Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-05-25
THE CATHOLIC INsTITUT AT PORTLAND

let in the belief that chapters and
communities should be commonly
guided in their efforts by certain con-
sidorations regarded by its officials as
genuinely vital to success.
The first consideration to keep in
mind is that whom the breadwinner
goes to the front, he leaves behind a
family, in which normal conditions are
thrown out Of adjustment. The wife
and mother is forced to assume at
least some OF the husbands regular
family sponsibilities, and the chill
dren will be more or less affected by
this situation. There are some new diff
ficulties. some new hardships, and
possibly some new dangers created in
such home. Obviously. therefore, the
Red Cross worker going into the fam
lily win assume a sympathetic atti-
tude one that will show realization
that here sacrifice has been made for
the country. one that Will not in the
slightest degree offend. but rather will
arouse confidence and pave the way
for right human relationships upon the
basis of which all future dealings may
be based.
The two great object.ves in this
work are the satisfaction of creature
needs, such. as sustenance. shelter,
clothing. etc, and the maintenance of
social we'll being. With the bread
winner gone, regular income must
come from outside sources, unless the
family has independent resources. The
Red Cross aims TO do it's part to pro-
vide such support wherever necessary.
and to Go it with due regard for the
fanlily's Scnsib litieS. Properly also due
regard should be given to conservation
Of the resources Of the organization.
On the Other hand. it should ever be
kept in mind that the family we'll
being is affected by other things than
food. shelter and raiment. Health,
housing and moral conditions need
consideration. To allow these to be ad-
vcrlciy affected and the fam'ly's
standard Of living to lie pulled down
would be most unfortunate, To fail to
give heed to tho moral conditions sur
rounding the hOmC, TO overlook tru-,
ancy among the children, to forget
that the family may need counsel, pro-
lection, helpful Friendship, would be
to neglect opportunity for doing the
finest kind o. service. Such supple
mcntary heipfulnesS, however, should
not be forced, but como in a natural
way, IN connection with the contacts
r.adc in the course Of the relief work,
Naturally ma;erial aid should be rem
dercd only TO those families who are in
need-whosc income, from ell sources
whatever. is insufficient to maintain
them i'll a proper standard of living
and whose main or sole support has en-
cd States Each family must be con-
siGcred as a unit and he assistance
granted gagged by its particular needs.
-unda-Tt will be the privilege of
each chapter, or detached Red Cross
committee CHARGED with the duty of
relief. to raise and disburse fupds for
this purpose within its own jurisdic-
ton. The necessity for care and accu-
racy in the handling and recording of
funds need scarcely be impressed upon
chapter officers.
Weekly reports Of money and supplies
collected and expended will be required
by the national headquarters. (See
Form G. II. 100
Necessary Inform aticn-Before al
lotment Of funds, the validity Of the
applicants claim must be ascertained
Positive proof of a soldiers enlistment
must be given.
In the case of a wife. her marriage
should be established by satisfactory
proof. The ages of children should be
verified.
Inquiry into the circumstances of the
family should be made with a view Of
ascertaining whether there are any
actual sources of income other than the
pay and allowances received from the
federal government. whether there exist
any resources from which additional
legitimate income can be derived. and
whether the family requires supplement
tary assistance from the Red Cross.