
fever belts and cordials are constantly forwarded, and daily, letters
are received asking for instructions.

On Sunday, May 8, a patriotic and sacred concert was given at
Camp McKinley to increase the regimental fund that the Emergency
Corps were raising and the proceeds netted the creditable sum of
$1399.35. The attendance of over ten thousand people was an
evidence of their zeal and desire to contribute their mite toward the
object. The program was furnished by the First Regimental Band, Miss
Rose Bloch and Madame Norelli. It was a scene never to be forgotten
by that vast audience when, at the close of the evening drill, the stars
and stripes were slowly lowered at the booming of the sunset gun, and 
the long lines of volunteers, motionless as statues, listened as the
inspiring strains of the Star Spangled Banner floated upon the summer 
air, while the setting sun, kissing the peak of the distant, snow-crowned
mountain, shed its departing rays lie a heavenly benediction upon
these sons of valor.

May 11, 1998, the first battalions, consisting of Companies A, B, C, 
D, Second Regiment Oregon Volunteers, under command of Major C.
H. Gantenbein, by order of the War Department, left for San Francisco
 and one week later, May 16, Companies E, F, G, H, I, K, L and M,
under command of Colonel O. Summers, broke camp and proceeded to
join the others at the Presidio to await transportation to Manila.

To the captains of these respective companies, the Oregon Emergency
Corps gave one hundred dollars in gold coin as an emergency
fund. To Major M. H. Ellis, commanding regimental surgeon in
charge of the Hospital Corps, was given one hundred dollars, also eight
hundred yards of flannel for bandages. in addition to this, contributions
from other sources made the available amount fully two thousand
dollars.

Red Cross      12

After the departure of the volunteers for San Francisco the headquarters
were transferred from First street to the Armory which the
military board turned over to the Emergency Corps for their use.
Here meetings were held, a bureau of information established with a
committee in charge, and all other business transacted.

On May 14, an offer was made by the firm of Lipman, Wolfe &
Co. to turn over their department store to the Emergency Corps upon
any date they might select. The entire charge of this establishment
was to be assumed by the organization for one day - ten percent of 
all sales to go to the regimental fund. To this generous offer was
added the privilege of serving mid-day lunch and introducing  other
suitable features that would help to swell the treasury. This offer was 
unanimously accepted and on May 17 the most novel scene ever
witnessed in Portland's business history, was presented. Women,
prominent in charitable and philanthropic work, leaders of society,
sedate and stately matrons, assumed control of the various departments
of this large business house, acting as superintendent, assistant
superintendent, cashier and floor managers, while a hundred or more
 of Portland's fair daughters from early morning till late at night stood
behind the counters serving customers. The store was gaily decorated
with flags, bunting and roses; music was furnished by the Kinross
Orchestra and Columbia mandolin Quartette. Thousands of purchasers
who had waited for this day surged back and forth through
the aisles, crowded stairways and elevators in their haste to give their
ten percent to the soldiers' fund. The East Indian department which
was transformed into a most enticing restaurant proved inadequate to
the demand, as hundreds whom it was impossible to serve, were turned
away. The result proved the success of the venture, one thousand
dollars being added to the treasury of the society while the remark
made by the senior member of the firm that it had "been the happiest
day in a business career of over thirty-five years," left no other conclusion
than that a twofold blessing follows such generous deeds.

After the departure of the Second Regiment for San Francisco the
Emergency Corps continued the work of its supply department in 
meeting the wants of soldiers - not only in Oregon volunteers but all
or any needing assistance. May 23 and appeal was received from a
member of the Red Cross Society in San Francisco for fever belts and
sleeping caps as it was impossible to meet the need for these articles
then existing. The following telegram was at once sent:

Red Cross Society, 
San Francisco, Cal.

Greeting: - Count on us; will send one thousand caps and one thousand
fever belts.

Oregon Emergency Corps.

Work was at once begun and in a few days the supplies were
shipped to 16 Post street.

The Sewing Committee has continued its labors, hundreds of
articles being made and furnished to the Second Regiment Engineer
Corps Oregon recruits and Washington volunteers, etc.

It has been the privilege of the Oregon Emergency Corps to 
entertain all troops passing through Portland en route to different
stations on the coast. This was done at first at the Union depot,
where the soldiers were met by committees and served a substantial
lunch, consisting of coffee, sandwiches, cake, fruit, etc. In this branch
of work the Flower Mission, composed of twenty or more young women,
have rendered valuable assistance in serving refreshments and decorating
the trains. Toms of flowers have been donated for this purpose and the
departing soldier has been given a bouquet of Oregon roses in addition 
to his box of lunch. Frequently has a letter accompanied by a box of
flowers been sent at the request of husbands, brothers and sons to their
distant homes, and replies received from many have made sweeter the
saying, "Small service is true service while it lasts."

After the use of the armory was tendered the corps by the State
Military Board, the soldiers were met on their arrival at the depot and
escorted to military headquarters and lunch served in the spacious drill
hall. The freedom of the building was extended, the gymnasium, 
bowling alley, reading room, etc., affording rest and recreation for all.

In July the work was found to be increasing so rapidly that it was
necessary to enlarge the executive staff. To this end the president
made the following appointments: first assistant, Mrs. Levi Young;
second assistant, Mrs. H. W. Wallace; assistant to treasurer, Mrs.
Wm. Patterson; assistant for correspondence, Mrs. Edmund Nollain;
assistant for recording, Mrs. Lischen Miller.

Headquarters were again established at 137 First street, to meet
the request of business men and others who wished to contribute to the
society and found the armory at an inconvenient distance.

An honorary membership list was opened with the fee fixed at one
dollar. The list at present numbers over 300, and among the named
recorded are those of Captain C. E. Clark. of the battleship "Oregon,"
Hon. Edward Everett Hale, General Longstreet, Hon. Jos. E. Sheldon
and Mrs. James Shafter.

The total membership of the society is 1557. Of this number 553 
are members of the auxiliary corps, leaving 1004 members for the Portland 
organization. The membership of the various auxiliaries is as follows:

Weston . . . . . . . . . . . . .27  La Grande . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Astoria  . . . . . . . . . . . . .69  Hood River . . . . . . . . . . 21
Hillsboro . . . . . . . . . . . 69  Hubbard . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Pendleton . . . . . . . . . . 33  Roseburg . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Lafayette . . . . . . . . . . . 33  Woodburn . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Corvallis . . . . . . . . . . . .51  The Dalles . . . . . . . . . . . .80sleeping caps as it was impossible to meet the needs for these articles
then existing. The following telegram was at once sent:

RED CROSS SOCIETY,
SAN FRANCISCO, CAL.

     Greeting:--Count on us; will send one thousand caps and one thousand
fever belts.

OREGON EMERGENCY CORPS.

