New-York daily tribune., 1861-07-20
THE UNION DEFENSE COMMIT I'D THE
RELIES OF SOLDIERS WIVES.


On Tbursd.y as has been usual for Geyeral days
past, large number of women Of all ages,
aud ia almost all conditions, gathered around
the door Of the Union Defense Committees
office, in Fourth avenne. Some Of these remained,
hoping against bore in expectation that something
mgLt turn up; but the greater number after hearing
that no business would be transacted by the Committee
until il should come into possession OF funds, lef for
their homes. On converng with some Of the women
who Lad children in arms and Others at home, the fact
became apparent that many of them bad been relying
for the uecessaries of life upon friends who had been
come /, " wi hdraw thcirheIpiDg hsud Severaco
planned Of mean landlords to whom they had paid regu-
lar reul for six or seven year, who hArassed them
with continual and angry dunning; while souo Of them
had been actually turned out Of doors and Obliged to
| force themselves uFon GcGuaintanees in already
| crowded apartments.
Others whole husbands had left them in comfort
ably furnished homes have been compelled TO seH out
at great sacrifices, 20 that when their husbands shall
return from .Ltng the cOuntrys battles they will lind
their former homes broken up and their wives and
| Cmi,iss scattered. There are also anxiousy
waiting for relief, who fear future disasters ard
endeavoring to sye themselves from utter dependence
fpossibe Nearly all grumble loudly st the deay Of
tie asihor.ties in paying of the soldiers. Many ars
The Lrd lngB sid about leading men, whom they sus
rect OF having bribed paymasters 10 keep back the
mors that they may have opportunity of cashing
elaine at 10 PER cent, and even high II per cent
Many Of these poor women are the wives of young
husbards who brayely gave their consent that they
n,ieht 90 10 tho field Of battle and without that
sent many young mau now fighting on the soil Of
Virginia 10 uphold the Government would have
NAMED at home. Ii there is any thing calculated to
send rang TO the human heart il is sight of the
varied moving group Of women who hOpelessly wait
their turn for the promised assistance.
On Thursday The Union Defense Committee dscov-
cred placer which they at once determined to devote
to paying up possible, all outstanding orders in the
hands of the wives of volunteers. Accordingly il
determined tat with view prevent confusion in it's
distribution one side of the large store should he seated
rs a reception room This was done at once and the
work finished about - o'clock yesterday morning.
the seats have been arranged that is impossible
for one applicant 10 reach the teers desk Of
The seats in the paying arranged in the same
manner making the approach to the paying desk bya
winding way.
Tho intelligence that iho Union Defense Committee
had 70. money although not advertised spread into
every part Of the city like magic, and in the course of
to the pe,uniary center of hope. As they rushed
through the reception door there was but one course
open for them, that was keep moving forward in
rotation and sit down. until it became necessary for
them TO make another advance.
TIE arrangements arc attended 70 by officer D. :.
Books,aYer who has been detailed for that purpose.
The Committee intend only take up all back orders;
new ones are sent 10 the other sources, under the
auspices Of the City Government.
As was to BE- expected, where money is eonsidera-
ton there have been many attempts 70 procure 'ho
funds By fraud. A very large number Of such cases
have been detected, and the pay ment of orders stopped
II once. Some Of the soldiers have left certificates
with two, three, ana in sIme insances with four
women all presenting their cards and representing
theuseNes tho wives Of the same man. Such cascs
ahOw that the Ward Committees granting the orders
have been exceedingly rcmss in the performance of
their duties.
Some days ago, two German women, wives of the
same husband, applied for money. Both were pro-
ydcd with tiebe.s authorizing them 70 collect, and
upon examination, both had marriage certificates.
Taey were brought face lace and the lsst married
one on seeing the first, shuddered with anaZement.
Before her stood the woman whom her husband had
described and who by bis representation had Died long
ago. Certain scar, on the womans face answered tho
description. They were both, 20 far as they were
concerned, lawfully married women.
Another instance TO light yesterday. The law
ful wiio of member Of he 18th Regiment presented
ber card for relief. Her name was MFs. Brennan.
The paying clerk had already pail card 70 the "iie
Of ihal particular Brennan That wife was S'usl1
ON and brought tie OGicc, having young Iai'n ~
her aFIus. She said she had lived with Brennan ."