The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1904-04-08
A AtLPFUL ASSOCIATION
A Brief History of the Womans Z
lief Corps as Prepared by the

Editor Republican: Many times
during the fourteen years | have
been IA member of Ransom Relief
Corps, No. III, l have been asked the
question: what have the women Of
the w. e. G. done. So l am trying
to explain to our friends what we
are doing. Our local organization
never turned any one away who was
in neeu Of sympathy or charity. We
send countless bouquets to the 81 ok,
and the needy will always find a
helping hand and ready assistance.
A brief history of the Woman's
Relief Corps, auxiliary to the Grand
Army of the Republic. is as follows:
1t is the largest beneticent and
patriotic organization Of women in
the world, numbering almost one
hundred and fifty thousand mem
bers. Organized in 1888, following a
call by commander in chief. Paul
Van Der WORT, with a small hand
OF charter members, it has grown to
magnificent PROPORTIONS in numbers
and influence and in the streams of
bounty which have been poured out
through the treasury in many de
serving channels.
The strongest and best women of
the nation have been proud to have
their names upon ITS rolls. All loyal.
women are eligible to the Woman's
Relief Corps. The aims and objects
are to specially aid land assist the
Grand Army Of the Republic, and
to perpetuate the memory of their
heroic dead. 10 assist such Union
veterans us need our :.help and pro-
lection, and to extend necdful aid to
their widows and orphans. TO find
them homes and employment and as
sure them of sympathy and friends.
To maintain true allegiance to 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 uni vers-
al liberty and equal rights to all.
This organization vas the first to
introduce the salutes to the flag in
the public schools and to make the
observance OF Flag Day general, by
preparing and carrying out suitable
programs. There are two salutes to
fhe flag taught in the schools.
The one for the Older pupils being
81 pledge to my flag and to the Re-
public for which. 1t stands: one ma
tion indivisible, with liberty and
Justice for ALL The other taught
the younger pupils: 81 give my head
and my heart to God and my coun-
try one country Que language, one
flag"
The Woman's Relief Corps is a Ea-
tional incorporation and owns and
operates the National Relief Corps
Home in Madina, Ohio. 1t is in
possession of the Andersonville pris-
OH grounds, which it has converted
into a National Park. Through its
%jnfiuence several states have placed
monuments there, and every year,
especially upon the national day, it
is visited by many.
For the yelr ending June 30, 1909,
the national treasurer has expended
ior W 4. @. home 50, 722. IL, for dec
Drations of soldiers graves IN the
south Sl.l97. SO, for Kansas flood
sufferers, $500 for the Mckinley
memorial 81, 900. for relief sl56, 709. 10.
The number of persons assisted has
been, 40,433. In the organization
there are 1905 corps. The total expend-
itule last year II the order amounted
10 S3c. 587. IS, and there are no liabil-
tiles Since the organization of the
W. r. G. there has been expended
90, 504. 363. 90.
10 every loyil woman there is a
hearty Invitation to join this band
Of earnest workers.
Press Correspondent.