The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1917-07-31

partment, Major General Henry u.
Sharpe, quartermaster geenral of the
United States army, greeted the plan
with enthusiasm and q series of con-
ferences. covering the best part of a
week, were held in his Washington
Offices.
DR.. Eckels and Dr. Mowbray made
the following offer to the Government.
OFFER to Finance Plan.
1--WE will furnish such number of
embalmers for the preservation OF
the bodies of soldiers killed in battle
or dying in hospitals as you may deem
necessary for the purpose.
eve will divide these into such
units as you may direct.
1--WE will equip and train these men.
I'VE will furnish such number Of
automobile ambulances as will be ne
cessary for this service.
eve will pay all expenses incident
to their equipment, training, transpor-
tation and maintenance
"These will be available for all san
itary work. asking only that these
may be allowed to keep their own in
dividual formation.
eff it will be your wish that We be
incorporated in the army organization.
we will arrange to be enlisted as in
dividuals and assigned as you may
direct"
Plan Was Kept Secret.
Major General Sharp reported fav-
orably upon the recommendations, and
shortly afterward the following let
ter, signed by Brigadier General H. F.
McClain. adjutant of the army, was
received by the officers of the Ameri-
can Purple Cross association:
"The secretary of war directs ne
to inform you that the subject matter
OF YOUR several communications IN
regard to an expert body of mortuary
SPECIALISTS for service with our mill
tarv forces abroad has been given
careful consideration. 1t has been de-
cjced that suitable organization for
this force shall be adopted for service
in the uuartermasters corps. The de-
partment is deeply appreciative of your
generous and patriotic interest
The plan of the association has now
been accepted and tomorrow DR.. Now
BRAY and DR.. Eckles will go to Wash
ington fo ranother conference with
War Department officials, when. it is
expected, a bill will be drawn up for
presentation to Congress for the ac-
ceptance of the American Purple
Cross Association as an auxiliary Ct
the ouartermaster Generals depart
ment.
Although no official announcement
has been made, it is said that the pres
idency of the organization will be Of
fered President Wilson; that Secreta'
ry Baker and Secretary Daniels vii?
be named vice presidents, and that
either the treasurer of, the United
States or some other high governmen:
official will be selected as treasurer
who will handle all funds.
To Embalm on Battlefield.
Right now we have more than s150,,
900 pledged for carrying forward oul
plan" declared DR.. Mowbray yester-
day, "and we can easily raise S10,,
100000 as soon as Congress places
the stamp of approval upon our plan
"The bodies will be embalmed in
the first line trenches or as close tc
them as possible They will then be
taken from the battle line and inter
red until after the war. By our up-to-
date process they will be recognizable
for years and will be Il a splendid
state of preservation when brought to
this country
The American Purple Cross move
ment has received nationwide in
dnrsament Both branches of the