ST. PAUI RED CROSS SOCIETY FORMED BY GERMAN-AMERICAN CITIZENS LAST NIGHT - St Paul Globe 28th April 1898

ST. PAUI RED CROSS SOCIETY FORMED BY GERMAN-AMERICAN CITIZENS LAST NIGHT

Rev. Albert Thiele is Chosen President — Organization Formed at a Meeting in Mozart Hall —Dr. Ohage Say the Germans Are with their Adopted Fatherland —Patriotic Speeches.

"Germans and German-American citizens and their press did not favor war between America and Spain, but now that war has been declared, the Germans are with their adopted father- land," said Dr. J. Ohage, one of the speakers at Mozart hall last night. A mass meeting had been called for the purpose of organizing a St. Paul Red Cross society, and the result was a gratifying success. Dr. Ohage said the German-Americans would march shoulder to shoulder with their American brethren in the cause of justice, and would make good soldiers. He believed to be true the famous saying of Bismarck: "Germans fear no one save God." Rev. Albert Thiele compared war with three horses —red, war; black, hunger; white, death. By working with the Red Cross good could be done at home and on the battlefield, comforting the widowed and orphaned at home and nursing the wounded on the field of battle. In order to do this there must be organization, hence this meeting. Dr. Gottfried Stamm spoke of the Geneva Cross, and told of its organization. He hoped tonight's meeting would be productive of good results. Germans would be as patriotic in their watch of American shores as they had been in the watch of the Rhine. Ferd Willius spoke of the activity of woman in war. She formed a strong arm of the invading and defensive forces. As a worker of the Red Cross, she would bring relief to many a sufferer on the battlefield, who might otherwise perish from thirst, hunger and the lack of proper attention. C P. Stine, secretary of the Commercial club, said the members of that organization would do all in their power to further and strengthen the movement looking to the foundation of a St. Paul Red Cross society. F. W. Bergmeier said the German citizens and press had hoped for a peaceable settlement of the trouble with Spain. "But now that the last word is spoken and it is left to the bayonet to decide, we know what we owe this country, which we have made our second home. We will not stand back when the Star Spangled banner has to be defended, and German women will lead in the work of charity. Many of us are familiar with Red Cross work and can give our American brethren valuable advice." Between the addresses Danz orchestra rendered patriotic music, the audience joining in singing the more popular anthems. Among the numbers given were "Die Wacht am Rhein," "America," "The Star Spangled Banner," "Columbia" and patriotic potpourri. At the conclusion of the programme the Red Cross Society of St. Paul was organized by the selection of the following officers:

President —Rev. Albert Thiele. First Vice President— Dr. Justus Ohage. Second Vice President— Mrs. Dr. Stamm. Secretary —F. W. Bergmeier. Treasurer —John C. Jensen.

The committee to perfect organization was composed of Prof. C. J. Herrmann, Ferdinand Hinrichs, Frank Erling, Mrs. A. Naumann and Mrs. F. W. Bergmeier. The secretary was directed to prepare a list of directors and patrons for publication.

Before adjournment the following made application to be sent to the front as nurses: Miss Clara M.Burns, Mankato. Miss Plttman, 884 Laurel avenue. Miss Hanby, 555 Ashland avenue. Miss Randall, 265 Fourteenth street. Miss Rico Aymar, 366 Hope street. Miss Alma Yon Bellen, 847 East Seventh street. Other volunteers are expected to make application at once.

Mozart hall was beautifully decorated for the occasion. American, German, Cuban and Red Cross flags were to be seen in profusion, the Star Spangled banner predominating. The attendance was large and much enthusiasm was shown.

Source: Chronicling America, Library of Congress