Chapter XVI: Part 16

I am happy, therefore, to advise you, and through you the Government
of the Swiss Confederation, that the Government of the United States
will for its part, and so long as the present war between this
country and Spain shall last, treat as an effective _modus vivendi_
the fourteen additional articles of October 20, 1868, with the
interpretations of the ninth and tenth articles thereof appearing in
the publication you communicate to me. While it is proper to adopt
this course on its own account, and without reference to such action
as Spain may take, this government would nevertheless be glad to
hear that the representations made by your government to that of
Spain had met with a favorable response in order that the two
parties to the present contest may stand pledged to the same humane
and enlightened conduct of naval operations as respects the sick and
wounded as was recognized and adopted by the respective parties to
the Franco-Prussian war.

Should the Government of Spain likewise accede to the Swiss
proposition, I should be much gratified to be apprised of the fact,
and also that the Spanish accession contemplates acceptance of the
interpretations of Articles IX and X which were adopted by France
and the North German States and which are embraced in the
proposition of your government.

Accept, etc.,
WILLIAM R. DAY.

SWISS LEGATION,
WASHINGTON, D.C., _May 9, 1898_.

MR. SECRETARY OF STATE: As I had the honor verbally to inform the
Assistant Secretary of State this morning, my Government has charged
me to bring to the knowledge of Your Excellency that the Spanish
Government has accepted the proposition of the Federal Council
concerning the additional articles of the Geneva Convention.

I doubt not that Your Excellency will be pleased very soon to enable
me to announce to the Federal Council that the Government of the
Union also adheres for its part to the proposed _modus vivendi_, and
in this expectation I offer to Your Excellency the expression of my
very high consideration.

J.B. PIODA.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
WASHINGTON, _May 10, 1898_.

SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of May
9, formally notifying me that the Spanish Government has accepted
the proposition of the Federal Council concerning the additional
articles of the Geneva Convention, and expressing the hope that you
would be soon enabled to inform your government that the United
States Government adheres for its part to the proposed _modus
vivendi_.

As you were advised in the verbal interview with the Second
Assistant Secretary of State, to which you refer in your note of the
ninth, I have already had the pleasure of informing you, by my
official note of that date, that the United States Government would
for its part treat as an effective _modus vivendi_ the additional
articles of 1868, with the amendments and interpretations of
Articles IX and X thereof appearing in the publication communicated
to me by you. I trust that that note, which apparently had not
reached your hands at the time of your note to me of the same date,
has now been received by you and its contents transmitted to the
Federal Council.

Be pleased to accept, etc.,
WILLIAM R. DAY.

The additional articles concerning the Maritime Hospital Service in war, as modified by the _modus vivendi_, forming Articles VI to XV of the Treaty of Geneva when formally ratified, are:

ART. VI. The boats which, at their own risk and peril, during and
after an engagement pick up the shipwrecked or wounded, or which,
having picked them up, convey them on board a neutral or hospital
ship, shall enjoy, until the accomplishment of their mission, the
character of neutrality, as far as the circumstances of the
engagement and the position of the ships engaged will permit.

The appreciation of these circumstances is entrusted to the humanity
of all the combatants. The wrecked and wounded thus picked up and
saved must not serve again during the continuance of the war.

ART. VII. The religious, medical and hospital staff of any captured
vessel are declared neutral, and, on leaving the ship, may remove
the articles and surgical instruments which are their private
property.

ART. VIII. The staff designated in the preceding article must
continue to fulfill their functions in the captured ship, assisting
in the removal of the wounded made by the victorious party; they
will then be at liberty to return to their country, in conformity
with the second paragraph of the first additional article.[C]

The stipulations of the second additional article[D] are applicable
to the pay and allowance of the staff.

ART. IX. The military hospital ships remain under martial law in all
that concerns their stores; they become the property of the captor,
but the latter must not divert them from their special appropriation
during the continuance of the war.

[The vessels not equipped for fighting, which during peace, the
government shall have officially declared to be intended to serve as
floating hospital ships, shall however, enjoy during the war
complete neutrality, both as regards stores, and also as regards
their staff, provided their equipment is exclusively appropriated to
the special service on which they are employed.]

ART. X. Any merchantman, to whatever nation she may belong, charged
exclusively with removal of sick and wounded, is protected by
neutrality, but the mere fact, noted on the ship's books, of the
vessel having been visited by an enemy's cruiser, renders the sick
and wounded incapable of serving during the continuance of the war.
The cruiser shall even have the right of putting on board an officer
in order to accompany the convoy, and thus verify the good faith of
the operation.

If the merchant ship also carries a cargo, her neutrality will still
protect it, provided that such cargo is not of a nature to be
confiscated by the belligerent.

The belligerents retain the right to interdict neutralized vessels
from all communication, and from any course which they might deem
prejudicial to the secrecy of their operations. In urgent cases
special conventions may be entered into between commanders in chief,
in order to neutralize temporarily and in a special manner the
vessels intended for the removal of the sick and wounded.

ART. XI. Wounded or sick sailors and soldiers, when embarked, to
whatever nation they may belong, shall be protected and taken care
of by their captors.

Their return to their own country is subject to the provisions of
Article VI of the convention and of the additional Article V.[E]

ART. XII. The distinctive flag to be used with the national flag, in
order to indicate any vessel or boat which may claim the benefits of
neutrality, in virtue of the principles of this convention, is a
white flag with a red cross. The belligerents may exercise in this
respect any mode of verification which they may deem necessary.

