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 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. The treasurer's report shows: receipts, $7,526.03;
disbursements, $6,389.54; balance on hand, $1,136.49.
[Illustration: PANORAMA OF MANILA.]
THE RED CROSS OF WASHINGTON STATE.
EXTRACT FROM THE OFFICIAL REPORT.
The tocsin of war started in each community, from which went out the
brave defenders, a desire to benefit and make soldier life more
comfortable. As emergency corps, relief corps, or without name, the
women went to work to do something for the soldiers. The Red Cross was a
name to most known only in an indefinite way, until reports began to
come in of grand work done. Not knowing how to proceed, groping in the
dark, feeling our own way instinctively, we organized in Tacoma and
Seattle. The Seattle Red Cross, desiring a State organization, called a
convention for August 16, to meet at Seattle, and successfully launched
the Red Cross of Washington.
Of the work done much of it has not been reported to the State
Association, and even the reports represent only a small part of the
work done throughout the State. Had all reported to a common centre
Washington would have made a magnificent showing. As it was, all
contributions have been sent directly to the company each city was
directly interested in. Thus much relief given the soldiers materially
or financially by the State of Washington cannot be stated here, as many
of the emergency corps and other relief societies have disbanded since
the cessation of hostilities. However, the Red Cross of Washington is
effecting auxiliary Red Cross societies all over the State, and in the
future all relief work in this State will be under the insignia of the
Red Cross.
The Red Cross of Washington was organized on August 16, at Seattle. The
officers are:
Mrs. John B. Allen, President, Seattle.
Mrs. Chauncy Griggs, Vice-President, Tacoma.
Mrs. J.C. Haines, Vice-President, Seattle.
Miss Birdie Beals, Vice-President, La Conner.
Mrs. Lester S. Wilson, Vice-President, Walla Walla.
Mrs. Virginia K. Haywood, Vice-President, Spokane.
Mrs. John C. Evans, Vice-President, New Whatcom.
Mrs. Francis Rotch, Corresponding 1512 Thirteenth ave.,
Secretary, Seattle.
Miss Helen J. Cowie, Assistant
Corresponding Secretary, Seattle.
Miss Sadie Maynard, Treasurer, 807 North J st., Tacoma.
Miss Jessie Seymour, Assistant Treasurer, Tacoma.
Miss Marie Hewitt, Recording Secretary, 501 North Fourth st.,
Tacoma.
Mrs. Everett Griggs, Assistant Recording
Secretary, Tacoma.
[Illustration: IN THE TRENCHES BEFORE SANTIAGO--JUST BEFORE SURRENDER.]
[Illustration: McCALLA CAMP--EARLY MORNING ATTACK]
SEATTLE RED CROSS.
In answer to a call issued by Mrs. J.C. Haines through the Daily Press
to all loyal women of Seattle, there were gathered in Elks Hall, June
20, 1898, nearly one hundred women, anxious to organize on definite
lines; the universal sentiment prevailing, that organization under the
Red Cross banner would result in the most effective work. The present
officers are:
Mrs. J.C. Haines, President.
Mrs. H.E. Holmes, Vice-President.
Mrs. Mary M. Miller, Second Vice-President.
Mrs. C.D. Simson, Treasurer.
Mrs. W.P. Giddings, Recording Secretary.
Mrs. H.C. Colver, Corresponding Secretary.
An executive committee was elected, composed of twelve members, with the
officers ex-officio members of the same. The constitution and by-laws
were drafted and copies mailed to all local Red Cross Societies of
Washington. Through the various committees much work has been
accomplished, the same spirit which pervaded the organization in its
infancy having increased until the membership now shows two hundred and
fifty active members.
It afforded the Seattle society great satisfaction to be able to send to
the national society a check for $500. To the captains of Companies B
and D, Washington Volunteers, at San Francisco, was sent $350 to be used
in cases of illness and other emergencies, and to the Independent
Battalion, Washington Volunteers, at Vancouver Barracks, was sent $100
for similar purposes. In many instances the relief committee has drawn
upon the emergency fund for the relief of soldiers' families. Upon a
half day's notice fifty-one lunches were put up by the members for a
company of volunteers on their way to San Francisco, and to a call from
Major L.R. Dawson, for funds to purchase food and milk for hospital
patients at the Presidio, the society responded with $100. To the
sufferers from the New Westminster fire was disbursed over $400,
collected by the Seattle Red Cross women, and $50 was donated by the
society itself. Carloads of food, cots and needful clothing were sent
and distributed by a committee chosen by the society. The chairman of
the Sewing Committee has expended $401.43 for material for Red Cross
work and much besides has been donated by Seattle merchants. From this
material have been made 232 denim pillow cases, 843 flannel bandages,
408 eider-down caps and 248 housewives (the latter filled with
necessaries and comforts), besides hospital night shirts, handkerchiefs
and a variety of different bandages. To Dr. L.R. Dawson, surgeon of the
First Washington Volunteers, was sent a dozen boxes of hospital supplies
and delicacies to be shipped on the transport "Ohio" with that portion
of our troops, and the society has also decided to take charge of a
Christmas box to be sent to the Washington Volunteers at Manila.
