USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > Metropolitan Boston; a modern history; Volume III > Part 3
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The Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association-As always, the citi- zens at home were unwilling to stand aside and leave all the burden of war on the shoulders of the boys who had gone so readily at the call of the Nation. On May 3, 1898, at the call of Governor Wolcott, a number of public-spirited gentlemen organized the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association, a precursor of the Committee of Public Safety of the World War. Eben S. Draper was chosen chairman; Major H. L. Higginson, treasurer ; Elihu B. Hayes, secretary ; and as the executive committee, Henry L. Higginson, George von L. Meyer, Patrick A. Collins, Elihu B. Hayes, James Phillips, Jr., Arnold A. Rand, Charles J. Paine, Robert M. Burnett, T. Jefferson Coolidge, Jr., and Sherman Hoar. Since the gov- ernment had only two hospital ships, and so many men were breaking down with disease that transportation for these could not be provided by
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MILITARY RECORD-THE WAR WITH SPAIN
the two small vessels, it was determined by the Aid Association that it would be advisable to purchase another hospital ship. The money required to secure such a ship was raised by public subscription, and it is to the lasting glory of the State that $230,000 was subscribed within a very brief period.
A "fruit" steamer, the "Bowden," was bought in June and refitted for hospital use and renamed the "Bay State," all within seven weeks. The "Bay State" was but 200 feet long with a beam of 27 feet, but had been well tested in tropical service, and when finished was the most completely equipped hospital ship of her time. Everything was arranged on her according to the best knowledge of medicine and comfort. The medical staff was composed of volunteers, consisting of the surgeon superintend- ent, Herbert L. Burrell; first surgeon, Dr. E. A. Crockett; second sur- geon, Dr. J. T. Bottomley ; first assistant surgeon, C. L. Spaulding ; purser, W. H. Seabury. Nurses : Janet Anderson, Muriel G. Galt, Anna M. Blair, Sadie Parons and Sarah Frazer. All are names held in grateful remembrance by the men who came under their ministrations.
The "Bay State"-The "Bay State" made three trips to the West Indies; the first to Cuba, carrying supplies and bringing home ninety- eight men of the 9th Massachusetts and 2d U. S. Volunteers. The second was to Porto Rico, from whence she returned with 100 men, the most of whom were members of the 6th Massachusetts Volunteers. The last voyage was to Arecibo and Ponce, in Porto Rico, when she brought home 136 men, nearly all of whom were Massachusetts volunteers. Such is the very brief story of the "Bay State," an account which hardly hints of the part it played in filling a very great need and doing it promptly and well. The whole work was an example of what volunteers could do, whether they be philanthropists or scrub-boys, for not only was the whole affair planned and carried out with remarkable dispatch, but the actual work on the "Bay State" was done by volunteers "from medical staff to dish- washers." At the Tavern Club dinner, in honor of all who served in con- nection with this hospital ship, Robert Grant responded to the toast of "The Ladies" with verses which probably expressed the feeling of the numerous Massachusetts boys who were fortunate enough to be returned home on this mercy vessel. The first and last verses of the toast read :
You ask me to speak on behalf of the ladies Who shone in our bout with the cohorts of Cadiz ; You ask me to speak on behalf of the nurses,- And with your permission I'll do it in verses.
Wherever there's room for sweet patience and care, For love that complains not, and courage to bear The stress of life's battles-albeit to tread A hospital ship in the wake of the dead.
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METROPOLITAN BOSTON
Humanity calls and undaunted she stands. There is sweat on her brow, there is blood on her hands. Ho! dames with traditions, does this give you pain ? Take heed and remember the navies of Spain.
The Ladies, God bless them! Long life to the toast ! A health to the nurses who served at their post, In a hospital ship on a hurricane sea
For the aid of their country, for you and for me. -ROBERT GRANT.
