PERSONAL INTEREST AMERICAN OUVROIR FUND 20 Fifth Avenue :: :: :: New York 1 Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2014 https://archive.org/details/personalinterestOOamer AMERICAN OUVROIR FUND 20 Fifth Avenue, New York (American Ouvniii- ir(il.)iilKuic, ir,i\ r„,ulrMinl 1 liui>sinaan, 1' PATRONESSES COMTESSE .lACQlIES l)-AHA.M(J.\ THE MARCHIONESS OP ULANDKOIil) COMTESSE DE DRIGODE PRI.NCESSK JACQl'ES DE UROOUE H. H, PRIXCESSE PIERRE HE CAKAMAX-CIIIMA Y THE COUNTESS GUEY HER EXCELLENCY MADAME GEUKFllAY COMTESSE D'HAUSSONVILLE DUCHESSE DE LA MOTTE-UOUDANCOl'ItT LADY BRXEST HAMILTON COMTESSE JOACHIM MURAT PRINCESSE DE LA TOUR U'AUVBIiUNE DUCHESSE DE TREVISE THE scope or the work intended to lie carried out liv llio AMElilOAN OlTVKOlli* was originally liinit..d to niv- iiig eiuployinent to ])oor women out of work, in makins'- ot elotliing-, etc., wnicli was then distrihiited amongst wounded and destitute soldiers ; but owing to the long duration ot the war anil to the tact that many mutilated and hliiid soldiers have applied i)er- sonally lor lielp, it was found necessary to get in touch with some ol the best Freiu-h societies who make a specialty ol supiilyin-- (lie mutdated with artiHcial limhs. and e.hicating tl'iem and the hliiid HI some i>rolession for re-starting them iirlil'e. rs During many months an average of over one hundred soldic,„ have presented themselves weekly, some weeks nearly two hiinilred, all of whose cases have been carefully investigated' and the most needy helped to the extent that the stock of clothing on hand jiermitted. The soldiers showed their military papers, gave their references, names, home addresses, military addresses, etc., and all i)articiilars as to family and profession. If from the invaded districts of l!el- gium or France, godmothers or godfathers were found for them, who took a personal interest in them, helped them individually, and with wlumi they corresponded. When^ tlie soldier had a I'an'i- ily in need, the necessities of the family were pcrscjiialiy investi- gated and it was helped to get work anil given elotliing" if neces- sary. In urgent cases, and mily to tide over critical moments, were small advances of money made. arc *ghe"work. ""^ ^''^"'^^ designation tor a place wbcre wouiun out of employmc.it mi HAVE A LONG LIST OF NEEDY SOLDIERS \T THE FROXT ^^•H0 HAVE XOT HEARD FROM THE R WRES. CHILDREX OR PARENTS SINCE THE WAR STARTED. WHO WANT GODFATHERS OR CODMOTHERS WEO ^ILL SEND THEM SOME CLOTHING WD COM FORTS ANT) SHOW A PERSONAL INTEREST "iN THEIR LIVES BY WRITING THEM. $20 SENT TO THE VMER lOAN OUVROIR WILL KEEP ONE OF THESE MEN IN WARM CLOTHING AND SMALL COMFORTS FOR SIX MONTHS. FOR PARTICULARS, ADDRESS THE \MFR- lOAN OUVROIR FUND. The American Ouvroir has arranged a system bv whicli each individual who gives nioiiev or clothing receives a de- tailed account of what has been done with his or her gift with the names and addres.ses of the recipients, so that the charitable in- dividuals who may desire to take a personal interest in those they are helping may correspond directly with them. In the same way, supplies of woolen or cotton clothes, or knitting wool, sent from' America to help the work in France, will be accounted for in detail to the individual giver. Personal interest shown by Americans in those they help in France can do as much, and often very much more, than the money given, to make life worth living to those who. deprived of family, are only too grateful for American sympathy and love, helping them rise from the ocean of misery and suffering that at present surround them. THE AMERICAN OUVROIR FUND, 20 FIFTH AVENUE iNEW YORK, HAS PARTICULARS AND PHOTOGRAPHS OF A LARGE NUilBER OF ORPHANS WHOiSE FATHERS HAVE DIED FOR THEIR OOUNTRiY. FROM $C.O TO $240 A YEAR, ACCORDING TO CHILD'S STATION IN LIFE, ENABLES ITS MOTHER. OR A FRENCH FAMILY ADOPTING IT, TO CARE FOR AND EDUCATE AN ORPHAN IN HOME SURROUNDINGS SUITED TO ITS CIRCUMSTANCES. The American Ouvroir facilitates correspondence between generous helpers in America and unfortunate sufferers in France, by acting as a t^learing House for all letters forwarded through their care, translating American correspondence into French, and translating French correspondence before reforward- ing same to destination in America. An accounting is sent to each individual giver for his. or her, gift in money, clothing, etc., with full details of distribution made, giving the names and addresses of those who have been thereby helped ; so that anyone desirous of becoming interested in the Uvea of those helped can correspond directly with them. The books and accounts are kept by an experienced liookkeeper, and from time to time verified by a certified accountant and auditor. THE AFFLICTED MOTHER DO YOU BELIEVE IN THE UPLIFTING POWER OF HUMAN SYMPATHY, PERSONAL INTEREST, INDIVID- UAL HELP? THEN WHY NOT INCLUDE THESE WITH THE MONEY HELP YOU MAY BE WILLING TO GIVE, AND BECOME PERSONALLY INTERESTED IN THE LIFE OF SOME INDIVIDUAL SUFFERER IN FRANCE, AN OR- PHAN, WIDOW, MUTILATED OR BLIND SOLDIER, OR A NEEDY SOLDIER AT THE FRONT WITHOUT NEWS FROM HIS FAMILY IN THE INVADED DISTRICT, AND CORRESPOND DIRECTLY WITH THE ONE YOU HELP, THROUGH THE AMERiIOAN OUVROIR IN PARIS, AN ORGANIZATION DEVOTED ENTIRELY TO BRINGING INDIVIDUAL HELPERS IN AMERICA IN DIRECT TOUCH WITH INDIVIDUAL SUFFERERS IN FRANCE, TRANS- LATING CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN THEM, AT- TENDING TO THE PROPER DISBURSEMENT OF MONEY SENT AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF (!LOTIIING, ETC, AND ACCOUNTING FOR THE SAME TO EACH IN- DIVIDUAL GIVER. YOU WHO ARE READING THIS CAN GREATLY HELP I'S IN OUR WORK BY FORMING GROUPS OF FRIENDS OR COMMITTEES IN YOUR LOCALITIES WHO WILL BE- COME INTERESTED AND INTEREST OTHERS IN BE- COMING GODMOTHERS OR GODFATHERS TO INDIVID- UAL ORPHANS, WIDOWS, MUTILATED AND BLIND SOLDIERS OR NEEDY SOLDIERS AT THE FRONT IN FRANCE, SENDING THEM THROUGH THE AMER- ICAN OUVROIR MONEY AND CLOTHING, AND WRITING THEM FROM TIME TO TIME ENCOURAGING LETTE'RS. BEGIN THIS GOOD WORK TO-DAY. IT WILL BRING A NEW AND ABSORBING INTEREST INTO YOUR LIFE. FOR YOU THE WORLD WAR WILL CEASE TO SEEM A GREAT CALAMITY AND W^ILL APPEAR AS A GRAND OP- PORTUNITY FOR SPREADING GOOD WILL AMONGST MANKIND. A MARTYR Tliere are countless thousands of generous, loving people in the United States who would be only too glad to help such individual cases of suffering, if the history of all the circumstances were brought to tlieir personal attention, and a system arranged which would bring them and keep them in personal contact with those they are helping. 'J'here is nothing that encourages the poor and suffering inore than real sympathetic, personal interest. The fact that the Atlantic lies between the two countries need not prevent such personal interest from being established and continuing for years; as, for instance, by means of correspondence maintained be- tween those wlio help in the United States and those who are helped in France. Such a system of relief work would do more to cement a lasting friendship between the two great republics than any treaties, however good, and once for all do away with any mis- understanding in France as to our unselfish motives. As it is, millions of dollars are being sent to Europe by gen- erous Americans to relieve the terrible suffering there ; but Ameri- cans, as individuals, are not receiving the credit for the help given, from those who are helped ; who, in the vast majority of cases, do not know from whence this help has come. The American Ouvroir has arranged a system by which the mutilated and blind, the widows and orphans will know exactly from whom help comes, and csi)ecially realize that, with the material aid given, goes a wealth of loving sympathy and personal interest. IP YOU AGREE IN THE ABOVE, WHY NOT FORM A COMjriTTEE TN YOUR EOCALITY WHICH WILL CO- OPERATE WITH THE PARIS AMERICAN OUVROIR IN WAR RELIEF THROUGH INDIVIDUAL HELP WITH PER- SONAL INTEREST? THE POWKFJ OF LOVE IS NEEDED TO UPLIFT THE LIVES OF UNFORTUNATE SUFFERERS IN PRANCE, AND HUMAN SYMPATHY AND PERSONAL INTEREST ARE THE IM.\nE AND LIKENESS OP DIVINE LOVE ON THIS EARTH. That the good work ilone by the AMERICAX OUVROIR ever since the beginning of tlie war is thoroughly ajipreoiated is shown by the following letter, receivetl October l.'>", I'.tlo: CROIX-ROUGE FRANCAISE s o c I e T E FRANCAISE de Secours aux Blesses Militaires plac^e sous le Maut Patronage du President de la Ripublique <•>• , SifeGE CENTRAL : 21, Rue FRANpois I", PARIS (a"> Ancienrtcmcnt 10, nt( Matignun TtL : PASSY 43-20 AOR TtLtoB. BLESMIL-PARIS Dear Mrs. Mygatt: [Translation] "I accept with great pleasure your invitation to become a patroness of your Committee. "Kiiowing all the good that you have done in France since the beginning of the war, with an untiring generosity and with a perfect S'heartT'thanks.' ""^^""^^^ °' '^is occasion to repeat to you our '2 ^™ Madame, that you are going to America to speak to your generous compatriots regarding the sufferings of I.