TACOMA RED CROSS.
_The Tacoma Red Cross_ was the first Red Cross organization in the State
of Washington, and has done most effective work. The officers are:
Mrs. Chauncy Griggs, president; Mrs. A.B. Bull, first vice-president;
Mrs. G.S. Holmes, second vice-president; Mrs. Lincoln Gault, third
vice-president; Mr. Chester Thorne, treasurer; Mrs. W.C. Wheeler,
assistant treasurer; Mrs. Frank Sharpe, recording secretary; Mrs. H.M.
Thomas, corresponding secretary.
The Tacoma Red Cross has 400 members. Receipts, $684.82. Disbursements,
$592.08.
WALLA WALLA RED CROSS.
In June, 1898, a temporary organization was effected at Walla Walla,
known as the Red Cross Aid, with Mrs. J.H. Stockwell as chairman. This
Aid Society cared for and entertained 229 soldiers passing through, and
forwarded to Company I, several boxes of bandages, towels,
handkerchiefs, etc. On September 21, 1898, the Red Cross Aid became a
permanent organization under the name of the Walla Walla Red Cross and
the following officers were elected:
Mrs. Lester S. Wilson, President.
Mrs. Thomas H. Brents, Vice-President.
Mrs. D.T. Kyger, Vice-President.
Miss Grace O. Isaaca, Recording Secretary.
Mrs. Eugene Boyer, Corresponding Secretary.
Mrs. George Whitehouse, Treasurer.
Upon notice that Company I was to start for Manila, the Red Cross of
Walla Walla forwarded money and delicacies to the value of $100. Since
permanent organization, the membership has more than doubled, and now
numbers about one hundred and fifty. Receipts, $1,408.00. Disbursements,
$1,058.00.
SPOKANE RED CROSS.
A meeting for the organization of a Red Cross Auxiliary was called in
Spokane, Washington, on July 11, 1898. Two days later the final
organization was completed and officers elected to serve until the
annual meeting in October:
The work of the society has been largely along the lines of raising
funds for supplies, and to aid the families of the two companies of
volunteers, Company O and L, both of which have gone to Manila. Supplies
of underclothing, socks, towels, soap, combs, sleeping caps, fever bands
and other necessary articles have been sent. Five hundred pounds of
jellies were sent to Manila. Christmas packages have been sent to every
man in the two companies. The sewing committee is steadily at work on
hospital supplies. The membership is 173.
The present officers are:
Mrs. Virginia K. Hayward, President.
Mrs. George Turner, Honorable Vice-President.
Mrs. F.F. Emery, First Vice-President.
Mrs. H. Salmorason, Second Vice-President.
Mrs. A.J. Shaw, Corresponding Secretary.
Mrs. L.J. Birdseye, Recording Secretary.
Mrs. N.W. Durham, Treasurer.
Receipts $951.78
Disbursements 355.07
--------
Cash on hand $596.71
To Miss Birdie Beals belongs the credit of organizing the La Conner
Auxiliary, and also the Bellingham Bay Auxiliary at New Whatcom. The La
Conner Auxiliary was most active to respond to the call of the Red
Cross. They sent large boxes of fruits and jellies to the Hospital of
the First Regiment Washington Volunteers, made caps and bandages, etc.,
and contributed towards the outfit for the First Regiment Washington
Volunteers.
The Bellingham Red Cross was organized by Miss Birdie Beals, President
of the La Conner Auxiliary. They have adopted the constitution and
by-laws, selected officers and are ready to do active work. The officers
are: Mrs. John A. Evans, president; Mrs. E.S. McCord, vice-president;
Mrs. S.J. Craft, recording secretary; Mrs. T.J. Kershaw, corresponding
secretary; Mrs. E.W. Purdy, treasurer.
The report from the Emergency Corps throughout the State is very
incomplete, as many corps who have done good work have sent directly to
the Company of soldiers raised in that particular town, and not reported
to the Red Cross at all.
The following is an extract from the report of the Emergency Corps:
The Emergency Corps of the State of Washington, having accomplished,
as far as lay within its power, the work for which it organized,
has, through its officers and executive board and with the consent
of its members as represented at the meeting of October 11, decided
to disband.
