Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1891-03-05
WOMENS RELIEF CORPS /!
Embraced Within the District
Comprising Henry, Def
ance and Pauld-
ing Counties,
Hold their Second Annual Convention,
At the Choate Post G. A. R.
Hall in Napoleon.
Each Corps in the District is Repre-
sented-The Town Alive With
Earnest Co-Workers in
the Good Labor,

fiance and Paulding counties held Its Sec
ond Annual Convention at this place. The
attendance was large, every corps In the dis
trict being represented.
The convention opened at 800 a. m. with
Clara Balsley, president of the Napoleon
corps, in the chair. Mrs. Carroll, of De-
fance, assistant l. and 1. made few appro-
pirate remarks, followed by an address of
welcome. The presidents address was
couched in the following language:
'It is with great pleasure that l, on be-
half of Choate Post, say welcome" l
would express to the Second Annual Conven-
ton of this district assembled, the pleasure
of Choate Corps in being privileged to enter
tain the members of this convention. We
are indeed happy to have you with us and
welcome you with all our hearts.
We cherish the hope that this convention
may prove one of profit as we'll as one of
pleasure to all; that permanent good may
come from this gathering of kindred spirits,
and after your departure from us, the infuen-
ces that naturally arise from these meetings
will abide with us; that we may gain inspira-
tion by an interchange of thoughts and pur-
poses for more vigorous service during tho
year; and propose, devise and deliber ate in
such a manner as shall be of mutual benefit.
We may justly feel proud of being men,
bers of so noble an organization as the Wo-
for the men, who, with Gods blessing saved
the Nation and all they hold most dear.
Prior to the year 'S3, each department vas
Flaw unto themselves" formulating their
own rules and regulations. During that
year. Commander in Chief Van Der WORT,
G. A. R., issued call for all representa- tives
of Relief Corps to m set at Denver, Col, to
| perfect national organization. Delegates
from sixteen different states met iu conv en-
tion and formed national organization,
known as Women's Rsief Corps. Its pur-
poses were to specially aid and assist the
members of the Grand Army, aud to perpet
uate the memory of their h9roic dead.
Since then uniform rules, rituals AID regu-
lations have been adopted.
To Massachusetts Corps is given the honor
of being the model, from which our present
forms were taken. 1t seems eminently prop
er that its origin should have been in the
old EBAY State"-the cradle of lberty-a nd
brought to tulfllment in far Colorado.
1t is,with much satisfaction that we recall
what the women of Ohio have done for the
Sandusky Home towards making it haven
of rest for many sailor and sold lei
without home; also, the Xenia Orpha MS
Home. Though reared and fostered by the
state, they are the recipients of loving tok-
ems from the W. r. g., thereby assuring them
that their fathers deeds are not forgotten but
live with grateful remembrance in our hearts
And last but not least, our own National Re
lief Corps Home-a home where the noble
women of the war, who went forth to bind
the wounds, soothe the sick, care for the dy.
ing, may find a fitting refuge and shelter; tc
the loyal women of the war as we'll as mer
would we pay tribute.
It seems woman's mission of loving devo
tion dates from the Christian Era. Marthf
and Mary were trusted friends of the Master
and you will remember it was Mary, not one
of the Disciples, who was first at the Savior'c
tomb.
We hope that the grand principles of re-
lief for which the organization stands pledg
ed, may become still more prominent. w
are known as Relief Corps, and it is the cor
ner stone upon which we build; and in nj
better way call we show our patriotism ant
grateful remembrance of faithful service ant
patient suffering.
No other woman's organization has sucl
opportunity for well doing as has the Wo
mems Relief Corps. To them falls tn
work of sweet charity, inspired by the low
and reverence they bear the defenders o
our country.
The great officers and generals we ma,
safely commit to fame and the country, bu
the old soldier of the field, who saw active
service and bore the burden of conflict, leav
ing the army manned, or now suffering from
the infirmities of age, with the addition o
poverty in many cases; these, with thei
wives and children, and the widows and or
phans of those who laid down their lives
such as these. fall to the loving care of tn
W. R. C.,which they accept as sacred trust
, With much pride we recall that Ohio stand
the banner state of w. R. @. and G. A.
Eternal vigilence is the price we must pay t,
sustain the honor. We would urge upon al
the necessity of daily exercising the spirit o
fraternity, broad charity and pure loyalty
Again we would extend to you heart
welcome and hope this convention may b
to all pleasant one"
Mrs. Naomi Osborn, of Antwerp, respond
ed:
LADIES OF THE CoNvENT1oN:-Eve sine
the little white messenger "Carrolled" fort
the message to my home, "You are expecte
to respond to the welcome from Choate'
Corps, Napoleon" have been twining owe
thoughts in my mind for some fitting word
worthy of the occasion. OF one thing I fel
quite confident, however fine and appropriat