>ance. which always find with them so much charitable help "Please accept. Madame, with my thanks, the expression of my most distinguished sentiments." r., ,„ " WITHOUT NEWS The AMERICAN OUVROIR (known to the French in Paris as the Ilolophane American Ouvroir or Holophane Ouvroir, owing U) itfi occupyine; the Holophane Building there) was started August 10, 1!J14, hy Mrs. Otis Mygatt with the help of Madame Mary King Waddington and a few other ladies. Mrs. Mygatt is the active head of the organization and devotes her entire time to its management. Mr. Mygatt has given, free of ill expense.?, the use of the Holo- phane Building, 156 Boulevard Haussmann, Paris, for the entire period of the war, including lighting and heating, also the services of several oflicial.s, such as bookkeepers, stenographers, caretakers, and so on. Madame Waddington, formerly Miss Mary King of New York, was for many years the Amhassadress of France to England and is so well known already to Americans as to need no further description. A few details regarding the patronesses of the American Ouvroir in Paris may prove of interest. 'I'he Comtessc d'Haussonville is the presidentess of the French Red Cro.ss Society, which is caring for .several hundred thousand wounded soldiers. Her Excellency Madame Geoffray, the Ambassadress of France to Spain, manages the numerous workshops which under the aus[)iccs of the French Red Cross give employment to thousands of jioor French women ; she is also the president of the Society for re-education of nmtilatcd soldiers. Her Highness the Princcsse Pierre de Caraman-Chimay is the daughter-in-law of the former Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs and shares with Mr. de Wiart, the present ^linister of Justice, the presidency of the Belgian Society for the relief of children and is an active member of other societies. She founded a hospital of one hundred beds at her own expense, also a society of motor am- bulances for transporting wounded from the front. Princcsse Jacques de Broglie is president of the National French Association for helping widows and orphans of soldiers killed in the war; and is an active member of numerous other char- itable societies. She is the great-granddaughter of Marshall Berthier, Prince de Wagram, the celebrated general of Napoleon I. Comtesse ^lurat is descended from the family of the King of Naples, who married Napoleon I.'s sister. She founded a society for relief of soldiers at the front which distributed thou- sands of packages of clothing and comforts to soldiers in France, Belgium and Serbia. The Duches.se de Trevise, besides being active in the Beaujon Hospital and other charities, has given her chateau at Melun for a hospital and is most generous in her donations in help of poor women and soldiers. Comtcfse ile Brigoile is the .sister of the Due de Griimoiit. When the (iermans invaded the Aisne districts the (.\>mte de Brigode refused to leave his home, tiie Chateau (k> Folemhray, and stayed behind in order to i>roteet t!ie viUagers in the neighbor- hood. Sinee August, 1914, no letters have lieen received from him. The C'onites.se de Brigode in Paris ilevotes her money and time to the relief of the refugees from the Aisne, of whom tliere are over 100,000. Comtesse dWramoii, formerly Miss Fisher of New York, organ- ized a hospital at her chateau at .Anizy in the Aisnes, but the dis- trict was invaded by the (iermans and her home is now used as German staff headquarters. She is an active member of the Com- mittee for the relief of the refugees from the Aisne di.stricts. The Princesse de la Tour d'Auvergne is interested in many charitable societies and is a large contributor to their support. Conites.se Grey is the wife of Karl (irey, who was for many years governor of Canada; besides fittnig out her country ])lace in England as a hospital, she has helped the .Mlies in many ways. The Marchioness of Blandford is the mother-in-law of the Duchess of Marlborough, formerly Mi.ss Vandcrbilt of New York, and aunt of the Duchess of Devonshire, the head of the Knglish Bed Cross. She takes a deep interest in Knglish and French war relief, and contributes to the support of both. Mrs. Mygatt and the French ladies and societies she repre- sents here are desirous of having committees and societies formed in various parts of the T'nited States, who will co- operate with them, such committees to have patronesses who would try to interest