The San Francisco call., 1898-04-25

\ TAR, once the pastime of kings, IS
 AI low civilizations surgical opera
 Y Y ion. As the keen cut of the scientists knife is supplement- ed by the delft care of the trained nurse so IS the sanguinary ex- cision of the fostering ulcer from the body polite of the world tempered by the gentle ministrations of the Angels of Mercy wearing the red badge of peace.
 That which once spread devastation for the personal aggrandizement of the rulers of men has become the weapon turned against tyranny and oppression in behalf of humanity, and, as the hosts of a conquering despot were followed by hordes of human vultures intent upon spoliation of dead and dying on the bloody field, it is fit antithesis that the dove of peace, bearing aid to the unfortunates who fall, should tread close on the heels of the army battling for the uplifting of man.
 This is the sentiment which civiliza- ton imbues in the breasts of those who go forth to fight the cause of the weak, and this is the sentiment that brought forth the Red Cross Society and makes its modest flag the glad harbinger of peace and surcease from pain after the uproar and turmoil of the crimson field
 There are other duties than that of bearing arms in response to call to defend the nation from invading foes. Even as Joshua's hands were upheld in times of old so must our country's defenders have their arms sustained by those whose place is not at the front. It is the duty of every non-combatant to do that which lies in his or her pow CT to ameliorate the condition of those who face not only the bullets of the enemy but also those insidious allies of the foe-disease and neglect.
 or the tens of thousands of broken down men whose emaciated and crip- pied forms bear silent but eloquent tes- timony to their bravery wherever vete- rans Of the late war are seen, not one tenth of the number owe their aff1ic- tions to the saber or bullet so much as to the lack of care subsequent to the battle, and thousands fill graves in the swamps and uplands of the South who, to-day, might be with their friends on earth had they received proper nursing during the days Of burning fever and wasting disease brought on by privation and exposure.
 To California belongs the honor of organizing the Sanitary Commission, which was such potential agent in les sening the horrors of the war of the rebellion, and California will again lead the nation with her angels of mercy even as she stands ready to lead the hosts of war To-day active work will begin with this end in view. and the ready response of the State to the suggestion of The Call shows that the Golden West IS not only open handed in her lavish hospitality to those who follow the sun across the snowy ranges to the genial shores of the Pacific, but when times of. trial beset the nation she IS as ready to shed her last drop of blood in its defense and spend her last dollar toward minimizing the dangers which surround those who give their bodies as living shields to their coun- try.
 All cannot lead, nor is it possible that all can even take active interest in the front, but all-every man, woman and child in the State-can do something to further the cause which has for its ulti- mate object the welfare of the country. War is costly operation, and all the adjuncts pertaining to war require money. The work of the Sanitary Commission calls for millions of dol lars if it is to be properly carried on, and 1t Is these millions that the great mass of the people who remain behind can furnish to those whose duty calls them to the tented field.