Connecticut western news., 1917-08-09
A TRIBUTE
To Mss Carita Spencer, Appointed
 Special Delegate From France.

It was hot, very hot, last Wednesday afternoon, but heat or cold waves sell dom keep people from doing what they really want to do and thus a few brave and patriotic souls went forth to hear Carita Spencer at the Parish house (which was as cool as anywhere) talk on the Red Cross, the Surgical Dress ings Committee of which she is the National Vice Chairman, and also to hear her give first hand information of things as they are in the hospitals and trenches in France.
 Those that heard Miss Spencer de- clare almost in unison that hers was the most practical common sense talk on war measures and hospital needs that had ever yet been heard in Canaan, but what shall we say of this gifted young woman's rare and mag netic personality, that was felt the moment she entered the rooDa? It seemed to have almost an awe inspiring quality. Yet nothing could exceed the perfect ease and simplicity of her man. ner nor the frank kindness of heart and understanding of people that seemed to emanate from what we all instinctively felt, to be the true greatness of noble character and truly distinguished woman. We are proud to be able to say that such a woman, whom the nations have delighted to honor, honored l Canaan with her presence.
 We can readily understand why Foreign Legations-both Belgium and l or1oo-nhnngn hor for tho mt positions she ably filled, in those countries, America has also honored her. It would be impossible to give any idea, to those who did not hear her, of her vivid personality that made us see the things that she has seen, that made us feel the splendor of true patriotism and self sacrifice. When she called on us to do our bit for the heroic soldiers of France, when she told us of their needs, their accomplishing attitude toward sorrow, suffering, mutilation and all the other uramable horrors of war, only asking that they may get we'll enough to go back and do it over again-well, dear fellow townsmen, it made playing at patriotism, and all the just fooling round business here at home in OFT safe little town nests, seem very far, very far indeed, from the war game and its hideous realities.
 Every man and woman and child in Canaan should have heard Carita Spencer's talk last Wednesday. Not often do people of such striking looks, manner and individuality come to give free talks in Canaan. Not often do they who have seen the blood of soldiers dripping from ambulances, who have walked in the trenches, and through numberless hospitals in France and Belgium, come here to tell of these things. Nor do young women, who have been the especially invited guests of Belgium's beautiful and noble | Queen, come often to our town to speak of this great war. More of the Canaan Red Cross patriots should have heard Miss Spencer's valuable sugges. tions on Surgical Dressings, and Red Gross work. This Red Cross work is no childs play, and it is reasonable and safe to say that we are all amateurs, from the Executive committee to the last one on the last bunch of com mittees. We trust that the few com. mittee workers who were present will utilize the valuable and practical sug- gestions and advice given by Carita Spencer one of the authorities on this work in America and France and Bel. gium.
 B. H.