The Martian, journal publié par les soldats américains de l'Hôpital de Mars-sur-Allier , item 20

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THE MARTIAN

Hommes - 36-40

Chevaux - 8

Vol. 1. - No. 28.   SUNDAY, March 2, 1919   Price: 30 centimes

----

 Silhouette image of a man at a writing desk, with one person standing by the desk serving him tea, and another holding a cup of tea. Behind all figures is a large red cross. 

"OUR RED CROSS"

A distinct contribution to the cause of humanity, a contribution that is entirely new has been made by the American Red Cross during the Great War. In the present period, its scope is gradually increasing. It remained for the wonderful organization, built on the foundations laid by Clara Barton in the United States, to recognize that the suffering of war is not merely physical, and that mental distress is often more dangerous to morale and to health than the former. It is due to the Red Cross hut and canteen, the labors of searcher and Home Welfare worker that the mental, or rather spiritual needs which are so difficult to satisfy, are filled.

  The red cross on the white field is understood in every Christian country to symbolize the sacrifice of the thousands of brave men and women who have carried it into battle and the dangers of epidemics, often to death. Removed from the fighting lines as it is here, it has the same meaning in that other and new province.

  One of the wounded men in Mars Hospital Center on the day he was evacuated and cured, epitomized the significance of this work in the following remark to a Red Cross worker:

  "The hospital saved my body, but your work preserved my sanity which I value more." The man had been here for some months and he had no realization of the epigrammatic force of his casual words.

  The activities referred to are seen at their best in a Center such as ours with its great population and widely varied needs. They are concerned not merely with the mental comfort of the soldier but also with that of his family at home. It is a peculiar characteristic that the individual takes much of it for granted; unless it touches him sentimentally or during moments of worry, he is not likely to appreciate its extent.

  The Red Cross Hut in any of our units is always the resort of patients, and of personnel when the day's work is done. It is a place where moving pictures may be enjoyed and where letters may be written. It contains a library and a piano. The Red Cross Workers who are selected for their posts because they love the work, listen to the troubles and fill the really elemental need of the men away from home, - a good woman to talk over affairs. It provides a change from the military attitude and discipline. There is pleasure there and kindness, quite a bit of home, and the men value it as only those who have been away for long periods can.

  The Red Cross work in Mars Hospital Center required at its maximum the services of twenty-five workers. Seven huts, one of them large enough to seat 700 men, and fully equipped. Four recreation and reading rooms, one slightly used small building and one storehouse, have been conducted. The appropriations and expenditures for the various branches have amounted to nearly 150,000 francs. An idea of the quantities of comforts dispensed to the men without cost to them may be obtained from the following figures: Cigarettes in excess of 107,000 packages, 100,000 packages of tobacco, one carload of 40,000 oranges, 34,000 pairs of Christmas socks filled with fruit, nuts and candy, 4,000 comfort bags and 13,000 handkerchiefs.

  The work of the searchers and Home Welfare Bureau is along different lines. Scores of inquiries are received daily from the relatives of men in the army, concerning station, physical condition, and even the more sorrowful questions as to place of burial, and circumstances of death. It is not at all an unusual occurrence to discover in the hospitals, men reported dead or missing. Little imagination is required to appreciate the value of this information to the folks at home. Or take another phase of the work of a soldier here who learns of the distress of his family, and the weight of anxiety it takes from his mind to be assured that the Red Cross will alleviate that suffering at home. It is scarcely necessary to cite instances, for there have been hundreds here during the six months of effective service. 

  Still another activity is that which has to do with helping blinded soldiers to adjust themselves to darkness which is their sacrifice. Fortunately our Center has had little need for the services of the teacher, Miss Eleanor Kelly, in this capacity. In the few cases we have had, the work was beyond praise. In one instance, the unfortunate man became morbidly gloomy. He was morosely certain that he could never again earn his living. Within a few days, his mind had been turned away from his misfortune; he was taught to play games, to knit, to make brushes, and a beginning was made in teaching him to read raised type. His mental attitude was entirely changed. His interest in life was renewed and he actually taught men with other afflictions the things that had made his life brighter.

(Continued on page 3)

Transcription saved

THE MARTIAN

Hommes - 36-40

Chevaux - 8

Vol. 1. - No. 28.   SUNDAY, March 2, 1919   Price: 30 centimes

----

 Silhouette image of a man at a writing desk, with one person standing by the desk serving him tea, and another holding a cup of tea. Behind all figures is a large red cross. 

"OUR RED CROSS"

A distinct contribution to the cause of humanity, a contribution that is entirely new has been made by the American Red Cross during the Great War. In the present period, its scope is gradually increasing. It remained for the wonderful organization, built on the foundations laid by Clara Barton in the United States, to recognize that the suffering of war is not merely physical, and that mental distress is often more dangerous to morale and to health than the former. It is due to the Red Cross hut and canteen, the labors of searcher and Home Welfare worker that the mental, or rather spiritual needs which are so difficult to satisfy, are filled.

