Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-06-16

ton of New York, Grayson- Nj. P. Muir
ply of New York, Edward y. Hurley
of Chicago, Cornelius n. Bliss of New
York and Eliot Wadsworth of Boston.
Every one who contributes to the
fund, and it is hoped that every one
will contribute in accordance with his
means, will b. interested in how the
money is to be used. The Red Cross
has just given out some interesting in
formation in relation to this phase of
the work
Gen. Pershing is now on his way to
the firing line and the troops under
him deserve the best that their coun-
try can give them. The government
will see that nothing is lacking in
equipment and material to make them
efficient fighting men. 1t is up to the
Red Cross to see that nothing, is lack
ing to keep them healthy, happy and
efficient soldiers.
For this work the Red Cross must
have:
Hospital equipment, to supplement
that of the Army Medical department
equal to any emergency. Equipment
to care for 10000 ought to be provid-
ed at once.
Recreation and rest facilities behind
the firing line.i American soldiers, on
leave, unlike the British and French,
cannot return to their homes. Club
rooms, sport supplies, books and other
means of recreation must be sent
them from America.
Personal comfort kits and small ar
ticles not included in the army regu-
lations. Many thousands of articles
from tooth brushes to writing paper.
pipes, etc. are needed to take the
place Of things that could not be TAX
en- along.
Red Cross commission under the
leadership of Maj Grayson NJ. P. Muir
phN, member of the American Red
Cross war Council, is now on the way
to France. Composed of trained bust
ness men and experts it is to study
the best way of helping the French
and the Belgians, individuals and
towns. in the task of re-establishins
themselves.
The work of the Red Cross commission
will be:
Civilian relief. Hundreds of thousands
OF refugees in northern France are a.
most entirely dependent on outside aid
There is but little food in France. Ameri-
ca must supply both food and clothes.
tuberculosis. One of the outgrowths Of
the trench warfare has been the alarm
ing spread of tuberculosis all through
France. This must be checked and
stamped out; not only for the sake of
France, but for the safety of the United
States troops when they arrive abroad
Medical needs. America must supply
immediate hospital and medical equip
ment in which France is sadly definient
at present.
TIE Work at Home
While the government grants allow
ances for the families and dependents Of
soldiers thousands Of cases will arise
where additions or special aid must also
be given.
To all these the Red Cross must extend
helpful hand. The women and children
left at home feel even more keenly the
privations Of war than the man in the
trenches.
There will be sickness to combat at
home; even hunger to be"appeased, spe-
cial nursing cases to be looked after and
the furnishing of thousand and one ne
cessities which in war time become lux
uries
The Red Cross must stand behind the
man behind the gun.
Three hundred and fifty millions of dol
lars have been expended for relief through
the commission for relief in Belgium.
Is one hundred million too much to ask
for in the present great crisis?