Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-04-16
MEMBERS OF WoMEN's RELIEF
CORPS REPUTED TO BE LARe-
EST ORDER OF WOMEN.
Something About Its History - Organ
lied in 1883 and Now Numbers Al
most One Hundred and Fifty Thous.
and Members Local Order No. 1874.

Republic, which held its usual semi
monthly meeting this afternoon in the
grand jury room of the court house, is
4 part of what Is considered the larg-
est beneficent and patriotic organiza,
ton of women in the world, numbering
now almost one hundred and fifty
thousand members. Organized in
1883, following a call by Commander
small band of chas'ter members, it has
grown to magnificent proportions in
numbers and influence, and in the
streams of bounty which have poured
out through the treasury in many de-
serving channels. The strongest and
best women in the nation have been
proud to have their names on it's rolls.
All loyal women are eligible to men,
beship in the Woman's Relief Corps.
Its aims and objects as found in rules
and regulations are as follows:
Aims and Objects.
"To specially aid and assist the
Grand Army of the Republic, and to
perpetuate the memory of their he
roic dead.
"To assist such union veterans as
need our help and protection, and to
extend needful aid to their widows
and orphans. To find them homes
and employment and assure them of
sympathy and friends. To cherish
and emulate the deeds Of our army
nurses and of all loyal women who
rendered loving service to our country
in her hour Of peril.
UTo rnoipta in tr,1a a11apiapoa RI the
United States Of America, to incul-
cate lessons of patriotism and love Of
county among our children and in
the communities in which we live, and
encourage the spread of UNIVERSAL lib
erty and equal rights to all.
"This organization was the first to
introduce the salute to the flag in the
public schools and to make the observ-
ance of Flag day in general by pre-
pairing and carrying out suitable pro-
grams.
"Tile,e are two sa1utes to the flag
taught in the schools the one for the
older scholars being: I pledge allie
glance to my flag and to the republic
for which it stands; one nation indi-
visible. with liberty and justice for all
1.-THE other is taught the younger
pupils and is: 4 give my head and
my heart to God and my country; one
country, one language, one flag
"The Women's Relief Corps is a ma
tional Incorporation and owns and op-
crates the National Relief Corps Home
Madison. Ohio. 1t is in possession
of the Andersonville prison grounds,
which it has converted into a national
park. Through its influence several
states have placed monuments there,
and every year, especially upon Me-
mortal day. it is visited by many.
For the year ending June 80, 1903,
the national treasurer has expended:
For w. R. G. home $2,72217; for deco
ration of soldiers graves in the south
$1,197.96; for the Kansas flood suf-
ferers, $500; for the Mckinley memori-
al, $1,000, for relief $156,70O19.
"The number Of persons assisted
has been 40,433.
"In the organization there are O.
906 corps.
"The total expenditure last year in
the order amounted to $30,5S7.35 and
there are no liabilities.
"Since the organization of the w. r.
c., there has been expended $2,5O4,-
365.23.
ITO every loyal woman there is a
hearty invitation to join this band of
earnest workers.
it MARY M. North,
National Press Correspondent
Approved:
Sarah D. Winans. National Pres.
Jennie s. Wright,
National Secretary"