  The red cross on the white field is understood in every Christian country to symbolize the sacrifice of the thousands of brave men and women who have carried it into battle and the dangers of epidemics, often to death. Removed from the fighting lines as it is here, it has the same meaning in that other and new province.

  One of the wounded men in Mars Hospital Center on the day he was evacuated and cured, epitomized the significance of this work in the following remark to a Red Cross worker:

  "The hospital saved my body, but your work preserved my sanity which I value more." The man had been here for some months and he had no realization of the epigrammatic force of his casual words.

  The activities referred to are seen at their best in a Center such as ours with its great population and widely varied needs. They are concerned not merely with the mental comfort of the soldier but also with that of his family at home. It is a peculiar characteristic that the individual takes much of it for granted; unless it touches him sentimentally or during moments of worry, he is not likely to appreciate its extent.

  The Red Cross Hut in any of our units is always the resort of patients, and of personnel when the day's work is done. It is a place where moving pictures may be enjoyed and where letters may be written. It contains a library and a piano. The Red Cross Workers who are selected for their posts because they love the work, listen to the troubles and fill the really elemental need of the men away from home, - a good woman to talk over affairs. It provides a change from the military attitude and discipline. There is pleasure there and kindness, quite a bit of home, and the men value it as only those who have been away for long periods can.

  The Red Cross work in Mars Hospital Center required at its maximum the services of twenty-five workers. Seven huts, one of them large enough to seat 700 men, and fully equipped. Four recreation and reading rooms, one slightly used small building and one storehouse, have been conducted. The appropriations and expenditures for the various branches have amounted to nearly 150,000 francs. An idea of the quantities of comforts dispensed to the men without cost to them may be obtained from the following figures: Cigarettes in excess of 107,000 packages, 100,000 packages of tobacco, one carload of 40,000 oranges, 34,000 pairs of Christmas socks filled with fruit, nuts and candy, 4,000 comfort bags and 13,000 handkerchiefs.

  The work of the searchers and Home Welfare Bureau is along different lines. Scores of inquiries are received daily from the relatives of men in the army, concerning station, physical condition, and even the more sorrowful questions as to place of burial, and circumstances of death. It is not at all an unusual occurrence to discover in the hospitals, men reported dead or missing. Little imagination is required to appreciate the value of this information to the folks at home. Or take another phase of the work of a soldier here who learns of the distress of his family, and the weight of anxiety it takes from his mind to be assured that the Red Cross will alleviate that suffering at home. It is scarcely necessary to cite instances, for there have been hundreds here during the six months of effective service. 

  Still another activity is that which has to do with helping blinded soldiers to adjust themselves to darkness which is their sacrifice. Fortunately our Center has had little need for the services of the teacher, Miss Eleanor Kelly, in this capacity. In the few cases we have had, the work was beyond praise. In one instance, the unfortunate man became morbidly gloomy. He was morosely certain that he could never again earn his living. Within a few days, his mind had been turned away from his misfortune; he was taught to play games, to knit, to make brushes, and a beginning was made in teaching him to read raised type. His mental attitude was entirely changed. His interest in life was renewed and he actually taught men with other afflictions the things that had made his life brighter.

(Continued on page 3)


Transcription history
  • November 17, 2017 20:50:27 Thomas A. Lingner

    THE MARTIAN

    Hommes - 36-40

    Chevaux - 8

    Vol. 1. - No. 28.   SUNDAY, March 2, 1919   Price: 30 centimes

    ----

     Silhouette image of a man at a writing desk, with one person standing by the desk serving him tea, and another holding a cup of tea. Behind all figures is a large red cross. 

    "OUR RED CROSS"

    A distinct contribution to the cause of humanity, a contribution that is entirely new has been made by the American Red Cross during the Great War. In the present period, its scope is gradually increasing. It remained for the wonderful organization, built on the foundations laid by Clara Barton in the United States, to recognize that the suffering of war is not merely physical, and that mental distress is often more dangerous to morale and to health than the former. It is due to the Red Cross hut and canteen, the labors of searcher and Home Welfare worker that the mental, or rather spiritual needs which are so difficult to satisfy, are filled.

      The red cross on the white field is understood in every Christian country to symbolize the sacrifice of the thousands of brave men and women who have carried it into battle and the dangers of epidemics, often to death. Removed from the fighting lines as it is here, it has the same meaning in that other and new province.

      One of the wounded men in Mars Hospital Center on the day he was evacuated and cured, epitomized the significance of this work in the following remark to a Red Cross worker:

      "The hospital saved my body, but your work preserved my sanity which I value more." The man had been here for some months and he had no realization of the epigrammatic force of his casual words.

      The activities referred to are seen at their best in a Center such as ours with its great population and widely varied needs. They are concerned not merely with the mental comfort of the soldier but also with that of his family at home. It is a peculiar characteristic that the individual takes much of it for granted; unless it touches him sentimentally or during moments of worry, he is not likely to appreciate its extent.

