was in session three days. Mrs. Hoge, was again a
Delegate, and in relating the results of her now very large experience,
helped greatly the beneficial results of the Council, and harmonized all
the views and action of the various branches. As before, she was
listened to with deference and attention, and we find her name mentioned
in the most appreciative manner in the Reports of the meeting. Her
remarks in regard to the value of free use of the Press, and of
advertising, in the collection of supplies for the Army, stimulated the
Commission to renewed effort in this direction, which they had partially
abandoned under the censorious criticism of some portion of the public,
who believed the money thus expended to be literally thrown away. The
result was, instead, a very large increase of supplies.

In the two great Sanitary Fairs, which were held in Chicago, the efforts
of Mrs. Hoge were unwearied from the inception of the idea until the
close of the successful realization. Much of this success may be
directly traced to her--her practical talent, great experience in
influencing the minds and action of others, and sound judgment, as well
as good taste, producing thus their natural results. The admirable
conduct of these fairs, and the large amounts raised by them, are
matters of history.

In an address delivered at a meeting of ladies in Brooklyn, New York, in
March, 1865, Mrs. Hoge thus spoke of her work and that of the women, who
like her, had given themselves to the duty of endeavoring to provide for
the sick and suffering soldier:

"The women of the land, with swelling hearts and uplifted eyes asked
'Lord, what wilt thou have us to do?' The marvellous organization of the
United States Sanitary Commission, with its various modes of heavenly
activity, pointed out the way, saying 'The men must fight, the women
must work, this is the way, follow me.' In accepting this call, there
has been no reservation. Duty has been taken up, in whatever shape
presented, nothing refused that would soothe a sorrow, staunch a wound,
or heal the sickness of the humblest soldier in the ranks. Some have
drifted into positions entirely new and heretofore avoided. They have
gone forth from the bosom of their families, to visit hospitals, camps,
and battle-fields; some even to appear as we do before you to-day, to
plead for aid for our sick and wounded soldiers suffering and dying that
we may live. The memory of their heroism is inspiring--th