The "Bay State" was but a part of the larger program of the Volunteer Aid Association, its work reaching out into all parts of the country where there were soldiers from Massachusetts. The National War Department was busy looking after the bare requirements of the troops in the various camps; what this department left undone, the Volunteer Association tried to do. Supplies were sent not only by the "Bay State" to Cuba and Porto Rico, but were carried by the association into every camp within the States. The sick and the well were aided in getting into communica- tion with the anxious folks at home. If a Massachusetts man was sent to a hospital, this fact was not only known but an individual watch was kept over him, and news of his condition sent to the ones most interested. Returned soldiers were received with a word of welcome and assisted in every way possible. Many were half sick, penniless and without work. The more needy ones were provided with a temporary home, or provided with work if able.
Just as in the late war, Boston was in the lead in forming relief and was followed by other war organizations which became the pattern for like work elsewhere, so the Volunteer Association was the first of its kind and the model after which like associations were formed in other states. Not until April 20, 1899, was it possible for the association to feel that its work was done and the organization disbanded.
The complete military record of Massachusetts in the Spanish- American War may be tabulated as follows :
Volunteer Regiments.
Term of Service. No. of Men. Deaths.
First Regiment, H. A., Mass. U. S. V ..
7 months
749
0
Second Regiment, Infantry, Mass. U. S. V.
6
843
98
Fifth Regiment, Infantry, Mass. U. S. V ..
9
1315
12
Sixth Regiment, Infantry, Mass. U. S. V
8
1327
26
Eighth Regiment, Infantry, Mass U. S. V.
II
1327
31
Ninth Regiment, Infantry, Mass. U. S. V
7
947
123
Tenth U. S. V. Signal Corps
68
. .
Massachusetts Naval Brigade
414
Tenth U. S. V. Signal Corps.
68
. .
"
Navy
1438
..
"
"
" Marines
....
400
. .
16
"
Engineers
165
. .
. .
Enlistment in the U. S. Army
2752
FAIRCHILD AFRIAL SURVEY ING. NY C
SOUTH BOSTON, BOSTON PROPER IN BACKGROUND
CHAPTER XIV. PART II. THE WORLD WAR.
Twelve years have passed since America entered upon the greatest of its wars. As usual the country became engaged in the conflict before it was ready to fight-almost before it knew it was on the verge of war. Two years and a half of the most awful strife that the world had ever seen, while it had aroused our interest and sympathies, had, as yet, failed to convince the average citizen that we inevitably not only must lend a hand but would be compelled to devote every energy to the ending of that strife. And this not from large-hearted humanitarian motives, but for self-protection. It was realized that a great fire was sweeping through the nations of Europe, leaving the most complete destruction in its wake. But that it could destroy our house was thought to be impos- sible. We were too rich and strong, too isolated, had too much common sense to be drawn into a free-for-all melee, or to be made to suffer later for having failed to do so. No country would ever dare to attack us. True we had been having a lot of trouble with the belligerents. They were constantly treading on our toes; both England and Germany seemed inclined to disregard our flag upon the seas; commerce had suf- fered ; American citizens had been slain. But it was felt that no country really intended to offend us, and that once we could get the ears of those who had injured us unwittingly, they would immediately listen to reason, apologize, and make amends. President Wilson had been send- ing notes abroad which, it was believed, or hoped, would straighten out our tangled international affairs and leave us free to become the unbiased arbitrator in the peace negotiations which would follow the cessation of hostilities. Meanwhile, we read the papers, argued belligerently, worked as we had not for years to create and send abroad the "sinews of war," and reëlected a President because he had "kept us out of war." When through a kaleidoscopic series of events it was suddenly borne in upon the Nation that no longer could America refrain from taking a hand, that no longer could neutrality be preserved in such a cataclysm as had overtaken the world, that our interests, culture, and humanity were inex- tricably intertangled with those of Europe; amazed that such a thing could be, practically unprepared even after years-the United States determined to intervene and war was declared.
