The National tribune., 1894-02-15
The RELIEF CORPS.
Gleaninss from National Headqnar-
ters---NOles from the Departments
INSANE VETERANS.


GATHERED THROUGH DEPARTMENT. w.R.c.
TIE Woman's Relief Corps has taken active
measures. through the presentation Of facts
collected by Mrs. Martha Humrichouser. Of
Kankakee. ILL.,. to ameliorate the condition Of
insane soldiers now under treatment in the
asylums of the several States.
This subject has been before two or three
National Conventions, and it was voted that
an effort be put forth by the Womaus Relief
Corps 10 ascertain the number Of veterans in
each State asy lum, and then to memorialize the
State Legislature to provide separate cottages
for the unfortunate veterans of the Union.
1t is believed by Mrs. Humrichouser and
those who have given the matter close scrutiny
and investigation, that the sorrows of the i'll
sane soldiers would be greatly appeased and
their lives be made much more tolerable IL they
could dwell apart in cottages where they might
be visited by their comrades and friends Of the
Grand Army and the Relief Corps.
These cottages could he made the abodes of
patriotism where. surrounded by the flags and
banners and embems of united country, i'll
whose service the injuries Of many were in
Cured, the gimmerng intelligence, remnant
of brighter aud better day, might be famed
into life. and thus few rays of cheer and hope
he thrown across the dark vistas Of reason de-
throned.
Those who have seen and talked with these
insane soldiers say that nothing does more to
quicken the shattered chords Of memory yet
left these men than the ghts and scenes asso-
ciated with their army life.
Some States especially New York, Ohio. and
Massachusetts, have large numbers of these
unfortunate soldiers in their State asylums.
At least Is States as reported to Mrs. Hum
richouser. have enough insane soldiers in their
asylums to make it their duty to petition for
separate cottages.
We leave Mrs. Humrischouser. who has been
making wide investigation by authority of the
National W.R.C., to tell the story of these un-
happy men, hoping that not only the Relief
Corps, hut the Grand Army rs well, may be
stimulated to further this great work of
iraternal love which our loyal women have in
hand.
MRS. HUmRTCHoUsER's LITTER
KANK.KNE. Ill. Jan. 30. 1894.
DEAR EDITOR w. r. G.: Asking yonr per-
sonal assistance in bringing our W.R.C move
DIent to secure separate cottages Tor insane
soldiers in the insane asylums of the several
States, forward you the list IN my hands up
to date received from the States named.
! am convinced, through wide personal OBJ
s"rvaiion. that the condition of our insane
veterans could be greatly improved. Many
vino ar" pensioners of large Sums are placed in
the asylums as paupers.. They never receive
cent for their own benefit, aud are clothed at
the expense of the Stale. Often these asylums
have not sufficient TO keep them comfortable
while those who the largest pensioners are
off in ad nf .ff- inn fha
most being blind or with u IA ssng limb.
Others do not receive any pension SIMPLY be-
cause there is 10 one who has any interest in
their welfare. All this could he Ohviated were
they placed in a separate building where the
GAR. w. re. aud other friends of the SOL
dlerS could contribute To their comfort, aud
see that they are otherwise cared for.
Pension abuses could then he investigated
and remedied, and these men. who d I'd not hest
tate III bare their bresnts in defense OF our
country. could receive all The comfort they are
so justly entitled 10. Their services should
not now he forgotten aud neglected in their
helpless condition.
INSANE SOLDIERS.
The number of insane soldiers now inmates
OF the asylums of the Stairs follow. The list
from Nsw Hampshire, New Jersey. Connecti-
cut. Illinois. Wisconsin, and Nebraska are in
complete The soldier record not having been
verified III all cases. In other words, there may
he soldiers confined in the asyuius whose rec
ords have not been ascertained:
NV Hampshire, Is; New Jersey. 81; Con-
neciicut, 81; New York, $50; ONO, 243;
Ind ana. 120: Illinois, III; Wisconsin, 40;
Nebraska l6; Oregon. %; California. A;
Michigan 95; Massachusetts,, 156 Total in
sane soldiers, LOB.
TOUCHING STORY.
Department President Alaseba NJ Bliss in a
circular letter To the Relief Corps of Michigan
announcing the formal opening of the Woman's
Annex to the Soldiers Home and the furnish
ing ol rooms 10y Corps Of the State and kindly
disposed individuals tells the following touch
ing story, illustrating he need OF such Home:
The story of the first occupant OF room No
IL Is very touching She Is totally blind, has
been married 30 years aud lived continuously
with her husband except during the years he
was absent IN lie army. until ne. hy reason OF
aye and infirBIfy, WAS sent to The Soldiers
Home seven years ago. She WAS then taken TO
the po"rhouse. whore she staid two years. From
there she taken To the Home of the Little
Sisters of the Poor in Jackson. where she re-
manned until some time last year. when she
returned 10 the poorhouse. This aged couple
now reunited after separation of seven
years. and u is beautiful to he kind care of
the husband for his blind old WIFE He takes
all her meals tn her. Tor she 10 not able TO 20 To
the dIung-r"nm, and III many ways shows the
joy and gratitude he feels in having her once
more near him.
There may he other cases equally interesting
but am sure the knowledge of this one will
amply repay every member of the W.RC. for
all she ha1 done in behalf of this grand charity
Past Department President Abbie r. Flagg, of
Battle Creek, has been appointed Chairman of
committee TO investigate applicants for adj
mission.
THANKS OF ARMY NURSES.
The Army Nurses present at the Imdianapolis
Encampment. who were beautifully enter
taincd by the 9th National Encam pment Com
miltee, q. A. r.. through their Committee on
the W.RC, Ladies OF the GA. r.. and other
patriotic associations, gave formal expression to
their thanks at their December meeting in
Washington, a copy of whch follows:
WASHINGTON, b. G.. January 1894
Mrs. FLORA WULsCHNEh Chairman, Ladies' Recep-
ton Con,nItGer. Encam pnent q. A.R. Indiana
apoli-, Ind.
DEAR MADAM: Al the December meeting of The
Army Nurses Association oar bonored President
Miss Harriet i. Dame. recounteti to The nienDrrs
who, ike NE, were not -V fortunHie to be present
the very great kindness aud courtesy shown her
mud the small delegation present. from the Associ
ton hy YOU and ass1cial "a of the cominiliee
BY unanimous vote the S5'crstary was instructed
Ia convey AMI the ladies If your com mit,ee
from the officers and members Of the Army Nurses
Association. their hearty appreciation of your al.
ienIion~ 10 them, rendering teir visit to the En-