At the time of its organization the corps pledged its undivided
effort to the service of the volunteers of the State of Washington
during the war between the United States and Spain. That emergency
having happily ended in victory and peace, the society feels that
its special work is over. To those of its members who can still
devote time and strength to patriotic and humane effort, the
president and the executive board cordially suggest that they enroll
themselves as members of the Tacoma Red Cross society organized for
permanent effort in the broad field of the nation's and the world's
need, and when the aid and support that they can give will result in
practical benefit to any cause to which it is applied.
In closing the work of this organization the officers and executive
board wish to make a public report of what has been accomplished
during the four months of its existence. In absolute harmony the
society has worked together, members and officers alike. The
following record, taken from the secretary's last report, speaks for
itself in proof of the patriotic energy which has inspired its
labors. Since June 1 the Emergency Corps of the State of Washington
has distributed for the use of state volunteers: Flannel abdominal
bandages, towels, suits of pajamas, night shirts, suits balbriggan
underwear, hospital pads and shirts, hospital pillow cases, and
linen handkerchiefs.
In closing the work of the organization the officers and executive
board desire to express their appreciation of the aid and sympathy
extended them by the public and especially by the merchants of
Tacoma, whose donations of money and material assisted so largely in
what has been accomplished. To the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce they
are greatly indebted for the use of a room for headquarters and for
work and storage rooms. To the Northern Pacific Express Company, and
to the Northern Pacific Steamship Company, they owe many thanks for
aid and courtesy. It is impossible in this short summary to
enumerate every instance of cordial sympathy and support which has
cheered and aided the Emergency Corps in its labors; from all sides
encouragement came and substantial help.
In dissolving the bond between officers and members now remains in
each heart a cordial memory of mutual interest and sympathy, respect
and confidence.
To the press of Tacoma the Emergency Corps acknowledges its many
obligations. To the press and citizens of the State at large it is
also indebted for much of its power of usefulness and would express
an earnest appreciation and gratitude. The following letter was
received from Captain Sturges, of Company C, stationed at the
Presidio, San Francisco:
_To the Ladies of the Washington Emergency Corps, Tacoma,
Washington_:
It is with a feeling of almost inexpressible gratitude that the
officers and members of Company C, First Washington Volunteer
Infantry, try to express to you their warmest and most lasting
thanks for your kind and very useful donations and your expressions
of sympathy and interest. The many kindnesses of their Emergency
Corps have done much to help the soldiers more easily to bear their
many hardships and to more enjoy their few comforts, knowing that
kind hearts are interested in their welfare.
We unite in wishing you all the reward that your noble work so
justly merits.
Very thankfully yours,
E.C. STURGES,
_Captain Commanding_.
PORTO RICO.
The labors of the Executive Committee of the Red Cross in New York were
not confined to the work in the camps. Upon them devolved the larger
share of the responsibility for the administration of relief everywhere,
including the vast correspondence and the myriad details that arise in
connection with the systematic management of a work so far-reaching and
varied as the auxiliary relief by the Red Cross in time of war.
Outside of the United States, the relief of the sick and wounded in war
was not confined to Cuba and the Philippines, but was extended to Porto
Rico. Horace F. Barnes, of Boston, Mass., was appointed by the committee
as the field agent of the Red Cross in Porto Rico, and taking with him a
large assortment of supplies, sailed on the transport "Concho" for Ponce
on the thirteenth of August. Later, General W. T. Bennett, of
Philadelphia, Pa., was appointed to assist Mr. Barnes. All requisitions
from Porto Rico were promptly filled by the committee and the relief
continued so long as any necessity for it remained. Of the field work in
Porto Rico the following report is made:
REPORT BY HORACE F. BARNES.
Red Cross relief work for Porto Rico began with the arrival of a
detachment of female nurses before the American and Spanish armies had
ceased hostilities. These nurses, however, were ordered back to the
States at once as attendants for returning sick and wounded soldiers. On
the tenth of August the Executive Committee commissioned me as the Red
Cross field agent for Porto Rico, and put me in charge of a cargo of
relief supplies then on the steamship "Concho," which sailed from New
York on August 13.
With the aid of a good military map of the island, and of information
obtained before sailing as to the location of the different divisions of
the army, during the voyage the line of Red Cross work was determined.
The army was in three divisions. The eastern, under General Brooke, was
above Guayama; the central, under General Wilson, was at Ponce and
vicinity; the western, under General Schwan, was in Mayaguez and the
neighboring region.
It seemed to be the natural course to visit these divisions as soon as
possible, ascertain their sanitary condition, give supplies as needed
for the sick, wounded and convalescent, and then, after supplying the
American forces, to visit the Spanish camps and hospitals and provide
for them. Afterwards headquarters for stores and operations should be
fixed at the most central convenient port for receiving goods from New
York and distributing them with least cost and difficulty to all army
stations. The plan outlined was closely followed, circumstances making
it easily possible to do so. The "Concho" arrived at Ponce on August 20.