Sources of Information-How our country underwent a transforma- tion in thought and polity from aloofness and strict neutrality and fan- Met. Bos .- 49
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METROPOLITAN BOSTON
cied security, to belligerency and juncture with the Allies in April, 1917, is too long a story to be told here, even if such a thing could be done with any degree of accuracy. It is too near the period to tell much about it. One might just as well try to describe a gigantic panorama after taking a glance at it from a distance of six inches. A century or so from now a history of the World War with the proper perspective may be written. Until then all that can be done is to tell about that which catches the attention, and leave it to the historian of another age to indi- cate what it was all about and what it meant in the development of the world's affairs in the large. Much of this has been, and is being, done by capable, brilliant men, many of whom have been factors in the events they relate; the shelves of the libraries are accumulating long rows of valuable books adding their dole to the store of knowledge concerning the great war. Much cannot yet be told, particularly that which has to to with the history of a locality's activities, because the facts are still buried under a mass of unpublished detail in the archives of the State and country. Particularly is this true of the story of Massachusetts and the part she played at home and abroad. Even the National Govern- ment, after nearly a decade, is still revising figures, issuing corrected material, and making corrections in publications. Even in the matter of the number of casualties suffered by the American armies in battle, changes in the totals were made public as late as January, 1927. All this is by the way, for we have to do with such items as concerns Boston- the few that can be unearthed ; but even in this, now and perhaps always, the story of Boston cannot be separated from that of the State, for civil divisions were forgotten in the larger events of the war, and Boston, as the capital of the Commonwealth, saw and did a great deal of that which was in no wise local.
Conditions Preceding the War-It will do little harm to recall some of the events leading up to the entrance of America into the European war, or to refresh our memories with the mention of the ideas, acts and events which marked our participation in it. The United States was having troubles of her own in 1914, and not inclined to pay any atten- tion to so small an affair as the assassination of an Austrian Archduke by members of the "Black Hand." Our government had a near-war with Mexico on its hands which it was muddling rather badly. Boston, like a thousand other places, was quite displeased with the manner in which the army authorities were taking its young men from their work and stringing them along the Mexican border as observers of a squabble in which they were not allowed to take an honorable part. The National Guard of Massachusetts was becoming disrupted, an ill preparation for warfare on a larger scale. Then, there were controversies with European
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THE WORLD WAR
countries over their Caribbean interests, and our diplomats were unpop- ular abroad. Internally there were many difficulties, for a new President had been elected and a party which had been for a long time out of power was trying to put through legislation with the balance of power in the hands of insurgents.
Absorbed in its various tasks, the United States failed to realize that the murder of Franz Ferdinand, in obscure Bosnia, was to be the signal for the greatest conflict the world had ever experienced. Within five days, six of the largest European nations were at war. On August 4, President Wilson issued the usual proclamation of neutrality. Two weeks later, he urged that the people be "neutral in fact as well as in name" because our Nation was made up of folk drawn from the countries at war, and hence would have divided sympathies and interests; and because he wanted the United States to stay so completely out of any controversy that it would be able "to do what is honest and disinterested and truly serviceable for the peace of the world." This proved impos- sible for our racial diversities made it so; it was humanly impossible not to take sides. Both belligerents started propaganda on a large scale, some of which was of such a character and so directly connected with the embassies as to require the recall of some of the agents, and even of an ambassador. Self-interest was soon engaged. The war cre- ated a great demand for American goods; all the belligerents stood in need of food, munitions and war materials and turned to this country to get them. The Teutons, being quickly put at a disadvantage upon the sea, were the first offended by our foreign trade because they could make no use of it, and through her diplomats complained. Our relations with the Allies did not remain pleasant, for they wanted a complete monopoly of everything we exported, and proceeded to interfere with our shipping when it was directed to any other ports than their own. The United States was beginning to be embroiled against its desires or intentions; neutrality was making a host of enemies.
