The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1863-11-05

cietee um0eT t0o A0opACOo Oh tno
"Iowa SANITARY Csanisslsn,
"Leyal Leagues,o and ssselasrs'
Chrissian Commisslen,s, and all
other Ala Societies In the state Of
Iowa.
The undersigned, rejoicing in the sue
cess that has attended the efforts of the
friends of the soldiers, in sending sup
plies to the sick, wounded, and destitute
in field and hospital. have, nevertheless,
observed that their efficiency might be
very greatly increased, if perfect harmony
and better understanding could be 80.
cured between the different organizations
and leading citizens. One of our State
Agents advises that all contributions sent
from the State, should be consigned to
some house in st. Louis, where, We learn,
they are delivered TO the "W estern SAM
tary Commission" are merged into the
common stock, and are sent to the army
and hospitals, wherever, in the judgment
of its agents, supplies are most needed,
without reference to their origin. The
officers of the Iowa Sanitary Commission
advise that all contributions from Iowa
should be forwarded to the Chicsgo branch
OF the "National Sanitary Commission"
and through their officers and agents, to
the army and hospitals. When sent
through this channel, we learn that our
goods are, as in the other case, merged
into the common stock at Chicago, and
arenever afterwards known as Iowa goods.
Others, ignoring these arrangements,
have been carrying supplies directly to
the field and hospitals under permits from
the Secretary of War.
And others of high social position, of
commanding influence, Of undoubted be-
nevolence and large means, have stood
aloof from all organizations and individ-
ual efforts, believing that selfish motives
aud personal interest have prompted too
many of those who have been the most
active in these enterprises. On these
accounts many of those, the most efficient
at the beginning of the war, have become
lukewarm, and many societies have sus-
pended operations.
1t is proposed, therefore, that Con-
vention shall be held at the City of Des
Moines, Iowa, commencing on Wednes-
day, the Eighteenth day Of November.
SO be constituted of delegates from the
Ladies Soldiers Aid Societies. the
Societies cooperating with the "Iowa
Sanitary Commission, ""Loyal Leagues,
"Soldiers Christian Commission" and
all other organizations in the State, which
have made regular contributions for the
welfare of the soldiers, for the following
purposes:
|. To devise the necessary means to
secure harmony between the various or
CARNATIONS, and the cooperation of the
people of the State, SO as to crown our
mutual efforts with a higher degree of
success.
2. 10 consider whether it is best to
forward our contributions hereafter as
heretofore through the "Western Santa
ry Commission" the "Chcago Branch"
of the National Sanitary Commission"
as advised, or whether some other means
and instrumenfalities should be adopted,
which may secure their transmission to |
the armies in the field
3. To consider whether the efficiency
OF the organizations may not be increased |
by the establishment Of a general depot |
at some eligible place in our own State. /
to be placed under the immediate control |
OF thorough business man. and such as
sistants as may be needed, subject to the |
supervisory control of the officers of a |
State Society or Commission.
t. 10 consider whether the efficiency
OF our Societies might not be increased. |
aud our contributions greatly enlarged |
by the employment of an Agent or Agents
to travel within the State, SO as to enable
the Agents appointed by the Governor.
under an act of the Legislature, to give
their whole time to the work of distribu-
ting goods in the field and hospitals, and
looking after the interests of the sold:
In the vicinity of the enemy. 1'eis'
e- the number of the anu "he'h
AGENTS MIGHT not, latter class of
8. To oe increased.
lep;' consider whether any further
..sla,ion is desired by the Societies,
with view to petitioning the legislature
for aid, if deemed advisable /; or whether
it would be best to sever as far as practi-
cable all connection with the State Gov
eminent, and rely, like other benevolent
organizations, exclusively on the generos-
ity of the people.
6. To consider whether ladies or GEN
ttemen would probably be the more eff
hcient Agents for the shipment and dis
tribution of goods near the enemy's
lines, and other exposed positions.
Z. To consider whether female purses
may not be employed with advantage in
greater numbers in the hospitals and
whether our Societies could not aid the
Superintendent Of Hospitals in procuring
persons of proper qualifications to serve
in this capacity.
&. 10 devise means. if possible, of secu-
ring regular, as well as constant supply
of hospital goods.
9. To devise some plan for securing
care and fidelity on the part of agents en-
trusted with our goods and means-by
requiring strict account to be kept with
them, or otherwise, as may be thought
most advisable; that donors may at any
time obtain satisfactory evidence of the
Droper applipation of their con..;h,.;o