Evening star., 1914-09-28

undertaken by <hat organisation
In connection with the war
abroad.
Owing to the efficient and permanent
basis on which it is organized. as well
as its worldwide affiliations. the
American National Red Cross is not
only the most convenient but the most
logical medium for the aid proffered
by the American people and people OF
other nationalities within its borders
TO the injured and destitute of Euro
pean countries in the great war. This
is the substance of a statement issued
today by the headquarters of the or
ganization and signed by Miss Mabel
Boardman, chairman, national relief
board. American National Red Cross.
The communication goes into the rea-
son for the existence of the society.
the facilities possessed by it both as
the result of it's own past labors and
cries the apparent tendency to have in
the field so many agencies tending to-
ward the same end.
Purposes of Organization.
Ahc titeu StdttS government, II
says. recognizing, as have all the
other governments, that a permanent
organization is an agency needed in
every nation to carry out the purpose
of said treaty (the treaty of Geneva),
and especially to secure supplies and
to execute the humane objects con-
templated by said treaty. created by
special act of Congress the American
National Red Cross.
The purposes of the organization, as
set forth in its charter. are: To fur
nish volunteer aid to the sick and
wounded of armies in time Of war in
accordance with the spirit and condi-
tions Of the conference Of 9eneva-and
Tor said purposes to perform all the
ciety by each nation which has ac-
ceded to said treaty-to act in matters
of volunteer relief between similar ma
tional societies and the government
and the people of the United States of
America-and to continue to carry on
system of national and International
relief and apply the same in mitigating
the sufferings caused by great calami-
ties
The ineficiency, the wastefulness,
the lack Of experience and responsible
tty of temporary committees. brought
forth by the demand and excitement of
war. led to the creation of the perma-
nent organization Of the Red Cross.
BY means Of such permanent society
efhciency was obtained, not only by
system and organisation. but by prac-
tfce and experience. Because Of it's re-
lationship with the government it re-
ceives special opportunities to study
war conditions. and often obtains
through the State, War and Navy de-
partments confidential information. BY
means OF its association with the Red
Cross societies of other countries and
by the aid of their numerous reports
nv
tions it gains knowledge that further
especially fits it to carry out it's duties.
Accounts Matters of Public Record.
The fact that it is a permanent or
ganization places upon 1t the necessity
for the maintenance of public conf
dence in it's integrity and in it's ability
to administer the funds intrusted to it.
All the accounts of the Red Cross are
audited by the War Department, and
an annual report made to Congress;
its receipts and expenditures are mat
ters of public record, printed as pub
lie documents. and fled for reference
in government archives.
1t 1s- therefore somewhat unfortu-
nate that so many temporary commit
tees have sprung into existence for
war relief purposes. For every coun-
try involved in the war, except possi-
bly, Japan, relief committees have been
established in the United States; and
IL some cases two or three committees,
for different kinds of relief. If such
committees are composed of the ma
tionals of the countries involved, and
their appeals are made only to their
fellow-countrymen now resident in the
United States. such committees, prop
eriy Endorsed by their respective diplo-
matte representatives, are justified in
their existence Besides these commit
tees of foreigners various American
associations have been formed to solicit
contributions. Moreover. American in
merce, etc, in Europe. have written
and cabled appeals for funds from
friends, churches. associations and
chambers OF commerce in America. Ali
these numerous appeals have. unfortu-
nately. led to constant and confused
demands upon the public.
Record of Contributions.
"It would appear logical that all
funds contributed by Americans should
pass through the medium of the Ma
tional Red Cross. In no other way can
a record Of the total contributions be
obtained and preserved. This is due, in
justice to the American people; but
there Is far more important reason
why the Red Cross should be the
agency utilized. Temporary commit
tees are organized chiefly for the col
lection of funds. and inquiries as to
plans and methods for the administra.
tion of such funds rarely receive a deh-
mite or satisfactory reply.
The Red Cross, with its international
relief board, of which the counselor OF
the State Department is chairman; with
IT'S war relief board, of which the sur
geons general Of the army and navy
are chairman and vice chairman; with
its various specially trained depart.
Inents and personnel: with its knowl-
edge and experience. must naturally be
better fitted to undertake relief than
any other agency IN the country. Fur.
thermore. in eight and a half years 1,
mas wisely and carefully administered
more than eight and a half millions OF
dollars in relief work after serious dis.
asters- For this reason it would seen
equally well fitted to administer reIie
not only for the sick and wounded, bu,
for all the unhappy sufferers from tn.
calamity Of war.
Therefore, created for the purpose o.
rendering war relief. a permanent or
ganization, trained and experienced
the American Red Cross is the bes
agency for the American people u
utilize in the relief Of war-stricken Eu
rope"