Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1863-11-13
The Sanitary Convention at Des
NlOineS.

tribute There is no good reason why thcr
should be two distinct organizations, in thi
or any other State, having the same objects
in view. We want our soldiers relieved, an,
by those who are best qualified and have hat
the largest experience. We have no hesitan
cy in saying. that we believe Mrs. Witten
meyer an energetic, faithful, honest and pa
trio,ic woman. who would scorn to do NEAR
and unworthy act. We believe her to b,
pref eminenty fitted for the noble work in
which she is engaged. If, however, it shall
appear that the sanitary interests of our sol
diers will be improved and benefited by the
election of some other agent, we do not be
lievc Mrs W. will he>itate to yield her own
views and leading position. We do not
however, understand this Convention to be
called for the purpose of opposing Mrs. w.
but for tn, consid. ration of certain matters oil
practical import.
For one, we hope the initiative will be ia
ken to consolidate the contributions of Iowa
for distribution. by trustworthy agents,
among Iowa soldiers. W. are opposed to
shipping and paying freight upon our santa
ry supplies, to be forwarded to Chicago or
St. Louis, to be thrown into general fund.
We believe that this is the real cause of COM
paint among our Iowa troops. Our people
write that large supplies of good things were
sent at such time. Soon the boys write
that they have not seen anything of the sup
plies, when 10 and behold upon an investi-
cation, it is ascertained that the supplies
were no, sent direct to the army or its hospi-
tails, but to SOM com mission house in Chica-
60, St. Louis, or elsewhere. Let Iowa make
her contributions, and let her brave men
have them. Not many days since, our noble
hearted women gathered l, 900 bushels of po-
tatoes for our soldiers. They were sacked,
when it was found that Sl40 would be con-
sumed for freight, and that the potatoes must
go into the general fund in commission
house in St. Louis. Perhaps an Iowa boy
might see potato, and, perhaps not. What
we want, is, certainty that the supplies will
reach our soldiers, for whom they are desig-
mated. 1t is useless for our Legislature to
make liberal appropriations for Sanitary sup.
plies, unless those supplies are forwarded
direct.
The Legislature, at its approaching session,
will be asked to do something upon this SUBJ
.ect. We desire to see it act upon the most
practical and beneficial plan. We have been
permitted to publish the following extract of
a letter from one Of the most prominent
members of the Iowa Senate, distinguished
alike for his ability, generosity and humanity:
THAT SOM thing is necessary to be done is
the universal voice of all returned officers and
soldiers to enable our brave suff ring men to
enjoy the generous contributions Of our loyal
women. Whatever scheme will best secure
this result should at once be adopted. l
learn that the convention held at your city
have scheme asking action at the hands OF
the General Assembly OF the details of that
scheme ain not advised. This convention
seems to point to the asking of something in
The same way. 1t strikes Inc that it may be
important to have the result of this conven
ton before US, that we may have choice
for it will be out of the question to refuse to
do anything We shall be sed to act, and
feel desire that we may have choice oil
what we n I'll do. 1t may be urged by some
II fact is done) that this convention is in
opposition to Mrs. Wittenmes err of Ksokuk
This is not necessarily so, and know many
of her warm friends who signed the call fl
this convention, not that they loved her less
but the cause more IF it viii! but alleviate
the suffering OF our poor sick soldiers it sure
ly ought not 70 be urged that any individual
interest will suffer, but don see that it can
be, in any way, opposed to her interests on
the contrary, it can but do the cause good,
and will therefore necessarily meet with her
appreciation as well as that Of her discreet
friends who know that she esteems the cause
above self"
Believing our people are interested in the
success Of every enterprise intended to alle-
viate the suffs'ings and hardships of our sol.
dlers, we trust they will be represented in the
Convention. 1t will meet and propose plans
and appeal to the Legislature. That Legs.
lature will be called upon to act. That it will
co operate with but one organic ton is Ger.
tain. Let us be represented and our views
freely expressed.