The Difficulties of Neutrality-Within the country were rising con- ditions almost as serious. The Teuton and Entente propagandas were bringing results, that of the Entente being more effective because it was more adroit and more in keeping with the average citizen's ideas. By all parties concerned, it was being carried too far, and however great might be the differences between citizens of America, they resented out- side interference with internal affairs. In Boston, for example, there were many of German origin and they were held in high esteem; there were many Canadians who were strongly pro-British; Ireland had furnished much of the blood which flowed in the veins of Bostonians, and the Irish were apt to be anti-English and anti-German; the great
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METROPOLITAN BOSTON
majority wanted nothing better than to be left alone in their daily occu- pations. All resented interference with business, industries or personal safety, and when there were unexplained breakages of machinery, ex- plosions which wrecked the activities of factories, threatened disrup- tions of rail traffic, with dangers to life and limb, Boston began to forget the diversity of the races in the city, and proceeded to protect herself. The National Guard was called out to watch the railroad bridges ; sol- diers guarded factories, and the citizens united as a committee of the whole for secret service which, while it led to many ludicrous mistakes, did much to unify the sentiments of the people, and hold in restraint the elements which threatened a destruction of more than neutrality. Not that Boston was ever neutral ; it never has been in all its history. Indus- trially, as in the Civil War, it was not to its advantage to have a break in our relations with any of the belligerents. But just as in the war with the South, the city rose above the consideration of worldly advantages when convinced that right demanded that it should. Boston's bankers had shared in the loans made to the Allied governments ; some were act- ing as purchasing agents. Some of the city's manufacturers were en- gaged in the making of war material or of supplies which were sold abroad. And as a cultural center, many Boston citizens had a profound admiration for Teutonic literature, research, and the men responsible for it. All in all, there were many reasons, economical and sentimental, for a continuance of neutrality. But the city gradually began to realize that the war abroad was America's war, and that this country must give up its cherished isolation from foreign affairs, and take sides with that which was right rather than hold to that which was pleasant and profit- able.
Woodrow Wilson's election was rightly interpreted as indicating that the people of the United States desired to keep out of war ; that they pre- ferred to have this country act as mediator rather than a belligerent. The lack of support given the President at the polls in New England and Boston indicated clearly the absence of any liking in this section for the pacific foreign policy of Mr. Wilson.
Germany Issues Her Challenge to America-Germany was herself responsible for the suddenness and ease with which the people of the United States changed their minds and came out whole-heartedly on the side of the Allies. The President had been carrying on a prolonged series of negotiations with the German government over the sinking of American vessels with the loss of American lives, and without satisfac- tory results. The second half of 1916 had been favorable to Germany on its war fronts. Rumania had collapsed ; Russia was faltering (the revo- lution broke out early in the next year ) ; the Italians had proven unable
773
THE WORLD WAR
to hold their own, a tremendous British offensive had failed; France was in poor shape to make an effective thrust; and war-weariness was spreading throughout all the Entente countries. The Teutons felt en- couraged to make what would be the final campaign which would give them the mastery of Europe. This time a drive was to be made at Ger- many's arch-enemy, the "brain and sinew of the hostile coalition," Great Britain ; "she would challenge the mistress of the seas ruthlessly by a campaign of unrestricted submarine warfare."
On January 31, 1917, President Wilson received a German note, announcing that from February I all sea traffic within certain zones about Great Britain, France and Italy, "without further notice, will be prevented by all weapons," which meant that the German submarines proposed to sink anything they saw within these areas, whether neutral or belligerent. The United States was kindly permitted to send unmo- lested one steamship a week to a single port in England (Falmouth) if the said vessel traveled only along the lane chosen by the Germans, should arrive only on Sunday, and depart on Wednesday; had its sides painted with large gaudy red stripes ; fly a handsome checker-board flag, also designed by the Germans; and carry a certificate from the United States Government that the ship carried no contraband (almost every- thing was contraband by this time). The note hit the American sense of humor on its ironical side, but stirred even more a wrath which was difficult to restrain. The President promptly broke off relations with Germany, but determined to remain neutral until that country should commit "overt acts" which he hoped might not take place. On March 16-17 three American-owned and American manned ships, the "Vigil- ancia," "City of Memphis," and "Illinois," were sunk by German sub- marines.
A "State of War" Declared-Wilson called Congress together in a special session on April 2d and "urged it to accept the state of war which the action of Germany had thrust upon the United States." The response of Congress was prompt and nearly unanimous; and on April 6, the President issued the proclamation of war. His position was strong, for he had waited long and hopefully for a way out. Time had been given to the more pacific states to realize the futility of neutrality ; all sections were united as the nation had never been before. Mr. Wilson dis- claimed any desire on the part of our country for conquest or dominion. "We fight for democracy . for the rights and liberties of small peoples. . . . The world must be made safe for democracy." As ever, the United States was embarked upon a war unprepared, without an army, and this time against foes three thousand miles away. It was
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upon these facts and known conditions that Germany based its expecta- tion of bringing the submarine war to a successful conclusion before America could give effective aid to the Allies. It was not believed possible for this country in less than a year, to raise, train, equip, and transport to Europe, an army large enough to seriously affect the for- tunes of war. Germany said : "America is money mad and cannot fight."