     Work was at once begun and in a few days the supplies were
shipped to 16 Post street.
     The Sewing Committee has continued its labors, hundreds of
articles being made and furnished to the Second Regiment Engineer
Corps Oregon recruits and Washington volunteers, etc.
     It has been the privilege of the Oregon Emergency Corps to
entertain all troops passing through Portland en route to different
stations on the coast. This was at first done at the Union depot,
where the soldiers were met by committees and served a substantial
lunch, consisting of coffee, sandwiches, cake, fruit, etc. In this branch
of work the Flower Mission, composed of twenty or more young women,
have rendered valuable assistance in serving refreshments and decorating
the trains. Tons of flowers have been donated for this purpose and the
departing soldier has been given a bouquet of Oregon roses in addition
to his box of lunch. Frequently has a letter accompanied by a box of
flowers been sent at the request of husbands, brothers and sons to their
distant homes, and replies received from many have made sweeter the
saying, "Small service is true service while it lasts."
     After the use of the armory was tendered the corps by the State
Military Board, the soldiers were met on their arrival at the depot and
escorted to military headquarters and lunch served in the spacious drill
hall. The freedom of the building was extended, the gymnasium,
bowling alley, reading room, etc., affording rest and recreation for all.
     In July the work was found to be increasing so rapidly that it was
necessary to enlarge the executive staff. To this end the president
made the following appointments: first assistant, Mrs. Levi Young;
second assistant, Mrs. H. W. Wallace: assistant to treasurer, Mrs.
Wm. Patterson; assistant for correspondence, Mrs. Edmund Nollain;
assistant for recording, Mrs. Lischen Miller. 
     Headquarters were again established at 137 First street, to meet
the request of business men and others who wished to contribute to the
society and found the armory at an inconvenient distance.
     An honorary membership list was opened with the fee fixed at one
dollar. This list at present numbers over 300, and among the named
recorded are those of Captain C. E. Clark, of the battleship "Oregon,"
Hon. Edward Everett Hale, General Longstreet, Hon. Jos. E. Sheldon
and Mrs. James Shafter.
     The total membership of the society is 1557. Of this number 553
are members of auxiliary corps, leaving 1004 members for the Portland
organization. The membership of the various auxiliaries is as follows:

  Weston . . . . . . . . . . . .  27      La Grande . . . . . . . . . . . 39
  Astoria . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69      Hood River . . . . . . . . . . .21
  Hillsboro . . . . . . . . . . .  69     Hubbard . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
  Pendleton . . . . . . . . . .  38     Roseburg . . . . . . . . . . . 100 
  Lafayette . . . . . . . . . . . 33      Woodburn . . . . . . . . . . . 23
  Corvallis . . . . . . . . . . . . 51     The Dalles . . . . . . . . . . .  80

Valuable service has been rendered the State of Oregon by a member
of the corps, Madame A. de Fonfride Smith, who has compiled an
"Official Roster" of the enlisted men for 1898. This has been entirely
her own work and contains a careful history sketch of each member of the
State Military Board, officers of the Second Regiment and the name of
every volunteer. This little book is tastefully bound and illustrated with
views of Camp McKinley and photographs of the officers of each company.
The author has visited nearly every town in the State from which
volunteers were recruited circulating the work, while a copy has been
kept for every man whose name is recorded on its pages. Several
thousand copies have been sold and the net proceeds are to be a contribution
to the treasury of the Emergency Corps. In work of this kind
Oregon stands alone, being the only State that is the fortunate
possessor of so concise and comprehensive history of its brave sons.
     Up to the time of the departure of the Oregon recruits for San
Francisco, there had been an ample field for the labors of the Oregon
Emergency Corps in its local work, but it became evident that in order
to carry out the promises of continued care and attention to the volunteers
while in the service of their country; to assist in the relief work
of furnishing supplies for the hospital ships or sending nurses to care
for the sick at Manila it was now necessary to have governmental protection.
This could only be obtained through the agency of the Red
Cross Society and the question of expediency in this direction was
considered. On July 23, Judge Joseph Sheldon visited Portland in the
interests of the American National Red Cross Association. In an
address before the Emergency Corps he presented the advantages: resulting
to the relief societies of the different States though co-operation
with this national body, advising affiliation as soon as possible. Action

[*Lead lead*]

RED CROSS 13
was deferred on the part of the society till the next regular meeting in
order that members might be given an opportunity to investigate for
themselves. Meanwhile, the executive board held several conferences
with Judge Sheldon relative to their power to continue local work, and
their obligations as an organization to the national committee. At a
regular meeting July 30th the subject was resumed, and after a presentation
of both sides of the question a unanimous vote in favor of affiliation
resulted. The name of the organization was changed to the
Oregon Emergency Corps and Red Cross Society and an application
made to the national committee for proper recognition. The wisdom
of the step was demonstrated a few weeks later when transportation was
given by the government for two nurses, Dr. Frances Woods and Miss
Lena Killiam for Manilla. These nurses were outfitted and furnished
funds by the Portland Society and sent forward on the "Arizona" as
Oregon's representatives in the relief work of caring for her sick or
suffering volunteers. 
     Reports having been received of the sickness and general discomfort
of the Oregon recruits at Camp Merritt, the Society, at a meeting
held August 6, voted to send the president, Mrs. H. E. Jones, and Mrs.
Levi Young to visit the recruits and inquire into the matter. They
proceeded at once to San Francisco, spending two weeks in investigating
conditions and doing whatever their judgment advised to make
more comfortable their unpleasant surroundings. These recruits,
whom it was expected would be sent at once to their officers and regiment,
turned out veritable military orphans stranded at Camp Merritt
and left for weeks to the care of young officers from other regiments.
Happily this condition is changed, as on the twentieth of August they
were turned over to the command of an able and experienced officer,
Major Goodale, of the Twenty-third U.S. Infantry. They have since
been moved to the Presidio, where surroundings are pleasanter, pending
orders for their transportation to their own regiment at Manila or
return to their homes.
     During their stay in San Francisco the representatives of the
Oregon Emergency Corps and Red Cross Society were enabled to look
into the various lines of relief work of the California society. Many
courtesies were extended by the officers of the State and local associations, valuable suggestions were received, and it was also their privilege
to attend the meeting of the State Association, held in Golden Gate
hall, and listen to Judge Sheldon's able address upon the American
National Red Cross. 
     It gives us pleasure to publicly acknowledge the unbounded gratitude
of the Emergency Corps of Portland for the many kindnesses
bestowed by the women of the California Red Cross upon the soldiers
from Oregon. First, for their attention to the Second Regiment Volunteers,
who, though with them but a few weeks, were the recipients
of many comforts; but more particularly to the sick or afflicted ones of
the Oregon recruits for whom they have cared, supplying both medicines
and delicacies and in other ways providing for their necessities. 
     In the space of this article it is impossible to mention in detail the
many contributions from patriotic citizens throughout the State of
Oregon. Gifts from corporations, business houses, independent leagues
and individuals bear testimony to the interest all feel in this great
relief work, and their confidence in the Red Cross Society, through
which their offerings are dispensed. The press has been our staunch
and valued friend, freely giving editorials and space to further the
cause. 
     There are no salaried officers, men and women having generously
given their time from the first day of organization to the present. It
has been the aim of the officers to faithfully and conscientiously discharge
their duties, realizing the great responsibility and confidence
reposed in them. 
     Each month a carefully prepared report of the proceedings, receipts
and disbursements of the society has been given the public, and the
treasurer's report here appended is in full from April 26 to [September 1] November 5. 
     The work of the organization will be carried on in future, as in
the past, along every line which best serves the interest of those for
whose benefit it was begun. 

TREASURER'S REPORT
September 1, to October 31, inclusive.

RECEIPTS
Initiations (35) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3 50
Badges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 50
Honorary members (17) . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 00 
Stationery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  4 43
Manila punch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Received from Grangeville, Idaho . . . . 12 50
Hospitality account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 90
Other sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 75
                                                         $140 13
          Heretofore reported  . . . . . . .5,591 74
          Total to date . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,731 87

DISBURSEMENTS.
Expenses at headquarters . . . . . . . . . . $12 29
Books for treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        90
Long-distance telephoning  . . . . . . . . .       60
Hospitality account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   19 75
Relief fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    47 50
Paid McKinnon, groceries . . . . . . . . . . .    1 50
  "  J.K. Gill & Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         20
  "  Washington Creamery . . . . . . . . . . .    2 20
  "  F. Dresser, groceries . . . . . . . . . . . . .  14 50
  "  O. Summers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    3 15
  "  A. Feldenheimer, badges . . . . . . . . .  25 00
  "  B. Goldsmith, rent  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   35 00
  "  Glass & Prudhomme, printing . . . . . 20 50
                                                          $ 183 09National Red Cross.
It gives us pleasure to publicly acknowledge the unbounded gratitude of the Emergency Corps of Portland for the many kindnesses bestowed by the women of the California Red Cross upon the soldiers from Oregon. First, for their attention to the second regiment volunteers, who, though with them for weeks, we’re the recipients of many comforts; but more particularly to the sick or afflicted ones of the Oregon recruits for whom they have cared, supplying both medicines and delicacies and in other ways providing for their necessities.