Military hospital ships shall be distinguished by being painted
white outside with green strake.

ART. XIII. The hospital ships which are equipped at the expense of
the aid societies, recognized by the governments signing this
convention, and which are furnished with a commission emanating from
the sovereign, who shall have given express authority for their
being fitted out, and with a certificate from the proper naval
authority that they have been placed under his control during their
fitting out and on their final departure, and that they were then
appropriated solely to the purpose of their mission, shall be
considered neutral, as well as the whole of their staff. They shall
be recognized and protected by the belligerents.

They shall make themselves known by hoisting together with their
national flag, the white flag with a red cross. The distinctive mark
of their staff, while performing their duties, shall be an armlet of
the same colors. The outer painting of these hospital ships shall be
white, with red strake.

These ships shall bear aid and assistance to the wounded and wrecked
belligerents, without distinction of nationality.

They must take care not to interfere in any way with the movements
of the combatants. During and after the battle they must do their
duty at their own risk and peril.

The belligerents shall have the right of controlling and visiting
them; they will be at liberty to refuse their assistance, to order
them to depart, and to detain them if the exigencies of the case
require such a step.

The wounded and wrecked picked up by these ships cannot be reclaimed
by either of the combatants, and they will be required not to serve
during the continuance of the war.

ART. XIV. In naval wars any strong presumption that either
belligerent takes advantage of the benefits of neutrality, with any
other view than the interest of the sick and wounded, gives to the
other belligerent, until proof to the contrary, the right of
suspending the convention as regards such belligerent.

Should this presumption become a certainty, notice may be given to
such belligerent that the convention is suspended with regard to him
during the whole continuance of the war.

ART. XV. The present act shall be drawn up in a single original
copy, which shall be deposited in the archives of the Swiss
Confederation.

An authentic copy of this act shall be delivered, with an invitation
to adhere to it, to each of the signatory powers of the convention
of the twenty-second of August, 1864, as well as to those that have
successively acceded to it.

In faith whereof, the undersigned commissaries have drawn up the
present project of additional articles and have apposed thereunto
the seals of their arms.

[Done at Geneva, the twentieth day of the month of October, of the
year one thousand, eight hundred and sixty-eight.]

[C] ARTICLE I. The persons designated in Article II of the convention
shall, after the occupation by the enemy, continue to fulfill their
duties, according to their wants, to the sick and wounded in the
ambulance or the hospital which they serve. When they request to
withdraw, the commander of the occupying troops shall fix the time
of departure, which he shall only be allowed to delay for a short
time in case of military necessity.

[D] ART. II. Arrangements will have to be made by the belligerent
powers to insure to the neutralized person fallen into the hands of
the army of the enemy, the entire enjoyment of his salary.

[E] ART. V. In addition to Article VI of the convention, it is
stipulated that, with the reservation of officers whose detention
might be important to the fate of arms and within the limits fixed
by the second paragraph of that article, the wounded fallen into
the hands of the enemy shall be sent back to their country after
they are cured, or sooner if possible, on condition, nevertheless,
of not again bearing arms during the continuance of the war.

The following note shows the special amendment and the interpretation of certain clauses of the articles, as agreed by the Governments of the United States and Spain:

NOTE.

(_a_) The amendment proposed by France is contained in brackets
after Article IX.

(_b_) The interpretation placed upon Article X by England and France
is to the following effect:

The question being raised as to whether under Article X a vessel
might not avail herself of the carrying of sick or wounded to engage
with impunity in traffic otherwise hazardous under the rules of war,
it was agreed that there was no purpose in the articles to modify in
any particular the generally admitted principles concerning the
rights of belligerents; that the performance of such services of
humanity could not be used as a cover either for contraband of war
or for enemy merchandise; and that every boat which or whose cargo
would, under ordinary circumstances, be subject to confiscation, can
not be relieved therefrom by the sole fact of carrying sick and
wounded.

Question being raised as to whether, under Article X an absolute
right was afforded to a blockaded party to freely remove its sick
and wounded from the blockaded town, it was agreed that such removal
or evacuation of sick and wounded was entirely subject to the
consent of the blockading party. It should be permitted for
humanity's sake where the superior exigencies of war may not
intervene to prevent, but the besieging party might refuse
permission entirely.

The full text of the French interpretation of Article X is
subjoined.

The second paragraph of the additional Article X reads thus: "If the
merchant ship also carries a cargo, her neutrality will still
protect it, provided that such cargo is not of a nature to be
confiscated by the belligerent."

The words "of a nature to be confiscated by the belligerent" apply
equally to the nationality of the merchandise and to its quality.

Thus, according to the latest international conventions, merchandise
of a nature to be confiscated by a cruiser are:

_First._ Contraband of war, under whatever flag.

_Second._ Enemy merchandise under enemy flag.

The cruiser need not recognize the neutrality of the vessel carrying
wounded if any part of its cargo shall, under international law, be
comprised in either of these two categories of goods.

The faculty given by the paragraph in question to leave on board of
vessels carrying wounded a portion of the cargo is to be considered
as a facility for the carriage of freight, as well as a valuable
privilege in favor of the navigability of merchant vessels if they
be bad sailors when only in ballast; but this faculty can in no wise
prejudice the right of confiscation of the cargo within the limits
fixed by international law.

