esulting
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-thi