people in their cities or localities in becoming god- mothers or godfathers to one or more French orphans or widows, nnitilatcd or blind soldiers, and try to find individuals or groups of individuals who would make regular monthly contril)utions to a definite sufferer whose history was known to them and with whom they could keep in personal touch by eorres[)ondence. From time to time, the Paris Ouvroir would serul to the American committees lists of poor widows and orphans, of mutilated anil blind soldiers, tho.se most in need of help, considering the circumstances and lives of their families, with photographs and all jiarticulars wliich would tend to bring kind-hearted men. women and children of the United States in direct touch with tlie lives of the jioor and sulfering women and children of France, tho.se left in dire want through their husbands or fathers having died for their cduntry, or having been incapacitated for remunerative work through being nnitilatcd or blind. A SFM OF $in,onO IS NKKDKD BY TlIF AMKIMCAN OUVROTK IN PARIS TO CONTlNlIK ITS WORK OF (HY- ING EMPLOYMENT TO WOMEN IN WANT. EACH INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTOR TO THE AMER- ICAN OUVROIR FUND, CARE OF J. P. MORGAN, WALL STREET, NEW YORK, WILL RECEIVE A PKRSONAL AC- COUNTING OF THE USE MADE OF HIS OR HER MONEY. A L O N E5 The general intention is to break up what forms a tremendous total of misery and want into individual units, whose histories and circunistaupes would be thoroufjlily investigated hy the AMERI- CAN OUVROIR in France and reported regnlarly to the charit- able persons and to tiie various committees which would be grad- ually formed in dilTcrent parts of the United States, who would then try to interest cliaritable persons to help such individual cases, thereby introducing the valuable element of personal interest. IP YOU THINK THIS IS A GOOD WAY FOR AMERI- OANS TO HELP THE UNFORTUNATE FRE\CH, WHY NOT START TO-DAY TO FORM YOUR CO'MMITTEE AND SHOW YOUR OWN AND THEIR PERSONAL INTEREST BY CO-OPERATING IN FINDING AMONGST THE GEN- EROUS AND CHARITABLY INCLINED IN YOUR CITY A GODMOTHER OR GODFATHER FOR A RUINED ORPHAN O'R WIDOW, A BLIND OR MUTILATED SOLDIER, OR A NEEDY SOLDIER AT THE FRONT WHO HAS BEEN WITHOUT NEWS OF HIS WIFE, CHILDREN OR PAR- ENTS SINCE THE WAR STARTED? YOU WILL BE DO- ING A NOBLE WORK WHICH Y^OU WILL FIND OF AB- SORBING INTEREST AND WILL BRING A HAPPY IN- FLUENCE INTO YOUR LIFE AND ALSO THOSE WHO CO-OPERATE WITH YOU. IXASMUCH AS YE HAVE DONE IT UNTO ONE OF THE LEAST OF THESE APPEAL TO AMERICAN MANUFACTURERS: The American Ouvrnir was started with the object of giv- ing work to women in need, especially those from the invaded diBtricts of Belgium and France who, having been driven from their original homes and not coming under the Moratorium (wliicli only excin])ts from the payment of rent those who had taken lodgings before the war), were unable to live within tlie al- lowance given them by tlie (Jovernnient. The women helped in- cluded wives of professional and literary men, actors, farmers, small manufacturers, or owners of small, independent businesses, and women also having several small children to care for who, being thus unable to go out. were forced to do work in their own homes. The lux'cssary nuitcrials to work on, such as woolen and cotton clotlis and knitting wool, «ere bought in England, but should come from America. The articles made were given either to needy soldiers at the front, or convalescent wounded soldiers at ho.spitals, or to their wives and children (preference beins; given to those from the invaded district.^), distributed personally to women and soldiers who called at Boulevard ITaussnumn. or sent by par- cels post to soldiers at the front who.so needs had been first investi- gated. These gifts were always of the best material and workman- ship. During tlic winter months — shirts, drawers, waistcoats, chest- protectors, made from the best woolen materials: hand-knit socks, mufllers, mittens aiul sweaters from warmest knitting wools, water- proof sleeping bags, woolen blankets and many smaller articles, such as handkerchiefs, gloves, pipes, tobacco, etc. Woolen pajamas, night- injiales, bed jackets, belts, dressing gowns, ete., were distributed direct to soldiers in hospitals. As far as possible, the needs of each individual soldier were investigated in person. Where this was impossible, inquiries were either made from a soldier in some regi- ment known to the Ouvroir or from an offieer of the regiment, or battalion, as to the soldiers' real need-:. .Mthough some three thou- sand soldiers have been helped, no complaint has been n\ade of a single case of misplaced help since the Ouvroir started its work, sixteen months ago. Total value of clothing distriliuted to needy and wounded soldiers. 