The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1914-08-17
BY FLORENCE z. YoDER.

OF the many sides TO the war Dues
ton there are three which over
shadow all others. Some must fight.
some must nurse and care for the
wounded. and some one-some one
strong and well-must stay at home
and do what is possible to conserve
the Industrial and agricultural re-
sources Of the belligerent.
Hungarian and Servian women are
already on the fields Of battle, side by
side with their husbands, fathers.
sons, and brothers. Sex is no dis
tinction, and the women are pititully
eager to do what they can-now the
terrible conflict is on its way and
past recall.
In Germany alone. 10000 women
are members of the Red Cross. This
does not mean that they are merely
passive members, nor that they are
unable to perform practical work.
They are trained women, instructed
by the authorities, and capable OF
attending to any casualty which
comes to hand-and that Is every
thing.
Take Up Business.
French women have turned out
into the fields. taken up the business
of their husbands, and are serving
in those places which have been left
idle by the departure OF the male
population for the front. There is
no line Of trade. commercial or in
dustrial work, which they have not
stepped into. The shops. stores, Of
fees are devoid Of men, but they are
not closed-the places are filled by
quiet-faced. determined women who
have merely been waiting. the chance
to lend their services.
Although the histories used in the
United States have been unbiased
and truthful in their presentation OF
the situation in Europe. young Amer
lea can scarcely have recognized
the inevitability of this struggle as
have the European children of the
last generation.
A chance scrap taken from the
diary of dead German soldier. fol-
lowing the first few days of blood
shed in the present embodiment, Will
show the attitude OF the German
people.
Thanks God for War.
He was only an ordinary German
private, but his first words written
after the beginning Of the battle
were: THANK God II is settled. We
have our war at last
In no less degree has the idea been
held up TO he women. Surely the en-
roIlment OF all men In the ranks of
the amy has been ever before their
eyes. They have learned the trades
OF their fathers. their husbands, they
havo interested themselves in prac-
teal affairs; and are now qualified to
10 the conserving power in the ma
ton which has been shorn Of its
Yals population.
And the wild women of England"
MS prominent wcekiy not long ago
tc' med the human beings. ware but
lately striving for the recognition OF
g Tolitlc entitY-what are they do
ing? Surely the course they have
taken shows them to he gracious,
generous, and worthy foes OF Eng
land. For they have laid aside their
bombs. their hatchets. their pleas
and their theories. and have united
70 do the best that their nimbIa
brains. their clever hands. and their
purses can do for dear old ENGLAND.
4 word AZ this jun,ture on the de-
tights ca Of nursing in time of war
is both meet and fitting.
May Be Surprised.
II the men have any idea that II is
easier to be nurse than it is to be
a noble. lauied. busy soldier. the fol-
lowing excerpt from the diary Of
Florence Nightingale may serve ms n
means of enlightenment.
Women hav. been the ones to
clean up after the party" from time
immemOrial. Il would rather be
shot than wash dishes" is the atti-
tdde Of the average man. He hates
10 cieHn up after the mess He wants
10 be the whole party. the whole
show. and lie IL. Ho goes into bat
tie of his own choosing. He doesn't
like 10 help clean up afterwards
And being tho stronger animal, he
has his choice-battle. bloodshed.
sudden or protracted death. instead
of certain slow mental torture and
the work Of servant
Tho following was written by
Florence Nightingale during the
Crimean war. October y, 1854:
THE duties OF hospital nurse IN
they are properly performed require
great skill as we'll as strength and
courage. especially where the cases
are surgical cases and the majority
OF them often gunshot wounds. Per-
sons who have no experience or
skill In such matters would be Of
no use whatever; and In moments Of