Ashland tidings. [volume] (Ashland, Or.) 1876-1919, 1917-06-21
The Spirit Of
Red Cross Week
lBy G. B. Watsonl

a peace-loving people neither injured
to war nor prepared for it, 1t is hare
to realize such things as symbolic oi
death, horror and suffering, yet today
great demonstrations are being made
all over the land that dc not NEAR
joy, but sadness. The music has 9
solemn sound, the flags wave with 9
serious dignity. Mirth and gayety
are not in evidence. Meetings are
opened with "My country it's oi
thee" and masses of people rise to
their feet and every head is uncov-
cred and bowed as If in the presence
of impending calamity.
The whole world is beginning to
recognize that a situation, awful be-
yond anything history has recorded,
is in fact upon us.
1t is difficult to realize the threat
to US Of war that is being waged
six thousand miles away; but people
are beginning to feel the vibrations,
the thrill with terror in it, and are
quick to grid themselves for the fray
and to clothe themselves in the habil-
iments of war. They are learning
that, though far away as miles are
measured, 1t is only beyond the border
and that the whole world is menaced
by it. Duty as never understood be-
fore is beginning to be realized. For
long time the general prayer has
been, Keep Us out of war;" but now
that all realize that 1t can not be
done, and that to save humanity,
country, principle, liberty and life we
must fight, the general sentiment.
"Thy will be DONE" is felt all over
the land, and everywhere are seen,
felt and heard preparations for war.
The way duty lies is no longer diff
cult to determine, and patriotic senti-
ment and fervor are springing to the
front and offered on the altar of our
country.
1t is not only in the trenches In
the charge where shot and shell are
taking their toll of life, that duty
lies. The wounded and sick must be
cared for, The Red Cross stands be-
hind the firing line, ready with all
that is necessary to alleviate suffer-
ing, to bind up wounds and to smooth
the brows Of stricken loved ones.
Millions are starving and must be fed,
sorrow and sadness must be minis
tered unto, and upon the Red Cross
this duty deyolves. The Red Cross
must be sustained and millions in
money must be contributed.
Today all over the land is the cry
for money, money, and the ready re-
sponse is wiping away a stigma from
the country where the most money is
accumulated. The land of the CYAN
kee' is coming to the rescue. Uncle
Sam, bearing the flag without finch
ing, answers back, Hold the fort, for
| am coming" and the glad plaudits
of beleaguered world hail the assur-
ance with joy It is in behalf of hu-
manity, of liberty and democracy and
of the life of all that is best and
worth living for that our young men
press to the front; money chests are
opened up and that noble band of
good samaritans are given assurance
that all of the people of the greatest
nation on earth are behind them,
ready for any sacrifice that may be
demanded.
AS this is being written a great
concourse is gathered in Lithia park
as an earnest Of loyalty and devotion,
listening to words of eloquence and
wisdom and the inspiriting music that
is solemnly given to the breeze. Near
by stands that beautiful statue of Lin
coin that seems to be pronouncing a
benediction, and memory carries us
back to Gettysburg and the wonder
full address he delivered there which |
Is still ringing and will continue to
ring down the ages.
Do not doubt that Ashland and
Oregon are doing and will continue
10 do their duty. The enemies of hu-
manity will learn that America can
fight as well as make money, and Is
md will be as prodigal in pouring out
her money as she is to spill her blood.
Let every man, woman and child do
luty in this greatest emergency. 1t
.akes money and supplies as we'll as
men. Everyone can contribute some
Useful thing or service. Do it! Do
t now and God will bless your effort.
Donald Walker arrived Sunday
rom Portland where he graduated
his month from the North Pacific