The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-05-03

So many questions have been asked in re-
gard to the Red Cross movement, its work
ing methods its relation to the war depart
ment, its management Of supplies and so
forth, that 1t is not amiss to answer some Of
the questions for the benefit of a large num-
Der OF women who are. anxious to lend their
aid in the present crisis. The answers are
drawn from a little paper-covered book is
sued by the American National Red Cross in
1895 '.@.
Besides history of the Red Cross the
book contains and address by Miss Barton,
delivered before the International Council of
Women.
The Red Cross is Confederation of relief
societies in different countries. the aim of
which is to ameliorate the condition of the
sick and wounded soldiers In time of war;"
A central society is formed in each country
This central organization forms auxiliary So
cieties. which are to be permanent and to c.
cupy themselves during times of peace in
whatever would tend to their greater eff
cheney; in maintaining schools for nurses: in
studying new inventions and discoveries in
their line of work. in keeping up close in
tercourse with each other, that all might
benefit by interchange Of ideas: in collecting
money and stores to be drawn upon in case
of need.
essential duties the securing Of recognition
by its government. and the establishing Of
sympathetic relations with it."
BY the Geneva treaty
Forty Governments
agree chat hospitals containing the sick and
wounded shall be held neutral by belligerents
so long as thus occupied" that neutrality
and security" shield "all persons empIoyed in
the care of the inmates of the hospital, sur
geons, chaplins, nurses, attendants even after
the enemy has gained the ground: but when
no longer required for the wounded they shall
be promptly conveyed under escort TO the ont
posts of the enemy to rejoin the corps to
which they belong"
The Swiss Red Cross. which was the orig
inal organization, is the head center of all
the organizations, and the flag, with its red
cross OF Tour equal arms on a ground of
Whlte' IS the national ensign Of Switzerland,
with coors reversed. Each national society is
Independent. making its own regulations .ex-
cept as it owes allegiance to the head cen+er
in respect to a few fundamental princinIes
essential to unity of direction and successful
action" These fundamental principles really
define the modus operandi of each oreaniz.
ton. They read:
Il. In each country there shall he ono
national, central society, to whit h the aExt,iar
societies in that country shall be tributary
the central society being the medium Of com.
munication for all with the seat of war and
with medical authorities. 1t is through tbi
central society that the work is recognized by
government
SO. That societies in time of peace shall Loo,.
themselves constantly prepared for war tins
securing permanency of organization fTbo
American Red Cross devotes itself NOT onI~
to distress brought on by war. but stands
ready to relieve suffering caused by fire
famine, flood and SO forth)
SO. That during war their succor shall,
be extended to m fC
Foe Equally With Friend,
whenever necessary.
"A. That societies whose countries are q,
peace may send relief to bellieerent armios
without being considered to violate any prin-
ciple Of neutrality to (which their govern.
ments may be pledged.
%. Auxiliary societies. are formed, as many
as are found desirable and useful. to co-oper.
ate with the centrals society"
That the American lRed Cross methods
may be better understood, we quote para.
graph descriptive of its work in the time of
disaster:
''To prevent vast and untold suffering. re-
lief must be swift; Therefore complete pro-
vision and preparation are essential, When
the WORD speeds over the wires that fires
have broken out IN the forests of Northern
Michigan and that thousands are fleeing for
their lives from burning dwellings, and are
without food the president of the central
society in Washington telegraphs the COM
mittees in Milwaukee and Chicago to hasten
to the scene. In few hours they are en-
route. Miss Barton, with her own assistants.
also, and as many from other auxiliaries as
she thinks necessary, at once set out. Ample
supplies are drawn upon and cars are load
ed with everything that can possibly be
wanted Tools. clothes. beds, bedding cook
ing utensils, tubs, soap. oil, tables and chairs
are part of the cargo
The central society of the American Red