The Wallace miner. [volume] (Wallace, Idaho) 1907-current, 1917-07-05
ENDLESS CHAIN LETTERS
WARNING BY RED CROSS
NOT AUTHORIZED BY SOCIETY,"
UNCLE SAM CLASSES THEM
AS FRAUDS.

| ~ not sanction the endless
chain" method of raising the
money for that organization or
kindred purposes. The universal de-
sire to assist the Red Cross has made
| it easy for the public to be imposed
upon by irresponsible parties utilizing
the endless chain" letters by which
much money is collected ostensibly
for the Red Cross. but in reality for
| the private gain of the promoters of
the chain letters. This imposition has
been carried to an extent that has
caused the Red Cross to warn the
public through the following an
lnouncement:
American Red Cross. Washington.
D. c.. June H. 1917-To All Chapters:
Numerous endless chain letters have
been brought to the attention of the
Red Cross, many of them for causes
worthy in themselves, but conducted
by unrecognized individuals. Nothing
of this sort has ever been authorized
by the Red Cross, and this is to inform
you that all such methods of raising
money are without the countenance
or counsel of the national headquar-
tiers.
1T would be very useful to have
this statement printed by your local
newspapers in as prominent way as
possible.
ELIOT WADSWORTH,
Acting Chairman"
One Of the Letters.
Wallace people have recently been
invited to supply links in an endless
chain" letter. which, while not using
the Red Cross name, appeals for con-
tributions for a cause in line with the
work of that organization. This let
ter may have been sent out in good
faith and the money received may be
used for the purpose stated, but in
view of the above warning from the
Red Cross and the attitude of the
chain letters, the public is justified
in at least viewing this one with sus-
picion. Here is the letter that re-
Gently came to Wallace.
owing to the scarcity of anaesthet-
les, operations that cause indescrib-
able pain have to be performed daily
without their aid to mitigate suffer-
ing. We make an appeal to you to
contribute "a cents towards the pur-
chase of chloroform to use in the hos
pitfalls of the allies.
please send four copies of the ap-
peal to your friends and put number
l4S on your letters. Do not fail or the
chain will be broken.
Please send money to Miss Eliza
beth Whitman, sup't. of Nurses, New
York Eye and Ear Infirmary, ZIG Sec
md Avenue, New York City.
Just word of explanation as to |
he enclosed. You will see by look
ng over the list of actual business
men who have already responded to
his call that it is a matter of import
'nce and l believe all who have been
hosen feel as l do. and that it is a
privilege to give little more towards
cushing this on to the final 500 num-
'er."
The RpstaI Law.
The postoftice department classes
endless chain letters among fraud
lent schemes to be barred from the
nails. Under the heading Lottery
chemes, Endless Chain Enterprises,
to- the following paragraph is taken
'om the United States Official Postal !.
uide for 1916, page 55, Section Sc: j.,
Endless chain enterprises de-
gned for the sale or distribution of
erchandise or other things of value
trough the circulation or dstribu-
on of coupons, tickets, certificates, a
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