Elko independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1915-current, 1917-07-07
SPECIAL MISSION TO RUSSIA
BEING SENT BY RED CROSS

The Red Cross authorizes the fol-
lowing:
AS an initial step in carrying out
its purpose ito do something imme.
diately to hearten afflicted Russia
Henry p. Dawson. chairman OF the
Red Cross War Council, announces the
dispatch to Russia of a special Red
Cross commission. The commission
carries with 1t quantity of medical
supplies and surgical instruments with
which TO meet most urgent needs.
These are to be distributed to hospi.
tails, institutions, and Red Cross or
ganizations in Russia. The commits
sion is composed of IL men, including
eminent experts in problems OF medi-
cine, public health, and social service.
The primary purpose of the commits
mission will be not alone TO render
such immediate aid as it may, but
10 ascertain along the broadest pos
sible lines in what manner the Ameri.
can Red Cross can extend most effec-
tive relief to the wounded soldiers and
the needy and suffering civilian popu-
lation of Russia.
Heads of the Commission
The commission is headed by DR..
Frank Billings, of Chicago, and Mr..
William B. Thompson, of New York.
As advisers in solving the problems
of sanitation and public health, the
commission will have the expert as
sistance of Raymond Robins, of Chi.
cago; DR.. ]. d. Mccarthy, professor
Of public health at the University of
Pennsylvania; and DR.. George C.
Wnipplc, professor of sanitary engi-
nearing at Harvard university.
To deal with general medical prob
| lens the commission will have the
services of Prof. William S. Thayer. OF
Johns Hopkins University; Prof. c. e.
A. Winslow, of Yale University; and
| DR.. Wilbur L. Post, of Chicago.
In its studies how best tu assist
Russia in providing adequate food sup.
plies for its civilian population, as well
as for convalescent soldiers and pri
soners, the commission will have the
assistance of Harold II. Swift, of the
packing firm of Swift G Co, of Chi
cago, and Prof. Henry c. Sherman, oi
Columbia University.
Will Study transportation
In cooperation with the American
Railroad commission already in Rus
sia, the Red Cross commission vii
study the problem OF transportation
especially with reference to making
sure that shipments of relief supple:
may reach destination without delay
For this special work the commission
has as one of its members Henry
Horn, formerly vice president of th'
New Haven railroad.
Accompanying the commission al
inspectors and attaches are the fol
lowing:
r. /. Barr, Norton c. Travis, viii
liam Cochran, William c. Nicholson
Cornelius Kellcher, Malcolm Tirnie
Allen Wardell and Maj. Malcolm Grow
q United States Army.
Method of Relief Not Decided
The determination of how Amer
can relief on a large scale can be bes
administered in Russia will not b
made by the Red Cross war counc
until after preliminary investigation
by this special commission. Followin
such inquiry the American Red Cros
+ will be able to decide whether bes
= results can be obtained by utilizing e.
: isting agencies in Russia, as has bee
I done by the American Red Cross cor
mission in France, or whether II wi
be best to build up in Russia ne
, and independent administration f.
!: this purpose.
Il Is the plan of the American RI
Z Cross. at the earliest possible momeI
7 and in the most thorough.going wa,
: which IL can devise, to make the Ru
{ sian people know that the Americ;
Z people are behind them not only
+ words but in real measures to allie
: ate their sufferings and share wi
Z them the burden of caring for the
!. sick, wounded, and starving people.