Evening star., 1926-02-20
RED CROSS SHRINE
FINALLY COMPLETE
fIagstaffs Dedicated Today
Are Last Detail of Beauti-
full Memorial.

The beautiful memorial building of
the American Red Cross on Seven
teenth street officially was completed
this morning. IS years after con-
struction began. when the two re-
Gently raised nagstaffs on the front
Law were formally dedica ted In the
presence OF distinguished sudience
of high Governmen4 officials. repre-
sentatiyes OF patriotic societies. ON
GERS Of the Army, Navy and Marine
Corps and leaders in the ra nks of the
American Red Gross.
Although the Red Cross building
proper was completed in 1917 and has
been occupied by the society as it's
headquarters since then, the fagstaffs
and white balustrade were finished
only last week. finally completing the
memorial, which commemorate the
herOism Of the women OF the North
and the women of the South during
the war between the States. The cere-
mony at the same time carried out
the last architectural detail OF the me-
mortal as pia nned by it's builders.
Judge Payne Speaks.
John Barton Payne chairman Of
the American Red Cross. in a brief
address, declared that the concep-
ton Of monument to the heroic
women of the Civil War had it's
origin in conversation between
Capt. James A Scrymser and his
friend, Gen. Francis G. Barlow"
These two. DR.. PAYNE said voiun-
teered for service in 1861. enlisted in
the 18th New York Infa antry. and be
came splendid soldiers together. On
81
low was married, and when he was
severely wounded later. the sacrifices
and devotion of his wife nursed him
back to life.
But this cost her life: she con-
ira cted camp fever and died in 1854.
Judge Payne said. 'In 1896, during
his last illness. Gen. Barlow said, In
speaking Of his wife's unself1sh de-
votion to his friend. Capt. Scrym-
ser. that the time would come when
the finest monument In the country
would be built to the memory Of the
loyal women of the Civil War
Building Wave Launched.
Touched by the statements OF his
old friend. Capt. Scrymser proposed
TO the Comma ndery Of the State OF
New York Of the Military Order OF
the I.oyal Legion. of which he was
member. that the order undertake to
bring Gen. Barlow's prophecy into
frrAtion. Judge Payne said. Out Of
this suggestion developed the move
ment that has resulted in the com
p1etion Of one OF the National Gap
ital's most beautiful memorials. and
engraved across its marble front are
these words: In memory OF the
heroic women of the Civil War
1t was member OF the Scrymser
family who today made the formal
presenta ton of the f1agstaffs and
ballustrade to the American Red
Cross.
This same family made the first
contribution of 100000 toward the
memorial in 1918 and by an additional
contribution made possible the addi
ton which became part of ii today.
The exercises were held on the ter
race in front Of the building. begin
ming at 1890 o'clock with concert
by the United States Marine Band.
Following the concert invocation was
pronounced by Rev. Robert Johnston.
rector Of ct. Johns Episcopal Church.
Jehns--A. Merrill. representing the
Scrymser family. then presented the
1agstaffs. and they were accepted in
the name of the American Red Cross
by Judge Payne. who responded in a
brief speech.
Flags Are Raised.
"A color guard from the United Sta tes
Marine Corps ma nned each Of the fla & :
staffs. and as the Marine Band PLAYED
'"rhe Star Spansied Banner the
American flag was drawn to- the top
Of one. while the colors OF the Amer
lean Red Cross rose to the peak of the
other. Miss Edith Grant and Miss
Clara Frances Grant, daughters OF
Mai. Ulysses 8: Grant. Sd. and great
granddaughters Of Gen: Grant. held
the laniards upon which the flags
were pulled to their position.
Standing at attention during this
ceremony were members nf the Red
Cross staff in full uniform. delegations
from the two Civil War women's or.
sanizations. the Womans Relief
Corps and the Daughters Of the Con
federacy. With them were members
Of the central committee of the Red
Cross who are now In Washington.
officers of the Army and Navy. mem
born of many patriotic organization
and q large crowd Of citizens.