The Evening critic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1881-1885, 1881-08-13

THE RECENT DIVISION of donations given
by the passengers on board the steamship
Galla between the British Life-saving Ser
vice, to which hitherto the money has been
entirely devoted, and the Womcn's National
Relief Association of the United States, of
which Mrs. Garfield is president, calls out
some inquiry regarding this association, its
origin, method of organization, and de-
sign.
Many of the women who were most ac-
lively engaged in the Christian and Sanitary |
Commissions during the war have never
been fully rcconcilcd TO the disbanding of
those associations at the close Of the terrible |
contest which called them into existence |
and activity. The immense leverage given
to benevolent work by unanimity of pur-
pose and concert Of action was cffectually
demonstrated, and il has been strongly felt
by the persons alluded to that instead of
disbanding it would have been better to
have organized on permanent basis, in
order to be ready for the many public
emergencies calling for benevolent action
which, in n great country like ours, occur
in times of peace. OF this number were
the ladies whose names appear as organizers
of tho National Relief Association, viz:
Mrs. X. Il. Hayes, Mrs. James A. Garfield,
Mrs. Morrison X. Waite, Mrs Gabriel Kent,
and their associates, besides many others
who are giving evidence of their con-
victions and interest by forming auxiliary
associations in a number of the States. Ad-
| I,t,n,al Inn, oi wa In tbp fprppg
acting on the minds of the projectors of the
relief associations by the state of things,
some terrible and some shameful, which has
| existed when occasions of pcstilcnce have
occurred calling for public help. In the
winter of 1880, after much previous consid-
Grafton, the initial steps were taken for or
ganizing u National Association which
should, by means of auxiliary and sub
auxiliary societies, band together the
benevolent people of the country; have i'll
readiness for use in case Of any public me-
cessity therefor whatever sanitary aid.
either of personnel or material, might be re-
quired and such perfect system of action
that the resources of the association and
the gifts of the people should be assured OF
honest, economical and efficient application
1t was decided to commence the existence
of the organization with practical work
taking that up which lay first at hand, ant
holding itself ready to assume other re
sponsibilities as they should arise Th'
condition of the U. S. Life-saving stations
devoid of all comforts whatever for the us,
of surfmen in the care of those whom the,
had rescued from the sea, had wrought ol
the pity of the ladies. and they agreed tina
to remedy this evil should be their frs
work. In token of this initial effort, the.
assumed the Blue Anchor as thei
badge. An auxiliary association wa
formed in New York as soon a
the national organization was il
shape; another soon followed in this Dis
trict; then one in Massachusetts,; one
!. being organized in Ohio, another in Con
' necticut, and other States are falling int
= line.
Much has lately been said about the dcs
rability of organizations::of benevolencc fc
. readiness of action in times of war Til
y members of the National Relief Associatio
. anticipate all such necessity by being read
u for the calamities which befall in times {
. peace. Ready with stores of clothing an
provisions, funds of money, corps Of phys
V clans, nurses and whatever is needed i
n times of disaster and pestilencc, they al
o ready for war should that ever befall.
l. The association has on its roll of membe
# ship already most Of the nurses who wei
q active during the war. Physicians, me
=. and women, are volunteering service, an
v it is confidently expected that great an
10 good work will eventuate from this actiC
l. of few women who are banded togethc
not for sclat, but simply to do good.