The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-12-08
Henry P. Dawson Addresses
Eager Audience on Work of
Mercy Backed by Americans
CROWD is THRILLED
BY STARING RECITAL
Rev. DR.. Allan MacRossie and
Ivy l.. Lee Describe What
They Saw on Recent Visits
to Western and Italian F ronts

The story of a new world and q
new civilization was related last night
at the City Auditorium story that
has not been put into gilt-edged tones
nor In editions de luxe, but a story of
the war of humanity; the nerve
straining heart breaking conflict be-
tween monster and man; the end OF
which Is peace and rest, which comes
after man and God have won
II was the story of the American
Red Cross, told by its leader, Henry
p. Dawson,
The City Auditorium was crowded
with people who were bent upon
learning .nnEe- ofLthe-g reat-conh1ct
which Is now raging IN the midst of
which the United States finds itself.
and the work OF the American Red
Cross in connection Herewith. Many
OF those present had sons and broth
ers and fathers at the front and at
the camps preparing TO give their all
for humanity. Nothing could have
kept them away from the great mass
meeting. not even German gun.
They were there 10 learn from tirst
hand. and they were not disappointed.
fer they heard from the lips OF the
man who had been Instrumental in
building the American Red Cross 10
It's colossal height.
They also heard from a man who
but now has returned from the de-
vastated fields Of France and the
- urukvu- tr-ttF o. yITTrTy tratv-7 II trey
heard further from man who has
handled the details Of the great work
as It has grown month Icy month ana
hour by hour
Henry r. Dawson. chairman OF the
American Red Cross war council; Raw.
DR. Allan Mao aoSsie, Of ST Andrew 8
church, New y ork, a seotchman. with
n csnny lrogue, Jus, tack from the
trenches. aud Ivy t. Lee secretary TO
Ir. Dawson. were the men wfse tcis
the tale
Tusy Day for Visitors.
Mr.. Dawson and his party reached
The city early yesterday morning, and
were taken in hand by committee
headed by Coleman WORKMAN, chair
man OF the Richmond Red Cross chap
ter. who escorted them over the city
on Sightseeing <3our- Latter they
were entertained At luncheop at the
Commonwealth club, and In the" early
afternoon MIR. Dawson spoke to a psrv
ty OF local Red Cross workers and of
noers at the jefferson. At gao "a din
nsr was served the party at the home
of John SHELTON Williams. comptroller
Of the currency, and from Paxton"
Mr.. Williams country home, the par
ty proceeded to the auditorium. where
a crowded house greeted them. In the
party were Governor Stuart. Mayor
Atnslie, and a score OF prominent cit
ixens
Mr., Dawson told of the rise of the
Red Cross how 1t started with a few
people and no money. and arose to
millions with as much money as Ia
needed for any specific purpose. He
said that in the beginning there were
numerous weii-meaning people. ana
numerous relief associations. all ready
and willing to do their share, but that
II was the business of the Red Cross
NJ Me suggestion OF the allies, to get
4 coordination of interests and A
ununtmfty of puTpoEs with a can
tralixation OF effort. so that everything
might be done for the relief OF human
fly under some general directing head,
without confusion.
Not q Close Corporation.
I'VE did not go in as a big influential
body of men" said Mr.. Dawson, but
az a mobilization OF the souls OF the
people Everybody is at home in the
American Rcd Cross While the pri-
mary object is to make every provision
for the comfort of the sailors and sol
Atsrs. the home service for destitute
and needy families OF sailors and sol
Aiers and others who may suffer from
the ravages Of war is a strong Incentive
TO activity on the part of the Red
Cross Our membership embraces
specialists in every line of endeavor
And In every trade and calling We
have sent our men and women and
our money to France, to RUSSIA, to the
Ralkfns, to Syria. Poland. and to every
nlerA whara thav ara paadaA
You ask why the government does
no. do this work. No government can
do II. This emergency relief must
be given by individuals. without red
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