Every ship the cargo of which would be subject to confiscation by
the cruiser under ordinary circumstances is not susceptible of being
covered by neutrality by the sole fact of carrying in addition sick
or wounded men. The ship and the cargo would then come under the
common law of war, which has not been modified by the convention
except in favor of the vessel exclusively laden with wounded men, or
the cargo of which would not be subject to confiscation in any case.
Thus, for example, the merchant ship of a belligerent laden with
neutral merchandise and at the same time carrying sick and wounded
is covered by neutrality.

The merchant ship of a belligerent carrying, besides wounded and
sick men, goods of the enemy of the cruiser's nation or contraband
of war is not neutral, and the ship, as well as the cargo, comes
under the common law of war.

A neutral ship carrying, in addition to wounded and sick men of the
belligerent, contraband of war also is subject to the common law of
war.

A neutral ship carrying goods of any nationality, but not contraband
of war, lends its own neutrality to the wounded and sick which it
may carry.

In so far as concerns the usage which expressly prohibits a cartel
ship from engaging in any commerce whatsoever at the point of
arrival, it is deemed that there is no occasion to specially subject
to that inhibition vessels carrying wounded men, because the second
paragraph of Article X imposes upon the belligerents, equally as
upon neutrals, the exclusion of the transportation of merchandise
subject to confiscation.

Moreover, if one of the belligerents should abuse the privilege
which is accorded to him, and under the pretext of transporting the
wounded should neutralize under its flag an important commercial
intercourse which might in a notorious manner influence the chances
or the duration of the war, Article XIV of the convention could
justly be invoked by the other belligerent.

As for the second point of the note of the British Government,
relative to the privilege of effectively removing from a city,
besieged and blockaded by sea, under the cover of neutrality,
vessels bearing wounded and sick men, in such a way as to prolong
the resistance of the besieged, the convention does not authorize
this privilege. In according the benefits of a neutral status of a
specifically limited neutrality to vessels carrying wounded, the
convention could not give them rights superior to those of other
neutrals who can not pass an effective blockade without special
authorization. Humanity, however, in such a case, does not lose all
its rights, and, if circumstances permit the besieging party to
relax the rigorous rights of the blockade, the besieged party may
make propositions to that end in virtue of the fourth paragraph of
Article X.

It was under this _modus vivendi_ that the steam launch "Moynier" received from the Government of the United States her commission as a little hospital ship of the Red Cross. For this little vessel, presented by Mr. William B. Howland, the editor of the _Outlook_, as the gift of the readers of that popular periodical, the Red Cross is gratefully indebted.

On June 6, 1898, the tender of the services of the American National Red Cross to act as an auxiliary to the Medical and Hospital Service of the Army and Navy, in accordance with the treaty, was formally accepted by the Departments of War and Navy:

WAR DEPARTMENT,
WASHINGTON, _June 6, 1898_.

CLARA BARTON,
_President of the American National Red Cross, Washington, D.C._:

The tender of the services of the American National Red Cross, made
to this department through the Department of State under date of May
25, 1898, for medical and hospital work as auxiliary to the hospital
service of the Army of the United States, is accepted; all
representatives and employes of said organization to be subject to
orders according to the rules and discipline of war, as provided by
the 63d Article of War.

Very respectfully,
R.A. ALGER,
_Secretary of War_.

* * * * *

NAVY DEPARTMENT,
WASHINGTON, _June 6, 1898_.

CLARA BARTON,
_President of the American National Red Cross, Washington, D.C._:

The tender of the services of the American National Red Cross, made
to this department through the Department of State under date of May
25, 1898, for medical and hospital work as auxiliary to the hospital
service of the navy of the United States, is accepted; all
representatives and employes of said organization to be subject to
orders according to the rules and discipline of war.

Very respectfully,
CHAS. H. ALLEN,
_Acting Secretary_.

In the meantime, war was officially proclaimed, and the President had issued his call for volunteers. As the troops responded to the call, they were assembled in camps in various sections of the country, principally in Washington, Chickamauga Park, Georgia, Jacksonville, Tampa and Port Tampa in Florida. Soon after the formation of the camps it became evident that the auxiliary service of the Red Cross would be necessary in caring for the men, and a formal tender of such service was made to the government by Mr. George Kennan, first vice-president of the American National Red Cross, to which the following reply was received:

* * * * *

WAR DEPARTMENT,
_June 8, 1898_.

DEAR SIR: I have, by your reference, the letter of this date from
Mr. George Kennan, of the American National Red Cross, and see no
objection whatsoever to their establishing a station in every
military camp for the purpose indicated in their letter.
Instructions have been issued by me to-day to the surgeon general,
who will communicate this information to the chief surgeons of the
camps.

Very truly yours,
R.A. ALGER,
_Secretary of War_.

HON. JOHN ADDISON PORTER,
_Secretary to the President._

Acting upon this acceptance, the executive committee, of which Mr. Stephen E. Barton was the chairman, appointed and sent to each camp an agent, to represent the Red Cross in the field. These representatives were instructed to report to the respective medical officers of the army in charge, to make, personally, a formal tender of assistance, and to ascertain if the Red Cross could be of service, by furnishing quickly any medical and hospital supplies of which the camps might be in need.