      The Red Cross Hut in any of our units is always the resort of patients, and of personnel when the day's work is done. It is a place where moving pictures may be enjoyed and where letters may be written. It contains a library and a piano. The Red Cross Workers who are selected for their posts because they love the work, listen to the troubles and fill the really elemental need of the men away from home, - a good woman to talk over affairs. It provides a change from the military attitude and discipline. There is pleasure there and kindness, quite a bit of home, and the men value it as only those who have been away for long periods can.

      The Red Cross work in Mars Hospital Center required at its maximum the services of twenty-five workers. Seven huts, one of them large enough to seat 700 men, and fully equipped. Four recreation and reading rooms, one slightly used small building and one storehouse, have been conducted. The appropriations and expenditures for the various branches have amounted to nearly 150,000 francs. An idea of the quantities of comforts dispensed to the men without cost to them may be obtained from the following figures: Cigarettes in excess of 107,000 packages, 100,000 packages of tobacco, one carload of 40,000 oranges, 34,000 pairs of Christmas socks filled with fruit, nuts and candy, 4,000 comfort bags and 13,000 handkerchiefs.

      The work of the searchers and Home Welfare Bureau is along different lines. Scores of inquiries are received daily from the relatives of men in the army, concerning station, physical condition, and even the more sorrowful questions as to place of burial, and circumstances of death. It is not at all an unusual occurrence to discover in the hospitals, men reported dead or missing. Little imagination is required to appreciate the value of this information to the folks at home. Or take another phase of the work of a soldier here who learns of the distress of his family, and the weight of anxiety it takes from his mind to be assured that the Red Cross will alleviate that suffering at home. It is scarcely necessary to cite instances, for there have been hundreds here during the six months of effective service. 

      Still another activity is that which has to do with helping blinded soldiers to adjust themselves to darkness which is their sacrifice. Fortunately our Center has had little need for the services of the teacher, Miss Eleanor Kelly, in this capacity. In the few cases we have had, the work was beyond praise. In one instance, the unfortunate man became morbidly gloomy. He was morosely certain that he could never again earn his living. Within a few days, his mind had been turned away from his misfortune; he was taught to play games, to knit, to make brushes, and a beginning was made in teaching him to read raised type. His mental attitude was entirely changed. His interest in life was renewed and he actually taught men with other afflictions the things that had made his life brighter.

    (Continued on page 3)


  • November 17, 2017 20:41:49 Thomas A. Lingner

    THE MARTIAN

    Hommes - 36-40

    Chevaux - 8

    Vol. 1. - No. 28.   SUNDAY, March 2, 1919   Price: 30 centimes

    ----

     Silhouette image of a man at a writing desk, with one person standing by the desk serving him tea, and another holding a cup of tea. Behind all figures is a large red cross. 

    "OUR RED CROSS"

    A distinct contribution to the cause of humanity, a contribution that is entirely new has been made by the American Red Cross during the Great War. In the present period, its scope is gradually increasing. It remained for the wonderful organization, built on the foundations laid by Clara Barton in the United States, to recognize that the suffering of war is not merely physical, and that mental distress is often more dangerous to morale and to health than the former. It is due to the Red Cross hut and canteen, the labors of searcher and Home Welfare worker that the mental, or rather spiritual needs which are so difficult to satisfy, are filled.

      The red cross on the white field is understood in every Christian country to symbolize the sacrifice of the thousands of brave men and women who have carried it into battle and the dangers of epidemics, often to death. Removed from the fighting lines as it is here, it has the same meaning in that other and new province.

      One of the wounded men in Mars Hospital Center on the day he was evacuated and cured, epitomized the significance of this work in the following remark to a Red Cross worker:

      "The hospital saved my body, but your work preserved my sanity which I value more." The man had been here for some months and he had no realization of the epigrammatic force of his casual words.

      The activities referred to are seen at their best in a Center such as ours with its great population and widely varied needs. They are concerned not merely with the mental comfort of the soldier but also with that of his family at home. It is a peculiar characteristic that the individual takes much of it for granted; unless it touches him sentimentally or during moments of worry, he is not likely to appreciate its extent.

      The Red Cross Hut in any of our units is always the resort of patients, and of personnel when the day's work is done. It is a place where moving pictures may be enjoyed and where letters may be written. It contains a library and a piano. The Red Cross Workers who are selected for their posts because they love the work, listen to the troubles and fill the really elemental need of the men away from home, - a good woman to talk over affairs. It provides a change from the military attitude and discipline. There is pleasure there and kindness, quite a bit of home, and the men value it as only those who have been away for long periods can.

      


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  • 46.85599792463026||3.0879743000000417||

    Mars-sur-Allier

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ID
13708 / 140120
Source
http://europeana1914-1918.eu/...
Contributor
Médiathèque municipale Jean Jaurès de Nevers
License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

March 2, 1919
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