The Globe-republican., 1897-04-29

The Woman's Relief Corps.
The Thirteeth Annual convention Of
Iithe Woman's Relief Corps, auxiliary to
1.-THE Grand Army of the Republic.s con-
vened in the NJ. E. church at Chanute.
Kas., April 81, 1897, at 10a. m; Depart
mens President Julia A. Chase, in the
chair. L s.
C. Belle Chase, department secretary,
gave the report of the year in alright
scholarly way; telling how a school
teacher had been rutblessly snatched
from her chosen vocation and placed in
the ranks as department secretary. But
she had found the work more pleasing
than otherwise, and felt she was q better
woman; a more loyal woman. and had
more love aud respect for the defenders
of our country as the result of her years
work. Miss Chase reported pa corps in
Kansas, representing a membership of
fS,552.
Roll call found 255 women from all
parts of our state, ready to join in re-
newed zeal as they remembered their
obligations to help and assist each other
in caring for the needy veteran and his
dependent ones. There were mothers
who had given their sons in defense of
the eountry's honor; wives who had said
with white lips, ''go' to protect our
homes. Sisters and daughters Of the
loyal women who we welcome to our
ranks with q tenderness born of bravery
and the spirit Of humanity that under
lies the deepest patriotism
This session transacted its business in
harmony. We were also honored by two
army nurses being present. Much sor-
row was expressed on account of the ILL
ness of Mother Bickerdike. as her feeble
health would nofpermit her presence with
as. The G. A. r. donated site of leo
acres for \ w. R. c. hospital at Ellis
worth, Kas. There are Is cottages on
the grounds The Legislature has appro.
priated between four and five thousand
dollars for the proposed institution. The
gift was accepted and named the Mother
Bickerdyke Hospital. Mrs. Julia A.
Chase was chosen chairman Of the board |
of managers. 1t is just to say that Mrs. |
Chase has been largely influential in the |
results, and the department feels uuder |
many obligations to her for her untiring |
cxevtiOns in behalf of this hospital. |
Trusting that success will crown the ef- |
forts.put forth in this cause, and that the
widows and orphans of our state will find |
a sheltering retreat from the cold world, !
should death deprive them of husband
and father, alone without an income and
no health or strength to work. We can
truly say the consummation of these plans
and hopes for this hopital was the crown
Ing glory of the Thirteenth Annual Con-
vehtiOn of the w. r. G.
Convention honored by greeting from
6. A. Z. Encampment Department Com.
mander said: "The broom of time had
swept OF 267 old comrades during the
past year in our own state.''
Greeting from Sons of Veterans and
Ladies' Aid Societies showed renewed
interest in their work.
Friday the Thirteenth Annual Conven-
ion became thing of the past, and Mrs.
griffith Of Emporia, with her honOred
officers, newly elected for the ensuing
1ear, with sisters of the w. r. c. and
'isiting friends, began their homeward
march, carrying with them the grateful
memory of the bright and cheerful greet
ng they received upon becoming thei,
quests; of the hospitality they enjoyed
II the homes: memory of the air laden
With the fragrance from blossom crowned
rees; the beauty of well kept lawns and
blooming plant; the arches and draper
es; the music and singing by the Modoc
Tub. Time only can efface these charm
ng memories.
The pOnderOus wooden keys given by
iayor Rolings of Chanute, at the close
+ his happy address of welcome to De-
artment Commander Whitney, at the
amp fire Wednesday evening. must have
zen given over to the new Department
Batkin, for the gates were
II open and guests departed in peace.
Press REPORTER,
Louis Relief Corps No. 179.
Dodge City, Kas., April ~, 1897.