48,1.51 francs. Total amount of moiu'v paid to women working in their homes making shirt.s. drawers and other articles of clothing fnirn the woolen and cotton cloths purchased in Eng- land, 11,5!)1 francs. Besides this amount, 3,(il-l francs were paid to women working at the Ouvroir itself in various capacities, most of these women being refugees. The total number of different articles of clothing nuide by the women employed was 12,255. The value of clothing and other articles distributed monthly since the Ouvroir was started is as follows: August to October, inclusive, l!iU l,H(iO francs November, lit 14 2,280 francs December. ll»14 :i.O;il) francs January, li)15 4,220 francs Fcl)ruary, in 15 :','!'74 francs March, 1915 l.:'''>0 francs April, 1915 :l,241 francs May, 1915 -1,^0 francs June, 1915 francs July, 1915 2,071 francs August. 1915 2,575 francs September. 1915 '^-^'^i f™"'*' There was also distributed clothing estimated at about 5,000 francs value, received from various individuals for the purpose of distribution. Materials in the piece are urgently reqnireil for giving work to the poor women emploved and an a\)\K')i\ is nuide to the generosity of American manufacturers of woolen and cotton goods to share their prosperity with unfortunate poor in Europe by devoting a small portion of their profits to sending rolls of cottxin or woolen cloths to the American Ouvroir, who will duly ac'count to the givers individually for the use and distribution made of their donations. HAVE MERCY UPON US a We are merely quoting the following details t« show that a contributions, however small or large, may be employed each tor .. definite purpose in helping individual sufferers whose lives and cir- cumstances will be made known to those who help them and who will write and thank and keep informed those to whom they are in- debted for such help. $1.00 will give three or four days' work to a pixir woman, or an article of clothing for a soldier, woman, or child ; or two cliairs to a pillaged home. $2.00 will give a warm woolen garment, or a table, to a poor home. $3.00 will give a sideboard for crockery. $4.00 will give a set of cooking utensils. ,$5.00 will give several articles of woolen to a soldier, woman or child. $10.00 will give a complete woolen outfit to a soldier, woman or child ; or a bed, with bedtling, to some poor family whose home has been burned. $20.00 will give warm clothing and small comforts for si.\ months to a needy soldier whose family is in the invaded districts, a set of furniture to a new temporary homo. $00.00 will build a temporary home or siielter, including linen and crockery, to replace a destroyed homestead. $60.00 to $240.00 a year, varying according to the chihrs so- cial position in life, will" give board, lodging and education to an orphan child of a family left in want by the war. $60.00 a year for the orphan, say, of a poor peasant or farmer. $120.00 a year for the orphan of a better class farmer or small business parent. $180.00 a year for the orphan of a small manufacturer and pettv professional parent. $240.00 a year for the orphan of architects, engineers, lawyers, etc . $300.00 will house, feed and educate for one year a mutilated soldier, enabling him to re-start life in a new profession. $25 000.00 will insure the foundation of a home for eighty mutilated soldiers, insure their board and lodging for a year and educate them to start in life once more useful and happy c'tizens, all knowing not only that their help comes from America, but the names of those helping them. THE \MERICAN OUVROIR FUND, 20 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK, HAS A LIST OF NEEDY MUTILATED SOL- DIERS, EACH NEEDING $300 FOR RE-EDUCAT1^G HIM IN A NEW PROFESSION, INOLUDING A YEAR S BOARD AND LODGING. EACH INDIVIDUAL. OR GROUP OF INI^^VIDUATA WHO ADOPTS ONE OF THESE MUTILATED \\ ILL BE KEPT INFORMED OF HIS PROGRESS AND LIFE B\ IHb SOLDIER HIMSELF WHO IS HELPED. THOSE WHO ARE LEFT BEHIND HOW TO MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS FOR THE AMERICAN OU\'R01R The American Ouvroir, 15G Boulevard Haussmann, Paris, will give a personal accounting to each individual donor. Cheques should be made to the