The daily Alaskan., 1914-12-12
THE RELIEF FUND

separate occasions recently respond ed liberally to appeals made to them through the American branch Of the Red Cross society to raise money for tho FeIIef of the desti- tute and suffering h the countries where. the great conflict between the warning European nations is now going on, and the funds so raised have been forwarded to the head quarters of the association in New York, from which distributions of food and clothing are being made daily.
 Like relief measures have also teen instituted in or are under way in other portions of Alaska wit the assumption that all moneys so raised will be devoted to the use Of those who are in need, Of what soeyer nationality: but We received through the mail last night & com munication from Fairbanks that gives out the information, of which we were not before aware. that et- forts are being made in this terri tory, as well as elSwhere in the United States, by German sympa- thizers 10 collect a fund for the exclusive use of the unfOrtunates Of that nation, and that the Solicita- tions are being made in manner calculated to mtslead the general public into the belief that donations so made are for the relief of people of all nationalitieS.
 The letter is as follows;
 Fairbanks. Nov. 20, 1914. The Editor,
 Skagway Alaskan,
 Dear Srr:-On September 3, 1914 the American Red Cross society called for one million dollars. sup plemented later by further efforts 10 raise additional funds, 10 be used in caring for the sick and wounded of all the nations now at war in Europe, without distinction as to nationality.
 Following this, during the past tw months German Rympsihizers in Al aska- instituted a movement for the collection of funds for the German Red Cross, which works under. ana Is an integral part Of the German army, brooking no interference from outside sources, and in every eS- sential distinct from the voluntary Red Cross organization existing in most of the civilized countries of ;he world. Subscription lists in connection with this purely German movement have been circulated throughout the territory, purporting' 1t is said, to be in behalf of the International Red Cross society, which so-called organization has no existence In fact.
  Is no doubt but that many Alaskans are subscribing funds to the German Red Cross, under a total misappre- tension as to the purposes for which their subscriptions will be de voted, and under the belief that such funds will be expended in the care of the sick and wounded of all the-:warring nations, irrespective Of nationality. From the facts stated, relative to the independent mihteIy.~ organization of the Ger man Red Cross, such general assist ance can only be true of funds sub scribed directly to a neutral organ ization, which is personified by the American Red Cross society, whose efforts, as mentioned above, are not confined to any particular na- tion, but are directed indiscrimin- ately In behalf of the sick and wounded Of all the warning coun- tries. .,
 For the purpose of insuring that the American Red Cross society shall receive due support from this section of Alaska, a committee for the raising of funds was appointed some weeks ago, headed by the mayor Of Fatrbonks ns chairman, and immediately proceeded to work along the following lines:
 On November [, 1914, a grand Mardi Gras benefit dance was held in Fafrbanks' attert being widely ad- yertised, and, pr6yed an unparalleled