The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1898-05-06
WORK FOR NOBLE WOMAN
Local Society For Relief and Care
of Sailors and Marines.

Patriotic Lady Plans to Send Supplies to
Hospital Ships and Delicacies For Those
in the "sick Bay"-C Correspondence with
the Medical Department of the Navy
Surgeon General Van Ruypen Coneratu-
Iates Patriotic Women of His Native
state.
The recent glorious victory in the
Philippine Islands has enhanced the
public interest in our navy. and the let
ters given below will find eager attention
from our readers.
We beg to call attention to the letters
regarding scheme for united ss,d .sys-
tematic work for Naval Hs aid
which is being perfected by pof our
leading citizens, full particulars of which
will Oe given in our next issue.
The writer of these letters is lady
who is thoroughly familiar, from many
years practice, with all the details and
needs of a good hospital and who inher-
its from her mother patriotic regard
for the care Of men who are wounded in
the service of our country. Such a
scheme, properly managed, would assure
these men that friends at home remem-
Der them with kindly sympathy of the
most practical kind, as it is experienced
in gifts and services for their comfort
and restoration to health.
The mode of collecting and preparing
materials and organizing a corps of
nurses will be an object lesson in patriot
ism to the rising generation, teaching
them that every one OF us has common
duty perform in the service of our coun-
try, whether at hon lin the field, and
that the men at the front are fighting
our battles, ape vt we are equally in
terested with them in their success.
The movement will undoubtedly be
participated in by all the States in the
Union, and it will therefore serve to de-
velop and give practical expression to the
united patriotic spirit free from political
or sectional jealousy which has been so
manifest since the war began:
WASHINGTON. D. c.. April 2S. 1898,
To THE EDITOR OF THE CHRONICLE:
Dear Sir-Now that war has really begun.
despite the efforts of our government for an
honorable peace, it is the duty and privilege of
all loyal men and women to thoughtfully con-
country.
And believe your readers will be interested
to hear a few details about some of the work
which is being done and planned here for the
relief and care of our sailors and marines. In
an interview with the Surgeon General of the
Navy, DIR. Van Ruypen, / was told that while
all necessary and usual supplies for use in
the Medical Department of the United States
Navy would gladly receive, put to use. and
publicly acknowledge any contributions of
money, delicacies or hospital clothing that
may be sent. The first hospital ship. the
Solace is now finished, and is taking on her
supplies at Norfolk. She has on board eight
men nurses, trained in the school at Bellevue
this important service. Through the gener-
osity of society of ladies' she win carry a
variety of good things, boxes of lemons.
oranges, ice, fresh meats, etc.. withsher in her
immediate "trip to Key West. Even if an
imminent battle should be delayed, there are
always, the Surgeon General says, a certain
number of men in the sick bay" of each of
our ships, and the Solace will visit them
taking to her benefcent care the serious cases
and leaving for the others a portion of the
delicacies with which she is laden. And it is
hoped that this admirable vessel may be only
the first of many Others in her humane labors
for the care and comfort of the brave men who
are giving themselves 30 4OOly TO b06 QoI0QSe
of the shores of our country and the safety of
the homes where we dwell in peace.
The women of the Civil War are not all gone
yet. and those who have passed on have left
daughters to inheritithe spirit of their mothers.
With one heart ands mind they will labor at
home for their friends who fight abroad. But
for work of any sort to be effective and telling
system and wise plans are necessary. In the
next issue of your paper shall hope to give a
letter from headquarters here, stating the
needs of the navy hospitals, and advising the
best methods of work to supply them.
| / feel sure that the women of our State will
be in the front rank of those who will answer
generously the call of their country for aid.
FIJI.
WASHINGTON, April 27, 1898.
MEDICAL DIRECTOR w. K. VAN RUYPEN,
SURGEoN-iENERAL u. 8. NAVY
Sir-Will you kindly inform me whether
| your department will accept supplies Of deli
cacies, clothing, ETC., for use in the Naval
Hospitals, If collected and forwarded by the
women of New Jersey
Also please to indicate where to ascertain
what articles would be most useful
And oblige yours respectfully,
FRANCES H. CATLIN.
DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY,
BUREAU OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY.
WASHINGTON. D. c., April 28. 1898.
Dear Madam Referring to your letter OF
April 81, have the honor to reply that the De.
/ partment will gratefully receive such supplies
of delicacies. clothing. etc. as may be col
/ lected and forwarded by the women of New
4 To~sa.1 f1,. ,,oa IN, naval hner,ffa Inv nrfi