order of J. P. MORGAN & CO. For Account AMERICAN OUVROIR FUND and mailed to J. P. Morgan & Co., 23 Wall Street, New York. IT IS EARNESTLY REQUESTED THAT CHEQUES BE DRAWN AS ABOVE AND NOT TO INDIVIDUALS, TO AVOID CONFUSION IN KEEPING THE ACCOUNTS, AS THE AMERICAN OUVROIH CANNOT OTHERWISE AC- COUNT TO THE INDIVIDUAL DOXOR. When the gift is intended for a specific purpose the donor should, when the cheque is mailed to the banker, write direct to the American Ouvroir, 20 Fifth Avenue, New York; stating amount sent, and his wishes regarding expenditure of the donation. CONTRIBUTIONS OF MATERIALS AND CLOTHIN'C. I'lTC These should lie sent express prepaid addressed to WAR RELIEF CLEARING HOUSE 133 Charlton Street, New York FOR THE AMERICAN OUVROIR 156 Boulevard Haussmann, Fans Notice of shipment with list of contents of jiackages should be mailed to the Executive Secretary of the War Helicf Clearing House, 40 Wall Street, New Y'ork. A copy of this list of contents should be mailed to The Ameri- can Ouvroir. '20 Fifth Avenue, New York. Please pack in boxes or bales of four (4) cubic feet whenever the articles permit this. MATERIALS and Articles Needed by the American Ouvroir For Men: , , , Shoes shirts, drawers, undershirts, sweaters, woolen ""'l cot- ton socks, trousers, coats, vests, overcoat*, scarves, caps or sott hats, woolen blankets, handkerchiefs, towels and bed-lmen. For Wovien: , , i i.;„„o Shoes waists, blouses, drawers, woolen and cotton stock ngs, woolen or cotton petticoats, skirts, shawls, capes woolen blankets, cotton and linen handkerchiefs, towels and bed-linen. For Girls ai,,! /.'oi/.";.-— Similar articles. ALL ALONE IN THE WORLD THE CX»UH)S1TK GODMOTHER FROM THE NEW YUUK SUN December i). 1915 ThtB Is the Btory of bow a Christmas tree turned Into a RodrhlUl. U Isn't a fairy story, for it happened right here In matter-of-fact Now York a few days ago. but it has many of the elements of fairy tales with a mora) at the end that will perhaps set good folk thinking. It is the story of a little group of bachelor women, ehiefly artists, who were in the habit of gathering together for a Christmas celebration luid who have changed their celebration this year into an effort to do something for the suflerers of war. finally crystallizing it into a more permanent plan to adopt u littlo sister of war in France. "Let's form ourselves into a godmother group." "The Composite Godmother," suggested one. And in a flash the Coniposlto Godmother became a live, vigorous entity, the first of many such groups that will spread from this gleam of Christmas good feeling in the hearts of seven baeholor women. Being a godmother means merely providing for the material welfare of a chliil. and it takes a smaller sura than one would sujipose. because of the careful plan- ning of the French National Association for the Protection of the Families of Soldiers Who Died for Their Country. That child is made known to liis god- mothers through a photograph and the sending of his full story through letters from the child himself or his guardians if he is too young to write, lie or sho becomes a definite, real little boy or girl, even tliough away olT in France, a llnU cementing the bond of good feeling between the two countries. The machinery of operating is simple. The association for the fain 1 lies of soldiers is represented in this country just now by Mrs. Otis A. Mygntt. who with Mme. Waddington. wife of the distinguished French statesman, has operated the Holophane Ouvroir in Paris, one of the most efficient and far reaching of the works of war established in Paris, the only strictly American ouvroir. Mrs, Mygntt is the official representative of the association, which has been organized by some of the leading men and women of France. The chairman of the godmother sends the money for the care of a little frere or soeur de guerre to the American Ouvroir Fund. ITitl Boulevard llaussmann, Paris, which is a sort of clearing house between America and France for any kind of war relief. The money can be sent directly through .1. P. Morgan & Co.. oncn or twice a year as the group chooses, and it is turned over through the awsoclatlon to the mother or the family that takes care of the child. And to tho godmothers comes back the direct word of the child of their adoption. It Ik a Christmas thought, thl.