Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1909-04-28
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AIMS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Of the American National Red Cross
Throughout World,

al0 To the sick and wounded in war to
form an emergency corps ready tc
cope with any sudden disaster which.
would overwhelm regularly constituted
hospitals, physicians, to aid, by SER
vices, money and advice in combating
disease, and to furnish general santa
ton.
| Every disaster Of modern times.
whether of war or otherwise, has found
1t on the scene with an organization
perfected and equipped for immediate
work. the benefits of which are I'M
| numbered
| Efficient as 1t has been, UP to 1906
it was a small society with but 3Ot
members; not to be compared in num-
bers or efficiency with the Red Cross
| in other countries. In 1904 it was re-
organized and in 1905 Incorporated by
act Of Congress with the purpose OF
making it. as abroad, representative Of
| the whole people,"
1t is closely affiliated with the Unit
ed States government, it's accounts be-
ing audited by the war department and
an annual report being made to Con-
gress. The reorganization provides for
states, territories and colonial branch
eS of which 81 have been formed since
| 1905. These branches are still further
divided into local circles in cities and
towns, one of which was formed in
Gardiner Monday with 20 members.
lat present, and for some time to
come, to acquire a large and widely
distributed membership will be duty
of first Importance with the Red Cross
Newspapers may do much to bring il
to public attention; churches can as
sist by having notices read from the
pulpit with d few words from the pas
tor urging members of the congrega-
ton to join. Boards of trade, social OF
~fraternal organizations and Others
should try to induce their members tc
join. Physicians should bring it to the
notice of their patients and its objects
should be explained in the schools"
The only requirement for member
ship is the payment of the annual dues
of 81 to the treasurer of the local cir
Gle; beyond payment of dues Red Cross
work is purely voluntary.
These moneys. are used for current
expenses and to form three separate
emergency funds, local, State and Ma
tiOnal, % per cent. remaining in the
treasury Of the local circle; 70 per cent
being divided equally between the State
Branch and the National or Central
Body at Washington.
Since January, 1905, $246,000 have
been sent to famine sufferers in Japan
over $2,0o0000 to San Francisco, anG
large amounts to Messina and else
where.
"Tne Red Cross has no active relief
function unless the regular relief in
stitutions are over-strained. In times
of war or disaster these institutions
whether the government, the hospitals,
or the regular relief institutions have
regular duties to perform as at othe.
times, and are seldom able to divert
part of their resources for this extra
work; nor should it be necessary for
them to sacrifice their regular work
for them to sacrifice their regular work
for emergency work. "A citizens relief
committee. such as is usually organized
at such time takes time to form ano
becomes more and more efficient the
less use there is for its services Be
sides, the first days of disaster are
the most vital of all. The Red Cross
aims to become organized in each
community in advance, with it's con-
composed of men and women in whom
the community have confidence, SO ina
either in the outbreak of war, or in
the event of sudden calamity, this
skeleton organization could spring intd
immediate activity, with funds ready
in advance"
The Red Cross member is the
Minute Man of Disaster without whom
untold misery and loss of life would
occur a special branch of it's work
in sanitation is its fight against tuber-
culosis. This is financed largely through
the sale of Red Cross stamps. over
300, 900 of which We're sold in Maine dur
ing the 1908 holidays: 5616 being sold
in Gardiner. All of this fund is eX-
pended within the State, 35 per cent.
being allotted to the State at large ana
the balance of 65 per cent. to the circle
in the community where sold. Gar
diners circle will receive, when sales
costs are deducted. about S325O of the
fund. The Hebron Sanatarium was al
loted $40 and any amounts uIl...l,r,
for by the cities: probably enough to
double the allotment. The Maine AS
sociation for the Study and Prevention
OF Tuberculosis received about $500
AS this work and the means Tor ralS-
ing funds therefor are better under
stood it's scope and efficiency will be
greatly extended. and sale of at least
half a million stamps is predicted for
1909
Membership in the Red Cross in
wolves no compulsory duties but those
who cannot actively engage can JOIN
and help with their annual dollar.
All men and women are eligible and
all are needed. for we know not when
or where the daily disasters of disease
and death may next afilict us
In time of peace prepare for war, and
in time of safety prepare to meet
disaster
Japan has over 100000 members.
The United States can have lo,eoo."oo
easily. Join and help by sending your
dollar to Ammi Davenport, treasurer
of Gardiner Circle.
(Signed) d. H. DARLING,
Secretary Pro Tenn.
A DELIGHTFUL EVENING