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.

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:

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:

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.

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 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.

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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.

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.

Every applicant not seeking for himself alone was interrogated as to the number of sick or convalescents for whom the goods were desired, and informed that our provisions were specifically for these classes. The amount bestowed was in view of the number of sick thus reported. Then on a sheet of paper headed by the date of application all articles were recorded, checked off when taken, and the signature of the officer applying was affixed. Then my official stamp as field agent was affixed, and the paper put on file as a voucher. All goods received by steamer came into the office under my personal supervision, and with very few necessary exceptions none went out without it.

On September 4 the office work of the Red Cross in Porto Rico was inaugurated with five representative issues of stores, which became matter of record. As the later files show, the number rapidly multiplied and the office work was increased by a constant procession of single applicants for small things. A dose of medicine, a pencil, an abdominal band, a comfort bag, something to read, a pair of stockings, a handkerchief, a towel—a little stationery—such applications alone made work enough for one man, and one had to be secured, Corporal Patrick Syron, who was detailed from the First Engineers, and whose help was invaluable.

As the work was increasing very rapidly, and appeals pouring in from all the camps and hospitals, the executive committee sent as my assistant General W.T. Bennett, who arrived September 7 on the “Seneca,” which also brought a fresh and valuable cargo of stores. Having like myself had army experience in the Civil War, General Bennett easily grasped the situation, and while I attended specially to the distribution of goods at the office, he gave efficient help in managing the outside relations of the work, made doubly exacting by the necessity of lightering off all goods from ships, and transferring them by native porters to the headquarters, amidst piles of army stores, and a horde of omnipresent and vigilant thieves. Any lull in the office work was improved in visiting hospitals and camps, and noting how goods were received and distributed. By frequent consultation of the official figures, at the chief surgeon’s office, of the sick rate at all military stations on the island, it was possible to judge correctly concerning the neediest places for sending relief, and also to judge the merits of applications.

The extraordinary amount of typhoid fever and intestinal diseases among the troops was the object of thoughtful attention. Several native physicians and army surgeons were solicited to write their diagnosis and treatment of these diseases, in the hope that their combined testimony may furnish valuable data for guidance of physicians and surgeons who may have charge of our troops here in the future.

On October 6, Mr. Monroe Scott, arrived from New York on the steamship “Chester,” to be second assistant in our work. He was desirous of giving personal service to the sick, as he had just came from such work in the Northern army hospitals. But the needs at the various hospitals in Porto Rico were being so fully met that he gave his attention to the varied demands at the office, where his courteous manner and efficiency in detail were highly appreciated. Two ambulances were sent to Ponce in September. They proved of great value in emergency cases requiring quick transportation to and from the hospitals, and in conveying our goods for short distances. It must be admitted, however, that they proved also a delicate responsibility, as everybody seemed to regard them as free pleasure coaches in which the Red Cross was eager to take the town to ride.

A daily care was to note all incoming steamers, to board them to inquire for Red Cross supplies, also to note all departing steamers and provide that all sick and convalescents had Red Cross goods enough to insure their comfort for the homeward voyage. The chief surgeons were appealed to and asked not to allow any detachment of sick men to go home without previously notifying us, so that we might provide for their nutriment in supplement to that provided by the Government. It is proper to add that the surgeons going home in charge of the sick on ships were all attentive to their duty in securing Red Cross supplies for their patients. Twelve shipments were made for transports carrying home the sick.

One of the duties of the office was to give first aid to the sick and injured. Hardly a day passed without our giving many prescriptions of medicine to soldiers for intestinal troubles, or first dressing to men injured on the pier or on shipboard. We carefully gave antiseptic dressing and bound up gashed heads and limbs, and tenderly conveyed the unfortunates to the proper hospitals or to their homes or ships.

In September on order from New York, we began to furnish ice to hospitals not already supplied. We purchased machine-made ice at the heavy cost of forty pesos a ton, and had arranged with the hospitals of Coamo and Guayama, the only ones not supplied, to send wagons weekly for a load. For this work we were about to establish an ice-storage plant, when a large cargo furnished by the Government arrived, and although about one hundred tons soon after came from New York, consigned to the Red Cross, it was not needed, nor an ice-house for storage, as the government supply was freely furnished to all in need, and was so large as to last till the Red Cross ice, though carefully stored in a covered lighter, had entirely melted. Had the Government not made this provision, a free grant of site, lumber and labor for an ice plant already secured, would have been utilized. The same cablegram authorizing an ice supply also authorized the supply of milk as needed. On inquiry it was found that all of the hospitals were already well provided with this article. In case of the hospital for the First Engineers, however, the ingenious surgeon, Dr. Proben, had opened negotiations for a cow, and we promptly insisted on paying for it, but were allowed to pledge only one-half its cost, which we most cheerfully did.

Twelve hospital tents, 14x14 feet each, were furnished by the Red Cross, of which one was loaned to the Engineers’ hospital, one to the Sixth Massachusetts hospital, and ten were located, under medical supervision, beneath a row of cocoanut trees, for the accommodation of convalescents awaiting transportation. A suitable trench was dug, flooring put in all the tents by the engineers, and straw was furnished for bedding by the quartermaster. This camp was named “Camp Barton.”

Some of the incidental work of the Red Cross was to answer letters of inquiry concerning missing soldiers; to guide numerous strangers arriving at the port; to get stragglers of the army into their proper quarters; to help soldiers in various conditions of distress; always to be ready with a kind look and friendly hand, as proper representatives of a generous public, desiring to show full appreciation of these who upheld the nation’s honor with the offering of their lives. Every man on the staff of the Red Cross in Porto Rico, could he have embodied his real preferences, would have spent his whole time personally with the boys in their tents or hospitals. It was a real regret to us all that from early morning until dark we had to be hard at work, with few exceptions, in dealing out stores and attending to duties at headquarters.

