Part 41

On May 14 an offer was made by the firm of Lipman, Wolfe & Co., to turn over their department store to the Emergency Corps upon any date they might select. The entire charge of this establishment was to be assumed by the organization for one day--ten per cent of all sales to go to the regimental fund. To this generous offer was added the privilege of serving a mid-day lunch and introducing other suitable features that would help to swell the treasury. This offer was unanimously accepted and on May 17 the most novel scene ever witnessed in Portland's business history, was presented. Women, prominent in charitable and philanthropic work, leaders of society, sedate and stately matrons, assumed control of the various departments of this large business house, acting as superintendent, assistant superintendent, cashier and floor managers, while a hundred or more of Portland's fair daughters from early morning till late at night stood behind the counters serving customers. The store was gaily decorated with flags, bunting and roses; music was furnished by the Kinross Orchestra and Columbia Mandolin Quartette. Thousands of purchasers who had waited for this day surged back and forth through the aisles, crowded stairways and elevators in their haste to give their ten per cent to the soldiers' fund. The East Indian department which was transformed into a most enticing restaurant proved inadequate to the demand, as hundreds whom it was impossible to serve, were turned away. The result proved the success of the venture, one thousand dollars being added to the treasury of the society while the remark made by the senior member of the firm that it had "been the happiest day in a business career of over thirty-five years," left no other conclusion than that a twofold blessing follows such generous deeds.

After the departure of the Second Regiment for San Francisco the Emergency Corps continued the work of its supply department in meeting the wants of the soldiers--not only Oregon volunteers but all or any needing assistance. May 23 an appeal was received from a member of the Red Cross Society in San Francisco for fever belts and sleeping caps as it was impossible to meet the needs for these articles then existing. The following telegram was at once sent:

RED CROSS SOCIETY, SAN FRANCISCO, CAL.

Greeting:--Count on us; will send one thousand caps and one thousand fever belts. OREGON EMERGENCY CORPS.

Work was at once begun and in a few days the supplies were shipped to 16 Post street.

The Sewing Committee has continued its labors, hundreds of articles being made and furnished to the Second Regiment Engineer Corps Oregon recruits and Washington volunteers, etc.

It has been the privilege of the Oregon Emergency Corps to entertain all troops passing through Portland en route to different stations on the coast. This was at first done at the Union depot, where the soldiers were met by committees and served a substantial lunch, consisting of coffee, sandwiches, cake, fruit, etc. In this branch of work the Flower Mission, composed of twenty or more young women, have rendered valuable assistance in serving refreshments and decorating the trains. Tons of flowers have been donated for this purpose and the departing soldier has been given a bouquet of Oregon roses in addition to his box of lunch. Frequently has a letter accompanied by a box of flowers been sent at the request of husbands, brothers and sons to their distant homes, and replies received from many have made sweeter the saying, "Small service is true service while it lasts."

After the use of the armory was tendered the corps by the State Military Board, the soldiers were met on their arrival at the depot and escorted to military headquarters and lunch served in the spacious drill hall. The freedom of the building was extended, the gymnasium, bowling alley, reading room, etc., affording rest and recreation for all.

In July the work was found to be increasing so rapidly that it was necessary to enlarge the executive staff. To this end the president made the following appointments: first assistant, Mrs. Levi Young; second assistant, Mrs. H.W. Wallace; assistant to treasurer, Mrs. Wm. Patterson; assistant for correspondence, Mrs. Edmund Nollain; assistant for recording, Mrs. Lischen Miller.

Headquarters were again established at 137 First street, to meet the request of business men and others who wished to contribute to the society and found the armory at an inconvenient distance.

An honorary membership list was opened with the fee fixed at one dollar. This list at present numbers over 300, and among the named recorded are those of Captain C.E. Clark, of the battleship "Oregon," Hon. Edward Everett Hale, General Longstreet, Hon. Jos. E. Sheldon and Mrs. James Shafter.

The total membership of the society is 1557. Of this number 553 are members of auxiliary corps, leaving 1004 members for the Portland organization. The membership of the various auxiliaries is as follows:

Weston 27 Astoria 69 Hillsboro 69 Pendleton 38 Lafayette 33 Corvallis 51 La Grande 39 Hood River 21 Hubbard 10 Roseburg 100 Woodburn 23 The Dalles 80

Valuable service has been rendered the State of Oregon by a member of the corps, Madame A. de Fonfride Smith, who has compiled an "Official Roster" of the enlisted men for 1898. This has been entirely her own work and contains a careful history sketch of each member of the State Military Board, officers of the Second Regiment and the name of every volunteer. This little book is tastefully bound and illustrated with views of Camp McKinley and photographs of the officers of each company. The author has visited nearly every town in the State from which volunteers were recruited circulating the work, while a copy has been kept for every man whose name is recorded on its pages. Several thousand copies have been sold and the net proceeds are to be a contribution to the treasury of the Emergency Corps. In work of this kind Oregon stands alone, being the only State that is the fortunate possessor of so concise and comprehensive history of its brave sons.