It is perhaps proper to state here, as a matter of history, that while these field agents were always most courteously received, in many instances the auxiliary services of the Red Cross were not at first welcomed by the medical officers of the army. Indeed it often happened that the assistance, of which the hospital service of the army was apparently in need, was not accepted until after its efficiency was seriously diminished by reason of delay.

The reluctance to permit the people, through the Red Cross, to assist in ministering to the comforts of the men, did not generally seem to arise from personal objection on the part of the medical officers at the camps, but from an apparent fear, whether well founded or not, that immediate acceptance of assistance would result in official censure and disapproval.

CAMP ALGER.

Among the first of the Red Cross field agents appointed was Mr. B.H. Warner, of Washington, to whose special charge was assigned the field known as "Camp Alger." Mr. Warner makes the following report of the work done by himself and the committee of which he was chairman:

* * * * *

On June 10, 1898, I was notified by letter of George Kennan, Esq., first vice-president of American National Red Cross, that I had been appointed as its representative, at Camp Alger, Virginia, and was requested to report to Chief Surgeon Girard, regarding the establishment of a station at that camp; to ascertain if anything in the form of hospital supplies were needed, and to advise the Executive Committee.

It was suggested that, as the work to be established at Camp Alger was the first step of the Red Cross in the field in connection with the Spanish war, that prudence and tact should be used in maintaining friendly and harmonious relations with the military authorities, especially with the surgeons.

In accordance with my appointment, I visited the War Department, and obtained a special letter of introduction from Secretary Alger to Major-General Graham, commanding at Fort Alger, asking him to give me every facility possible in connection with the work to be undertaken. General Graham introduced me to Colonel Girard, with whom I had a long conference, the result of which was the establishment of headquarters of the Red Cross in the camp, and the settlement of some details as to work which was to be done in accordance with the advice and authority of the surgeon in charge.

I found Colonel Girard exceedingly busy, and apparently very sanguine as to the ability of the government to meet all demands that might be made by every department of the army. He seemed, however, willing that the Red Cross should furnish extra comforts for the men at the camp. I was impressed with the fact that he considered men who had received a regular army education thoroughly competent to meet the situation, and that all supplies could be had as soon as needed; that he did not want too many comforts for sick men, so as to unfit them for the hardships of war when they should go nearer to the scene of active operations.

On the twenty-first of June, in accordance with a call issued by me, quite a large number of citizens met at the Arlington Hotel, and I was formally elected chairman of an executive committee, Mrs. J. Ellen Foster, vice-chairman; C.J. Bell, treasurer, George C. Lewis, secretary. Power was given to add to this committee which, as finally constituted, consisted of the following named persons: E.H. Warner, Simon Wolf, William F. Mattingly, Mrs. J. Ellen Foster, Mrs. Thomas Calver, president of the Legion of Loyal Women; Mrs. James Tanner, national president of the Ladies' Union Veteran Legion; Mrs. Sarah A. Spencer, Mrs. J.A.T. Hull, wife of Representative Hull, Mrs. Ellen S. Mussey, one of the counsel to the Red Cross, and Mrs. M.M. North.

Quite a number of prominent citizens were present at the first meeting, including Rev. T.S. Hamlin, D.D., and Rev. Byron Sunderland, D.D.

Mrs. Spencer was compelled by other engagements to retire from the work of the Executive Committee early in its history, but still remains as a member of the General Committee. I want to say for the ladies, who served on the Executive Committee, that I never saw more devoted, energetic and efficient service on any committee or under any conditions with which I have been familiar, than that rendered by them. They were all constantly active, both at Camp Alger, Fort Myer, and all along the line, at all hours, day and night, whenever and wherever their presence was required. They were exceptionally competent to direct, possessed of a high order of ability and intelligence, and deserve, not only the thanks of the national organization, but also of all who are friendly to the thousands of soldiers who were benefited by their administration. The Executive Committee met every Tuesday and more frequently when required.

Mrs. J. Ellen Foster began service at the commencement of war, and was very active in and around Washington in camp, hospital, and the railway relief work. She also visited Camp Wikoff, Camp Black, Camp McPherson, Camp Thomas, Chickamauga, camp at Huntsville, Ala., and the hospitals in New York and Boston, where sick soldiers were quartered. Her experience gave her opportunities of suggesting improvement in many departments of work, and the administration of relief, not only by the Red Cross, but by other organizations as well.

Captain George C. Lewis, on the twenty-first of June, was elected secretary of the committee. He had been an officer in the Civil War, and had large experience among soldiers, both in camp and hospital. His first visit to Camp Alger was made on that date, and from that time, until the camp was discontinued, he was constantly on duty there, seeing that supplies were furnished, and all possible relief extended. His headquarters were in a large hospital tent, from which the flag of the Red Cross was flying. The principal office of the Executive Committee being in Washington, at No. 1310 G street, which was tendered free of charge by Dr. and Mrs. J. Ford Thompson, and which the committee has retained much longer than originally anticipated.

Experienced nurses seemed to be needed at Camp Alger. Patients were not receiving the necessary care and attention. The committee supplied mattresses, sheets, pillows and slips, mosquito bars, lemons, and a large quantity of medicine, pajamas, underclothing, night-shirts, handkerchiefs, groceries, delicacies, etc.

