Martinsburg W Va evening journal. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1913-1920, 1918-08-24
REQ G. ACTIVITIES
BEHIND THE LINES
How Refugees and War Suffer-
erS Are Aided.
BY GRIFFIN BARRY.

Padua, Aug. 24.-Over this quiet
provincial town, only a few hours mo-
tor ride from the Italian front, war
has lain heavy hand. The lovely
Padua of former days has nearly dis
appeared--its precious medieval
buildings SCARED by aerial lombard
ments, its population depleted by the
flight of all who can afford to leave,
the quiet neighborly activities which
had made life in Padua more agree
able than in most of the smaller TIA
liam cities everywhere stilled. Instead
the streets are blocked by the militia
o. three allied armies. Its houses, its
Gtores what citizens remain-all have
been requisitioned by the military.
Added to the disfguring effects of
war are terrible economic problems.
Padua has become the centre for re-
fugees from hundreds of square kill
oneters offdevastated territory-part
OF It now in the grip of the Austro-
German forces, part torn up by the
necessities of the Italian defense. IN
deed, one OF the most pressing re-
fngee problems in Italy has arisen in
the small city on the brink of the
IA Italy where the need is great. the
American Red Cross has reached out
q helping hand to the civil population
Two institutions of aid are now run
ming full blast under the direction of
Captain, F. &C. Thwaits. formerly
Milwaukee attorney, now an Ameri-
can Red Cross delegate.
IN great noon in the shelter of
17th century baroque arch. the Amer
lcan Red Cross sewing room is sit
slatsd. Here nearly "a hundred wo.
men gather daily stitching American
cloth into garments for the needy:
Al Of the cloth IS furnished by the
American Red Cross sewing rooms in
Italy. For the vast majority of them
no other work is to be had Their
output is sold, not given away-sold
x cost price. excluding the cost of
the material. which is the gift OF the
american Red Cross. Only those
persons whose need of clothing is
guaranteed by the municipal authori-
ties are allowed to buy.
T'Food is provided In two soup kit.
chkns administered by local religious |
societies. The principal foodstuffs |
afe supplied by the American Red
Cross. Those who have faced hun |
Ger and cold in the past winter ap-
lar twice a day, stories OF spiritual
&nfnhoil and physical hardship writ.
zen On every face. "a recital of theTl
@stof4es that could be gathered, taxi
H. one individual after another down
either of the long lines, would in it.
~ form an Indictment of war strong
61ldnkh to be remembered. Hot food
n@Rde with American beef. rice, lard
And iour-all of these products out
~ the reach OF the Italian poor-are
Q61d at minimum prices or, in cases
u complete restitution vouched for
~ the municipality. given away
a more active terror in Padua than
hunger is the Austrian aeroplane.
During February last the raids were
frequent. Recently Padua has been
ApAfed but the danger recurs on ey-
cry clear night. Any night prowler
II the fields about Padua win find
6coree OF eleeping bodies. for thell
Auuabers OF the poor and ignorant
hslil nee at sunset from the danger
~ failing buildings inside the town.
"A small hotel was struck at the
dinner hour. Miraculously enough no
6nes was killed, although upwards of
Glxty people were covering in the eel.
~ OF the building at the time and
oeven were hiding on the first floor
Athird Of the building was cut away,
Ailing the yard and the street with
debris. The persons inside were saw
"a only by a quick rush towards, the
Untouched portions OF the building
For the needy In the general exodus
that occurred after that eliminating
raid. Captain Thwaits supplied food
And clothing to be used enroute TO
places Of safety.