The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1896-09-03
THE RELIEF CORPS.
Gleanings from National Headquar-
ters---NoteS from Departments.
FoyIRyFENTH NATIONAL CONvENTIoN
IN SESSION AT ST. PAUL.

National Presidents Address and Abstracts
of on,cers, I,eports of standing Commit
fees-The Beneficent National Relief Corps
Home and Patriotic Teaching
NATIONAL PRESIDENTS ADDRESS.
Following is the full text of the able ao-
dress of National President Lizabeth A. lur-
per. as delivered before l4ih National Con-
vention, N.RC., in session in st. Paul, 10 50
far as il is of interest to the general resosf'
Such portions of the address as contain recon-
mendations connected with the detaii WORK Oh
the Order have been left over until acted upoh
by Convention.
The National President pays deserved trio-
ute TO Commander in Chief j. n. Walker ana
the many comrades of the Grand Army OF the
Rcnu6iic who have, during the year just closed,
as in the past, given sbundant PROOF OF 'ne'f
faith in the Woman's Relief Corps and its rep
resentRtive heads.
She comments upon the fact that although
she is the 18th National President, elected at
18th National Convention, on the 18th day OF
the month and on Friday, no serious fatality
bss befallen her or the Order.
Offers and Members of the 14th National Con-
yeatioa: Again We assemble 10 the lar Hesi,
where we first pledged allegiance to that oana
of liberty loving men-the Grand Army Oh 'he
Republic. We meet again to-day to renew our
pledge and show them by figures unmisfakaeie
that we have tried to keep the faith.
Each of these yearly returning Conventions
@, the veterans and the Relief Corps gathers
about us new interests and emotions. Inc
tender loving memories of those that have
"crossed the river" and left vacant places IN
our hearts; the old friendships renewed and
new ones created; the consideration oil the pest
care of the sick and INDECENT. cali most touch-
ingly upon us as The auxiliary OF the urand
Army. to be ever ready with helping hand TO
sare for their sick and dependent ones, ana
with our teachings of patriotism perpetus'e
the story and results of the civil war.
Scarcely one year ago my predecessor iaio
aside the mantle of care which she had worn
with dignity and honor, and took up the Work
you committed to my care. and became the
trustee of the National Woman's Relief Corps
The officers that were honored by election
and appointment have gathered the shesSes OF
their work from every Territory and Stare
save one. And to-day We lay them at your
feet, to be threshed by your good judgment,
and winnowed in the spirit OF fraternity ana
charity If you find aught of grain so siitea
that is good, let plant it deep in our hearts
for a future harvest and scatter the chan TO
the four winds of heaven.
Immediately on my return from the Louis
willie Convention, Headquarters were estao-
lisbed at PC Temple Place. Boston, Mass All
supplies and books were promptly forwarded
from Chicago, and the work Of the year was conn.,
menced with many misgivines, but with q
strong desire for peace and harmony and to be
Of assistance to the veteran soldier.
NATIONAL w.R.c. HOME.
had the pleasure of stopping over for a day
Mt the Woman's Relief Corps Home in Madison,
O. found the Home in good condition un-
der the guidance Of Superintendent Hannah
E. Plimpten. who at the first Board meeting oil
the new year felt obliged to tender her resigna-
tion on account of i'll health. The Board tried
to induce a reconsideration of her retirement
but her family felt they had the best right to
her loving care, and wanted her In the hear
of their home. Mrs. Clare III. Burleigh, Pas'
Department President. Massachusetts, Woman
Relief Corps. was unanimously elected TO MI tht
vacancy caused by Mrs. Piimpton's resignation
Her Massachusetts, friends felt she wouid bt
"the right woman in the right place." sh'
having happy faculty of getting along witt
old people. Her diversity of talents-not TIT
least being a good musician-led Us to beiiev'
that she would make the lives of those entrust
ed to her care cheerful and happy. 10 th'
many Corps and Departments that responded
so generously to my call for Christmas remetn
brances for the inmates of the Home tende
my sincere thanks. and j trust the blessin,
"that it is better to give than to receive, nil
all their hearts. Let rs always remember tina
these dependent ones Of the Grand Army ar
ths wards Of the woman's Relief Corps.
MEMORIAL DAY.
Never since the thoughtful, comrade lovin
Logan recommended day to be held sacred {
the memory of the men that counted thei
lives cheap when compared to the life OF tn
Nation, has the day been SO Thoroughly an
l. IL "a 81, 1,rt
is q day of history and remembrance-a Twin
history for the children of our land remem
trance to those who, looking backward. Sc
the part they took in the strife that release
from slavery four million people.
Too much credit cannot be given Corps an
Departments that so generously contribute
over 81 200 for Memorial Day in The Soutf
Posts and Corps near these Southern Ns
IioDal Cemeteries are small and have not th
meane at their command to furnish flags 70
early 1000 graves; consequently, IT mus
q our duty 10 assist in this sacred work
Memorial Day. The Sons of Veterans hay
.leady begun to show their zeal and loyalty j
shis direction. The Camps in Massachuseti
nrrish the flags each year for the II, 600 heroe
hat sleep in Andersonville.
They slumber now. Each soldiers humb
mound
Is a sad monument that speaks to you and me.
6sying. Our land is Freeioms holy ground
Twas they that made it free.''
SONS OF VETERANS.
The Woman's Relief Corps make no mistak
when they render to this organization help an
encouragement whenever and wherever the
can. They are the descendants Of the men wi
stepped to the front from every walk in life
take the stand for freedom and the flag, and,
need be, give their lives for the principles the
ssugh TO maintain. As this generation of b
roes falls back from active service, let them
assured that their sons are in line of duty; tn
their uniforms are blue and their shields be-
the soul-stirring motto, Eternal Vigilance
the price of Liberty"
OTHER ORGANIZATIONS OF WOMEN.
To the daughters of Veterans and the Ladie
Aid Associations we extend our appreciate
thanks for all services rendered 10 the veter:
roldier.
PATRIOTIC TEACHING.
This is one of the fundamental laws of o.
Order In fact. il is one OF the strongest plan
in the Woman's Relief Corps platform. o
successful work along that line for the last TO
years has been even greater than the most e
thusiRstic workers ever anticipated. We
realize that this work must be commenced
the primary schools
The children of our foreign population on .
average leave school at 10 years of age. CO
sequently, they must have the principles
patriotism well grounded in their hearts befo
they leave the schoolroom. Then by the cir
they are old enough to take upon themselv
the duties of citizenship they will realize tn
the United States has but one flag and that
the Stars and Stripes. believe the flag shou
Grape the walls of our Sunday-school rooms
well our public-school rooms Teach I
children gathered in our sanctuaries that ne