But as we were serving, not a campaigning army, but garrisons after hostilities had ceased, and the supply of surgeons and nurses was ample, there was no need of personal field service on our part. A tribute of respect and praise is demanded in honor of the army officials of Porto Rico, especially those of the southern district, so wisely administered by General Guy V. Henry, now Governor of Porto Rico. The different departments were ably conducted. Their relations were entirely cordial. The difficult problems presenting themselves were handled in a manful way.

The Red Cross carefully avoided the role of critic or censor, and sought to conform to the wishes of commanders and surgeons, while watchfully providing for the needs of the sick, as ascertained by independent investigation. It never had occasion to make a protest, nor acted as a meddler, but attended strictly to its own business, and kept in its own place as an army auxiliary, and servant of the sick. Hence from the first of its work the military, naval, surgical, medical, commissary and quartermaster’s departments treated it as a part of their own common fraternity, freely granting all its requests, subjecting it to no restrictions, and cordially accepting and forwarding its beneficent operations. We received every advantage gratuitously. Not in a single instance were our requests denied. By this cordial understanding many hundreds of dollars of expense were saved to the Red Cross.

Indications of the heavy sick rate in the army of Porto Rico may be found in the following data, gathered at the time from official sources: In August the surgeon in charge at Mayaguez reported that fully 7.5 per cent of the troops stationed there were sick in hospitals, or in quarters, or unfit for duty. September 10 there were in the district of Ponce over 1400 sick, including 350 typhoid cases, 600 malarial, 350 intestinal diseases. September 20 the official report shows 750 sick in Ponce, 799 in Coamo, 336 in Mayaguez, 264 in Utuado, 22 in Guanica, and 328 in Guayama. September 28th the Sixteenth Pennsylvania Infantry, at Coamo, reported 625 sick. One company had no officers on duty, all being sick. October 3 there were 125 sick in Ponce, 60 in Guayama, 65 in Utuado, 40 in Mayaguez, and 491 at Coamo. Total in these places, 781. This great reduction in the number of reported sick was due to large shipments of patients to the States. October 20 there were 747 sick in the general hospital in Ponce, 120 in that at Mayaguez, and 125 in that at Guayama.

On November 10, 603 men were reported sick in the district of Ponce. The data above given will best be understood if it is remembered that they comprise for the most part only hospital inmates. The sick in quarters were not generally reported, though they fully equaled in number those in hospitals. Again it should be remembered that those unfit for duty equaled in number both of the other two classes. In brief, during September, October and November, not more than one-half of the army was available for duty. In September a captain of engineers informed me that in the morning he had only four men report for duty.

Several obvious causes operated to produce the great sick rate. The effects of exposures and hardships before reaching Porto Rico, the nature of the food, malarious influences, native fruits, the heavy rains, and the excessive heat, were potent factors in producing the general illness. There was no invigoration in the atmosphere, its heat and humidity being very depressing, and not allowing rapid recovery after prostration. Almost every man lost heavily in weight, the amounts varying from twenty-five to one hundred pounds. This was true even of those who were extremely careful of their diet and habits. During September and October a register of temperatures, kept by Dr. Charles I. Proben, surgeon of the First Engineers, showed an average daily temperature of 82.52° Fahrenheit, and in October 80.136° Fahrenheit. These figures give little suggestion of what the soldiers had to endure, as for instance, September 20 the mercury stood 96° in the shade at midday, and 113° in the sun. October 3 the mercury stood at 92° at midday. These health conditions made every American in Porto Rico a fitting subject for relief, but Red Cross supplies were limited as far as practicable to the sick and convalescent.

The extent and direction of our Red Cross work are indicated below:

These issues were all recorded, and vouchers filed. The number of issues to single applicants for their own immediate use, mostly private soldiers, were over 1200. Prescriptions of medicine to sick soldiers, applying at the office, about 300. Wounds dressed at office, in first aid to wounded men, about 30. Sick carried in ambulances of Red Cross, 50.

The camps and hospitals served by the Red Cross were scattered all over the island, some accessible only through difficult mountain passes, bad roads, or by long sea voyages, necessitating weekly consultation of the chief surgeons, sick reports from all military stations, and careful study of the best routes and means of transportation.

Three months’ experience lead one to say that if a man knows how to keep a hotel, run a restaurant, and a refreshment stand; if he be a good grocer, dry goodsman, apothecary, financier, accountant, doctor, and linguist; if he have the strength of a Samson, the patience of a Job, and the cheerfulness of the morning lark; if he have the power to see much and say little, to sweat and not swear, to behold limitless suffering and be fair to all; if he is pachydermous to the shafts of criticism, diplomat enough to secure universal favor, and worthy to hold it by solid merit, let him try a Field Agency of the Red Cross with confidence, for in such service he will need all of these qualities in abundance. And yet, in the midst of it all, he will daily hear the sweetest words of gratitude, and feel that he is doing the most self-rewarding work of his whole life.

SHIPMENTS BY TRANSPORTS.

By the courtesy of the War Department, the Executive Committee were enabled to make several shipments, both to Cuba and to Porto Rico, on the United States transports. With the exception of the first cargo by the “Port Victor,” the larger part of these supplies which should properly have been consigned to the Red Cross at the front, were sent direct to the commanding officers, or to the officers of the medical department of the army, upon request. The consignment of the “Port Victor,” although received by the Red Cross and forwarded to Gibra for distribution, was afterward taken by an officer of the U.S. army without permission. Among the shipments were: