The National tribune., 1894-09-13

Gleanings from National Headquar-
terS---NOteS from the Departments
A MILLION DOLLARS


and Numerical.
Twelfth National Convention, Woman's Re
lief Corps. is now-Sept. I2-13-in session il
Pittsburg. 1t marks the conclusion of
notable era in the history of the Relief Corps
under the able administration of Nations
President Sarah c. Mink.
A wise and economic management of the
finances of the Order; a Strengthening of the
lines of relief, particularly of the National
Relief Corps Home; a widening of the patrl'
otto boundaries through utilization with the
National Council of Women and through regu-
larlv-constituted Committees on Teaching rat
riotism in the Public Schools, have been Its
distinguishing features.
Unity and peace have made the year blessed
in memory, and the dispensatiOn of fraternai
love as manifested in local relief and in the
case of State and National Homes and asyIums
and orphan schools, as well as the sacred OBJ
servances of Memorial Day, is pleasant to
record.
Ample extracts from the address of the Ma
tional President follow. together with synop-
sis of reports of staff officers. National Home
and Standing Committee reports will follow
at later date, with recommendations adopted
by National Convention.
PRESIDENTS ADDRESS.
Officers and Members of the 18th National
Convention:
The close of another year of work an
auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Repub-
lie brings Us once more together, in this
the 18th National Convention of the Womans
Relief Corps In the city where in 1866 the
First National Eucsmpment of the Grand
Army was held, and where in 1881 the 18th
annual Encampment of the Grand Army OF
the Republic approved of a resolution intro
duced by Chaplain in Chief Lowering, for an
organization to be formed auxiliary to the
Grand Army of the Republic, you bestowed
upon me the high honor of unanimous cleo
ton 10 the exalted position of President OF
the greatest charitable and patriotic Organiza-
ton in existence to-day-the greatest, not
only by reason of its numerical strength but
by reason also of the extent of its charities
and its efforts to inculcate lessons OF patriot
ism and love of country among the children
of our land and in all communities where it
exists.
After year of earnest work and faithful en-
deavor to fulfill to the letter the promises made
for me at that time, l stand before you to-day
TO give an account Of my stewardship OF the
sacred trust committed to me. In reviewing
The work Of the year it will be impossible to
present to you perfect idea of all that has
been accomplished; FOR, we close the record,
we can only measure by what see OF results.
The bare unvarnished facts appear in form;
but if by some magic touch there could be
made to appear in the report of each conscien-
tious officer the life and energy and soul put
into the work of which it is the expression,
each one would speak of hours of consecrated
lalor of sacrifices made unselfshly and uncOm-
plainingly. / desire your careful investigation
of the years work, 10 which l have given my
entire time with an interest as absorbing as
if my daily bread depended upon its faithful
performance. ! can truly say that my only
consideration of self has been heartfelt de-
l.
suTed that | have succeeded in fulfilling my
obligation to serve you to the best of my
ability. The watchword for the year was
passed along the line; and every portion of
the work accomplished proves that its sgnif-
canoe has been the governing power which
has kept the fires burning from which has
arisen the incense of good deeds and noble
endeayor of the entire sisterhood. We have
also had The inspiration OF a splendid EXAM
ple-the gooGly heritage of an unfinished
task, upon which has been expended countless
treasures and from which we have received
an impetus to reach out for larger haryests
from larger fields.
ARMY NURSE WORK.
By decision Of the 18th National Convention
the Matter of further expense for Army Nurse
pensions was placed in the hands of the W.R.C.
Home Board. In view of the fact of a de-
pleted treasury were thus confronted with
g serious problem. After long and careful de-
Liberation a plan was decided upon whereby
the Board hoped 10 secure means TO carry on
the work of obtaining pensions for this class
who are looking to us TO see that Justice is done
them-these women who performed ministra-
tions Of mercy that only woman can perform
such miulstrations allay suffering and
mitigate the pangs OF death. The last houfs
of the dying soldier were made easier by their
presence and the eyes Of the dead were rev.
erently closed by their gentle hands. They
love and sympathy, to which many soldier
owes his life.
The plan referred TO was submitted to nv
Council. and met with their hearty approval.
In accordance with this plan an appeal for as
distance was sent TO the Order through the
Department Presidents which met with
generous response, considering the local de-
hands upon Corps.
This response has enabled Mrs Witteumyer
10 prosecute the work as earnestly and faith
fully as heretofore. Even through all the
weeks OF suffering which have been her por-
ton In consequence Of accident she has
employed secretary, and by dictatiou has
continued the work OF pushing pension claims
--Inany 10 completion, Others still pending II
has also enabled us to give much needed as
distance to the Nurses outside Of the Home,
who are III and destitute of funds to procure
medicine, and in some cases the necessaries of
life.
MEMORIAL DAY
In compliance with the decision OF IIth Ma.
tonal Convention, That all contributions for
Memorial Day in the South be sent through
the regular channels 10 the National Treasurer.
she TO remit the same TO the Quartermaster-
General Of the Grand Army for distribution
among the most needy and worthy Posts"
Corps were instructed in General Orders TO for
ward all donations for this purpose accordingly
Considering the demands upon Corps ia their
own localities, especially during this year of
financial depression, the response was generous
as the treasurer report will show. She holds
the receipt for S6I5, sent by her to Louis Wag-
ner, QuartermasteT-6cueral Of the Grand Army
After issuing National Memorial Order nv At
tention was called TO a circular sent out by
committee IN Petersburg Va, to the Woman's
Relief Corps, appealing for funds for their use
~ the cemeteries in that locality Ii was SO
carefully wOrded and touching many were led
10 send contributions directly TO them, Of which
We have no record. By the advice of the Com
mander-in-Chief ] a: once issued Special
Order TO Department Presidents. that they
might through their orders prevent an unau-
tborzed and seif-consiituted committee from
receiving money from our members and Corps
Treasures. The method adopted at Il. 18th
National Convention was wise and equitable
i recommend this method be continued
Will not encrOsch upon the report of the
Chaplain; but there could be a volume written
each year Of the work performed by the Wo-
mans Relief Corps on this the Nations Mem
Oral Day. Not alone in twining the wre2ths