Evening star., 1898-08-27
The Relief work at Montauk.

The Relief Work at Nontauk.
All that IS thus far known of the cond'-
ticns on the transport Hudson, which
arrived at Montauk Point yesterday with
two battalions of the District regiment.
indicates the wisdom and timeliness of
the effort to afford immediate relief
to the sick and suffering soldiers. The
vessel was evidently not badly crowded
ard her sanitary condition was doubtless
far superior to that of many Of the other
transports arriving from Cuba. Col Har-
ries' plan of waiting for a decent ship, even
though his force vi as compelled to divide in
order to avoid overcrowding, is undoubt-
edly indicated. The ratio of sickness and
death on the Hudson was relatively small.
Yet the spectacle of nearly a hundred of
our boys suffering from the diseases con-
tracted at Santiago and on the ship suf-
fees to wiring the hearts of all the people
of the capital and to broaden the already
widespread spiric of responsive sympathy
with the relief enterprise now well under
way.
Yesterdays announcement through The
Star Of a determination to welcome the
District battalions at Montauk Point and
to alleviate the condition of the returning
soldiers as far as possible was received by
the community with every evidence of ap-
proval and cooperation. Even before the
first publication subscriptions were received
in generous amounts. Today's list of gifts
shows that the people appreciate the abso-
lrte necessity OF quick work to succor the
SICK and hearten the comparatively we'll
among the local volunteers. The Star
steadfastly urged that our welcome to the
and should not end with the arrival at
Washington; that patriotic local pride and
sympathy required a continuing reception.
starting with the arrival of the first repre-
sentatives of the regiment and not ending
until tha last yesuge of suffering resulting
from the service in the army has .iisap-
reared. The citizens committee on ar
rengements for the reception at Washing
ton has wisely. The Star thinks, decided
that 1t may deal with the situation 1T Mon
taGk Point, and there will be the same
hearty and harm cnious cooperation by all
the citizens of Washington in caring for
the physical welfare of the soldiers on
Long Island as in welcoming them to their
homes in Washington.
The men arrive, according to the news
from Montauk Point, greatly debilitated es
result of their exposure TO the climatic
rigors OF Santiago, from disease and from
the lack of rourishing food. The sick have
foI some time been unable to secure such
attention as their condition requires. MANY
Of the men are doubtless in need of proper
clothing. having lost or thrown away their
extra luggage in the campaigning around
the fallen city. The conditions at Montauk
are not perfect sven yet, despite the re-
forms Instituted by the Secretary of War
Food. medicines, shelter end clothing are all
likely TO be required by those in charge of
the city's relief work at the camp. There
must be no stinting in any direction. Dur
Ing the weeks of the regiments detention
at Montauk the men can in a great ma
jcrity OF Cases be put IN shape for a far
more gladsome Homecoming than though
they had been sent direct to this city from
Santiago. The opportunity to give the sick
strength and to restore to the well their
spirits and to make every man feel that
he has been personally remembered by the
folks at Washington is to be utilized to the
utmost
Let the reception of the troops at Mon
tauk Point be as complete and as hearty
and as generous as that in Washington
later in the season This is the time for
practical attentions. That will be the oc-
casion for sentiment. Both are demanded
by the situation. And after the reception
there must be a continuing care over the
soldiers who have returned to their homes
debilitated. unable to resume their tasks
or destitute of means of earning a Mveii-
hood. The duty of the community in the
premises is not briefly to be measured.