Daily Kennebec journal., 1917-05-25
Report of Civilian Relief De-
Dartment.


at the time of the organization of the
American Red Cross in 1881. the char
ter of the Portland Chapter of the
American Red Cross provides for a
CIVILIAN RELIEF DEPARTMENT.
which was organized by the appoint
ment of a Department Committee and
seven separate committees to which
the work of the Department has been
assigned.
The status of this organization is
shown by the following correspond
ence:
AMERICAN RED CROSS
Department of Civilian Relief
Washington, April IA, 1917.
To All Chapters,
American Red Cross:
To efficiently administer relief
among the dependent families of SOL
diers and sailors, the Civilian Relief
sections of Red Cross Chapters must
be organized and prepared to respond
to the call prior to the time for ac-
ton. 1t is equally important that the
National, Headquarters be advised i'm
mediately of the Chapters prepared
ness to perform this important Red
Cross function in order that It may in
turn give it's assurance to the Govern
ment and the Country at large that
the dependents of our fighting men
will be properly cared for in their alb
sence.
From a number of Chapters have
come enthusiastic responses to Circu-
lar Ala of February 21st. but large
l,o rat {e
to this latter group that this letter is
more particularly addressed.
At an early date there will be sub
mitted to Chapter. and committees es-
pecially formed for the purpose, plan
governing the administration of de-
pendent family relief, with a descrip-
ton of blank forms which are being
prepared to standardize this work
throughout the Country.
ERNEST P. BICKNELL,
Director General,
Department of Civilian Relief.
Portland. Maine. April 26, 1917.
Mr.. Ernest p Bicknell,
Director General Dept Civilian Re-
lief, American Red Cross, Washing
ton, D. {.
Dear Sir:-This is to acknowledge
receipt of your Circular Letter of
April 14th. and to advise you that the
Department of Civilian Relief, of the
Portland Chapter of the American Red
Cross, has been organized and is pre-
pared to administer such relief to de-
pendent families of soldiers and sail
ors living within the district covered
by this Chapter as may be required.
Arrangements have already been
made to extend relief in one such in
stance, and the various committees
are prepared to perform the duties as
signed to them when called upon.
Permanent headquarters of this
Department have been established at
126 Free Street, Portland, Maine.
Yours very truly,
(Signed) WALTER E. ELWELL.,
Chairman Department of Civilian
Relief.
Seven committees of the Department
have been organized, and their duties
defined in accordance with ihstruc-
tions from the National Headquarters
at Washington.
The work Of the committees, which
has been carried on since organization
was effected, is shown by the follow
ing reports of the chairmen:
I. Committee on Distribution Of Sun.
plies and Financial Aid.
To Dependents Of Soldiers and Sailors
This is large committee. and to
facilitate the prompt execution Of the
many duties assigned to it, they have
been classified and assigned to special
groups within the committee as fol-
lows:
Visiting Group-Investigates reports
of destitution, etc, among dependents
of soldiers or sailors within the limits
Of the local chapter. Also claims OF
applicants for assistance.
Supplies Group-Solicits, receives
and distributes such supplies of cloth
ing and household articles as the
Visiting Group finds necessary for the
assistance or relief of dependents.
Employment Group-Investigates the
abilities of dependents. and secures