Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1917-05-10
EVERYBODY CAN HELP

What can I do to help?' is the question which has
been asked by Thousands Of persona. and which has pre-
sented itself to the minds Of Thousands more who have
not given 1t verbal expression.
Under no possible circumstances will moro than a
service. Only men in the prime Of life can serve in any
event. and only a mall proportion of those will be
called on.
As to the rest Of US, what can We do?
There are those too old or too young for army serv-
Ice. There are the millions of women. There are those
who are physically unfit for neld work. And there are
those whose presence is SO urgently needed at home that
they will be. exempted. What can all these do to help to
Mt this nation for the task which c~onfronts It?
There are many ways in which the individual at
homo may be of service. He will serve, among other
which all Of US will perform. But in the field Of individ-
ul and volunteer effort there 10 no other avenue Of serv-
ice SO accessible to so many people a. that Of service
through the Red Cross.
This society. as 1t is organized. 10 a. distinctly O
branch of the government and its activity as is the re-
crutting and training Of an army. It performs a work
which 10 absolutely necessary. 1t ia managed in a man.
ner different from that which governs what are known
as tho Official functions Of the government because, or
sanized as it is. 1t gives a better opportunity for the ef-
fective utilization Of tho energy and the effort Of the peo-
pie than could otherwise be done.
Tho Red Cross is 4 minister Of mercy. 1t brings
comfort to the suffering. and it goes on Its mission of
mercy right into the center of conflict. where its min
istrations are most urgently needed. 1t offers a means
whereby the individual. no matter how poor or how OBJ
scure. may contribute something to the splendid work
for which it has been created, a means whereby the hand
Va I"o " may U0 SNAON0A S>
proper direction of the sympathy and humanity of the
great masses of the people.
The local membership committee Of the Red Cross is
now at work securing subscriptions for this work. Mem
berships range in cost from one dollar a year upward.
The responses which have met the efforts of the commit
tee thus far have been most satisfactory. People gener-
ally are not only willing, but anxious to do what they
can.
Occasionally, though very rarely. a note Of discord
10 struck. In a few cases persons who are abundantfy
able have bluntiy refused to become members Of the so
ciety and to contribute even tho dollar required for the
least expendve membership.
. There is intended no criticism Of those who refrain
from subscribing because they are actually unable to
spare the dollar. There are cases in which the sxpendt-
ture Of even a dollar would be unwarranted. The indi-
vidual must Judge Of his ability for himself. But some OF
those who meet appeals for aid with the brusque state
ment that they haven't any use for the Red Cross and
who convey the impression that they have no use for the
cause in which this nation is enlisted. may find them
selves rudely awakened ono Of these days when the in
dignation which IL felt finds expression.
Neither outright treason and sedition nor slackins
are popular, nor likely to become 70.
There bright warm days We are having now puts
the smile In the makeup of the farmer and in fact all.