Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-02-01
APPRECIATION OF
MAINE AT HALIFAX

The following expressions of apprecfa-
ton Of the services rendered the stricken
city of Halifax in her recent terrible dis
aster by the Medical Unit of Maine have
! been received. the people of that CITY
peing Just returning to a condition where
they are able to think of matters other
than relief work. Here are extracts
from letter received by Major Gilbert
N. Elliott, commanding the Unit from
Major A. r. Goodman. of Governors
Island, the United States representative
sent to Halifax at the time of the dis
aster.
Certainly the Maine Medical Unit was
one Of the most valuable ones a. Halifax
and particularly noted for its efficiency
and ability to handle any conditions. II
couid not nave done better work nor full
i'hiled its obligations better Under Major
Elliott. it was particularly self-reliant
When such trait was most valuable in
the trying early days at Halifax. The
Maine Medical Unit always had the renu-
tation Of doing anything it was called
upon TO do. and of doing it we'll with
little or no trouble to any of the Relief
Committee"
4 Ihen comes 4 letter from the Canadian
officer in charge of the Medica, Roller
"oih' "hlch also speaks for itself:
Halifax. ~ s., Jan. %. 1919
o''sauier General George Mel. Presson.
Adjutant General, State of Maine
Augusta. Me.
Dear General Presson:
N the rush of work during the past
re" weeks | am afraid many of the IittIa
| courtesles and many of the necessities
FAVE oeen overlooked and it is inst nov,
ti!dl we are beginning to get an onnortu
MY 10 40 what is right and fair toward
those who so nobly assisted us d,rine
the Halifax disaster.
The State of Maine Unit under ~.
capable command Of Major Elliott nc
Soa ALREADY know. opened up a hospItar
II me halifax Ladies' College within )
Is" hours after their arrival in Har,+.x
wish to let YOU know that they did
very excellent work and that thew 80,
an institution which was q credit ~ IN
state Of Maine and of which ,o,, r,o,
I feel justly proud.
MAJOR Elliott and his officers stuck -
their work and did excellent seryico
uhder trying conditions because &C ,.o,,
are aware, this building was not suitab,
! unsigned for a hospital and was crt M
III uozehs o. small rooms, which were
NerE aif1lcult TO manage. In spite of tb,s
idhoicap they showed that they wera
"eh ap4e 20 organize, equip and run :.
military hospital, and their surgto,,
! work mas received great praise
wish to thank the State Of Native
you on behalf of the Medical poI;a.
committee for your very great l,i,a,.,.
IN permitting this valuable unit 70 Co.,
to our aid The kindness which re haa..
extended by our friends and a,res II
the United States has done mucb - 40
ment even closer the already t;r,, -.
Of friendship between the two na.,cns
trust that you Will convey 10 the IA
partment and to the citizens NJ ,bo CO..
OF Maine our yer deem ,han,.s
hearty appreciation Of all thar Ia. h,,.a
done for us.
II this letter is somewhat haIatad 49,,
sure you will understand the circ,,r,
stances and remember tina: orr ,rati,,,d.
is very deep for all that has been don.
Most sincerely yours.
F. Mex. Bell. Tt. Col
Chairman Med Relief Commute.