New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-04-24
RUSSIAN RED CROSS FAIR.
Countess Cassini's Fete Promises To Be a
Brilliant Success
trRom THE TRIBUNE HUREAU.l

Washington. April 2s-The Russian Red Cross
fair in behalf OF the sick and wounded in the Far
East will be held in Belmont Park next TUESDAY
afternoon and evening under the management OF
the Countess Marguerite Cassin
An official circular announcing this entertainment
has Just been sent out from the Russian Embassy
but since the early days of last month, when the
countess frst decided TO raise a fund to help 'he
Red Cross work Of her country. the chief aim OF
fashionable washington has been to aid in making
her effort a success.
This spontaneous evidence Of friendly interest Is
not only tribute 20 the personal popularity Of the
young Russian bUt is just recognition OF her IN
falling helpfness whenever called on to assist IN
the charitable undertakings of her friends. Her
position as daughter Of the dean OF the diplomatic
corps naturally entails many social obligations but
there are few charitable entertainments given In
Washington under the auspices Of fashionable peo-
pie that do not reckon among their attractions the
piquant young countess in white frock and quaint
hat who may always be relied on % make a small
fortune selling nosegays from tray.
At the very first fear was expressed that official
families could lend no assistance without violating
the neutrality ordered by President Roosevelt. AS
the Russian Red Cross in its ministrations cares
alike for comrade and foe Mrs. Hay. wife Of the
Secretary Of State. settled all doubts by giving TO
the undertaking the prestige OF her name. The
additional patroneses are Sehora Asproz. Baroness
Eengemtiller. Nine Jusserand, Baroness Stern
burg, Lady Durand Mrs. McKenna. Mrs. Hitch
cock Ms. Hale, Mrs. Lodge. Mrs. f1lkinS. Mrs
W.tnlGre, Mrs Depew. Baroness Moncheur, Nine.
CaldCron. Countess Celere. Mrs. Audenried. Mrs
Boardman. Mrs. Cowles Mrs Dewey. Mrs. Draper
Mrs Foster Mrs. Longworth. Mrs. Loomis. Mrs
Potter Palmer Miss Patten. Mrs. Robert Patterson,
Mrs Pinchot Mrs Townsend Mrs Herbert Wads-
worth and Mrs. Walsh.
IN addition to the circular. the fair is being ad-
vertised picturesquey by dozens of posters painted
by well known artists who contested for the $50
prize offered by Countess Cassini with the under
standing that all work sent in TO be the prop
ertv OF the fair. These artistic souvenirs VIII De
ratified late next Tuesday evening The library OF
the embassy has taken on the air OF a storeroom
hacked "a Il IS with contributions that are coming
In from all parts of the country. Inc study taoIe
Is heaped high with silver TOYS. books ana brlca-
brac ana The splendid lfesizc portrait of the am
court looks down majestcally on wooden boxes
Of champagne piled against the opposite wall until
they reach nearly to the mulberry ceiling
And in the midst Of this cheerful chaos countess
r,assIni SAT last night and talked in her frank,
eirlisb wav about the coming fete. \ visitor had
congratulated her upon the size OF ne chechs sle
ha5 received and Of the comfortable assuran noes
they gave Of financial success even before the falr
opened. . ,--,, -, III, 10
Yes" she answered enthusiastically, Il shah be
abla 10 send home a great deal Of money, hope
Tut what most phases me IS the evidence II gives
Every one here and in other cities. is kind that
I cannot help knowing that Russia mas many
American friends in her hour Of war-and that
gladdens my heart I want rich people 10 come
10 the fair and spend money. Oh, yes. But want
the humblest men and women in Washington TO