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 it has received from its auxiliaries. All have
responded promptly and royally 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 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 most grateful. We have also kept
in touch with the American National 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The Elko (Nevada) Red Cross has withdrawn to become an auxiliary of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 Presido, 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 time 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 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 $22,119.74 $10,472.63 $11,647.11
Association, Cal.
Red Cross Society, San Francisco, Cal. 55,408.83 33,434.18 21,974.65
" " " San Jose, Cal. 2,274.66 1,465.03 809.63
" " " 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
" " " Centerville, Cal. 165.90 133.55 2.35
" " " 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
" " " Sausalito, 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. 168.80 135.53 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 7.95
" " " New Almaden, Cal. 45.00 10.10 34.90
" " " Marysville, Cal. 527.04 400.56 126.48
" " " St. Helena, Cal. 229.05 173.25 55.80
" " " Dixon, Cal. 152.30 124.17 28.13
" " " Point Arena, Cal. 48.00 35.00 13.00
" " " Pasadena, Cal. 382.14 298.58 83.56
---------- --------- ---------
$99,806.72 $56,772.25 $43,034.47
[Illustration: FORTIFICATIONS OF MANILA.]
THE RED CROSS OF OREGON.
From the Red Cross of Oregon, comes the following report, forwarded by
Mrs. Levi Young. In transmitting the report Mrs. Young says: "While it
may be longer than desired, still we feel that the eyes of our country
have been more particularly turned toward Cuba and the relief work done
by the eastern branches, while the Pacific Coast has been doing a work
second to none. Conditions here make it difficult to raise the necessary
funds, and every dollar expended represents untiring devotion to the
cause:"
The call "to arms" was still ringing through the land, when a band of
patriotic women responding to an appeal for assistance assembled at the
armory in Portland, Oregon, on the morning of April 26, to offer their
services to the military board of the State in providing material, aid
and comfort for the Second Regiment Oregon Volunteers.
Colonel O. Summers was present and briefly explained the object of the
appeal. He suggested that as speedily as possible a society be formed to
take up that branch of work which belongs alone to women in time of war
and consists in providing the requisites for a soldier's welfare not
laid down in army regulations.
Temporary offices were chosen, and twelve committees were appointed.
Each committee consisted of six members, the chairman selecting those
she desired as helpers. The duty of each committee was the personal
supervision of one company alphabetically assigned to it.
Final organization was perfected April 27, when the following permanent
officers were elected: Mrs. Henry E. Jones, president; Mrs. W.A.
Buchanan, vice-president; Mrs. F.E. Lounsbury, recording secretary; Mrs.
Martin Winch, treasurer. The executive committee, Mrs. O. Summers, Mrs.
A. Meier, Mrs. Levi White, Mrs. W.T. Gardner, Mrs. B.E. Miller, Mrs.
J.E. Wright, Mrs. E.C. Protzman, Mrs. R.S. Greenleaf, Mrs. G.T. Telfer
and Mrs. J.M. Ordway.
The name, "Oregon Emergency Corps," was adopted and Mrs. W.A. Buchanan,
Mrs. Levi Young appointed to draft a constitution. This was presented at
the next regular meeting and after a slight revision, unanimously
adopted.
PREAMBLE TO CONSTITUTION.
"The Oregon Emergency Corps realizing that its aims and objects are
far-reaching, will remain a permanent organization to aid not only the
brave Oregon Volunteers upon land or sea, but assist in the welfare of
the wives and children, many of whom may need care and support while
their loved ones are absent."
In compliance with the provisions of the constitution, the following
standing committees were appointed:
_Finance Committee._--Mrs. Charles F. Beebe, Mrs. Ben Selling, Mrs. H.W.
Goddard.
_Auditing Committee._--Mrs. H.W. Wallace, Mrs. James Jackson, Mrs. J.
Frank Watson.
_Purchasing Committee._--Mrs. H.H. Northrup, Mrs. Adolph Dekum, Mrs. B.
Blumauer.
_Sewing Committee._--Mrs. Wm. Patterson, Mrs. W.C. Alvord, Mrs. A.E.
Rockey, Mrs. E. Nollain, Miss T. Rose Goodman.
_Press Committee._--Mrs. Levi Young, Mrs. H.L. Pittock, Miss Ida
Loewenberg.
_Naval Committee._--Mrs. John Cran, Miss Nina Adams, Miss Zerlina
Loewenberg, Miss Carrie Flanders, Miss Lena Brickel.
A suitable badge was adopted and a membership list opened, affording all
patriotic women an opportunity to enroll their names and become active
workers of the corps. Regular meetings were held at the armory once a
week, the executive committee meeting at the call of the president as
often as the business of the society required. Being now in readiness
for work, the question arose as to what should be done and the most
practical way of doing it. To this end the military board was consulted
and valuable suggestions received from General Charles F. Beebe, Colonel
James Jackson, Colonel B.B. Tuttle and Major Daniel J. Moore, brigade
commissary, O.N.G., each advising that a regimental fund for the Second
Regiment Oregon Volunteers be raised; also the making and purchasing of
such articles for a soldier's knapsack as army quartermasters do not
keep in stock.
A room on First street was placed at the disposal of the society by Mr.
Adolph Dekum, and here the Oregon Emergency Corps' headquarters opened
May 5, 1898. Captain R.S. Greenleaf, of Battery A, 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, thus 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 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 regimental 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, Pendleton, Corvallis,
Hillsboro, LaFayette, LaGrande, Hubbard, Weston, Woodburn, Astoria and
The Dalles, quickly falling into 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 Regiment 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 like a heavenly benediction upon these sons of valor.
May 11, 1898, the first battalion 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.
[Illustration: RED CROSS DINING ROOM FOR CONVALESCENTS, FORT McPHERSON,
GA.]
[Illustration: DINING TENT ATTACHED TO RED CROSS KITCHEN, AT CAMP
HOBSON, GA.]
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 per cent of all sales to go to the
regimental fund. To this generous offer was added the privilege of
serving a 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 per cent 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 the soldiers--not only Oregon volunteers but all or any
needing assistance. May 23 an 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 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
Astoria 69
Hillsboro 69
Pendleton 38
Lafayette 33
Corvallis 51
La Grande 39
Hood River 21
Hubbard 10
Roseburg 100
Woodburn 23
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. In an
address before the Emergency Corps he presented the advantages resulting
to the relief societies of the different States through co-operation
with this national body, advising affiliation as soon as possible.
Action 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 Manila. 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.