The National tribune., 1884-07-24
who answered when the country invoked her


I beg every one of this Convention to lay
aside all personal feeling on this question, and
do justice to the cause we represent. Remem-
Der, woman is loyal by birth, not marriage.
The limited time we could devote to the
organization left il very imperfect, and trust
ere the close of the convention we shall have
more thoroughly systematized our work.
THE ORGANIZATION.
Immediately on the organization communi-
cation was sent in 10 the National Eneanp-
ment informing the comrades of the same;
that on the goth day of July, 1888, the Wo-
mans National Relief Corps was organized
and asked its approval. Some discussion en-
sued; the comrades were anxious TO take no
steps that should n any way infringe upon
their glorious Order. This watchfulness we
commended, and still our hearts were troubled
that any doubt should arise in the minds of
the veterans that for their assistance alone
were we organized. The result of the discus
sion was the following resolution:
Resolued, That cordially hail the organization
Of National Relief Corps, and extend our greet
ing to them. We return our warmest thanks to
the loyal OF the land for their earnest work,
support and encouragement, aud bid them Cod
speed In their patriotic work.
Thus securing their Endorsement, we stand
to-day second to the most glorious charitable
organization in the land-a society embracing
every color, every nationality, every religion.
With this baptism we commenced our years
work
Before our return home we were invited to
counsel with the Commander-in- Chief, at which
he assured US of his warmest support during
his administration
Immediately upon our return TO Massachu-
sets Headquarters were established at No II
Pemberton Square, Boston, by invitation OF
Dept. Com. Evans. This was indeed, an in
dorsement of our work, as by extending the
courtesy of Headquarters, Dept. Mass, e. A.
r., he also secured for US the valuable assist
ance Of the Assistant Adjutant-General of the
Department; also the advice of the comrades
of the Department, who are so proud OF the
| Order in their State.
The question of how to meet the immediate
demands Of supplies was a serious question, as
We had to Immediately contract heavy print
| ing BILL with only S45 in the treasury. 1t was
s problem hard for our competent Treasurer TO
solve, but again was the needed assistance prof
fered Us by COmrade E. B. Stillings, who had
enabled Us to present so complete printed mat
ter at Convention from Massachusetts,, assur-
/ ing US we were TO order what we should need,
and meet bills when able. Our badges were
obtained by similar courtesy from the manu-
! facturer. You can appreciate our desire TO pay
/ these bills as promptly as possible.
The careful report OF the Treasurer viii give
you the result.
GEN. BEATHs VISITS.
Early in She year the Commander-in- Chief
| came to our Headquarters to consult with US,
assuring US we should not delay our work for
| lack Of funds or any assistance that could be
obtained from him.
Again, on the 22d Of February, at the Sol
| diers' Home in Massachusetts, was he the guest
| Of the National Officers of Woman's Relief
Corps, and / desire to thank him for the kind
ness and fraternal spirit he has extended to US
| as officers during the year. With his many
| duties be has ever given US the kindest atten-
| ton; this from him, and like favors. from the
| comrades in nearly every Department, has
| given Us great encouragement TO 90 on IN the
good work.
Starting out for the year an effort was made
10 divide the work into something like sys-
| tem but in its crude state it was found an i'm
| possibility. The officers In the extreme West
! were unable to render the assistance they were
most willing 70, through no fault of theirs or
their associates. Thus. the burden has fallen
rather heavily upon the executive officers.
Mrs. Sherwood our Senior Vice, early assumed
the position Of Instituting and Installing Off,
Ger for the Western States, with power to APP
! point her assistants. How faithfully she has
performed that duty, results give evidence.
Adding 10 al this that of counselor during
the year she has written me over I6o messages.
THE NATIONAL TRIBUSEs WORK.
Thus have we counseled together through this
medium more successfully than is often the
case N correspondence, with the added pleas.
IRE Of forming 2 firm friendship while in tins
line of duty. She has also conducted the de-
psrtment of Loyal Woman's Work in The
NATIONAL TRIBUNE in our interest, through
whose columns we have reaped such rich har-
vest. To the editor Of The TRIBUNE-that
earnest advocate of our cause-are we greatly
indebted for the use of his paper his hearty
Endorsement, and many important and wise
suggestions.
! dare not write words of merited praise
which l could not trust my trembling voice Il
utter, bat like them Of old / can say: Wei
done thou good and faithful servant. thou hast
been faithful over a few things, ] trust thi!
Convention viii make you ruler over many
would most earnestly recommend that tht
Office Of Secretary Of National and Department;
Corps be made an app0intive one. 1t is very
| important that the Secretary should not onlE
be competent faithful officer, but also on,
who viii work IN unison with the President
This, l am told, makes the Secretary cipher
granted she viii then increase the value ten
!. fold, If placed on the Presidents right becom
ing vslueless if placed upon her left. Tn,
President IS held responsible for both Offices
/ therefore it would seem but just she should b
given the power TO make her own choice Thi
is the method followed by the @. A. r.. and
. srn informed is most successful. Personally
) cannot testify against an elected Secretary
having always been favored with the most eff
cieHt officers by selection Of the Convention
{ but in this my experience has not been that O
E the maDy-Eny good fortune has been that m,
choice has been Endorsed by Convention. n
! more earnest and efficient Secretary coul
T have been selected than was secured 10 me b.
vote Of last Convention But with this faith
I full, devoted officer how disastrous it would b
1 | not to have one who would make your worl
; her pleasant duty and your policy hers. / ca
0 understand, nnless the utmost harmony pre
: walls between these officers, their work mus
d be very imperfect and unsatisfactory.
Az ADVISORY BOARD.
7 also have realized the importance Of an At
yisory Board, TO which to refer the many que
ti0us incumbent upon the President 10 q,
eide and ] trust you viii authorize such
2 body, that The demands upon your President
good Judgment may not bankrupt her.
The Secretary IS TO follow me with conso
idaUed report OF our condition, and / fear Ii
. promise / have given her not to intrude upo
her grounds wiz not permit me TO remark upo
our growth.
desire to call the careful attention TO Ct
Treasurer's report. This part OF orr work ma
not admit Of so much sentiment in report
some others, but q careful examination Of Il
books and the knowledge OF the prompt maj
:. Der in which every duty Of the Office has bee
conducted, mast elicit the admiration of 9
a. who know anggt Of the care Of the same
p Daring tbe year The National Order has bes
Ie Represented upon several occasions by the of
y Gers. / cannot lengthen this report to give
- detailed account. have visited New Ham