The Washington herald., 1917-04-05

More than $50 900 was subscribed in less
than thirty minutes yesterday at the first
meeting OF the finance committee Of the
District Society OF the American Red
Cross, in their headquarters, 1901 Massa-
chusettS avenue.
Interest was aroused to such a pltch
that before the meeting was closed II
was decided to raise the Districts share
from $4,000 to 100000.
About 100 members OF the committee
were present yesterday and when Chair
man Henry B. F. MacFarland announced
that the subscription list was open, the
members announced their contributions
with such rapidity that the secretary was
forced to request that they go slow.
Following the reading Of several names
of persons who had sent in donations,
Chairman MacFarland called upon the
members present. Julius Peyser made the
first announcement OF a contribution of
$40. following which nearly every mem
ber announced contributions from $1,000
down to s.. Several stated that their
subscriptions would be renewed every!
year as long as the war should last.
Quite a bit of fun was added to the
meeting when the members of the COM
mittee. after announcing their personal
. donations, began making them for their
children, grandchildren and at-srand-
children.
general meeting OF the society tomorrow
evening at the n. \. r. Hall when Sec
rotary of War Baker will make the prin-
rtpal address. 1t was also announced that
the President would be present at this
meeting.
The following letter was sent to all
members OF the committee:
Like every other patriotic American
YOU wish to do something practical
at once to serve the country in this
hour Of need. On behalf Of the Dis
trict of Columbia Chapter of the Amer
lean Red Cross, we offer you an oppor-
tunity to do so in a most effective
manner-by contributing to the war
service fund of the Red Cross As YOU
know. the Red Cross, under Congress
sional legislation. is officially related
to the government of the United
States, the President of the United
States being it's President and having
appointed on its central committee the
Secretary of State. the Surgeon Cen
eral of the Army. the Surgeon General
OF the Navy. the Comptroller of the
Currency and the Solicitor General. All
its accounts are audited by the War
Department Long since the part IL
should take in aid of the government
in time of war was thoroughly map
ped out in cooperation with the
United States government, and all that
is necessary at this time is to provide
all the money that is required. The
American Red Cross functions, through
,its chapters in the different cities and
States. The District of Columbia is the
ed Cross in miniature. It has an
ointed committees for war service as
follows:
"On military relief. Gen. C. A. DevoI
L. 8. A. chairman: on civilian relief. c.
c. Glover. jr.. chairman; on first aid, DR..
ID hot
ems aid, Miss Mabel Boardman, chair
man.
"As their names suggest, the commit
tees are to supplement the provision
made by the government for hospital and
other service, including support for the
dependents of the District National
Guardsmen in the national service. A
hospital ambulance corps unit, such as
has been so effective under the European
Red Cross societies, Is one of the first
things to be equipped and maintained
by the District OF Columbia chapter. the
personnel coming from the colleges OF
the District Of Columbia. AS a begin
ming. an Immediate fund of 10000 is de-
sired by the finance committee for the
purposes outlined. Subscriptions pay
able monthly. may be made. He gives
twice who gives quickly so that We ask
for an early response. Those who cannot
fight can serve those who defend them.
1T Is the natural thing that the District
OF Columbia people should do this
hrough the District of Columbia Chap
ter of the American Red Cross, the only
aid society having official relation to the
United States government"
The following contributions have al
ready been received:
q B. GrAndtn Loo
Mr. W J. Boardman. an............................. 500