Omaha daily bee., 1899-06-25
WOMEN WHO SAW WAR,
An Association of HcrOines Who Saw
Service in the 'OOs.


The heart Of the veteran is strongly
stirred, says the Philadelphia Record, when
ever he sees woman wearing a little badge
CT blue and gold, having upon it the
cabalistic letters "a. n. A." A vision arises
before him. and he sees, through dim vista
stretching away over the tolls and triumphs
the joys and sorrows of more than thirty
years, young woman in the flush of health
and strength, tenderly caring for the sick
and wounded, or reverently closing for the
last long sleep the eyes of dying soldier,
far from home and loved ones. She was un-
daunted by the sight of blood flowing from
gaping wounds, uncomplaining in the face of
deprivation, always patient, even if suffer-
ing from the loss of many hours of sleep, and
ever sympathetic when by the cot of the
sick or dying.
There were many women of this type
when there was need of their services but
now their ranks are thinning year by year.
and this year when they gather in our city
for their annuaf business meeting an ad-
ditional interest will attach to them, for we
know that before another year rolls around
many of the feeble but loyal sisterhood will
have answered the last roll call, and gone
to higher service. in an army where there is
no discharge.
Many of these army nurses are members
OF one or the other of the patriotic organiza-
tions which have grown out of the civil
war, but as theirs was a distinct work so
it seemed proper that there should be a dis
tinct organization for them
Miss Dorothea Dix, who had the direction
of so many of these women when they
rendered such excellent service, remembered
their deeds of self-sacrifce and heroism, and
thought it would be an appropriate thing to
thpmEpfVnS N N
so she issued a call to them. and they came
together in the city of Washington, June 49,
1881, and organized under the title of Ex-
Army Nurses association, AT subsequent
meeting the name was changed to the Ma
tional Army Nurses association. Miss Dix
was enthusiastically elected president, and
served acceptably until called to higher
service. She was succeeded by DR.. Susan
Edison OF Washington City, who served until
failing health compelled her to resign
Among those who have served faithfully is
Mrs. Emily e. Woodley OF this city. who
went from here early in the war and stood
at the post of duty untit there was no
more need for her services. She was sue
ceeded in office last year at Cincinnati by
the next officer in rank, Mrs Elizabeth W.
Ewing.
The constitution OF the Army Nurses as
sociation requires that each candidate for
membership shall prove active service as a
nurse in the civil war. In March, 1892 the
association was incorporated in the District
of Columbia, The recognition badge is a
gold star with "A, N A." in raised letters
across the face. The badge to be worn at
the convention in September is white satin
ribbon with a tiny flag draped across it
and Army Nurses Association" painted by
hand upon it. while underneath will be a red
ribbon.
The national president of the Army
Nurses association is Mrs. Elizabeth W.
Ewing, who is naturally proud OF her posi-
tion as the president OF an organization
which, like the Grand Army, cannot be re-
cruited. She is fond OF the noble band OF
women. who. when the boys in blue" were
suffering from disease or the dreadful effects
of shot and she'll gave up the comforts of
home that they might minister to the neees-
stiles OF the loyal sons OF the nation. Mrs
Ewing is pleasant speaker and is over
flowing with "reminiscences OF hospital life
For long time she was connected with the
Baltimore hospitals during the war and was
an efficient and sympathetic nurse. In ap-
pearanee she is tall and stately. with album