The surgeons at the hospitals were timid about asking the government for supplies. As stated, the surgeon-in-chief at Camp Alger seemed to think that the soldiers who were taken sick should be treated in such a manner as would inure them to the hardships of camp, and the life of a soldier. When spoken to on this subject he said, "These men must understand that war is not play." One of the assistant surgeons said, "It is much easier to ask the Red Cross for supplies, and they can be obtained sooner than by asking the government, as there is so much red tape and it takes so long to get everything." When the kitchens at Camp Alger were inspected the food did not appear to be of the right kind, and was not properly cooked. Point Sheridan, Va., was visited by Mrs. Mussey on July 29, and sixteen men were found sick. They seemed to be suffering for supplies, especially medicine, which had been ordered on June 27, but had not been received. The Red Cross delivered them proper medicine within twenty-four hours. It was found that each camp hospital must have its regular visitors, and different members of the committee were appointed. Articles needed were supplied from headquarters in Washington, and large shipments were also sent direct from New York to various points. On several occasions underclothing and pajamas were supplied by the hundred within twenty-four hours.

Early in August, the Washington Barracks were made a post hospital, and the Red Cross aid was gladly accepted by Major Adair, surgeon in charge. For a long time our committee supplied this point with 800 pounds of ice, 5 gallons of chicken soup, 30 gallons of milk, 20 pounds of butter daily, as well as 2 crates of eggs weekly. We also furnished 1200 suits of underwear, several hundred suits of pajamas, 500 towels, several hundred pairs of slippers, socks and medicines, antiseptic dressings, and numerous small articles. The work at this point was closed up October 8, with expressions of mutual satisfaction.

The Secretary of War gave authority for the establishment of diet kitchens in the camps near Washington, and Mrs. Mussey, who had taken a special interest in this work from the beginning, was given general charge of the establishment of the kitchens.

A diet kitchen was established at Camp Bristow, and two competent male colored cooks placed in charge. Major Weaver, the chief surgeon, and his staff of five surgeons, were both devoted and competent in their service, and the sick soldiers were loud in their praise.

We found it was unnecessary to establish one at the hospital at the Washington Barracks as arrangements there were so good, and it only seemed necessary to furnish fresh soups daily, and the committee made a contract for five gallons per day at cost for material only.

The committee authorized Mrs. E.S. Mussey and Mrs. J.A.T. Hull to establish a diet kitchen at Fort Myer. Major Davis, surgeon in charge, yielded his own wishes to the Secretary of War. As no building was furnished, the committee made a contract for one of a temporary character, which was put up at a cost, when completed with range, plumbing, etc., of about $350.00. Dr. Mary E. Green, president of the National Household Economical Association, was secured as superintendent, and in not more than ten days from the time of its commencement the building was completed, furnished and orders being filled. It has been a great assistance, not only in furnishing properly cooked food, but invaluable as an object lesson in neatness and skilled cooking.

The government has voluntarily paid all the bills for meat, chickens and milk, leaving the committee to pay for groceries, and wages of employes. Dr. Green has rendered such efficient service that she has been employed by the government to establish diet kitchens at other points.

At Fort Myer nearly four hundred patients were suffering with typhoid and no provision existed for preparing a special diet. Canned soup was heated up and served to those just leaving a strictly milk diet, and the so-called chicken broth, which was served wholly unsatisfactorily to both physicians and nurses. When the diet kitchen was completed, beef, mutton and chicken broth, made fresh daily in the manner best calculated to bring out the nutritive value of the meat, were prepared. Mutton broth was made from hind quarters only, and beef broth from solid meat, with no waste. Albumen, so necessary to repair the waste of the system by fevers, was supplied in the palatable form of rich custards, as ice cream and blanc mange--gelatine made into jellies with port and sherry wines--and albumen jelly, all nourishing to the irritated linings.

During the month of September from the seventh instant, 55c orders, averaging fifteen portions each, or 8250 portions, were filled in the diet kitchen. Physicians, nurses and patients unite in saying the aid they secured from this work is of inestimable value, not only in saving lives, but in hastening the recovery of all. Major Davis, as the surgeon in charge, has expressed his high appreciation of the good results obtained by establishing the kitchen, and the methods pursued in conducting it.

In response to suggestions from the general committee in New York, a special committee was sent to Fortress Monroe to meet the first wounded, who came up from the battlefields of El Caney, San Juan and Guasimas. The surgeon in charge, Dr. DeWitt, stated their immediate needs, and supplies were sent one day after they were called for, consisting in part of 500 pairs of pajamas, twenty-five pairs of crutches, 200 pairs of slippers, 350 yards of rubber sheeting, large quantities of antiseptic dressings, five dozen gallons of whiskey and brandy, 200 cans of soup, granite-ware basins, pitchers, dishes, etc.

Several other visits were made to this point, resulting in the employment of additional trained nurses, with proper provision for their maintenance. Arrangements were also made on behalf of the general committee for supplying ice for the use of troops on board the transports going south, and also for the sick on their journey northward. Mr. Bickford was afterward designated to take charge of the work of the Red Cross at this point, so further work on the part of our committee was unnecessary.