In the space of this article it is impossible to mention in detail the
many contributions from patriotic citizens throughout the State of
Oregon. Gifts from corporations, business houses, independent leagues
and individuals bear testimony to the interest all feel in this great [*G]
relief work, and their confidence in the Red Cross Society, through
which their offerings are dispensed. The press has been our staunch
and valued friend, freely giving editorials and space to further the
cause.

There are no salaried officers, men and women having generously
given their time from the first day of organization to the present. it
has been the aim of the officers to faithfully and conscientiously discharge
their duties, realizing the great responsibility and confidence
reposed in them.

Each month a carefully prepared report of the proceedings, receipts
and disbursements of the society has been given the public, and the
treasurer's report here appended is in full from April 26 to [September 1 .][*November 5.]

The work of the organization will be carried on in future, as in
the past, along every line which best serves the interest of those for whose benefit it was begun.

TREASURER'S REPORT
September 1, to October 31, inclusive.

RECEIPTS.
Initiations (35) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3 50
Badges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  70 50
Honorary members (17) . . . . . . . . . .   17 50
Stationary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    4 43
Manila punch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       55
Received from Grangeville, Idaho . . .  12 50
Hospitality account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   29 90
Other sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     1 75
                                                           $140 13

Heretofore reported . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5,591 74
Total to date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $5,751 87

DISBURSEMENTS.
Expenses at headquarters  . . . . . . . . . $12 50
Books for treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         90
Long-distance telephoning  . . . . . . . .        60
Hospitality account  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   19 75
Relief fund  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .   47 50
Paid McKinnon groceries . . . . . . . . . . .     1 50 
" J.K. Gill & Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..        20
" Washington  Creamery  . . . . . . . . . . .     2 20
" F. Dresser, groceries  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   14 50
" O. Summers . . . . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . . . . .     3 15
" A. Feldenheimer, badges  . . . . . . . . . .    25 00
" B. Goldsmith, rent  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    35 00
" Glass & Prudhomme, printing . . . . . .    20 50
                                                              $183 09 
Heretofore reported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5,061 49
Total to date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $5,244 58
Cash on hand and in bank . . . . . . . . . . .    487 29
                                                              $5,731 87

TREASURER'S REPORT
PORTLAND, OREGON, November 5, 1898

RECEIPTS.
Initiations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $4 20
Badges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  63 95
Honorary members . . . . . . . . . . . .   28 30
Stationary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    1 35
Battery A entertainment  . . . . . . . .  338 10
Donations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  1,358 26
                                                        1,794 16
Heretofore reported . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,731 87
Total to date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $7,526 03

DISBURSEMENTS.
Relief fund  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .              $54 45
Meals for soldiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      18 60
Expenses at headquarters   . . . . . . . .    31 59
Postage, telegrams, freight etc.  . . . . .   18 35
Supplies to volunteers. . . . . . . . . . . . . .   15 00
Supplies to headquarters   . . .  . . . . . .     6 97 
Cash sent to Manila . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,000 00
                                                        $1,144 96 
Heretofore reported . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5,244 58
Total to date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,389 54
Cash on hand and in bank . . . . . . . .  1, 136 49 
                                                         $7,526 03

MRS. WM C. ALVORD
Treasurer
[*New Page*]
[*Space*]
[* The Red Cross of Washington*]
[*caps]Wister's and Woods
Reports that may be required 
to be left out of th Book
C.B.

[*Report on Second expedition*]
[*Regular type all through*]
REPORT OF
EDWARD M. WISTAR,
OF PHILADELPHIA, SPECIAL FIELD AGENT, IN CHARGE OF
SECOND EXPEDITION.
[TO MISS CLARA BARTON, President:
Upon my return from the field of active work in Asia Minor, you have
asked for a summary of my report made to you from time to time, It 
follows herewith:]
     Perhaps it was the 9th of December last, that upon looking over my
office mail, there met my eye a letter from  [you and Mr Pullman:] [*Clara Barton*] Suffering
in Turkey had been much on my mind during the previous few days,
and before opening your envelope there seemed to come to me the thought,
"What if this prove a call for services in Armenia?" Your kind preliminaries
were followed by the query, "If we find it possible to go to Armenia
will it be possible for you to go with us?" After full deliberation I wired
[you] that I would be [at your] [*ready for*] service, and immediately made arrangements
for leaving home. Subsequent correspondence and an interview [with you]
in Washington placed me in an attitude of readiness. Later (the 22nd of 
January having been fixed for leaving America) , I was expecting [to accompany you] [*set out*] when for certain good reasons a wire received about noon of 
the 21st said, "Not tomorrow, wait for further advice.: This advice
finally came from Constantinople on the 19th of February "come
Saturday (22nd) and bring another man." Accordingly Mr. Charles King
Wood sailed with me on the following day, the 22nd. We were in London
within the week and welcomed [by you in your own house] in Constantinople
on the 7th of March.
     The important matter of selecting and contracting with a suitable interpreter,
and other preliminary arrangements, detained us a few days in
Constantinople, but these being made and teskeres (traveling passports)
granted by the authorities, we took passage for Alexandretta, in Syria, at
the northeast corner of the Mediterranean. The passage was circuitous

[*67*][*Armenia*]
[76]  [REPORT OF MR. WISTAR.]
and long stops were made for cargo so that eight days were spent on the
voyage, but we were cheered upon our arrival to find Dr. Hubbell in Alexandretta,
where he had been getting off a large caravan. That afternoon 
all our teskeres were vised for Aintab and at sunrise the next day the
journey into the interior was commenced. Passing over the broad plains
of Antioch and by Hymmum-Khan we reached Killis in three days, shortly
after the massacre there. An irresponsible mob followed and jeered at us
as we entered the town, but offered no actual violence. It may be said
here that during all our stay in the country the zaptiehs, or guards deputed
for our personal escorts, were always respectful, and, so far as appeared,
vigilant in their care of us. At one place I recall hearing an officer instruct
the guard that if anyone attempted to interfere with the Americans he
should be summarily dealt with.

At Killis we called first on the Kaimikam, the head of the local government,
who received us cordially, and indeed in all subsequent visits made
to the authorities we were always courteously treated. After two days
investigation it did not seem best to open a campaign of relief here as your
caravan of supplies had already gone to Aintab and to which place we
were all vised.

Reaching this latter place we arranged for the distribution of your goods
and also some clothing. etc., contributed by the Friends' Mission of Constantinople. Finding relief work being done here and feeling the greater
need of points yet beyond, it was decided to separate, going by different
routes so as to touch as many such places as possible, and to meet again at
Harpoot if it should prove practicable. Leaving Dr. Hubbell, with Mr. 
Wood still accompanying me, I set out for Oorfa on the 6th of April, passing
through Nisib and many smaller mud hut villages, crossed the swollen
Euphrates and reached Beredjik the second day and lorca in two more.
The world knows of th e heroic work of Miss Corinna Shattuck; how she 
was alone in Oorfa during the dark days of December 28th and 29th; how
she saved in her own house scores of terrified refugees; and how she is
still laboring or striving in her quiet, unobtrusive way to relieve the needs
of those about her. It is not necessary that I say more--her name is one
that should be remembered among the heroines of Christian womanhood
with a lustre undimmed to the last. It was a great privilege to be able to
offer her sympathy and encouragement.