Up to the time of the departure of the Oregon recruits for San Francisco, there had been an ample field for the labors of the Oregon Emergency Corps in its local work, but it became evident that in order to carry out the promises of continued care and attention to the volunteers while in the service of their country; to assist in the relief work of furnishing supplies for the hospital ships or sending nurses to care for the sick at Manila it was now necessary to have governmental protection. This could only be obtained through the agency of the Red Cross Society and the question of expediency in this direction was considered. On July 23, Judge Joseph Sheldon visited Portland in the interests of the American National Red Cross. In an address before the Emergency Corps he presented the advantages resulting to the relief societies of the different States through co-operation with this national body, advising affiliation as soon as possible. Action was deferred on the part of the society till the next regular meeting in order that members might be given an opportunity to investigate for themselves. Meanwhile, the executive board held several conferences with Judge Sheldon relative to their power to continue local work, and their obligations as an organization to the national committee. At a regular meeting July 30th the subject was resumed, and after a presentation of both sides of the question a unanimous vote in favor of affiliation resulted. The name of the organization was changed to the Oregon Emergency Corps and Red Cross Society and an application made to the national committee for proper recognition. The wisdom of the step was demonstrated a few weeks later when transportation was given by the government for two nurses, Dr. Frances Woods and Miss Lena Killiam for Manila. These nurses were outfitted and furnished funds by the Portland Society and sent forward on the "Arizona" as Oregon's representatives in the relief work of caring for her sick or suffering volunteers.

Reports having been received of the sickness and general discomfort of the Oregon recruits at Camp Merritt, the Society, at a meeting held August 6, voted to send the president, Mrs. H.E. Jones, and Mrs. Levi Young to visit the recruits and inquire into the matter. They proceeded at once to San Francisco, spending two weeks in investigating conditions and doing whatever their judgment advised to make more comfortable their unpleasant surroundings. These recruits, whom it was expected would be sent at once to their officers and regiment, turned out veritable military orphans stranded at Camp Merritt and left for weeks to the care of young officers from other regiments. Happily this condition is changed, as on the twentieth of August they were turned over to the command of an able and experienced officer, Major Goodale, of the Twenty-third U.S. Infantry. They have since been moved to the Presidio, where surroundings are pleasanter, pending orders for their transportation to their own regiment at Manila or return to their homes.

During their stay in San Francisco the representatives of the Oregon Emergency Corps and Red Cross Society were enabled to look into the various lines of relief work of the California society. Many courtesies were extended by the officers of the State and local associations, valuable suggestions were received, and it was also their privilege to attend the meeting of the State Association, held in Golden Gate hall, and listen to Judge Sheldon's able address upon the American National Red Cross.

It gives us pleasure to publicly acknowledge the unbounded gratitude of the Emergency Corps of Portland for the many kindnesses bestowed by the women of the California Red Cross upon the soldiers from Oregon. First, for their attention to the Second Regiment Volunteers, who, though with them but a few weeks, were the recipients of many comforts; but more particularly to the sick or afflicted ones of the Oregon recruits for whom they have cared, supplying both medicines and delicacies and in other ways providing for their necessities.

In the space of this article it is impossible to mention in detail the many contributions from patriotic citizens throughout the State of Oregon. Gifts from corporations, business houses, independent leagues and individuals bear testimony to the interest all feel in this great relief work, and their confidence in the Red Cross Society, through which their offerings are dispensed. The press has been our staunch and valued friend, freely giving editorials and space to further the cause.

There are no salaried officers, men and women having generously given their time from the first day of organization to the present. It has been the aim of the officers to faithfully and conscientiously discharge their duties, realizing the great responsibility and confidence reposed in them.

Each month a carefully prepared report of the proceedings, receipts and disbursements of the society has been given the public, and the treasurer's report here appended is in full from April 26 to November 5.

The work of the organization will be carried on in future, as in the past, along every line which best serves the interest of those for whose benefit it was begun. The treasurer's report shows: receipts, $7,526.03; disbursements, $6,389.54; balance on hand, $1,136.49.

THE RED CROSS OF WASHINGTON STATE.

EXTRACT FROM THE OFFICIAL REPORT.