The branch of the work, which has been really one of the most difficult to conduct, was the looking after soldiers, who passed through the city mostly from Southern to Northern camps, and those who were going home. There was such a general demand on the part of the men for coffee, bread and other supplies, and it was so hard to limit our service to the sick soldiers alone, that we soon determined to feed not only the convalescent, but all who were hungry. Soldiers from the following organizations were fed and supplied, the well men receiving bread and butter sandwiches:

Parts of the 5th and 6th Artillery, 25th Infantry, two troops of 1st Cavalry, 12th, 16th and 17th Infantry, portions of the 8th, 9th and 10th Cavalry, all United States troops, and the following volunteer forces: 22d Kansas, 3d and 4th Missouri, 1st Maine, 2d Tennessee, 7th Illinois, 1st, 8th, 9th, 12th, 13th, 15th and 17th Pennsylvania, 1st Connecticut, 5th Maryland, 2d, 3d, 8th, 9th, 14th and 65th New York, 1st and 2d New Jersey, two brigades of United States Signal Corps, and detachments from a number of other regiments, in all about 40,000 men.

Very frequently the committee furnished handkerchiefs and soap, as well as reading matter. The sick were given soup and milk packed in ice, fruit, medicines, etc. Forty-five were removed from the trains and taken to the hospitals in Washington. We used, in this connection, not only the services of trained nurses in the employ of the Red Cross, but Dr. Bayne was detailed by the War Department, and rendered most efficient service, as he was always ready and willing to do everything in his power, day or night, for the relief of the sick.

The War Department ordered for the use of the committee the erection of two tents in close proximity to our rooms, which were at 915 Maryland Avenue. One of these tents was filled with fully equipped cots, on which the invalids were placed while waiting the arrival of ambulances, and the other was used as a general depot for supplies. The War Department paid for the bread we used in this work, and, also, for 4346 loaves furnished to the Pension Office Relief Committee, which was engaged in the same kind of work. Many donations of food and material were received, and as stated, nearly forty thousand men were fed, and how some of them did eat not only as if they were making up for the fasts of the past, but for any which might occur in the future.

Mrs. James Tanner had charge of this work, which was very exacting, and she had been appointed a committee to secure reading matter for the different camps, before the Red Cross Committee was organized, and collected several wagon loads of books, magazines, and other periodicals, which were sent to Camp Alger, Fort Myer, Point Sheridan, Fort Washington, Chickamauga, Tampa and Santiago. Distribution of this reading matter was also made at the Red Cross quarters at 915 Maryland Avenue and handed to the soldiers who passed through the city on trains.

All bills for ice furnished to Point Sheridan, Va., Washington Barracks, and to the Diet Kitchen at Fort Myer have been paid by the Red Cross Ice Plant Auxiliary of New York, which also furnished the large ice chests for the latter point.

The Legion of Loyal Women, of which Mrs. Thomas W. Calver, a member of our committee, was president, acted as an auxiliary for the Red Cross Committee, and made a large number of mosquito nets, flannel bandages, wash cloths, and pajamas. Besides this, they collected many supplies, consisting of boxes of oranges, lemons, tea, coffee, jelly, condensed milk, crackers, yeast powder, cocoa, stamps, writing paper, tobacco, fruit, soap, socks, handkerchiefs, towels, nightshirts, underclothes, pajamas, quinine and other medicine, which were sent to the various camps.

Generous donations of clothing, jellies, cordials and money were also received from various auxiliaries of the ladies' of the Union Veteran Legion.

The Red Cross Committee assisted in the establishment of a temporary home in this city for the returning volunteers. The existence of this home was limited to two months. The time will expire November 10, when it will be broken up. It has cared for a daily average of sixty soldiers. The Red Cross assisted by furnishing cots and furniture. Mrs. Calver, of our committee, is in charge, and it is conducted without expense to the Red Cross.

The total amount expended in the Railway Relief work, in feeding men as they passed through the city, was $2637.13.

Arrangements were also made after this work closed to look after all the sick soldiers, who came in at the several railroad stations.

The treasurer, C.J. Bell, will transmit a full report, with vouchers for all expenditures which have been up to this date, $7560, and with outstanding bills amounting to about $1000 more.

A large number of ladies rendered excellent service in making sheets, pillow-cases, mosquito nets, pajamas, bandages and articles too numerous to mention. Many volunteer nurses were anxious to go where they could render service to the sick and wounded.

It is gratifying to be able to state that whatever view the surgeons and other officers may have had as to the need of the Red Cross at the beginning of the war, at the close they joined with the private soldiers in testifying to its wonderful and efficient work.

Among the principal donations were those from the Lutheran Church Society, Hagerstown, Md., consisting of 50 pajamas, 50 suits of underclothing, 50 nightshirts, 40 sheets, 250 pairs of socks, 100 towels, 200 handkerchiefs, 75 rolls of bandages, delicacies and sundry articles. There were also daily contributions of different supplies, demonstrating the general interest taken in our work.

There were distributed by this committee, in part, 800 sheets, 500 pillow-cases, 800 suits of pajamas, 1500 suits of underclothing, 1600 abdominal bandages, 800 pairs of socks, 750 nightshirts, 350 mosquito bars, 100 rubber sheets, 400 pairs of slippers, 2000 palm leaf fans, 75 large boxes of soap, 150 cots, 250 mattresses, 100 pairs of blankets, 275 pillows, $1000 worth of groceries, $300 malted milk, $850 soups and bouillons, $725 medicines and surgical supplies, $250 wines and liquors, and $1050 milk, a great variety and quantity of smaller articles and supplies.

