The herald., 1898-05-20
A Red Cross Society

To the Editor Of the Los Angeles Herald:
I have certain information that the Sew
enth regiment, U. s. California volunteers
Is in want of the comforts and necessities
usual in the hospital service. Hurriedly
called out to meet an unforeseen exigency
they have been practically destitute OF
those things which are essential to them
in both peace and war.
Even the arms and uniforms. which
change the citizen into the soldier, fur
nished by the government, after two weeks
have not arrived. What, then, must be the
condition of the regimentin regard to those
other things which, not being important 10
success in the field, are the more necessary
because they contribute to the personal
we'll being Of the soldiers?
I feel assured 1t Is not needful to argue
long in behalf of kind deeds. We all have
heard again and again Of the famous Red
Cross. So now 1 would bring to the notice
of all interested in the volunteers from
Southern California (Which must include
every citizen within the limits of the seven
counties), the urgent demand for a Red
Cross society.
When I say the boys of the Seventh are
In need, 1 have said enough. We. gaining
not only grateful to them for their readi-
ness to defend us, but enthusiastic over
their patriotism. We are peculiarly in
debted to every volunteer. 1t is exactly
in the relation of one man giving his life
for another. They have come forward
and expressed their willingness to defend
our country They have given up their
liberty for the military discipline Of the
y,o~ ery,o I,ot,, 4
faith by volunteering. They stand ready to
yield their lives-the greatest sacrifice any
citizen can offer.
In such case there is but one reflection
for US to make, one question to ask What
can we do to make them comfortable? 1t
must be, and is, not only duty, but a
pleasure. Let us put in operation So
ciety of the Red Cross.
Camp life, rough and under trying con-
ditions, must be relieved. Soldiers falling
sick need to be taken care of. During one
day at the Preside more than two hum
dred cases from the Seventh were treated
for colds from exposure.
There is woeful lack Of things the
soldiers need. Who shall furnish them
Who shall go to their relief? Who shall
make them comfortable? Why, the folks
at home.
Southern California has done nothing on
greatly effective scale to help her volun-
teers, but other people have. The Red
Cross society of Oakland, raising last Sun
day $500, contributed 800 to the wants of
the Seventh. 1t should be put down to the
credit of the Oakland people. We will
thank them and do something ourselves.
There Is every consideration In undertake
ing this work to appeal to u.s. 1t is noble,
It is charitable, 1t is patriotic. We help
ourselves. we benefit others, we assist the
government We have this privilege Of do
ing our duty In time of war. We support
our country though staying at home. We
give her soldiers by saving them.
There is another motive, which, though
less than the others, may be more effect
i've. 1t is our pride. Shall we not do grand
ly for our soldier boys? They bear the
mark Of Southern California volunteers.
Our duty. our interest. is more especially
with them.
This may be the last time we will have
a chance to provide for many fellow.
We hope not. Let us prove our sincerity
by showing our charity.
I know there IL the Woman's Relief