About $900, or in exact figures, 200 Turkish liras ($4.40), were expended
in co-operation with Miss Shattuck, and during twelve days spent at Oorfa
arrangements for the making of a considerable supply of household utensils
were effected. This operation commended itself as giving employment to
a considerable number of efficient workmen, who were found destitute
[*68]

[REPORT OF MR. WISTAR]   [77]
and because the product gave relief to a large number of destitute people
which should be permanent in character.

At dawn, the 21st of April, we were again in the saddle following the trail
towards the city of Diarbekir; passing through Severek, two days' en
route from Oorfa, a town and district badly plundered but which had received
some help from Oorfa, and to which more funds were sent later, we
reached the ancient walled city on the forenoon of the 24th.

At Diarbekir we were most hospitably entertained by Mr. Hallward, the
British Consul, spending Saturday and Sunday there to give our horses a
needed rest, to gather information and to report to you, as you may remember,
and thence over the Taurus Mountains to Harpoot. Rev. Dr. H.
N. Barnum, the veteran missionary, Dr. C.F. Gates, president of the Mission
College, other missionaries and a host of the inhabitants greeted our arrival
at the entrance of the city, and we were assigned comfortable quarters in
one of the Mission houses. To us, strangers and travel-worn as we were, it
seemed almost more than an incident, when with no other previous arrangement,
except that upon parting at Aintab it was proposed that we meet again
at Harpoot, and with no possible communication between us in more than
three weeks, we saw Dr. Hubbell with his expedition enter the city from 
Malatia, later the same day. We felt our way for a day or two and then with
fresh advice from you set to work to arrange details for active personal service
in different sections of the Harpoot field, gaining as much information 
as possible relative to requirements and conditions.[*P*] Incidentally, but with
direct purpose, a number of villages were visited and interviews had with 
recommended men from different localities. Mr. Wood now arranged with
Dr. Hubbell for funds and work apart from me. My first call, before commencing
the work of the great Harpoot plain, was from Char-Sandjak, with
Peri as a center, a district lying northeast from Harpoot, about two days'
distant across a rugged mountainous country and two branches of the
Euphrates, with a population of about 8,500 persons, inhabiting 74
villages, all but four of which had been wholly or in large part plundered
during the disturbances of last autumn. Here as in other places visited,
there was an urgent need of clothing, food and bedding; for tools and
farming implements and a little capital for starting industries; also for
seed. Accompanied by my interpreter I was able to work early and late
for three weeks in this district and with gratifying results. Native cloth
from hand-looms was bought from anyone who had it to sell at a fixed
price. It was immediately cut into garments which were given out to be
sewed by the women in their homes and returned the following morning;
these suits were often clothing the nakedness of the people on that day.
Thus the one outlay was made to serve three different purposes--a market
for the weavers' cloth, work for hundreds of women, and clothing for the
[*69]most needy. About 160 artisans in need of tools and small capital were 
reinstated in business. Two hundred oxen and five hundred implements and
tools, including a large proportion of plows were bought and distributed ; 
bread rations were given out daily.
At the end of three weeks a walk through the bazaars of Peri showed a 
large increase in activity in the shops, particularly of the blacksmiths, coppersmiths
and shoemakers, and the general condition of trade was much
improved.
The field was left in the hands of a good native committee, with some
supplies, afterwards much increased when visited by me. Returning to
Harpoot I engaged in further relief work there, looking towards the giving
of work-animals and tools, and the re-establishment of industries. Our 
particular efforts were  to save the great grain crop of the Harpoot plain, 
which for weeks past had been developing before our eyes and was now
beginning to turn from green to gold - the one bar, as appeared, against 
famine in the future. In the many perplexing issues always at hand there
was the greatest need to stand one's ground firmly on this purposed, for if
the grain crop could not be properly harvested and secured the number of
ragged and starving would be wofully augmented and so lie again for the 
coming winter on the hearts of the charitable world.
During these months it was necessary that the work be as rapid and continuous
as possible. Headquarters were in succession at Harpoot, at Peri,
on teh road, and again at Harpoot. All one's previous experiences were in 
requisition. Committees of investigation were sought out and arranged
and reports and petitions from towns and villages and from scores of
individuals were received daily. Bargains for grain, cattle, cloth, tools
and a variety of them, and of other merchandise were negotiated, reports
were filed, and wants and agreements noted.
As my own cashier the responsibility thickened, all transactions, the
largest as well as the least, having to be met in ready coin carried in belt
pockets and saddle bags. President Gates, of Euphrates College at Harpoot,
acted as our general banker, and in this as in other wasy his good
judgment and sagacity were of the greatest assistance. All payments
were made personally and a complete cash account [?]
was kept.
Applicants of course flocked by hundreds and finally by thousands, the
great mass of them on foot. Many had to return disappointed as before indicated.
Nearly all the grain was distributed under my personal supervision by a 
small committee of native men. Where this was not feasible I issued
orders to heads of families, having first secured an option on a good supply 
at a fixed price.
70

Tools and implements were contracted for according to sample and at a 
stated price; or at times I informed the blacksmiths at Harpoot or other
towns that cash would be paid for all delivered during certain days at a 
standard rate, if properly branded. Being firm in this position from the 
outset, efforts to deceive me and defraud thsoe for whom the work was 
being done were avoided.
These articles were in large part distributed village by village, and
gathering knowledge by experience gained in other fields of relief and
acting under your distinct orders and well-tried policy, the people were
supplied direct, or through a village committee appointed by themselves, 
and always vouched for under the systematic investigation your method
required. They came from all parts of the section. [Your] My instructions
provided for the appointment of a general or district advisory and investigating 
committee, made up of a small number of leading native merchants,
pastors, and others as thoroughly conversant with local wants and individual 
characters. They received or had referred to them all the local
applications for relief. This committee required due reports, submitting the
results to me, and I took such action as my best judgment and knowledge
would admit of.  Clothing and bedding were thus distributed from my 
quarters by reliable men who knew the people. 
All those who received
money were interviewed, carefully examined and paid by myself, as it was
frequently the case that the needy individuals could do better for themselves
than I could do for them, by having a small sum given them. Most cattle and
pack animals were purchased by individuals for themselves or by a small committee 
for certain residents of a given village. In such cases I carefully
used ordinary business precautions to secure trustworthy results, and 
required reports. animals and tools were branded as directed by you.
This occasioned some difficulty when dealing with a fresh set of people but
they finally came to appreciate its usefulness as a matter of safety and
gave assistance when required.
It was our purpose to lift the people up from their deplorable
ruins, and to encourage them to look toward reassuring normal conditions,
using therein whatever I could command to bring this about.
The estimated result of our work in Harpoot city and district with its 85
villages, was the re-establishment of 4,575 artisans, the providing of 700 
oxen, cows, asses and horses ; nearly 3,000 farm implements and other
tools were made and distributed, as also 3,500 articles of clothing, 500 beds
and 1,470 bushels of grain. Medicine was also furnished to fever patients.
I remained in Harpoot with this work until the third of July, when having
received your recall, Mr. Wood was summoned from Farkin an so returned 
together to Constantinople, via Sivas, Samsoun and the Black Sea,
arriving in Constantinople on the 20th of July.
71



REPORT OF MR. WISTAR.

The guidance and support of the Unseen Hand has spared all from
harm, sustained in vigorous health and given the will to do and to hold fast
at times when without it the grasp must have slackened and the fight been
given up. A word of gratitude to you may yet be added and through you 
to your right hand, Mr. Pullman, the financial secretary. I was not unmindful
of the mental rack upon which you were being daily tried, nor of
the heavy responsibility you have carried; yet you failed not to cheer when
the dark days came nor to strengthen and encourage when opportunity
[line-drawing illustration of columned church]
INTERIOR OF GREGORIAN CHURCH AT OORFA.
offered; so that at times of discouragements which is must be confessed did
occur, I could always feel that a double vigil was being kept on my behalf;
one in the heart of her who ever asks in my far away home, and one in
yours, "Lord, give him wisdom, give fortitude, give patience."

