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 