The Washington times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1901-1902, 1902-05-14
RED CROSS ASKS FOR
MONEY and SUPPLIES
Will Cooperate With Gov
eminent in Relief Work.
No Independent Action to Be Taken
Receipts to Be Turned Over to
National Relief Committee.

The National Red Cross Society will CO.
operate with the Government In reliev-
ing the distress on the island Of Mar
Unique. No independent action will bi
taken. The society will confine its work
to the issuance Of an appeal for help and
will place all contributions in the hands
Of the Government agents for distribu-
tion among the sufferers.
This decision was reached yesterday
afternoon at meeting OF the executive
committee Of the Red Cross. after having
consulted with the President and the Sec
rotary of War.
Every member of the committee who is
in the city was present at the State De-
partment when the meeting was called to
order by Gen. John NJ. Wilson, United
States Army. retired, the first vice presi-
dent Of the association. The several dis
patches that had been received at the
items in the stricken districts Of Mar
Unique and st. Vincent were laid before
the committee.
To Tender Services.
Following a general discussion of the
situation, subcommittee was appointed
to wait upon President Roosevelt and
tender the services of the Red Cross As
ISOLATION In the work OF relieving the
distress. This committee consisted of
General Wilson, Miss Mabel Boardman
Mrs. John A. Logan. and B. H. Warner.
1t was stated that the Red Cross was
organized originally as a neutral organi-
zation that might be able to go unmo-
Tested into the thick of conflicts and rem
der aid to the injured and that the rem
dering Of succor to sufferers by great
caIamities was afterward determined
upon There was. however, n general feel
ing that In the present instance every
thing possible should be done and the
was directed to wait upon the
President and ascertain his wishes in the
premises.
Mr. Roosevelt received the committee
and expressed pleasure at the eagerness
Of the society to aid in the great work.
He felt. however, that it was an opportu-
nifty for the people of the United States
,s a nation 10 display friendly sentiments
merit. and he claimed 1t as a privilege
hat the work OF rescue should rest pri-
narily with the Government itself. He
lsked for the cooperation Of the So
,icty in the work. however, and sug-
rested that the committee confer with
he Secretary of War as to the most prac-
icable methods to pursue.
Ready to Cooperate.
After seeing Secretary Root the dele
alton returned to the State Depart
nent and reported to the full committee
he following resolution was then unani-
1ously adopted:
Resolved. in view of the fact that the
had promptly and efficiently IN
ertaken. under the authority of Congress,
0 afford relief to the stricken people of
he West Indies. upon whom a great ca
imity has fallen. That the American Ma
lonal Red Cross Is ready to cooperate
18th the President in his laudable endeav
r. and to render all possible aid to sup
cement the work of the Government, and
D request all persons who have invariably
allied TO the support of the Red Cross in
IS work of humanity, to contribute money
r supplies. and forward them to Hon /
ornelius n. Bliss. of New York, who has
cen designated by the President as treas
rer, or II preferred, money may be sent
D W. ]. Flather, treasurer Of the National |
ed Cross, Riggs National Bank, Wash
igton, ID. c.. and that the acting presi- |
ent. Gen. John NJ. Wilson. be authorized |
, issue an appeal to the country for con-
'ibutions OF money or supplies
The committee adjourned subject to the
Ill of the vice president.
May Do Active Work Later.
1t was thought probable that later on.
hen the General Government shall have
'mpleted its work, there may then be
opportunity for the Red Cross to take
, the work where the General Govern
ent leaves 1t. If. however. it develops
at there is need of nurses and hospital
pplies in quantities the Red Cross will
take such action as may be
'cessary to supply the demands of the
tuation.
Pending further calls the prefer OF Mr..
'ancis Atwater, of Meriden, Conn, to
to the front and personally direct the |
Drk of the Red Cross will not be &C
pied.
1t is likely that some word may be re-
lived today from Miss Clara Barton, who
expected to arrive at Havre either to-
y or tomorrow at the latest. She will
en-. for the first time. be made aware
the terrible disaster. The officers of
G Red Cross in this city do not think
probable that she will abandon her
sit to St. Petersburg on this account.
I are expecting a cablegram at the earl
Il possible moment.
The society is particularly anxious TO
ciprocate for the generous action of the
ench society during the Spanish war, in
wing raised $4,000 francs for the aid of
Q society's work in Cuba. This was the
-gest donation received from any of the
'eign countries during the Spanish war.
4 prefer of assistance was received yes
day from the Philadelphia Red Cross
ciety, as well as from the Wheeling
Lelligencer."
An Appeal for Aaid.
after the adjournment Of the committee
sterday afternoon. General Wilson pre-
red and issued the following appeal to
: American people on behalf of the Red /
Oss:
AT a meeting of the American National i
d Cross Association, in absence of Miss
IRA Barton. whc. as a delegate from the
ited States 20 the Red Cross convention I
St Petersburg. is now en- route to Eu-
pc, the first vice president was directed
issue the following appeal for the suf
ers of the Martinique and st. Vincent
asters:
The American National Red Cross ap- +
Ills to the people OF the United states
send money and supplies in aid of the
ferers in Martinique and st. Vincent.
Q unparalleled calamity needs no words
eloquence to arouse the active aid
i sympathy of our people. We there