Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-08
termed their meritorious service in relic
of human misery
President Taft's Address.

Immediately after the presentation of
the medals President Taft delivered
short address, in which he said his hope
as chief executive of the society was
that an endowment fund of about $780,
600 could be acquired for emergency pur-
poses He also reviewed the work of the
society. both from national and an in
ternational standpoint, for the past
year.
These meetings. he said do not
seem to grow in numbers, and they do
not by any means represent the growth
and usefulness of this organization and
the demonstration that it has made from
time to time. during each year, of the
necessity for it's continued life of the
need for permanent foundation that
shall make it one of the American in
stitutions.
Evidence of It's Usefulness.
During the last year the society has
shown what it could do in its assistance
to Italy, after the earthquake to eastern
Turkey, after the massacres, and to Mex
leo after the floods. 1t seems to be
necessary in some way or other to fill
the American eye and to fill the Ameri-
can ear before you can arouse them to
contributions, and when YOU have dis
aster such as that in Italy, which ap-
pealed to all, we are most generous.
and SO it is with respect to the Christ
mas stamp. That seems to fill the eye of
the public. and it's connection with tnber-
culosis carries good revenue with it.
But when it comes to the contributions
of a dollar a year. when it comes to the
to the establishment by these small con-
tributions of large endowment fund,
the matter moves slowly.
Il am sure somebody is going to be
T hrv no 10 Inr al d1 rryho
will give us large endowment. In our
ina ginations we might as well make it as
large as we need. | think we ought to
have an endowment of about S5,oW,OO0
We have been modest and have asked
only for 100000. but if any one has an
extra $3.OOO.UOO he need not be restricted
by the limitation put in and caused by
our modesty.
In the Presiding Business.
1t gives me great pleasure to come
here and preside. 1 am in the presiding
business at present and any variety from
the burdens of a particular presidency
am only too willing to accept. l am glad
to be able to seize the position of presi-
] dent of the Red Cross for a few moments
| in order that | may he the organ of the
society in delivering to Mr.. Griscom. re-
Gently the ambassador of the United
States to Italy. gold medal, to evidence
| to him the appreciation of the society
and l know the society speaks for the
people of the United States, in the great
work which was done by him and by his
| associates for the poor people of Italy
who were subjected to that stunning
that terrible disaster in the southern part
/ of Italy and in Sicily
! immediately after his speech President
( Taft turned the gayel over to Robert w
De Forrest. vice president and left the
building To keep important engagements
at the White House executive offices.
! The opposition which, it is intmated
was forming yesterday against the pro
posed changes in the society's bylaws
Were adopted unanimously. In addition
to the general board changes the amend
ed bylaws provide for the centralizine
of the state branches with the state
governor as the presiding officer and al
increase In the assessment of life mem
beers from SD to 500. 1t was stated tn.
changes will bring about more effectiv.
disposition of routine business arisns
between the national officers and stat,
orsaniZati tons.
Election of Officers.
The election of officers resulted il
President Taft being again chosen presi
den1 of the society. Robert w. De For
rest vice president, Charles d. Morton
treasurer. Charles J.. Magee secretar,
and Henry NJ. Hoyt counselor. The onl,
change in the offices was the election o
Mr.. Norton to succeed Beekman Win
throp treasurer.
Other elections Tor the day in the vari