In thus reporting to you, it becomes a pleasure to recall the hospitality so
freely offered by many; by Christians and by Moslems, Armenians, Greeks
and others who were able to assist. At the different stations of the American
Missions our gratitude has been largely drawn upon, for at these we
have been treated as brothers. Every one has done all possible for comfort
[72]

[New page] 
REPORT OF MR. WISTAR.
and for the furtherance of our work. At Harpoot, where it was my lot to
spend many weeks the friendship and moral support received has been and
always will be highly valued. At all Consulates on our route, those of our
own dear land, those of England and of France, we have been most hospitably
welcomed and helped as the occasion gave opportunity. Finally in
this connection I recall with most agreeable sensations the reception and
warm interest shown in our mission by our countrymen the Admiral and
officers of the U.S. [Ship] "San Francisco" at Smyrna, and by the officers of
the U.S. [Ship] Marblehead at Mersina.
Respectfully submitted,
E.M. WISTAR
Constantinople, July 22d, 1896.
[73]Report on Third Expedition 
[*Regular type all through*]
[REPORT OF]
[CHARLES KING WOOD,]
[OF PHILADELPHIA, SPECIAL FIELD AGENT, IN CHARGE]
[OF THIRD EXPEDITION]

[TO MISS CLARA BARTON, President:]
On the 19th of last march your second expedition, under Edward  M. 
Wistar and myself, with dragomen, left Constantinople for Alexandretta
with supplies and funds, following closely upon the first expedition under
Dr. Hubbell. At that time, although provided with teskeres (Turkish
passports) the way was not entirely clear for our further progress toward
the interior. But on arriving at the port of entry, through the efforts of
Daniel Walker, Esq., our American Consular Agent, ably seconded by
your own influence at the Capital, we were enabled to have our papers
vised for Aintab. Thus, step by step, at first scarcely knowing one day 
if we should be in a position to advance the next, we made our way toward
the stricken districts. The journey was rough and not unaccompanied by
hardships and dangers. Now that it is all over we can only remember the
joy of having been permitted to be of some little service to our fellow men
and to her also whose whole life has been spent in extending the helping 
hand, and never an empty one, to the afflicted and destitute of no matter
what name or creed. In this joy we forget the trials that appear less and less as we regard them in retrospect.
Dr. Hubbell had just dispatched several large caravans with clothing, 
tools and other supplies to Marash, Aintab, and other points in the field, 
and without loss of time on the day following our arrival in Alexandretta
we set out for Aintab with an escort of Turkish soldiers. I may take this
occasion to say that under all circumstances the Ottoman authorities have 
insured us the most efficient protection.  During all the four months spent 
in the interior we were never without a guard for a moment - they were
sometimes embarassingly in evidence. One had little privacy and could
not even go for a bath without being accompanied by a zaptieh, but I have
no doubt that the safety of our lives and property was due to these precautions.
the country is infested with brigands, overrun with nomadic

74

Armenia
[84   REPORT OF MR. WOOD]
tribes of Kourds, Arabs, and by errant bands of Circassians, so without an
armed escort of soldiers it would be impossible for travelers to penetrate
into the interior.  Their presence was a badge of official recognition and 
even the most intrepid marauders ahve a wholesome fear of government
authority.
As we moved on to Aintab we saw many terrified refugees, fleeing to the 
coast in the hope of embarking on some vessel. There was a spirit of fear 
and unrest in the air almost palpable in its intensity. Our guards kept us
close together, scrutinized carefully every approaching caravan and bunch
of travellers, and appeared anxious.  At Kurrig-Khan, a little village where 
we halted one day at noon to rest our animals, we found that only the
night before a band of Circassians had planned to attack the place and
plunder the inhabitants, but the authorities had gotten hold of the intent
and forestalled it, by dispatching post-haste a squad of Turkish infantry to 
protect the village.
[*Reg. type*]
Approaching Killis, rumors came to us of troubles in that city, and when 
we reached there, openly menaced and hooted at by the rabble, we found
the ill news was only too true. An uprising had taken place in the city,
many people were slain, and shops and houses had been plundered. There
was no room for us in the khan, even among the cattle and camels, so we
were obliged to seek shelter elsewhere, and as we went through the narrow 
winding streets every shop was empty and every door barred. The business 
life was gone from the city and excitement was written on every face.
Finally, however, we found another khan, difficult of access and dirty, and
entered only by an intricate passage-way, almost a cul-de-sac, but it was
our only haven and we had to make the best of it. We remained two days
in Killis purchasing supplies, &c., and notwithstanding the riot about us,
were entirely protected and unharmed.
The governor of the city sent his "salaams" and inquired as to our personality
and intentions. To thsi we responded by a call of courtesy, giving 
him the desired information and extending our thanks for the protection
which had been afforded us during such troubled times. We found that his
Excellency had known of our approach several days, that he had received
instructions to take care of us and had acted upon them.
Leaving Killis in the early morning, our long caravan strung out single-
file over the foot-hills and into the mountains, a brave sight and one that I
am sure that could they have seen it would have delighted the hearts of the 
charitable Americans, whose contributions were thus finding a way to the
desolated homes of Anatolia. The "trail" (there was no road) was tortuous
and muddy, and for much of the way along huge boulders. Up and
down over mountains and valleys uninhabited, and almost uninhabitable, 
treeless, stony wastes. For miles the only signs of human life were bands
75
    REPORT OF MR. WOOD.                            [number 85 crossed out]

of Kourds or wandering Gypsies, and flocks of cattle, sheep and goats, with
the wild looking skin-clad shepherds who led them in search of the scanty
herbage that grows in the springtime among this chaos of rocks.  A weird,
monotonous country, a wilderness and the picture of desolation ! One can
readily imagine true the tales of robbery or worse, upon these lonely
mountain sides.  It is marvelous to see how the long legged, awkward camels
with their heavy loads manage to tread their way over such rough trails.
Silently and slowly they move along like the ghosts of dead creatures, and
yet, they are the best means of conveying merchandise in this land of
primitive conveniences.
[margin note "Reg Type" to the left of a pen and ink drawing]
[caption}
  RED CROSS HEADQUARTERS, FARKIN, WOOD'S EXPEDITION.  [handwritten next to subhead - "very small type"]
       CASTLE BELONGING TO A KOURDISH BEY.

     At Aintab we remained a week gathering information relative to the
needs of the people, which as  you know we have reported to you from time
to time; and arranging for the distribution of our caravan loads.  And
then leaving Dr. Hubbell's expedition we pressed on several days further
east to Beredjik upon the Euphrates, another city which has suffered much
but where it did not appear practicable to establish a station
    At Oorfa, our next place of importance, we found Miss Shattuck, assisted
by Mr. Saunders, in charge of the relief work.  Miss Shattuck was entirely
alone in Oorfa during the never-to-be-forgotten days of December 28th and
29th.  The brace part she played in saving so many lives is too well known
to need reiteration, but I cannot refrain from expressing the sentiments
     [handwritten 76 at bottom of page]

[next page]

