The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-05-11
MRS. ROUNTREE
 PRESENTS A REPORT

Mrs. J. A Rountree, who has faithfully served the Alabama division of the United
 Daughters of the Confederacy as recorder of crosses of honor, could not attend the annual convention which is now. in ses- sioE In Mobile on account of her illness.
 She sent the report of her services during the past year, and 1t was read yester- day morning by Mrs. w. K. McAdory of Birmingham. The report was as follows
 "As recorder of crosses of honor have the following report to submit of my work since our last annual convention, at which time you again honored me with the
 responsible duties of this office: During the year have sent to the chapters throughout the state the follow ing communications: 12O letters, 98 postal cards, 51 packages of material-total, 269 communications.
 'As recorder I have received, inspected and indorsed applications for the follow ing number of crosses conferred Sep- tember 27, 1910, 96; January 19, 1911 s9; April 26, 1911 75; June 3, 1911, 7S-total, 33S. 'I have at all times appreciated the re- sponsibility intrusted to me, and have endeavored to carry on the work as
 promptly and completely as possible. Unfortunately, severe personal H. ness early in the year delayed for a time responses to few requests for matrial and information, but this in no case in
 terferred with securing of crosses, as our order for January 19 was already In the hands of the custodian, and I recovered sufficiently to supply all requests In time to secure crosses for April 26.
 "In every case where a chapter has been disappointed In securing crosses in time for date requested, the applications have been sent to me later than one month prior to date of bestowal as re- Quired by bylaw Il, section 8, strict ob- servance of which is absolutely neces- sary In some few cases crosses were delayed by failure of local express office to deliver crosses, exceeding two or three
 in number being usually sent by express. and chapters should inquire for them early, as crosses are usually sent from the custodian's office at least 10 days be- fore date of bestowal.
 'The work of the recorders office is now almost over, the books will soon be closed, and only a few times are we to have the privilege of bestowing upon the fast thinning ranks of our beloved vet erans this little badge of honor-a priv ilege that has brought to both daughters and veterans unmeasured pleasure and leaves to future generations legacy of sacred memories, of recognized heroism and loyal devotion. Let us make the best of the short time still left to us so that no veteran may be overlooked
 Since occupying the office of recorder Alabama chapters have bestowed 2016 crosses, the applications for which have indorsed and forwarded to the custodian.
 "Only four dates remain for bestowals, and for this reason I wish to urge the chapter to be careful in the preparation of their papers, so as to avoid all delays and errors. I especially recommend that each chapter appoint some one, already thoroughly familiar with the work, to have entire charge of securing crosses for these four bestowals. There is much detail works connected with securing crosses that is difficult for those unfa- miliar with the work to grasp, and much time Is lost in returning papers for cor rection. Therefore, the time being so limited, 1t Is very necessary that those being in charge of the applications should know what is required of them. For while to many these details seem of small importance they are really very neces- sary to the securing of crosss and chap ters should be careful to see that all records are complete.
 While to some 1t may seem strange that the bestowal of crosses is to cease, 1t is really not unreasonable, for the reason, that many of the applications now sent In are for descendants, or for duplicate crosses, most of the veterans having all ready received crosses.
 "Alabama's applications for 7s crosses to be conferred June are already In the hands of the custodian, and our next be- stowal will be September 27, papers for which should be served from the recorder at an early date. In fact, chapter of- ncers having this work in charge should always keep at least small supply of application papers and records on hand, without waiting until the time limit is almost up before applying for same.
 "Thanking you for the pleasure deigned from the work of the office of recorder and appreciating the trust and honor conferred upon me by the Alabama d- vision, I am, faithfully yours,
 MRS. J. A. ROUNTREE, Recorder"