Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1882-05-11
THE RED CROSS.
what its Agent is Doing In Louisiana
40 Mitigate sorrow and Relieve
Those i'm Need.
New Orleans Picaxnne.

Mr.. j, B. Hubbell, of Ann Arbor, Mich, is
now in the city, representing the Society of
the Red Cross. The adhesion of the United
States 10 the convention OF Geneva, to which
there are now above thirty signatories,
marks an epoch in the history of peace.
could be a common tribunal to
srbitrate, would abolish war. That
thirty two nations have signed ten
articles, even though the field of their use Is
limited, is auspicious of increased harmony
in future. The mitigation of the evils insep-
arabic from war, the suppression OF needless
seventies, and the amelioration of soldiers
common sympathetic nature, offer a common
ground of union, a beginning of concord.
The organization of the Red Cross is
simple. An international committee at
Geneva, whose president is Mr.. G. Moy-
nier, acts as the intermediate agent between
national committees. The American Associ-
alton OF the Red Cross has its Office at WASH
ington, and the president Ia Miss Clara Bar
ton, who was nominated by President Gar
field. This Central National Association
has power to organize State and Territorial
associations auxiliary to itself. The first
local society in the United States was the
Danville Society of the Red Cross at Dan
vile, Livingston county, N. \. Each local
society can make its own constitution, what.
ever it likes, bearing in mind its great mis-
sion, which is well stated in the con-
cultivate a broad spirit of phiIan-
thropy; to obtain, translate and circulate
the literature of the Red Cross Of foreign
societies." ito accumulate funds and mate
rial; to provide nurses and assistance, if
need be, and hold these for use or service in
war, and also in case of other calamities, as
famine, pestilence, or fire, great as to be
l. l.. -
service to be rendered only upon call of the
National Association of the Red Gross, at
Washington, d. c., through the State Asso-
citation of New York" The Picdylrne a short
time ago referred to the fact that the Society
of the Red Cross in the United States had
determined to exert its influence in allay-
isg the suffering caused by the inunda-
ton of the Mississippi valley. Such great
calamity Is truly national, because Its conse-
quences are not limited to its location. Mr..
HubbeIl is here to investi .ate for himself
where the funds raised are most needed, and
will also endeavor to establish branches in
this State. 1t will be some time before the
water will entirely subside, and longer yet
before the sutferings viii cease and the nor
mail order of self-support be wholly REIN
stated. The government aid is exhausted,
and private help must be depended on.
Without system and Organization, pri-
yate charity cannot reach far or be wisely
controlled. Under the auspices Of the Red
Cross every dollar devoted to the purpose
will be put where il will perform real service.
We hope that our people will not be content
to permit other States to monopoliZe either
the glory of the present crusade or the insti-
tuition itself. A State association for Louisi-
ana should be organized, and local societies,
without delay. Thus we can not only help
in our own need now, but be ready to help
in any case of need hereafter"