Joseph Sheldon, of Washington, D. C, visited Portland in the interests of the American National Red Cross Association. 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, on 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,—Doctor 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 6th, 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 the 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 20th of August they were turned over to the com- mand of an able and experienced officer, Major Goodale, of the Twenty-third U. S. Infantry. They have since been moved to
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the Presidio, where suri-oundings are pleas- anter, pending orders for their transporta- tion to their own regiment at Manila or re- turn to their homes.
During their stay in San Francisco the representatives of the Oregon Emergency Coi-ps 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 Associa- tion held in Golden Gate Hall, and listen to Judge Sheldon's able address upon the American National Red Cross Society.
It gives us pleasure publicly to acknowl- edge the unbounded gratitude of the Emer- gency Corps of Portland for the many kind- nesses bestowed by the women of the Cali- fornia Red Cross upon the soldiers from Oregon; first, for their attention to the Sec- ond 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 re- cruits, 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 stanch 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 faithfully and conscientiously to 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 2Gth to September 1st.
The work of the organization will be car- ried on in future as in the past along every
