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. 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 to 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 those ships that were in quarantine
and suffering most from lack of food. At the quarantine dock, where the
sick men were landed, Captain Guilfoyle 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.
THE PACIFIC COAST.
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:
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 that 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 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 service 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 time 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 tent has been occupied by those in need of
medical attention.
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 how 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.
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 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 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 Angelés; 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, having
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 owe 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 to 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.
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 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 reported four
good men available, Dr. F.J. Hart, Leon Crowther, Eugene Rosenthal and
O.H.J. 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 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 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
transportating 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
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 as 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 cold
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 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 of Miss McKinstry's work,
and also of the benefit the home has been to the boys.