Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-03-25
Philadelphia Physician
Writes of Cruelty
and Terror
HUNDREDS OF VICTIMS
DR.. Francis O'Neill's Letter
Describes Hospital Work
Among Repatriates

oclphia physician, IN charge OF the fteo
Cross hospital at Sainte Foy rArgentiere
France.
A twelve -year-old girl, whose right
hand was shattered by an explosive PEN
ell. Is among the patients now at this
hospital, which Is established in the
Chateau des Halles. This pencil was
given to her supposedly by one of the
German spies or sympathizers who in
fest the war-ridden districts.
There they find II easy TO operate
among the women and children dis
tracted by fear and suffering. The
picture Of the little girl who was MANNED
by the pencil was published recently in
the Saturday Evening Post.
DIR. O'Neill told OF her sad plight
and those Of hundreds of other children
received in a letter by DIR. Austin
O'Mailey. Of 222s South Broad street
The hospital at which Or. O'Neill is
stationed takes care of the children
mans.
Teutons HeartIess
Indisputable evidence that the German
soldiers are absolutely heartless is
shown by the fact that the children
rescued from their control are suffering
intensely for food, clothing and shell
ter, while the Huns themselves are found
TO be in well-fed and generally
healthy condition. the letter says.
In addition 10 explaining conditions
at the hospital in the Chateau des
Hailes. Doctor O'Neili told OF the
methods for caring for women ana
children left homeless by the war at
the headquarters at Evian-les-Bains'
Among other things he said
have just returned from Evian-les-Bsins
Il
by the chief of the children's bureau
10 study the question of the reception
of the repstries' children and see II
could add anything that might aid
in the handling of them. 1t is Won
ferful system they have over there.
'Just think of receiving $50 or 700
twice daily, and every single person
looked after in every way necessary
Il is really marvellous. My work has
been entirely with children who have
already passed through this great clear
ing house. and while. of course. j had
a coed idea of the work. one could
hardly appreciate 1t without seeing IT.
Repatristes Weep
'srhe- first contingent arrives at 5:45
q. m. It is made up of old men and
women, young men and women who are
too sick to work. principally those suf-
fering from tuberculosis, or who are
mentally deficient and children. About
40 to SO per cent are children. As the
train pulls into the station. a French
band strikes up their national anthem.
and every head that can possibly get
out of window is seen.
MANY are crying. and all are yelling.
'vive la Francer They then file out
Of the train, and headed by the band
march a few blocks away to a once
famous casino. Those who are not well
enough to walk. and there are many.
are taken in American Red Cross am
balances.
4, AT the casino the yare placed around
enormous tables. and all are given a
warm. substantial meal. including white
bread. 1t is the first full meal that
many have had for years. While they
are eating, the band plays familiar
tunes. and ends up with their national
hymn. Every one who can, arises and
joins in. II Is overwhelming to see these
people standing there, old and young,
with tears streaming down their care
worn cheeks, singing with all the en-
thusiasm they can possibly muster.
'They sit down then, and the Mayor
Of Evian-les- Bains gives them an ad-
dress OF welcome. For the first time
they learn the truth about the war
that France is not whipped that she
Intends to conquer Germany, that France
@on the battles or the Marne and the
Somme. and that America has joined
tne Allies. Their races are a study and
you can almost read Ihelr thougnt-
S-.., ~. uns v. .,,.. n 49,, ',,e ., NO. ~, y,
Ia 80, 49,, ,,,i.,,,s aa,a,,s a.. thaI,
procedure from then on,
.Thsv naxt enter great b.u with
IN .norn,ous counter runnir. aro,,nd
4 hehind which are more tha, a hun.
1r.d Girls and cara ,ndey -, nearly
avery one who has heen exnacted tr
come through Their history 40 ,aLen
ana their money ia cbsngsd from, ,hat
given them by the Germans into Frencr
money. One woman came through witt
$50. 900 francs. II they are claimed b,
relatives thew are sent home: IL not
they are sent elsewhere and employment
wiyen them according TO what they are
able to do.
"In this room are the art-brea kinr
scenes. A mother will come through
to fiud that all her sons have been killed
in the war; wife with children To learr
that husband and father are gone. offer
the worst scene ia when a woman come.
in who has braced her soul up TO heaI
the worst and learns the best. Thes,
women go to pieces completely IntelIl.
gent women come up expecting TO FIND
some one 10 claim her. or some news
and there Is not word. often these
women collapse utterly.
.sFrom this room they pass 10 n,
adioining chamber and al ~, vhra,
FRENCH physicians. sunIcious cases ,r, :,
80 ~'N'N'N' 1850 81