The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1888-12-13
ARMY OF THE RESERVE.
TrIhuta TO the Lornl Women of the North.

Tribute to the Loyal women OF the Morrill,
EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: Many of us
who are enjoying the fruits of victory, and
orr pleasant homes, would have been deprived
of this great blessing had it not been for the suf
ferings, the work, the love, the patriotism OF
the great Army of the Reserve.
Scattered through every Northern State
stationed in the large cities, on the broad
prairies, in the villages, on the hillsides,
in the mansions of the millOnares, in the
huts of poverty-wherever there were mothers,
wives sisters and lovers, the Union sol
of the North lost heart in the darkest
days of the rebellion, but the women of the
North had faith that could no more be moved
than mountains can be overturned. They
knew the justice of the cause, they knew the
right would prevail, and never for an instant
entertained the thought that the great Ship OF
State would be dashed to pieces on the hateful
rocks of treason and secession.
Comrades, let us ever remember this Army
of the Reserve in our Reunions and at our
Campfres and in the Post room.
All the more should we do this, because that
army has never been mustered out, and will
remain in service until the last womanly SOL
der closes her eyes in death and her spirit
join the mighty throng gone before.
This claim is warranted as we look in what
ever direction we may and see organized COM
pauies of women working to alleviate suffering
in the families of soldiers Why. then, should
they not deserve as much credit as the men
who fought the battles?
From the moment the men left their homes
until the end of the war, the women of this
country who made the sacrifice of giving their
husbands, sons, brothers and lovers suffered
hardships that were equal to those endured in
the army. The anxiety and heartaches were
constant.
The bullet that struck down a soldier pierced
the heart of one or more noble, patriotic women
at home. The fever that parehed the lips Of
the boy in blue, redoubled the load carried by
a mother, wife, sister or friend, and gave hel
sleepless nights
The loyal, patriotic women of the North con.
stituted the great Army of the Reserve. Every
soldier realized that millions of prayers as
cended TO God every day in behalf OF the men
| who were fighting the battles of their country
They realized that their victories were victories
| for the great Army of the Reserve as much as
| for themselves and in the defeats Of our army
no one so sincerely sympathized with us as the
| loyal women of our land.
Every letter from home, whether from deal
mother, darling wife, loving sister or friend
breathed the spirit of true patriotism and con
tanned words of love, affection and cheer.
| Comrades, the vast Army of the Reserve
| picked lint, prepared the bandages preserved
| the fruits aud sent to the front hundreds OF
| carloads of delicacies, so much needed and 81
much appreciated.
Brave and self-sacrificing was the Army o
| the North, well it was led, great was tht
prize for which we fought, yet, counting all the
| hardships we endured, we would be ungratefu
! If we failed TO appreciate the great service!
rendered the army by the great Army of tn,
Reserye-the true, loyal women of the North
j. d. S.