The Washington times., 1902-05-13
RED CROSS SOCIETY
PREPARES FOR WORK
Executive Committee Called
to Meet Today.
Arrangements Will Be Made to Appeal
to the Public for Funds for
Relief of Distress.

The Red Cross Society has already
taken steps looking to the sending of
relief to the survivors OF the Martinique
disaster.
In the absence of Miss Clara Barton the
Initiative on the part of the society has
fallen upon Gen. John NJ. Wilson, the
first vice president, who has called a
meeting of the executive committee for
this afternoon at 4 o'clock, at the State
Department. 1t is expected that call
will then be issued to the public, recit-
ing the exigencies of the situation and
appealing for help for the sufferers.
Secretary s. W. Briggs, OF the Red
Cross, last night received dispatch from
Mr.. Francis Atwater, wealthy resident
of Meriden. Conn, who was actively en-
gagged in the relief work in Cuba, offer
ing his services in the present instance
and stating that he was ready for imme-
date service. His telegram will be placed
before the executive committee this af
ternoon, and 1t is probable that the work
OF distribution will be delegated to him.
1t has been customary heretofore upon
taken by Miss Clara Barton, the president
of the Red Cross Association, toward af-
fording immediate relief. but she left
Washington last Wednesday for New York.
and sailed on the French line steamer for
Havre en- route to the international meet
ing at st. Petersburg. She was accom-
panied by Col. Nicholas Sem, formerly
chief surgeon of the volunteer forces in
Cuba; s. F. Tillinghaust, of Iowa, and Ad-
miral Van Reypen. the ex-Surgeon General
of the Navy. Mrs. ]. Ellen Foster the
delegate TO the convention. sailed on the
preceding steamer. and has probably al
ready reached her destination. The French
steamer will probably be sighted today or
tomorrow, and as soon as Miss Barton is
aware of the terrible condition Of affairs,
it is thought that she will Immediately
place herself in communication with the
local body. The conference in St. Peters,
burg begins May 90.
Need for Quick Action.
The need of immediate help was Official
ly brought to the attention of the officers
of the Red Cross yesterday afternoon by
the officials of the State Department who
laid before General Wilson. as the rank
ing officer of the society. Il cablegram from
the United States consul at Guadeloupe
setting forth the urgent need of sup
plies. and making an appeal for help from
the Red Cross.
1t was after l o'clock in the afternoon
when this communication reached General
Wilson, who decided that it was too late
in the day to reach all OF the members
OF the executive committee yesterday. and
accordingly he issued the call for this at-
ternoon at 4 o'clock.
The executive committee consists of
Miss Clara Barton, president; Cen John
NJ. Wilson, first vice president; Mrs. John
a. Logan, second vice president; b. II.
Warner. Simon Wolf. W. II. Michael
chief clerk OF the State Department; A. ;
c. Kaufman. of Charleston. 5. c.: Mrs /
Sarah a. Spencer. Mrs. ]. Ellen Foster,
Miss Mabel T. Boardman. and Miss Bes-
sic E. Kihby. All of them are believed
to be in the city, with the exception Of !
Miss Barton, Mr.. Kaufman, Mrs. Foster, |
and Miss Kibby, and will be present ut
the meeting this afternoon.
There is in the treasury of the Red |
Cross at this time only between 81. 500 /!
and $1,000, and in accordance with the !
usual procedure on such occasions. a I
call will be issued to the public for what !
ever money or supplies they may feel |
disposed to contribute.
II is stated that of all Of the executive |
committee. Mr.. Warner is the only n en-
Der who has had practical experience in |
the work OF relief, he having been in
charge of the raising of funds in this
city during the Cuban war, and rs Ie-
suit he will be looked to for guidance in
whatever is done this afternoon.