Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-07-06
RED GROSS PREPARED.

In an article entitled, Making
Ready for Mexico" which will appear
in the July number OF the American
Red Cross Magazine. Ernest P. Bick-
nell, national director of the Ameri-
can Red Cross, describes the Red
Cross plan OF action In the event of
war and shows that the organization
is prepared for such an emergency.
One point Mr.. Bicknell stresses is that
mediation has given the Red Cross
an opportunity to help many refugees
out OF Mexico. 1t is a comprehensive
story which illustrates the value of
having a permanent, organized relief
force.
The promise OF peace. order and
an established government in Mexico
brightens along the horizon as these
lines are being written, early in June"
says the director. ITO no one does
this promise bring greater satisfac-
ton and rejoicing than to those who
are charged with the duty of direct
ing the policies and activities OF the
American Red Cross. While the peo-
pie of the United States are hoping
that war may be avoided, one cause
for qualification will remain even
though this hope be disappointed.
This is to be found in the fact chat
the period of quiet which has existed
since the beginning OF the mediation
conference has afforded an opportu-
nifty for thousands of American citi-
zens whose lives were in jeopardy in
Mexico to make their escape from
danger and TO reach their homes in
safety.
I'm the event OF war. the duties OF
the Red Cross would be many and its
responsibilities great. Its operations
in connection with the war would be
under the direction OF the military and
naval authorities. but il would be ex-
pected TO provide a large number OF
persons for service in various capaci-
ties and large quantities of necessary
supplies of a character which could
not well be provided by the army or
navy. The duties of the Red Cross
would have to do with the sick and
wounded and with prisoners of war"
The duties of the several Red Cross
departments in war times are given
in detail. The system established is
shown to be one which can become
instantly active and effective.
Writing from Vera Cruz, Mexico.
Charles Jenkinson. an experienced
Red Cross agent who is in charge of
the field headquarters of the Red
Cross. tells in the same issue Of the |
Red Cross Magazine of the cleanup |
work in the seized port and also re- |
ports many novel and thrilling expe- |
riences while rescuing refugees along |
the east coast of Mexico. On a char |
tered steamer he visited some eight |
ports between Vera |
Cruz and Progreso and picked up 1
many refugees. He was officially in
formed at one place that he would be
killed. He went ashore alone at an
,ther port and found an entire garri-
son of Mexican soldiers lined up with
guns trained on him. Mr.. Jenkinson's
story is accompanied by number OF
taken by himself.
Jane A. Delano. chairman OF the
committee on Red Cross
1ursing service. is the author OF an
,ther story in the July magazine which
ieaIs in part with preparations for
Mexican eventualities. 1t pictures a
permanent nursing service. in which
re nearly 5000 graduate nurses will
ng to undertake field service-an or
,anfzatton of which all American citi-
ems might well be proud, and. in It. :
elf a great tribute to womanhood.