The tocsin of war started in each community, from which went out the brave defenders, a desire to benefit and make soldier life more comfortable. As emergency corps, relief corps, or without name, the women went to work to do something for the soldiers. The Red Cross was a name to most known only in an indefinite way, until reports began to come in of grand work done. Not knowing how to proceed, groping in the dark, feeling our own way instinctively, we organized in Tacoma and Seattle. The Seattle Red Cross, desiring a State organization, called a convention for August 16, to meet at Seattle, and successfully launched the Red Cross of Washington.

Of the work done much of it has not been reported to the State Association, and even the reports represent only a small part of the work done throughout the State. Had all reported to a common centre Washington would have made a magnificent showing. As it was, all contributions have been sent directly to the company each city was directly interested in. Thus much relief given the soldiers materially or financially by the State of Washington cannot be stated here, as many of the emergency corps and other relief societies have disbanded since the cessation of hostilities. However, the Red Cross of Washington is effecting auxiliary Red Cross societies all over the State, and in the future all relief work in this State will be under the insignia of the Red Cross.

The Red Cross of Washington was organized on August 16, at Seattle. The officers are:

Mrs. John B. Allen, President, Seattle. Mrs. Chauncy Griggs, Vice-President, Tacoma. Mrs. J.C. Haines, Vice-President, Seattle. Miss Birdie Beals, Vice-President, La Conner. Mrs. Lester S. Wilson, Vice-President, Walla Walla. Mrs. Virginia K. Haywood, Vice-President, Spokane. Mrs. John C. Evans, Vice-President, New Whatcom. Mrs. Francis Rotch, Corresponding 1512 Thirteenth ave., Secretary, Seattle. Miss Helen J. Cowie, Assistant Corresponding Secretary, Seattle. Miss Sadie Maynard, Treasurer, 807 North J st., Tacoma. Miss Jessie Seymour, Assistant Treasurer, Tacoma. Miss Marie Hewitt, Recording Secretary, 501 North Fourth st., Tacoma. Mrs. Everett Griggs, Assistant Recording Secretary, Tacoma.

SEATTLE RED CROSS.

In answer to a call issued by Mrs. J.C. Haines through the Daily Press to all loyal women of Seattle, there were gathered in Elks Hall, June 20, 1898, nearly one hundred women, anxious to organize on definite lines; the universal sentiment prevailing, that organization under the Red Cross banner would result in the most effective work. The present officers are:

Mrs. J.C. Haines, President. Mrs. H.E. Holmes, Vice-President. Mrs. Mary M. Miller, Second Vice-President. Mrs. C.D. Simson, Treasurer. Mrs. W.P. Giddings, Recording Secretary. Mrs. H.C. Colver, Corresponding Secretary.

An executive committee was elected, composed of twelve members, with the officers ex-officio members of the same. The constitution and by-laws were drafted and copies mailed to all local Red Cross Societies of Washington. Through the various committees much work has been accomplished, the same spirit which pervaded the organization in its infancy having increased until the membership now shows two hundred and fifty active members.

It afforded the Seattle society great satisfaction to be able to send to the national society a check for $500. To the captains of Companies B and D, Washington Volunteers, at San Francisco, was sent $350 to be used in cases of illness and other emergencies, and to the Independent Battalion, Washington Volunteers, at Vancouver Barracks, was sent $100 for similar purposes. In many instances the relief committee has drawn upon the emergency fund for the relief of soldiers' families. Upon a half day's notice fifty-one lunches were put up by the members for a company of volunteers on their way to San Francisco, and to a call from Major L.R. Dawson, for funds to purchase food and milk for hospital patients at the Presidio, the society responded with $100. To the sufferers from the New Westminster fire was disbursed over $400, collected by the Seattle Red Cross women, and $50 was donated by the society itself. Carloads of food, cots and needful clothing were sent and distributed by a committee chosen by the society. The chairman of the Sewing Committee has expended $401.43 for material for Red Cross work and much besides has been donated by Seattle merchants. From this material have been made 232 denim pillow cases, 843 flannel bandages, 408 eider-down caps and 248 housewives (the latter filled with necessaries and comforts), besides hospital night shirts, handkerchiefs and a variety of different bandages. To Dr. L.R. Dawson, surgeon of the First Washington Volunteers, was sent a dozen boxes of hospital supplies and delicacies to be shipped on the transport "Ohio" with that portion of our troops, and the society has also decided to take charge of a Christmas box to be sent to the Washington Volunteers at Manila.

TACOMA RED CROSS.

_The Tacoma Red Cross_ was the first Red Cross organization in the State of Washington, and has done most effective work. The officers are:

Mrs. Chauncy Griggs, president; Mrs. A.B. Bull, first vice-president; Mrs. G.S. Holmes, second vice-president; Mrs. Lincoln Gault, third vice-president; Mr. Chester Thorne, treasurer; Mrs. W.C. Wheeler, assistant treasurer; Mrs. Frank Sharpe, recording secretary; Mrs. H.M. Thomas, corresponding secretary.

