And again at a meeting on November 26, 1917, the Beffe.
tary said: --

"The women are in the War because war cannot be conducted without
them. Across the water in the early days of the War there were mobilised
organizations of patriotic women and patriotic men. They organized
in the cities and states to serve and help, but they largely failed of their
purpose because of their division of interest. They lacked a uniform and
coördinating head.

"I think it time everybody in America should be a member of an
organization and helping the Army and Navy.

"In getting the coördination we must not lose the spontaneity and the
enthusiasm and the seal of individuals, but it must be harnessed to or-
ganization.

"Since the Geneva Convention the Red Cross has been the chief or-
ganization to which people looked for succor, for help, and for wise ad-
ministration. It has demanded the best thought of the country. They
are trying to coördinate all the agencies of America, and we are here this
morning to work with them. I shall assure you for myself and for the
Navy, we will coöperate with you in every way possible.

"Some time ago, a very patriotic organization announced that unless
a certain number of sweaters were sent within a certain time, the Marines
would freeze. Now the spirit back of that was to stimulate good feeling
and help, but it did more harm than good, because the men in charge of
that service had not neglected their duty. The impression got out some-
how or another that the Secretary of the Navy, the Secretary of War, and
the head of the Marine Service did not appreciate the splendid service
women rendered. Of course it was a mistake.

"You know that this Navy is made up of boys. The average age is
twenty-one, perhaps nineteen. Sixteen year old boys rushed into the
Navy and they said they were eighteen in order to get in, and I have no
doubt that if they made a false statement the Recording Angel blotted it
out.

"So you are working for boys, and that is the appeal to mothers of
this country, you are working for boys, and I come over to thank you
and to join with you and with the heads of the Red Cross, who are charged
with a great work."

As the ships, large and small, came hurrying to the Atlantic
bases and the work of final preparation went forward, many
things were found lacking, among which was a supply of

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