The Oskaloosa herald., 1910-03-31
Mrs. Mary A, Dow Answers Our Cor
respondent About the w. R. C.
The FIRST U. S. POSTMASTER
Senator GaIfnser, Of the Committee
on District Of Columbia, Beseiged
..s Scores Of Letters Asking
Rockefeller Donations
tBy Cyrus Foss stoddard.3


in the United States. Its membership
of over 5000 noble women, has ex-
pended about three million dollars for
the purpose OF alternating the distress
of thousands of veterans who are now
suffering rs result of the service
rendered their country in the trying
days from 1861 to 1865. Mrs. Mary
A. Dow, president OF the Potomac w.
r. c.. ia this city, when questioned
regarding the great work OF this soci-
ETY., replied: rs.... ..E.. .a
''The Woman's Relief Corps Is an
army which works quietly and without
ostentation: therefore the good work
being accomplished by 1t Is not wholly
appreciated by the people. The low
ing service of the members who de.
vote time and money, going as Sisters
OF Mercy to soothe the sick and dying,
comfort the Borrowing, and assist and
encourage the unfortunate, cannot
possibly be estimated. 49,.
How extensive Is the work?
am from Iowa; can you tell me how
many members there are in that
state?"
Certainly" rs she referred to her
list. Iowa stands fourth in member
ship, having l0,57l women enrolled.
Massachusetts comes first with 1865,
Ohio second with 1922 and Illinois
third with 1881. Practically every
state is represented in the great work
most of them having their own state
organizations" .,
"You referred to the extensive work
being accomplished by the corps.
will"
"Yes." she interrupted, during the
past year sl3l, 4S5 vas expended for
relief, and since organization over
s3,0OO,000 has been expended for the
same purpose No unfortunate .veter-
an or his family is neglected, but all
possible is being done to make them
comfortable and happy"
Patriotic. teaching is being advanc-
ed. and hundreds OF dollars are ex-
pended each year in placing flags and
olding exercises in our schools,
thus doing much towards making more
patriotic and better citizens of the pu-
pills"
Il have understood that the Corps
owns the grounds where the rebel
prison at Andersonville, Georgia. is 10
Gated"
1T is true. The order owns and has
improved the prison grounds. and
what was once a barren spot. telling
of horror and suffering, Is now beau
tiful park. cottage having been erect
ed and care taker placed in charge.
This is one of the places OF interest
in that section of the country and is
visited by thousands of people each
year.
Through the efforts of the organi-
cation. homes have been established
in many states where veterans and
their wives may pass the declining
years of their lives in peace and com.
fort, and substantial support is given
many philanthropic institutions"
-:--:--:
During the first year OF the Taft
administration, nearly 100000 acres
OF land have been Withdrawn from
entry in order to conserve the natur-
al resources.
In the records of the General Court
of Massachusetts, in the year 1889. is
TO be found the order providing that
notice be given that Richard Fair
banks his house in Boston Is the place
appointed for all letters which are
brought from beyond the seas or are
TO be sent thither to be left with him
and he is TO take care that they are to
be delivered or sent according TO his
direction" BY virtue OF this order
Mr.. Fairbanks is recognized as the
first postmaster in the United States
and his home as the first postoffice.
In 1890. he first date Of record In the
postoffice Department, there were sew
enty.five postoffices. and 1875 miles OF
mail routes.
= - -
Senator Gallinger, chairman OF the
committee on District OF Columbia, Is
wondering II he did a wise thing in
introducing the bill providing for the
Incorporation OF the Rockefeller Fonn-
dalton, by which the oil king proposes
TO give large portion OF his wealth
Tor the establishment Of n systematic
and scientific worldwide philanthro-
Ply. The bill was referred to Mr.. Gal
fingers committee. and at a recent
hearing Mr. s. j. Murphy. one of the
members OF the general education
hoard, which recently received $751;
000.0O from Mr.. Rockefeller. appear
ed to explain the scope OF the work
as formulated In the mind OF the dom
or. The chairman at that time took
occasion TO refer TO the fact that.
since he became connected with the
affair, his mail had been burdened
with scores OF letters asking for dona-
lions OF from SIS TO $500. e00 or
course the correspondence was de-
syFoyed for abe senator has nothing
yshatarer 10 do with the distribution
OF the money. ssse. 49,