[number " 86" and title REPORT OF MR. WOOD. - both crossed out]

that we cherish toward her, as those of sincere admiration for her Christian
character and noble heroism, with an affectionate remembrance of her
many sisterly kindnesses, and the hearty hospitality which was so freely
extended to us in her home.  With the relief work very well systematized,
she was looking particularly toward the future, realizing that American
and English funds would not always continue to flow in as they were doing.
She had a large force of men and women employed daily in an industrial
department, making clothing and bedding, which was then distributed
among the necessitous; she was also giving weekly rations to extreme
cases.
[handwritten in the margin next to the following paragraph - Reg Type]
   Our work in Oorfa was intended to be supplementary to that already so
well established there.  We left a fund for the manufacture and distribu-
tion of cooking utensils, and for the re-instatement of the various handi-
crafts of the city such as those in need  of tools or small capital.   Then we
pressed on two days further to Severek, a city smaller than Oorfa but badly
in want of aid.  Inquiries were made, and as we know, subsequently acted
upon.  Two long days in the saddle and a part of a third brought us to the
ancient walled city of Diarbekir, the Amida which harassed not a little
the ancient Romans.  Everywhere from the neighborhood refugees had fled
into the city, and the consequence was congestion and direst distress.   As
we approached we passed several burned and deserted villages where every
house had been looted.  Although about two thousand people were killed
in the city itself and a whole quarter of the bazaars laid waste and every-
one plundered, yet the loss was proportionately much less than in the
surrounding villages, which had been sacked of absolutely every portable
thing they possessed, even to the doors, windows, and timbers of the roofs.
   We met the kindest reception from Mr. Cecil M. Hallward, British Consul
for the Vilayet of Diarbekir, making his comfortable Consulate our home
during the two days we remained in the city.  Consul Hallward has been
doing what he can to relieve the wants of the people, but with a field of
60,000 needy souls and funds largely inadequate he is handicapped at every
turn.  Up to that time only 1,575 liras ($8,000) had been received for the
entire field from every source. This amount, however, had been augment-
ed at my last visit there (of which more later) to about 5,000 liras ($22,000),
still vastly insufficient and proportionately much less than that of any other
district. [notation for new paragraph penned in here]
  Here, therefore, to the best of my judgment was the greatest
need in proportion to the help afforded, that had come under our observation.
In the district of Silouan, for instance, where there are twelve thousand
indigent, and indigence more desperate than one can possibly imagine, only
two hundred liras had been distributed.  Over two hundred and twenty
persons had died from actual starvation and there was the greatest distress.
Forty-eight villages were utterly destroyed, their cattle driven off and all
                      [handwritten] 77


     REPORT OF MR. WOOD.             [number 87 crossed out]

tools and implements stolen.  Even should the people return to their ruined
houses, they would be impotent to aid themselves without at least the
means to purchase materials and implements to recommence their work,
and then they must live in the meantime until they can realize on their
labors.  Thirty-seven hundred shops, on thousand in the city of Diarbekir
alone, had been burned or otherwise destroyed.  Without ocular evidence,
and scarcely then, can one conceive of the fearful destitution in this region.
And then there is Nisibin Hine and Hazere, and in all the devastated dis-
trict of Mardin and other fields yet untouched, and there was no on e to go
to them.  All this data was secured, and anticipating returning later, we
went on to meet Dr. Hubbell according to instructions from yourself. [paragraph notation here]
We set out across the rugged, snow-capped Taurus Mountains to the city of
Harpoot, where we arrived three day slater.  Here we again divided our
forces and it was my lot to go to Palou, lying two days' over the mountains
in a gorge of the Euphrates.  Here was a field embracing besides the city
of Palou, fifty-eight villages with a population of perhaps fifty thousand
souls, of which at least fifteen thousand were destitute.  There are more
than two hundred villages in the Palou field, a large part of which are
Kourd or Turk.  The people are barbarous and still in part ruled over by
feudal chiefs who hold almost despotic sway over the lives,  honor, and
property of their vassals.  Palou suffered greatly during the massacres,
and through fear the local committee appointed by the missionaries was
unable to distribute aid to the people.  Here was another place where the
greatest need prevailed and which only the Red Cross was able to reach.
Accordinly, with Professor Tenekegian from the Mission college at Har-
poot, a most capable assistant and interpreter, we lost no time in repairing
to the scene of action.  The pale, emaciated faces and tattered garments
of the people bore only abundant testimony that we arrived none too soon.
[paragraph notation here]
   We plunged at once into personal work, preparing first as a foundation for
all just and proper distribution, careful lists of families, eliminating all such
as were in any way able to care for themselves or had friends in America,
Constantinople, or elsewhere to aid them, and cutting down the number in
a family considered as needy to the very lowest point, with a view to
making the funds we had achieve the greatest possible help to the greatest 
number.  A committee of the best men of the place was appointed to
meet with us and go over these lists and revise and correct them before we
should give out any supplies, so that when the distributions commenced we
were certain that they were fair and equal and that none who were worthy
were omitted.   Three thousand articles of clothing and bedding were
distributed from headquarters in the city.  One thousand large pieces of
cloth suitable either for clothing or bedding were also distributed.  Em-
ployment was give to all the blacksmiths, iron being furnished them for
 [handwritten number]              78   REPORT OF MR. WOOD.    89 [ this heading line is crossed out]

[handwritten to the left of the first paragraph - Reg Type]

had almost faded away from the faces of the people and a renewed hope
and resolution had taken its place.  With the courage born of the fact that
some one from the outside world had come to them and knew and ap-
preciated their condition, they had aroused themselves from the fearful
apathy into which they had fallen, and with the opportunities that the Red
Cross had afforded them they were now getting on their feet again.  We
were assured over and over that if the Red Cross had only come to them
and done nothing, the moral effect of its presence alone was invaluable.
As we rode out over the plains of Palou on our return journey with our
labors ended, we saw farmers working in the fields with oxen and plows
that we had given them, some with our picks and shovels clearing away
the debris from their demolished houses and others rebuilding with Red
Cross timbers.  One man I remember we met on the road with a great
blacksmith's bellows that our money had bought for him, and so it was all
along the road.  We were gratified by seeing the ripened fruits of our

[inserted here is a pen an ink drawing with the following caption]
              OLD TOWER AT OORFA.
labors, meeting on every hand the prayers and benedictions from grateful
hearts; some even endeavoring to kiss our hands and our feet in the exu-
berance of their feeling.  The harvest was ripe for the sickle and we were
glad that our aid and tools had been timely given.
    Reaching Harpoot again only one day was spent in preparation, and then
with Baron Vartan, a young native teacher as interpreter and assistant
(Kourdish was the only language of the new field to which we were going,
so a new interpreter had to be secured), we set out for Diarbekir, and the
devastated district of Silouan;; for the Vilayet of Diarbekir had all the
while lived in memory and lain both heavily and hopefully on m heart.
Perhaps even yourself will never realize the joy with which I received your
brief order - "Take 1,000 lliras and go to Diarbekir."  We knew that close
behind that was the general order to report to Constantinople at a given
time.  Not a moment of either day or night was lost, as you may well
imagine.  Starting in the afternoon we traveled all night, the next day

 [handwritten]        80
        
[*Retype*]
                                            [REPORT OF MR. WOOD.]                                      [91] 
We saw half of the implements actually in the hands of the committee and 
the others on the way, and then returned to Diarbekir and left the balance
of the funds, which time did not permit to distribute in person, under the 
direction of the English Consul for further relief in Farkin and in Redwan, 
another sadly needy neighboring district. 
        We then set out again on the long tiresome week's journey over the heated
plains and rough mountain trails of Mespotamia back again to Harpoot, 
where we found our good friend and co-worker, Edward M. Wistar, having
finished a glorious campaign in that field, and in readiness for departure
for Constantinople, in response to your call for consultation and rest. 
        We were glad when our responsibility was over, and it was with light 
hearts that we started on the long ride of two weeks to the coast at Samsoun, 
and then two days longer by steamer on the Black Sea, down the 
Bosphorus to you, and Mr. Pullman, the tireless faithful secretary, the 
brotherly co-worker, to whose energy and competency we all owe so much. 
What a pleasure it was to be once more by your side and to clasp your 
hand in warm greeting mingled with the affection you know and appreciate 
as well as we can tell you. 
       And now my little story, as the fairy books would say, is ended, and I 
beg leave to close my very informal report with sincerest thanks for the 
privilege which has been accorded me of allying my humble services to the 
noble ranks of the American National Red Cross.
     Constantinople, August 1st, 1896.                         CHARLES KING WOOD.