The Tacoma Red Cross has 400 members. Receipts, $684.82. Disbursements, $592.08.

WALLA WALLA RED CROSS.

In June, 1898, a temporary organization was effected at Walla Walla, known as the Red Cross Aid, with Mrs. J.H. Stockwell as chairman. This Aid Society cared for and entertained 229 soldiers passing through, and forwarded to Company I, several boxes of bandages, towels, handkerchiefs, etc. On September 21, 1898, the Red Cross Aid became a permanent organization under the name of the Walla Walla Red Cross and the following officers were elected:

Mrs. Lester S. Wilson, President. Mrs. Thomas H. Brents, Vice-President. Mrs. D.T. Kyger, Vice-President. Miss Grace O. Isaaca, Recording Secretary. Mrs. Eugene Boyer, Corresponding Secretary. Mrs. George Whitehouse, Treasurer.

Upon notice that Company I was to start for Manila, the Red Cross of Walla Walla forwarded money and delicacies to the value of $100. Since permanent organization, the membership has more than doubled, and now numbers about one hundred and fifty. Receipts, $1,408.00. Disbursements, $1,058.00.

SPOKANE RED CROSS.

A meeting for the organization of a Red Cross Auxiliary was called in Spokane, Washington, on July 11, 1898. Two days later the final organization was completed and officers elected to serve until the annual meeting in October:

The work of the society has been largely along the lines of raising funds for supplies, and to aid the families of the two companies of volunteers, Company O and L, both of which have gone to Manila. Supplies of underclothing, socks, towels, soap, combs, sleeping caps, fever bands and other necessary articles have been sent. Five hundred pounds of jellies were sent to Manila. Christmas packages have been sent to every man in the two companies. The sewing committee is steadily at work on hospital supplies. The membership is 173.

The present officers are:

Mrs. Virginia K. Hayward, President. Mrs. George Turner, Honorable Vice-President. Mrs. F.F. Emery, First Vice-President. Mrs. H. Salmorason, Second Vice-President. Mrs. A.J. Shaw, Corresponding Secretary. Mrs. L.J. Birdseye, Recording Secretary. Mrs. N.W. Durham, Treasurer.

Receipts $951.78 Disbursements 355.07 -------- Cash on hand $596.71

To Miss Birdie Beals belongs the credit of organizing the La Conner Auxiliary, and also the Bellingham Bay Auxiliary at New Whatcom. The La Conner Auxiliary was most active to respond to the call of the Red Cross. They sent large boxes of fruits and jellies to the Hospital of the First Regiment Washington Volunteers, made caps and bandages, etc., and contributed towards the outfit for the First Regiment Washington Volunteers.

The Bellingham Red Cross was organized by Miss Birdie Beals, President of the La Conner Auxiliary. They have adopted the constitution and by-laws, selected officers and are ready to do active work. The officers are: Mrs. John A. Evans, president; Mrs. E.S. McCord, vice-president; Mrs. S.J. Craft, recording secretary; Mrs. T.J. Kershaw, corresponding secretary; Mrs. E.W. Purdy, treasurer.

The report from the Emergency Corps throughout the State is very incomplete, as many corps who have done good work have sent directly to the Company of soldiers raised in that particular town, and not reported to the Red Cross at all.

The following is an extract from the report of the Emergency Corps:

The Emergency Corps of the State of Washington, having accomplished, as far as lay within its power, the work for which it organized, has, through its officers and executive board and with the consent of its members as represented at the meeting of October 11, decided to disband.

At the time of its organization the corps pledged its undivided effort to the service of the volunteers of the State of Washington during the war between the United States and Spain. That emergency having happily ended in victory and peace, the society feels that its special work is over. To those of its members who can still devote time and strength to patriotic and humane effort, the president and the executive board cordially suggest that they enroll themselves as members of the Tacoma Red Cross society organized for permanent effort in the broad field of the nation's and the world's need, and when the aid and support that they can give will result in practical benefit to any cause to which it is applied.

In closing the work of this organization the officers and executive board wish to make a public report of what has been accomplished during the four months of its existence. In absolute harmony the society has worked together, members and officers alike. The following record, taken from the secretary's last report, speaks for itself in proof of the patriotic energy which has inspired its labors. Since June 1 the Emergency Corps of the State of Washington has distributed for the use of state volunteers: Flannel abdominal bandages, towels, suits of pajamas, night shirts, suits balbriggan underwear, hospital pads and shirts, hospital pillow cases, and linen handkerchiefs.