Two days afterward the ship with the cargo of Red Cross stores still
unbroken on board, started for Arroyo, the port of Guayama, about thirty
miles east of Ponce, where General Brooke's command had its base of
operations. There a large selection of relief supplies was left in
charge of Chief Surgeon Huidekoper, of the division hospital at Guayama.
Nothing could have been more auspicious as the beginning of Red Cross
work in Porto Rico than this quick and free transportation of supplies
to a distant command, with the minimum of labor and delay, at a period
of most urgent need.
Returning, the "Concho" reached Ponce again on the twenty-fifth. The
same night, on ascertaining that the steamship "Alamo" was to proceed
the next day to Mayaguez and Arecibo, I arranged for lighters to put a
cargo on board, to be divided between these two ports, intending the
first for General Schwan's command, and the second for the Sixth
Massachusetts, at Utuado, the latter to be landed at Arecibo. The
Surgeon of the Sixth Massachusetts was accordingly notified by wire to
have wagons sent up to Arecibo to meet the "Alamo" on her arrival. Every
thing worked admirably. The "Alamo" reached Mayaguez August 27, and
ample supplies for the hospital of General Schwan's command were landed
at Mayaguez, and delivered to Dr. Bailey K. Ashford, surgeon in charge,
who expressed most cordial and grateful appreciation.
Thence the "Alamo" proceeded, August 29, to Arecibo, which port was
reached on the same day. There the wagons of the Sixth Massachusetts
from Utuado were found in readiness to receive the consignment of goods
brought for them, which were put in charge of Assistant Surgeon of the
Sixth Massachusetts, Dr. F.A. Washburn. At Arecibo was a strong force of
Spanish troops, having a military and a Red Cross hospital. The Spanish
military commander, the captain of the port, and the chief surgeon of
the Red Cross hospital, personally gave the kindest attentions,
conducting me to all the military quarters and hospitals, yet while
expressing thanks for the offer of goods from the American Red Cross,
they declared they were not in need, as was evidently the case.
On the same day, August 29, my visit and departure having been wired to
the Spanish Governor General Macias at San Juan, I took train thither,
reaching the capital in the evening. The next day with an interpreter I
visited General Macias at his headquarters, and was most cordially
received, given the freedom of the city, especially including all the
forts, barracks and hospitals, and on inquiry allowed if I chose to make
any photographs of the military works, concerning which he said it did
not matter as they would be so soon in the hands of the Americans. Five
days were spent in San Juan. The forts, barracks and hospitals of the
Spaniards were visited, but all need of American Red Cross supplies was
courteously disavowed, evidently with truthfulness, for signs of want
were nowhere apparent. General Macias kindly gave me a pass through all
the Spanish military guards and civil jurisdictions under his command
throughout the island of Porto Rico.
With this pass I started from San Juan September 2 by coach for Ponce.
At Caguas I was politely invited by the German Consul General of Porto
Rico, Herr Adolph Rauschenplat, who had been traveling alone in his
coach behind me from San Juan, to join him in his carriage, and send
mine back to San Juan. The invitation was heartily accepted. We dined
together at Cayey. On reaching Aibonito while our relay of horses was
being harnessed, and we had been surrounded by the Spanish soldiers and
townspeople, engaging in pleasant chat with them, suddenly the captain
of the Spanish troops with a guard appeared and marched us
unceremoniously to the guardhouse. There we were challenged, and a
parley ensued, until I showed my pass from General Macias. The change of
front was spectacular, apologies were profuse, but I ended the affair by
insisting successfully that the officer sign his name to my pass which
was already rather heavily overloaded with the names of military and
civil magnates, both Spanish and American.
[Illustration: A SOLDIER FUNERAL.
_This team shows the manner of yoking the cattle by the
head and horns._]
[Illustration: A TYPICAL CUBAN CAMP.]
This trip was memorable not only for the enjoyment of a ride over one of
the best long roads in the world, amid the displays of all tropical
fruits and flora, views of many characteristic people, habitations,
customs, and cultivated sections of the island, but for the intelligent
and charming exposition of everything, together with discussion of the
social, political, military and commercial interests and problems of
Porto Rico, at the present stage of affairs, by Herr Rauschenplat,
whose English speech scarcely betrays his German vernacular or his
customary Spanish.
Arriving at Ponce on the evening of September 2, on the following day
storage for Red Cross goods was secured in the Custom House at the
Playa, or Port of Ponce, which continued our only headquarters during
work in Porto Rico. The distribution of goods commenced on Sunday,
September 4. The goods at first distributed in Ponce were the remainder
of the cargo brought on the "Concho," but left in charge of and
lightered off of the "Concho," and carefully stored by kind agreement in
the Custom House, when I was obliged to depart on the "Alamo" for
Mayaguez and Arecibo or lose a most valuable opportunity for
distributing stores where urgently needed.