Evening journal., 1921-04-05
AID WOUNDED,
PERSHINGSAYS
General Declares Existing
Organizations Have Fail
ed in Their Purpose
PEPPER PRESIDES
AT BIG RALLY

NEW YORK. April 5.-General
John ]. Pershing. in addressing a
mass meeting last night TO arouse
public sentiment for betterment OF
hospital conditions for wounded sol
diers. declared existing organizations
for the care OF wounded veterans
have failed in their purpose after
two years OF peace.
The number OF the disabled re-
ouiring treatment is gradually in
screasing. he said. and facilities for
their treatment have not been pro-
Vlded as rapidly as needed. He criti-
cized the Public Health Service,
which is responsible for caring for
wounded veterans. as being poorly
organized.
George Wharton Pepper. OF Phila-
delphia, presided. and the speakers
included f. W. Galbraith. National
commander OF the American Legion.
General Pershing said. in part:
'The debt we. as individuals and
tho nation as a whole. owe 10 the
Unfortunate soldier has sunk deep
into the hearts of~ail patriotic citi-
zens: but only those who fought be-
side him and suffered with him can
fully realize our great obligation. The
debt cannot be measured by material
standards.
No army in history ever became
engaged at a more critical moment
than that at which the American
army took its place beside the war
worn armies OF the Allies in Europe
1t was the presence OF that army
that saved Europe from destruction.
No greater inspiration ever has
come TO me, nor could come 10 any
man, than TO witness our sorely
wounded men as they lay in dressing
stations or hospitals. exalted over
their services to their country. proud
Of their wounds and ever thinking
only OF victory.
las they went to war there was
no recompense the grateful hearts OF
our people were not willing to pledge
them; but we lack today that elevat-
ed spirit of patriotism which would
have forced each individual in war
time to active measures in meeting
those obligations.
I'VE continue to move about in the
enjoyment OF peace and happiness.
while daily they who protected us
suffer in physical pain or physical
incapacity from wounds which might
he ours. They find themselves often
helpless and beggared among those
who escaped the risks OF war. many
OF whom prohted financially by its
turmoil.
Imagine the feelings OF the neg
lected soldier toward a Government
for which he offered his life. No
Government is worthy OF its name
that fails in sympathy and care for
men made helpless in fighting its
battles"
The country's duty is TO give dis.
abied men the best medical care tc
prolong their lives, and II possible
TO restore them to useful places in
the community. the general added
Criucizing the Public Health Serv.
ice. General Pershing said,
II reports are true. it does moi
appear to be adequately organized
From all accounts its management
of hospitals and care OF the sick and
wounded are matters that demand
an early Investigation.
1T must be conceded tho Gov.
ernment was as unprepared for tn,
problems OF a sudden peace as Il
was for the problem of war. Nearl,
TWO years have passed and ther,
still IS cause for complaint. There
appears TO be no good reason VIII,
he war risk insurance. vocationa
education and the care OF disables
soldiers should not be combine,
under one competent head. responsi
ole directly 20 the Administration
Let US insist upon immediate an,
necessary action to the end that NJ
lncapacitated veteran may eve
charged that this Republic rs un
grateful