Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1882-04-06
TIE BLUE ANCHOR.

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Among the women's rights strongly pre-
scented and successfully carried ont, that
right to initiate and VIGOROUSLY accomplish
works of benevolence have stood prominent
! In times of danger and disaster, in nisfor-
tune and loss, and even amid the carnage OF
the battlefield, they have demonstrated their
power to act the part of ministering angels
The order of the "Red Cross has shown by
! its achievements wsmsns ability TO organize
and wisely and successfully TO combine their
efforts, and to secure happy results. Some
years ago the Geneva treaty was entered into
by several nations, and by it important privi-
leges were conferred upon the members of an
international association, distinguished by
wearing red cross. Free passage was con-
ferred upon them, in time of strife, should
they enter upon works of practical bene-
violence with a view TO diminish the horrors
of war by their personal efforts to assuage hu-
man suffering. On the battlefield, and over the
districts that become the scenes of deadly
strife, their persons are sacred and their
demands for cooperation entitled to respect
full and earnest consideration. In the Cri-
mea AMI other scenes of rctive war, their
services have been of value to the wound
ed and the destitute only those who have
been aided by their ministrations can fully
appreciate or express. In our own country
a similar association has been organized, the
"Women's National Relief" whose members
wear a Distinguishing mark blue anchor.
Mrs. Hayes, and after her Mrs. Garfield, and
now the wife of Chief-J ustiee Waite have in
turn, been the chief officers of the associa-
ton. The ladies of the Blue Anchor are
organized for the purpose OF combining in
telligent and benevolent women, so as to
work harmoniously and effectively in the
event OF disaster and calamity from war,
famine, flood, pestilences and other occur
rences that bring human misery and suffer
ing in their train. The headq uariers are at
Washington, and it is proposed to form
auxiliary societies in each Of the various
States; several Of such societies are now in
active operation. When extended and per-
fected, body of active helpers will be ready
to act whenever such misfortunes "a the
great fire IN Wisconsin, or the foods now
devastating the lower Mississippi country,
shall afford opportunity for God-like benevo-
lence 10 perform its angelic deeds. Where
pain aud deprivation and human suffering
are scattering woe among the population
and bringing anguish and suffering, Gods
servants, with the Blue Anchor as an emf elem
of hope, will offer their ministering consola-
tons with all the sympathy and composite n
of the sex that heaven sent TO soften the
hardships and mitigate the distress of mis-
fortune, not only with material aid, but with
that sweetness and flow of heavenly kind
meas from the fount of human pity that is
the distinguishing characteristic of Gods
best created gift to man-woman. In the
Blue Anchor Sisterhood some will be engaged
in collecting means, come in distributing re-
lief, some in personal ministrations where
woman's aid will be specially effective. OF
tive ability OF one portion will be employed
in experimenting the efforts of trained
nurses, Investigators and visitors. Regular
reports will be made of receipts and expend-
itures, State or national aid will not be So
licited, and no official will be paid. The
association has already provided life-saving
stations on the seacoast with bedding, clothes
and proper diet and medicines for the ship
wrecked saved from death. The marine
hospitals have also had their aid, the Mich
igan sufferers from the extensive fires there
received systematic and efficient help, and
relief for the sufferers by the present food
has been collected and distributed. All
ladies are eligible for membership on the
annual payment of IS, and ladies desirous
of forming auxiliary Blue Anchor societies
can receive full information by writing TO
Mrs. Hannah Shepard, No. 1926 G street,
Washington, d. c.