The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-01-01
GREETING AND THANKS
HELEN MILLER GoULD's LETTER TO
ENLISTED MEN OF THE NAVY.
Assistant Secretary Hackett's Thanks
I'm Behalf OF Secretary Long and
Miss Gould's Reply.

WASHINGTON, Dec S1.-In November
Miss Helen Miller Gould, in her capac-
ity of second vice president OF the Inter-
national Womens Auxiliary of Young
Mems Christian Association. addressed a
letter of Christmas greeting TO the en-
listed men Of the navy. Later a reply
was sent 10 Miss Gould by the acting sec
rotary of the navy. This. in turn. elected
response from Miss Gould. To-day the
correspondence was made public by the
Navy Department. Miss Gould's letter.
under date OF Nov. o. to the enlisted men
of the United States navy. follows:
MY Dear Friends-An invitation has
been given me TO write you a short let
ter of Christmas greeting and L accept
IL gladly, for since the Spanish war
have felt warm interest in our sailors
and soldiers.
las Christmas day approaches with it's
message of peace and good will our
thoughts turn reverently TO the Christ
whose birth we still celebrate lovingly, al
though nineteen centuries have elapsed
since his coming. His life anc teachings
are still the wonder of the world, for
He taught the love OF God as Father.
the brotherhood of man and the love OF
righteousness, and His beautiful life ex-
emplifes His theories. Human life took
on new aspect and He gave 4 a wider
meaning than il ever possessed before. HIS
beautiful, and / think we should emphasize
1t more than We do.
During the past year the members Of
our women's auxiliary have become deeply
interested in everything that concerns the
welfare OF the enlisted men of our navy
and army. and cur president especially,
Mrs McAlpin. has asked me to extend you
a cordial greeting and sincere good wishes
Hoping you will all have a happy
Christmas and bright New Year. re-
main very sincerely,
"HELEN MILLER GOULD"
On Dec. Is. Assistant Secretary of the
Navy Hackett. wrote to Miss Gould as
follows.
Dear Miss Gould-A copy of the Christ
mas letter, addressed by you as second vice
president of the International Womans
Auxiliary Of the Young Mems Christian As
ISOLATION, to the enlisted men OF the navy,
has just been brought to my observation
have read it with lively interest. The Sec
rotary OF the navy, after reading II. has
expressed TO me his grateful appreciation
Of your thoughtfulness. 1t is with Pc
culiar pleasure that i act upon the sug-
gestion Of the secretary and tell you how
sincerely the department is gratihed at
this fresh illustration of the interest you
have so steadily evinced in the welfare
of the enlisted men of the navy.
.'In thanking you. the secretary and my
self do but voice the thanks. as we believe,
of every sailor who is cheered by the re-
ceipt of your beautiful and appropriate
letter.
On Dec. % Miss Gould acknowledged Mr..
Hackett's letter in these words:
Dear Sir-It was quite surprise TO re-
celve your kind letter thanking me I'm be-
half of the secretary and yourself for my
letter of Christmas greeting TO the enlisted
men of the navy, and / assure YOU greatly
appreciated your sending IT. In our $50
ciety we are much interested in work for
the soldiers and sailors. and we are aiding
the army and navy department of ths
Young Mems Christian Association TO the
extent of our ability: Personally. have
felt a warm interest in patriotic work ever
since the Spanish war, and 1 think may
add that have been touched and surprised
to have my efforts meet with so much
more appreciation than they deserve.
Thanking you again for your letter and
wishing you and Secretary Long happy
New Year, / remain, very sincerely,
HELEN MILLER GOULD"