The following supplies were received from the general New York Committee: 50 boxes of ivory soap, 50 rubber sheets, 400 suits of underwear, 250 sheets, 250 pillow-cases, 250 nightshirts, 200 pairs of slippers, 500 suits of pajamas, $200 worth of malted milk, beef extract and Mellin's food, $700 worth of canned soups and bouillons and $6000 cash.

In closing, permit me to thank Vice-President Barton and the Executive Committee for prompt and liberal responses to every request made for aid of any character, and for immediately recognizing the fact that the committee at this point had a work placed upon it very extensive and unique in character, and requiring a large outlay of money and service.

I desire to call to your special attention the great service rendered by Mrs. E.S. Mussey, who, during the absence of Mrs. Foster and myself from the city, acted as chairman of the committee, and for two months gave nearly all of her time to its service, visiting different camps and hospitals, and in the work devolving upon her she was untiring and unusually efficient.

Much complaint has been made as to the location of Camp Alger, because of the prevalence of typhoid and malarial fever, and the absence of water supply both for drinking and bathing purposes. A personal knowledge of this section of Virginia, extending over many years, enables me to state that it has been regarded as unusually healthy, and a most desirable section for homes, the growth and development of which would have been very rapid had there been an additional bridge giving greater facilities for crossing the Potomac. The water there has been considered pure and healthy, and used by many families without bad results.

Falls Church, near this camp, has been regarded as one of the healthiest and most desirable suburbs of the National Capital. The topography of the ground and the presence of a large amount of shade were very suitable for the purposes of camp life. It was, however, evident, even to the inexperienced eye of a layman, that good, practical daily scavenger service aided by the effective use of disinfectants was sadly needed both for the comfort and health of the men; that the presence of numerous booths, stands and peddlers engaged in selling soft drinks, fruits, cakes, candy, etc., tended to further demoralize the already interrupted digestion of the soldiers. No matter what the general orders were they could not be made effective without the earnest and intelligent co-operation of regimental officers and soldiers. Could this be secured within two or three months from men not experienced in war? A feeling of individual responsibility appeared to be lacking. One of the most useful officers who can be detailed for camp duty is an inspector, one who will not only inspect daily, but insist that the men take care of themselves, and co-operate to prevent disease, especially in keeping the camp in proper sanitary condition by constant attention to sinks and the water supply.

The Red Cross entered upon its great work at the beginning of the war under many difficulties. Instead of being aided and encouraged in an undertaking that comprehended the generous spirit of the nation, its mission was oftimes interrupted and hindered by officers of prominence and rank. It is proper to say, however, that the President and Secretary of War were at all times deeply interested in our work, and did all in their power to expedite our plans. There appeared to be a jealous apprehension in some quarters that the Red Cross would interfere with established institutions. What it has accomplished is a matter of history, daily recorded in the public press, it has not been aggressive, nor has it dominated any legitimate authority. It has sought to be the servant and not the master. As one general particularly friendly to the organization remarked, "the Red Cross has not been the foe, but the friend of every one, even of red tape."

If we had any criticism to make it would be in favor of more practical common sense dealing with all matters especially those pertaining to the camp and hospital, and of the necessity of fixing individual responsibility so as to be certain of results as well as orders.

Many high-minded and patriotic officers have been blamed where they ought to have been praised; one distinguished professional man dying from the effects of undeserved fault finding.

If another war should ever come to us as a nation, we trust the lessons of that which has just closed will not be forgotten. Many of the very best and most conscientious surgeons are not business men. Men who have not had business experience in time of peace cannot be expected to learn at once new methods in time of war so as to perfect or harmonize a great system. Should not the executive officer in every large hospital be selected somewhat with reference to his business capacity? Good surgeons and physicians have enough to occupy them in attending to their professional duties. They had too much to attend to in most instances during the Spanish war, and the number of deaths in comparison to the number of sick and wounded has been surprisingly small.

I want to place upon record the generous kindness of Dr. and Mrs. J. Ford Thompson in tendering to the committee the use of house No. 1310 G Street for headquarters; W.B. Moses & Sons for furniture loaned for our use; Springman & Sons for free transportation of goods; to the railroads for reduction of fare; to the Falls Church Electric Railroad, and Washington and Norfolk Steamship Company for free transportation; to the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company for telephone, and to all who generously worked and contributed for the success of the committee.

The army and navy embodied the power of the government in the Spanish war, but the Red Cross in a large degree represented the affectionate regard of the American people, for those who went out to defend the flag of the Union, and their great desire to mitigate in every possible way the sufferings resulting from exposure, disease and conflict, as well as to relieve distress wherever it existed.

Courage and charity go hand in hand, and when the smoke of battle has rolled away, and the tattoo and reveille are memories of the past; when the white tents of the camps are folded; the equipment of war is exchanged for the implements of peace the appreciation of the citizen soldier for the Red Cross will grow in volume as he sits by his fireside and tells how its ministries gave relief and aid to his comrades and himself in the camp, the hospital, at Siboney, Santiago, Porto Rico and elsewhere, and how it extended succor even to his enemies when the conflict ceased.

The Red Cross of peace will outlive the Red Flag of war, even as charity shall survive the force of arms. Let us hope that the former ensign may soon float by the side of the flags of all the nations and peoples of the world, as an evidence of the advance of civilization, and the universal desire that there be no more war; that men everywhere are ready to extend a helping hand to all who suffer from disaster or disease. When this glad day comes war will be no more. Arbitration will be the supreme power.