The Race Between the United States and the Submarine-Upon the entry of the United States into the war, there began a contest the like of which had never been seen,-nothing more than a race between America to send re-inforcements to the failing Allies before the German subma- rines eliminated England from the war, and the Teuton armies over-ran Europe as victors. America must not only prepare for war, but wage it while making its preparations. Russia collapsed, releasing a horde of soldiers for use on the western front; Italy made a disastrous retreat ; the Allies were about exhausted. Could the United States help effi- ciently before it was too late ?- that was the question which all the world asked. The Germans said "No"; the Allies were inclined to believe this was the answer. The United States prepared on the theory "that modern warfare demands all the efforts of all the people, both military and civilian ; and that the judgment of experts was to be fol- lowed as far as possible, thus avoiding the worst mistakes of the Civil War and the War with Spain." The army act of May 18, 1917, was based on these principles. It provided for a regular army of 237,000; the taking into federal service of the State militia units; and the drafting of an army of 1,000,000. In June, 10,000,000 men between the ages of twenty-one to thirty, registered. By a lottery system, 1,374,000 names were drawn, and the men thus indicated were examined for fitness for military service, and by September the first, contingents were entering the camps, sixteen in number, being built to receive them; a like num- ber of cantonments were in the course of erection for the "National Army" or conscripted troops. The civilian population was, meanwhile, being organized in a hundred forms to give aid in every way conceivable.
The A. E. F .- Preparation was not enough. The Allies were "bleed- ing to death; Germany was winning; the morale of the French was running out like water through a sieve." Men must be sent to their aid at once or all was lost. It was urged that a few must cross the water immediately, if only to hearten those who were bearing the brunt of the fight. Before we were ready, therefore, General John J. Pershing, and the American Expeditionary Force-the "A. E. F."-was sent overseas. On May 28, 1917, General Pershing set sail. In June a division of the regular army embarked, to be followed almost immediately by the
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THE WORLD WAR
Yankee Division, "New England's Own." And be it not forgotten, the YD was the first complete division to arrive overseas. General Pershing cabled on July 6, that plans must be made to send at least 1,000,000 men across before May, 1918. To create a force of a million soldiers, and to send them three thousand miles over a submarine infested sea in ten months seemed an impossible task. How well this was accomplished, the whole world knows; all in all, two million men were sent abroad within fifteen months. The first American troops reached France on June 25. The first American shots from European trenches were fired on October 27, and the first trench fighting of Americans occurred a week later. By December, 1917, a quarter of a million American troops had been landed in France; and in January, 1918, the War Department let it be known that soldiers from the United States were occupying front- line trenches "in a certain sector." So much for the immediate reply of our country to the call for aid by the army.
The Navy-The navy was in a better position to be of immediate use. Rear Admiral W. S. Sims was already in England, and within a few days after our declaration of war, made plans for naval participation in the efforts being made to overcome the submarine danger. Six destroyers arrived at Queenstown, Ireland, on May 4, under Commander Taussig. The tale is told that when the flotilla arrived, the commander was asked : "When will you be ready to go to sea?" "We are ready now, sir," was the prompt reply, "that is, as soon as we finish refueling." Before the end of the war, 5,000 officers and 70,000 enlisted men were serving in our navy abroad. The total personnel of the navy expanded during the war period from 4,800 officers and 102,000 men to 20,600 officers and 330,000 men. A great fleet was also accumulated. By the first anniversary of our entrance into the war, the United States had put into commission 1,275 vessels of all sorts; and before the end the number of vessels had risen to 2,003, and the personnel to 497,000. A bridge was maintained between the United States and Europe over which passed in almost com- plete safety 2,000,000 soldiers, about half of whom were transported in English ships, but guarded by American cruisers and destroyers. The immense number of cargoes of supplies were carried for the most part in American bottoms, which made up a huge fleet, and involving the use of 5,000 officers and 20,000 enlisted men. These quoted figures touch but the hem of the naval program.
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