-; idea of adopting the little French orplian of an artist by the Composite Godmothers, but It is a thought that will spread over tho vear perhaps over years to come. Already the Idea has passed to others and a number of godmother groups have been started. The idea will spread to other cities. It is one with endless possibilities. One may be an individual godmother or a composite godmother of whatever size group one wishes. A group of children, a class in Hchool or Sunday-school, may be godmothers or godfathers to some little boy or girl in France whom war has rendered less fortunate than they. Anywhere from two dollars to twenty dollars a month, twenty-four dollars to two hundred and forty dollars a year Is the amount the French Association asks for the care of a child. The Personal Relief Committee, of which Mrs. Mygatt is head In this country, receives from time to time from Paris lists of women and children, and mutilated and blind soldiers in need of help with their full stories. Perhaps some one would prefer to be a godmother to a soldier who has been handicapped by war. Through the same source godmothers or godfathers can adopt a soldier, can provide him with an arm or leg for those he has lost, or can re-educate him so as to give him a new chance at life. Three hundred dollars pays for equipping him with a new trade in place of that for which he has been inrapa< itated, the sura to bo paid Id any kind of instalments through the year that one desires. Or one can be a godmother if one prefers to a soldier at the front, merely by getting from Mrs. Mygatt the name of a soldier from the invaded swtlon who U without word or communication from his family and so lacks those little romfortR and cheering letters that a loved one provides. Fifty francs or ten dnllars pro- vides a comfortable outfit of clothing lor the winter and letters to the soldier showing that some one in far off America cares for his well-being, bring as much comfort to his spirit as warm clothing to his body. WHY NOT FORM A GEOUP OF TW KXTV KHIENDS, OIJ CHILDREN, IN YOUR COMMUNITY, AND ItlOCOMl'; A "COMPOSITE GODMOTHER" TO A POOI! FUKNCll ORPHAN. .$0 A YEAR (50 CENTS A MONTH) EACH WILL LODGE. BOARD AND EDUCATE TTfE CIIILD OF A BRAVE DEAD SOLDIER. FROM THE NEW YORK HERAI.D. PARIS EDITION June. Iv'lj Many o[ the "Ouvroirs" of Paris were never In more need of funds than at the oresent moment, after the strain uf a year's work in clothing thousands of soldiers and with the prospects of having thousands more to be clothed. The Holophane "Ouvroir" at 150 Boulevard Haussmann, which was organized by Mme Mary King Waddington and Mrs. Otis Mygatt. is one of the most worthy of these charities and is in dire need of funds. It was one of the first to oi)en after war was declared, and owing to the splendid record it has made during the uast year it will maite every effort to continue another year. The original intention of Mme. Waddington and Mrs. Mygatt was to help a few women to obtain work, but with donations from friends coming in. the work grew and enabled the "Ouvroir " to keep from thirty to fifty women constantly employed. Since August 6. 1914, the sum of 40.000 francs has been spent on clothing, which has been distributed to soldiers. It is interesting to see the account books for the year which have been supervised by Mrs. Mygatt. Each contribution Is marked and the name and address of each soldier benefited by It Is recordixi. so that every subscriber, if he desires, can know what has become of his gift, and the letters of thanks received from the soldiers are forwarded, on reiiuest, to tha At present more than 300 letters from soldiers at the front, appealing for clothing and small comforts, remain unanswered. As many as thirty soldiers call in person each day to ask for packages, and so far not one has been tvirned away. It Is the earnest wish of the ■'Ouvroir'" to continue such an excellent re<-onl. hut funds are greatly needed. November, 1915 The Ouvroir Holophane. at 156 Boulevard Haussmann, founded in August, 1914, by Mme Mary King Waddington and Mrs. Otis Mygatt. has. up to October I. 1915, distributed to soldiers clothing and other articles to the value of 43,U51 francs, besides materials for clothing estimated at 4,500 francs which have been given by Countess Grey, Mrs. Robert Benson, Mme. Waddington, and other friends of the ''""'The sum of 15.205 francs has been paid to women in wages. The cost for heating, lighting, and bookkeeping is defrayed from a special fund, so that all con- tributions of money go to help women and soldiers. , , , , , ■ The Ouvroir was one of the first to start at the outbreak of war and has done an