And may I say, in closing, that no one during the past quarter of a century has in a larger degree aided in the cultivation of peace and good will among men and the promotion of a spirit of fraternity among the peoples of the earth than the president of the American National Red Cross, who, during the Spanish war, has rendered such valuable and indefatigable service in the cause of humanity.

CAMP THOMAS.

The agent first appointed for Chickamauga Park, was Dr. Charles R. Gill. Shortly afterwards, however, Dr. Gill expressed a desire to go to Cuba, and he was relieved, Mr. E.C. Smith being placed in charge of this field, which proved eventually to be one of the most important stations of the Red Cross. As the demands of the camp increased, Mr. A.M. Smith was sent to assist his brother in the work. Their services have been eminently satisfactory to all concerned, and many voluntary expressions of appreciation have been received. All requisitions for assistance were promptly filled by the Executive Committee in New York, and in addition to the large amount of supplies sent, about $16,000 in cash were expended at the camp. Mr. Smith, in his report on the work done at this camp, says:

The headquarters of the American National Red Cross, at Camp Thomas, Chickamauga Park, Ga., was located alongside the historic Brotherton House, which was in the thickest of the fight in 1863. No array of mere numerals written to express dollars, or tables of figures standing for quantities, could in comprehensive sense tell the story of Red Cross work at Chickamauga, in 1898. The record is written indelibly in the hearts of thousands of soldiers who were stricken with disease on this battlefield, and the story has been told at quiet home firesides in every State of the Union.

All those who have labored in the work of mercy have been repaid a thousandfold in words of thankfulness and appreciation from fevered lips, and the praise of Christian men and women throughout the country. In answer to the petitions of anxious wives, mothers and fathers, and the tender prayers of prattling infants, God put strength in the arms of the noble women who wore the badge of the Red Cross, and made them heroic in an hour of great trial.

It has been testified by the gallant survivors of Santiago, and other sanguinary engagements, that the chief terror was carried to the hearts of our gallant men through the awful silence of the enemy's bullets, and the mystery which enshrouded their position because of the use of smokeless powder, leaving no mark for retaliation. Here in Chickamauga, men fell from the ranks day after day, who seemed to have been singled out as the most robust and hardy of all, and were carried helpless to the regimental, division, corps, and general hospitals, stricken by an unseen foe. The danger lurked in the air that all breathed, and the apparently pure, limpid water, God's greatest gift to man, became his deadliest enemy.

When the plague descended on the camp, and a full realization of present and impending horrors was forced upon all intelligent minds, frantic efforts were made to stay the progress of the destroyer, but the seeds had been sown, and the epidemic was fated to run its course. It seemed incongruous that such a spot should be so afflicted; in all the wide continent there is no fairer place. The valley stretching between Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge is one of the most beautiful of all the fertile valleys of the world; sunshine and shade here mingle to satisfy every sense. Our boys entered the park joyfully, and all who should have known of the requirements of a camp, pronounced it an ideal spot. There was no adequate preparation for the unexpected, which some say "always happens." The action of the Red Cross redeemed the situation. Stephen E. Barton, chairman of the Executive Committee, promptly authorized measures to alleviate suffering, to quote the language of the authorization, "without stint." Elias Charles Smith, the field agent of the Red Cross, acting at once on the orders of his superior, proceeded to find ways, the means being furnished. Milk and ice were the chief requisites. All the farming country surrounding the camp was called upon to supply the milk, some of it coming from as far as Biltmore, N.C., from the celebrated dairy of a millionaire.

The ice came from Chattanooga, and both ice and milk were supplied without delay, with no red tape, no halting, "without stint," to the sick. Requisitions for carloads of delicacies were sent by telegraph, and when the needs were urgent the goods came, not by freight but by express. Soups, wines, fruit, and in fact every conceivable article that could contribute to the comfort and recovery of the sick was sent for, dispatched, received and distributed. There were no "middle men" to question or quibble about the advisability of things being done, no halting and haggling about how things should be done. The field agent of the Red Cross ascertained the urgent necessities of the sick, through the best official sources, and--presto!--the necessities were on the ground and in use.

The problem of nursing was coincident. Men in the division and other hospitals were willing, no doubt, but there was "lack of woman's nursing." There was no "dearth of woman's tears,"--at home.

The Red Cross Auxiliary No. 3 of New York, through the agency of Miss Maud Cromlein in the field, took up this work. At one time there were 140 young women graduate nurses in the service of the Red Cross in this camp, mainly at Sternberg Hospital. How to care for this large number of refined young women, unused to the hardships of camp life, was a serious problem. Dormitories were built to shelter them, and furnished for their comfort. A contract was made with a steam laundry at Chattanooga to wash their clothing and everything possible was done to make their stay at least endurable. Some fell sick, of course, and were tenderly cared for or furloughed and sent to their homes. Under the direction of Miss Maxwell a perfect system was established in all the work, which commanded the respect and approbation of the medical officers. Diet kitchens were introduced, and the sick were furnished with every necessary delicacy.

It is now a matter of history that this first organized experiment of using women in large numbers as nurses in a field hospital has been an unqualified success. It has the official approval of the medical officers of the government from Surgeon-General Sternberg to the smallest, humblest subaltern.