The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-02-16

aid in all events of national character, where
local relief means are inadequate to the wants,
such as the Cincinnati floods.
The society is distinctivey national in its
character. Local charities or methods are never
in anv case interfered with. Only great emer-
gencies that rise superior to the situation call
forth efforts The society might be APPLY likened
to a vehicle in which means can be safely trans
ported to any part of the United States the sur
plus, if such there be, returned and retained for
future want"
What is the strength of the society in Amer
lear asked the reporter.
I'VE have over sixty organizations in the vaPi-
GUS larger cities, representing millions of dollars,
and capable Of furnishing a vast amount of re-
lief"
Would you oblige me with general state
ment of the practical workings of the society,""
with pleasure Perhaps | could give you no
better idea than to tell YOU what the society did
in the flooded districts along the Ohio, and espe-
cially at Cincinnati last year When the wants
became greater than the resources of the people,
| at once telegraphed to each of the organiza-
lions over the country informing them that aid
was needed at Cincinnati. That same evening
reply came from the association at Memphis,
saying, Draw on us at sight for $780, raised at a
gathering OF a few members this afternoon
The Field Marshal was at Cincinnati and the
result was that by o'clock the next morning the
money was in his hands for use of the sufferers.
Rochester responded with $1,000, New Orleans
with $1,000, etc, all over the land.
In some instances supplies of food
and clothing were sent The organ
ization at Syracuse was notified that help was
needed at New Albany. They did not send any
money, but the wagons Of the society were
started through the street under the sign of the
hed Cross, and the result was that s., 900 worth
OF supplies packed in boxes and packages,
marked with the sign of the society, were
shipped from that city to New Albany within
four days. In this manner the work went on
from all parts of the United States until the dis
tress had been alleviated
THE officers of the society at the scene of the
flood had personal supervision of all moneys and
supplies, and this prevented any misplaced chart
ty as nearly such result be attained
under such circumstances. When the sos
ciety ceased its efforts the most remarkable
recitals of suffering at Cincinnati
were being sent broadcast over the country but +;
no excited or exaggerated statements could !
effect the society, for its agents at the scene of
the flood viewed the situation calmly and inn
passionately, and when they telegraphed that
there was surplus of $4,000 in the hands of
the local relief committee and the suffering
nearly allayed, the work was ended Each So
ciety is credited with its contribution, and the
business is transacted through one of the most
reliable banks in Washington. Should there be
a surplus after such work as was done in 1885, it
is placed on deposit and there remains until the
society is again called upon"
In further conversation, Miss Barton said she
would continue her journey to-day and that the
methods employed in 1883 would again be put i'll
practice.