CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR
and other literature, that one Worker soon proved insufficient, and several were finally necessary to care for the transports alone. This distribution and relief work were extended to vessels leaving New York, and an extensive activity had been established when the armistice was signed.
It is scarcely necessary to give in detail the excellent work accomplished at the various shore stations. There were few places, ashore or afloat, where the cooperation of the naval authorities was not of the most generous and friendly order. Especially was this true at Newport, Rhode Island, Norfolk, Virginia, and Portsmouth, New Hampshire. In citing these specifically, no injustice is intended to officials at other points where a keen appreciation of the Welfare work was also shown. The value of the work at Newport, Rhode Island, was evidenced by the appreciation of it expressed by the naval officials at the Training Station. One has only to talk with any man confined in the hospital during the epidemic to understand the value of the tireless work, with “signs following” accomplished there. The entrée to the hospital, in itself, was something for which to be grateful.
In Norfolk, Virginia, a very active distribution committee had laid a fine foundation for an effective work at the several naval establishments. This pioneer effort enabled the War Relief Committee quickly to build an extensive Welfare work. The naval operating base, comprising a training station second only to the Great Lakes Training Station near Chicago, a flying school and hospital, was in itself a large field for work. Added to this was the navy yard across the river, and other smaller scattered bases or units. One Worker began caring for all, but so rapidly did the
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