                                             [*A BIT OF PALOU*]
                                               [*82*]    


[*Gallery 5 Red Cross*]                    [*[16]*]
                                                [*23*]
                                               [*R x L*]
      
                                                  [IV.]
                      SERVICES IN TIME OF WAR.          [*BD6*]
     NOTWITHSTANDING the readiness with which most
persons will perceive the beneficent uses of relief societies 
in war, it may not be amiss to particularize some
of the work accomplished by the societies of the Red
Cross. Not to mention civil disturbances and lesser
conflicts, they participated in not less than five great 
wars in the first ten years, commencing with Schleswig-Holstein, 
and ending with the Franco-German. Russia
and Turkey have followed, with many others since that
time, in all of which these societies have signally proved
their power to ameliorate the horrors of war. The earlier
of these, while affording great opportunity for the beneficent 
work of the societies, were also grand fields of
instruction and discipline to the committee, enablingThe Red Cross.

them to store up vast funds of practical knowledge which were to be of great service.
The Sanitary Commission of the United States also served as an excellent example in many respects to the relief societies of Europe, and from it they took many valuable lessons. Thus in 1866 Europe was much better prepared than ever before for the care of those who suffered from the barbarisms of war. She was now ready with some degree of ability to oppose the arms of charity to the arms of violence, and make a kind of war on war itself. Still however there was a lack of centralization. The provincial committees worked separately, and consequently lost force. Notwithstanding these drawbacks, large amounts of money were gathered, and munificent supplies of material brought into store. The Austrian committee alone collected 2,170,000 francs, and a great supply of all things needed in hospital service. The central committee was of great use in facilitating correspondence between the different peoples comprising the Austrian Empire, the bureau maintaining correspondence in eleven different languages. 
Italy was not backward in the performance of her duty. She used her abundant resources in teh most effectual way. Not only were her provincial societies of relief united for common action, but they received

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external aid from France and Switzerland. Here was exhibited the first beautiful example of neutral powers interfering in the cause of charity in time of war -- instead of joining in the work of destruction, lending their aid to repair its damages. The provincial committees banded together under the central committee of Milan. Four squads, comprising well-trained nurses and assistants, were organized and furnished with all necessary material to follow the military ambulances or field hospitals, whose wagons were placed at their disposal. Thus the committee not only reinforced the sanitary personnel of the army, but greatly increased its supplies. It provided entirely the sanitary material for the Tyrolese volunteers, and afforded relief to the navy, and when the war was over it remained among the wounded. In addition to the supplies this committee afforded, it expended in money not less than 199,064 francs. 
But after all it was Germany standing between the two armies which distinguished herself. Since the conference of 1863 she had been acting on the rule of preparation, and now found herself in readiness for all emergencies. The central committee of Berlin was flooded with contributions from the provincial committees. In the eight provinces of Prussia 4,000,000 of thalers were collected, and the other states of Germany4

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were not behind. So munificently did the people bestow
their aid, that large store-houses were provided in Berlin
and in the provinces for its reception, and at the central
depot in Berlin two hundred paid persons, besides a 
large number of volunteers, and nearly three hundred
ladies and misses were employed in classifying, parceling, 
packing up, and dispatching the goods. Special
railroad trains carried material to the points of need.
In one train were twenty-six cars laden with 1,800 to
2,000 cwt. of supplies. Never had private charity,
however carefully directed, been able to accomplish such
prodigies of benevolence. It was now that the beneficence 
of the Treaty and the excellence of the organization 
were manifested. But the committee did not confine
itself to sending supplies for the wounded to the seat of 
war. It established and provisioned refreshment stations
for the trains, to which those unable to proceed on the 
trains to the great hospitals without danger to life, were
admitted, nursed and cared for with the tenderest solicitude
until they were sufficiently recovered to be removed,
or death took them. At the station of Pardubitz
from six hundred to eight hundred were cared for daily
for two months, and lodging provided for three hundred
at night. This example suffices to show the extraordinary 
results of well-organized plans and concerted

5
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[*Green*] action. During the war, the relief societies had also
to contend with the terrible scourge of cholera. There 
can be no estimate of the misery assuaged and deaths
prevented by the unselfish zeal and devotion of the 
wearers of the Red Cross.
     In the interval between the wars of 1866 and 1867, 
and that of 1870-71 the time had been improved by the 
societies existing under the Geneva treaty, in adding to
their resources in every possible manner. Improvements
were made in all articles of sanitary service;
excellent treatises regarding the hygiene of the camp
and hospital were widely circulated; the press had
greatly interested itself in the promulgation of information 
regarding all matters of interest or instruction 
pertaining to sanitary effort, and almost universally lent
its powerful influence to build up the societies. Ten
new societies were formed during this time. In Germany
the work of the Red Cross was so thoroughly organized,
that at the first signal from Berlin, committees arrived
as if by magic at all required points, forming a chain
which extended over the whole country, and numbered
over two thousand persons. This is more remarkable
since Germany was a neutral power. Constant communication
was kept up between these committees and the
central bureau, and the most perfect order and discipline6

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were maintained. Relief was sent from one or another
of these stations as was needed. The state afforded free
transport, and the voluntary contributions of the people
kept up the supplies of sanitary material, so that there
was never any lack or danger of failure. With the 
government transports, whether by land or water, there
went always the agents of the Red Cross, protected by
their badges and flag, to wait on the invoices, hasten
their progress, see to their being kept in good order,
and properly delivered at their destination. Depots of
supplies were moved from place to place as exigencies 
demanded. The greatest care was taken to prevent 
disorder or confusion, and the best military circumspection 
and regularity prevailed. The great central depot
at Berlin comprised seven sections, viz : camp material ;
clothing ; dressing, for wounds ; surgical apparatus ;
medicines and disinfectants ; food and tobacco ; and
hospital furnishings. Did space allow, it would be desirable
to give statistics of the contributions in money and 
supplies to this service. Suffice it to say, the humanity 
of peoples is far beyond that of governments. Governments
appropriate immense sums to carry on destructive
conflicts, but the work of relief societies the world over,
and especially during the war of 1870-71, has shown 
that the philanthropy of the people equals their patriotism.

7
The Red Cross.
The sums given to assuage the miseries of the
Franco-Prussian was were simply fabulous. In 1863,
fears were expressed that there would be difficulty in
collecting needful funds and supplies to carry out the 
designs of the Treaty. These misgivings proved groundless.
After the war of 1870-71, notwithstanding nothing
had been withheld in the way of relief, the societies
settled their accounts with large balances in their
[*5*] treasuries.
[*6]  In France not nearly so much had been previously
done to provide for the exigencies which fell upon them,
but the committee worked with such vigor and so
wrought upon the philanthropy of individuals, that active
measures of relief were instantly taken. Gold and supplies
poured into the hands of the committee at Paris.
One month sufficed to organize and provide seventeen 
campaign ambulances or field hospitals which immediately
joined the army and accompanied it through 
the first period of the war, or until the battle of Sedan.
In Paris ambulances were stationed at the railroad
depots to pick up the wounded, and a bureau of information 
was created for soldiers' families. When the siege
of Paris was about to take place the committee threw,
without delay, a commission into Brussels charged with
the direction and help of flying hospitals. Nine com-8

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mittees were established in the provinces, with power to
act for the central committee and to invite the people to 
help. Meanwhile the committee in Paris did its utmost
to mitigate the distress that reigned there, and to prepare
for the results of the siege. History has recorded the 
sufferings, the horrors of misery that accompanied and 
followed that siege ; but history can never relate what
wretchedness was averted, what agonies were alleviated,
what multitudes of lives were saved, by the presence and 
effort of the relief societies ! What the state of France
must have been without the merciful help of the Red
Cross societies the imagination dare not picture. After
the armistice was signed there were removed from
Paris, under the auspices of the relief societies, ten thousand 
wounded men, who otherwise must have lingered
in agony, or died from want of care ; and there were 
brought back by them to French soil nine thousand men
who had been cared for in German hospitals.