excellent work Its American founders never for one day having neglected the many details required to keep such an extensive work In perfect running order. The iccounts are kept by an expert bookkeeper and are examined from time to time by an accountant. The name of every soldier who has received clothing during the lost fourteen months is entered on the books and not only are his needs looked after, but the Ouvroir keeps in touch with his family. , ., , „ Help Is urgently needed now to keep women In work and soldiers In clothing during the coming winter. Every donator, on request. Is supplied with a detallejl list of the soldiers who have benefited by his or her gift and the articles received. YOU WHO ARE READING THIS CAN OREATLY HELP THE AMERICAN OUVROIR PERSONAL IiNTEHEST WOliK IN FRANCE BY FOBMdNG GROUPS OF INDIVIDUALS, OR COMMITTEES, IN YOUR OWN LOCALITIES, WHO WILL INTEREST CHARITABLE AMERICANS IN THE LIVES OF ORPHANS OR MUTILATED SOLDI ]':i!S OR NEEDY SOLDIERS AT THE FRONT IN FRANCE. WE WILL SEND YOUR COMMITTEES THE PHOTO- GRAPHS AND PARTICULARS OF SUCH UN- FORTUNATES, AND AS SOON AS A FUND HAS BEEN RAISED FOR A PARTICULAR CASE YOU WILL BE PUT IN DIRECT COMMUNICATION AND CAN CORRESPOND WITH THE ONE YOU ARE HELPING. IF YOU HAVE NO ONE TO TRANSLATE SUCH CORRESPONDENCE YOU CAN SEND IT THROUGH THE AMERICAN OUVROIR, 15G BOULEVARD HAUSSMANN, WHERE IT WILL BE TRANSLATED AND REFORWARDED TO DES- TINATION. YOUR PERSONAL INTEREST IN THE LIVES OF THOSE YOU HELP WILL DOUBLi: THE HELPING VALUE OF THE MONEY YOU CONTIUBUTE. Following is tlie list of contributions received np to September 30th, for which tlie Ouvroir raost gratefully thanks those who have so generously helped : Mr. W. G. Shnrp, the American AmbasKador in I*ari^ 10^ ComlcSKe Jacques de'Aramon . . . 91 Mr. J. C. Ayt-r Mrs. Krcd Ailen 100 ConiteHKC (le Hrigode 248 MartjulKo de Breleuil 240 CointtwHe de Bernis 10 ComteHHe de Baritauit H Admlrai and Mrs. Berry 125 Mru. HoKgs 8 MarcliloneH.s Blandford 13? Mr. Bellow 300 Mrs. George Brady .'j30 Mrae. Philippe BSrard 100 Mme. BoulnolH 147 Liidy Blanc 50 Mme. BurKeHH Moore fiO Mile. (:ohh6 de BrlHsac 30 <.-omto«so do cherlsey 1*10 MlsH Coliinga 8 nuchcHse do Camastra 731 Mme. ('arraby 2,446 MiHH Henrietta Oapel 20 Mr. IJevoto 81 Mrs. UodKe 50 Mr. ThomaB Davlduou 1,000 Mrs. Depew 152 MrH. lJunston 2 M. Descbampa 50 Mrs. Carr Klllson 25 MrH. Kvans 25 MM. A. Froget et Ueachamps. . . 400 M. A. Frogot 268 Mr. ProHcott Pay 1,000 ComtewHe de Forceville . 300 romtcHse do Francqueville 22 Mr. H. 1). Foote 200 Mrs. Forbes 142 Mr. ('. Forbes 50 Mr. W. H. Field 100 Mrs. Osgood Field 50 ComtesBG (iraffenrled 77 Mrs. Caroline Getty 298 Mrs. B. M. Greene 50 Mrs. Gibbs 100 Miss Gray 469 Countess (Jrey 275 Mme. de Germon 61 Mrs. Walter Gay 40 Mme. Houdand 180 Mme. Hydraquo 52 Comtesse llaldegonde 2 Mr. Helvig 2 Miss Hart 5 Mrs. Hughes Hallett 260 Marquise do .laucourt 40 Miss .Tnmson 20 Mrs. .lames 35 Lady Kvolyn .Tones 137 Mr. .lames 50 Mr. Henry Johnstone 27 Mrs. Kahn 97 lliss Henrietta King 50 Mr. Herman Kohlsatt 100 Franca Comtesse Odon de Lubersac - . . . 248 Mme. Lacombe J* Mrs. Lawrens Mrs. Otis Mygatt and Mrs. S. Mygatt 18.378 Mrs. John Munroe »wo Mr. Charles Mathew 250 Mrs. Mead JS" Mrs. MouHon Baronne del Marmol. Comtesse do Mun... Mrs. Mackay 48 5 „ 87 Princesse Murat 107 Mme. la 04n«rale Marchand.... SO Duchesse de La Motte-Houdan- court Mr. Mesdach 17 „„„^_ 2 Mrs. Norledge 250 Captain de Nanteull.... Mrs. Park Mrs. Pearce Marquise de PommeroUn Dr. James Putmann.... Mrs. Pym Mrs. Reubell IJO Mrs. Riley ISO Princesse Ruspoli Poggia Suasa 6 89 150 10 200 90 120 Comtesse de Ranty 116 M. Srherman Mrs. Symons Comtesse de Slncay Baronne de Selli*re 629 Comtesse de S6gur. Comtesse Simeon Mrs. Scott Mme. Stael Mme. and Mile. Sallandrouze. Mr. Howard Taylor 100 Mr. F. S. Terry 628 Mrs. Edward Tuck l.BOO Mile. Tournler 100 Mrs. Herbert Tittany 158 Princesse de La Tour-d'Auvergoe 36 Mrs. Perry Tiffany 4 MarquisS do Talleyrand 273 Duchesse de Tr^vlse 233 Slgnora Tlttonl 448 Mrs. Thayer 46 Mrs. Turner 16 Baronne Vlltars B Mme. Valentin 12 Mrs. Whitman 129 Mr. Washburm 100 Mr. Charles Wake BO Mrs. William Warner IBO Mrs. Wat-son 55 Mrs. Welsh 232 Mrs. Egerton Webb 50 Miss Waterlow 219 Mrs. Winslow 25 Mrs. Whitney Warren 100 Mrs. Waddington s Reliet Fund. 21,822 Various and Anonymous 1,340 Total amount received 62,460 PERSONAL INTEREST AMERICAN OUVROIR FUND (Endorsed by the War Relief Clearing House for France and its Allies) 20 Fifth Avenue :: :: :: New York