ABSTRACT
The Patriotic Fund was instituted under a Royal Commission, issued October 13th, for the purpose of providing for the widows and orphans of soldiers, sailors, and marines who lose their lives in the service of the country during the war. The Central Association, established on the 7th of March last, has for its primary object the relief of the families of soldiers engaged in active service, as well as of the widows and orphans of those who fall victims to the casualties of war. The Patriotic Fund does not apply to the wounded. The two institutions are not antagonistic, and the objects of both are excellent. A circular issued by the Central Association expresses the highest approval of the Patriotic Fund. Nevertheless, it is important to recollect the distinct aim of each. The Association has kept from want and destitution eleven thousand women and children, and has found situations for, and set up for life, more than two hundred soldiers’ wives. The public liberality has placed at its disposal nearly £100,000, and eighty-three local branches are available in furthering the beneficent objects which the Association has in view. The Patriotic Fund, then, is intended to benefit widows the and orphans of soldiers, sailors, and marines, and the Central Association, while not excluding widows and orphans, bestows its care chiefly on wives and families of soldiers only.