8


9
The Red Cross.
ACTION OF NEUTRAL COUNTRIES IN
TIME OF WAR.  ) [*B D C. c.*]
     NEUTRAL countries also during this war were ready
and bountiful with help ; and those working under the 
Treaty did most effectual service. England contributed
7,500,000 francs, beside large gifts of sanitary supplies ;
in one hundred and eighty-eight days' time, she sent to 
the seat of war twelve thousand boxes of supplies
through the agents of the Red Cross.
    To give an idea of the readiness and efficacy with 
which the committees worked even in neutral countries,
one instance will suffice. From Pont-a-Mousson a telegram 
was sent to London for two hundred and fifty iron 
beds for the wounded, and in forty-eight hours they 
arrived in answer to the request. England kept also at
the seat of war, agents to inform the committee at home
of whatever was most needed in supplies. The neutral 
countries sent also surgeons, physicians and nurses, and
in many other ways gave practical testimony to the benign 
efficacy of the Geneva Treaty.
     As will be seen by the foregoing pages, the objects
and provisions of the Geneva Convention and the Societies
acting under it, are designed for, and applicable to,

9The Red Cross.

the exigences of war only.  The close contact of the nations hitherto signing this treaty, renders them far more liable to the recurrence of war in their midst than our own, which by its geographical position, and distance from neighboring nations, entertains a feeling of security which justifies the hope that we may seldom if ever again have occasion to provide for the exigencies of war in our land.

This leads the American Association to perceive the great wisdom, foresight and breadth of the resolution adopted by the convention of 1863, which provides that "Committees shall organize in the manner which shall seem most useful and convenient to themselves;" also in their article of the organization of societies in these pages occurs the following: "To be efficient, societies must have government recognition, must bear the stamp of their national individuality, and be constructed according to the spirit, habits, and needs of the country they represent.  This is essential to success."

As no work can retain its vitality without constant action, so in a country like ours, with a people of so active a temperament, an essential element in endearing to them a work, is to keep constantly before them its usefulness.  With this view the question of meeting the want heretofore felt on all occasions of public calamity,

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of sufficient extent to be deemed national importance, has received attention at the hands of this association.  For this purpose the necessary steps have been inaugurated to organize auxiliary societies, prepared to co-operate with the central Association in all plans for prompt relief; whilst the volunteers who shall render personal aid will be expected to hold themselves in the same readiness as in the case of an international call.

It must, however, be distinctly understood that these additional functions for local purposes shall in no manner impair the international obligation of the association; but on the contrary it is believed will render them more effective in time of need.

It may appear singular that a movement so humane in its purposes, so wise and well considered in its regulations, so universal in its application, and every way so unexceptional, should have been so long in finding its way to the knowledge and consideration of the people of the United States.  This fact appears to have been the result of circumstances rather than intention.  While eminently a reading people, we are almost exclusively confined to the English language.  The literature of the Red Cross is entirely in other languages, largely French, and thus has failed to meet the eye of the reading public.The Red Cross.

It will be observed that the first convention was called during our war; no delegates were especially sent by the United States, but our Minister Plenipotentiary to Switzerland, acting as delegate, sent a copy of the doings of the Convention to our government for recognition.  In the midst of civil war as we were at the time the subject was very naturally and properly declined.

It was again most fittingly presented in 1866 through Rev. Dr. Henry Bellows, and by this eminent gentleman and philanthropist a society of the Red Cross was actually formed; but for some cause it failed, and the Convention was not recognized.  The International Committee became in a manner discouraged in its efforts with the United States, but finally it was decided to present it again through Miss Clara Barton, and accordingly the following letter was addressed to President Hayes during the first year of his administration:

INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR THE RELIEF OF WOUNDED SOLDIERS.

Geneva, August 19, 1877.

To the President of the United States, at Washington.

Mr. President: The International Committee of the Red Cross desires most earnestly that the United States should be associated with them in their work, and they take the liberty of addressing themselves to you, with the hope that you will second their efforts.  In order that the functions of the National Society of the Red Cross be faithfully performed, it is indispensable that it should have the sympathy and protection of the Government.

It would be irrational to establish an association upon the principles of the Convention of Geneva, without the association having the assurance that the army of its own country, of which it should be an auxiliary, would be guided, should the case occur, by the same principles.  It would consequently be useless for us to appeal to the people of the country, inasmuch as the United States, as a Government, has made no declaration of adhering officially to the principles laid down by the convention of the 22nd August, 1864.

Such is, then, Mr. President, the principal object of the present request.  We do not doubt but this will meet with a favorable reception from you, for the United States is in advance of Europe upon the subject of war, and the celebrated "Instructions of the American Army" are a monument which does honor to the United States.You are aware, Mr. President, that the Government of the United States was officially represented at the Convention of Geneva, in 1864, by two delegates, and this mark of approbation given to the work which was being accomplished was then considered by everyone as a precursor of a legal ratification.  Until the present time, however, this confirmation has not taken place, and we think that this formality, which would have no other bearing than to express publicly the acquiesence of the United States in those humanitarian principles now admitted by all civilized people, has only been retarded because the occasion has not offered itself.  We flatter ourselves with the hope that, appealing directly to your generous sentiments, will determine you to take the necessary measures to put an end to a situation so much to be regretted.  We only wait such good news, Mr. President, in order to urge the founding of an American Society of the Red Cross.

We have already an able and devoted assistant in Miss Clara Barton, to whom we confide the care of handing to you this present request.

It would be very desirable that the projected asseveration should be under your distinguished patronage and we hope that you will not refuse us this favor.

Receive, Mr. President, the assurance of our highest consideration.

For the International Committee:

G. MOYNIER, President.[*16*]
[*"*]Department of State,
[*"*]Washington, May 20, 1881.
[*"*]Miss Clara Barton, American Representative of
 the Red Cross etc., Washington:
[*'*]Dear Madam:- I have the honor to acknowledge
 the receipt of the letter addressed by Mr.
 Moynier, President of the Red Cross International 
Convention, to the President of the United 
States, bearing the date of the 19th August, 1877,
 and referred by President Garfield on the 30th 
March, 1881, to this Department.
[*"*] It appears, from a careful perusal of the letter,
 that Mr. Moynier is anxious that the Government
 of the United States should join with other governments 
of the world in this International Convention. 
[*"*]Will you pleased to say Mr. Moynier, in 
reply to his letter, that the President of the United
 States, and the officers of this Government, are 
in full sympathy with any wise measures tending 
toward the amelioration of the suffering incident
 to warfare. The Constitution of the United
 States has, however, lodged the entire war-making
 power in the Congress of the United States;
and, as the participation of the United States in 
an International Convention of this character is 
consequent upon and auxiliary to the war-making
 power of the nation, legislation by Congress
 is needful to accomplish the humane end that
 your society has in view. It gives me, however,
 great pleasure to state that I shall be happy to
 give any measures which you may propose careful 
attention and consideration, and should the
 President, as I doubt not he will, approve of the
 matter, the Administration will recommend to 
Congress the adoption of the international treaty 
which you desire. 
[*"*]I am, Madam, with very great respect, your
 obedient servant,
          [*"*]  JAMES G. BLAINE [*"*]

[*16*]