Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1917-09-05
we're formed in the chapters, and vol
unteers called for

were formed in the chapters, and vol
unteers called for.
The supply service was forced to
ask some chapters to buy their yarn
and needles in the local markets, or
from whatever source they could most
quickly get them The supply service
had not on hand enough goods to fill
such an unprecedented demand on
such short notice. Washington could
not even supply, as rapidly as they
we're needed, the printed instructions
for the knitting, and the newspapers
were called on to print the directions
so that every knitter might have a
copy.
But the work must be hurried.
"They must come before cold wealth
err" cabled Major Murphy. That
means that the entire 100000 arti-
Giles must be completed in the short
est possible time, and sent to France.
The chapters were urged to use ev-
cry possible minute, and to call on
every woman and girl who can knit.
whether or not she is Red Cross
member. and ask her to help in the
work.
We in America, who as yet can
scarcely realize that our country is
at war, have no conception, Of the
terrible needs of the millions Of peo-
pie in France and Belgiums whose
lands are overrun by the Germans.
Utterly penniless, with no possess
ions save the ragged clothes on their
backs, they suffered incredibly by
tens of thousands last winter. Now
they face another winter, weakened
by the trials they have already un-
dergone, and it is up to the Red
Cross" to keep them of dying Of cold.
They are enduring what military ex-
perts have pointed out Americans
will be called on to endure if the Ger
mans ever beat the allied armies and
nayies, and attack America on her
own shores.
This call for knitted articles is
but one phase of the work of relief
which the American Red Cross must
carry on. Washington has repeatedly
warned the chapters that the knitting
must not be permitted to stop or de-
lay the making of surgical supplies,
wound dressings, splints, bandages,
operating garments and the thousands
of other things which surgeons and
nurses must have when they walt on
the wounded. These must be kept
flowing in a never ending stream, in
creasing in volume as our own men
near the front. The knitting Is
merely an extra rush order" in ad-
dition to everything the Red Cross
has undertaken to do.
The American soldiers are furnish
ed with uniforms and overcoats and
everything that the army regulations
call for. The knitted articles are for
their extra comfort-and in the case
of refugee civilians, are absolute ne
cessities.
Every reader Of this article Is urg'
ed to get a supply of yarn and need
les, and knit-or have some one else
knit-as many of these articles as
possible and as quickly as possible.
The, knitted goods should be sent by
the knitters of the Central Division
to the nearest Red Cross chapter,
which will send them with all speed
to the Red Cross supply service
Wakem & McLaughling Warehouse.
225 East Illinois street, Chicago. In
case the knitter cannot get in touch
with a Red Cross chapter, she may
send the goods direct to the ware
house.
Here are the official directions for
knitting the sweaters, mufflers, socks,
and wristlets-and remember, Major
Murphy says they must come be-
fore cold weather"
Equipment
Knitting machines may be used II
the quality Of their work is up to
standard.
Yarn may be either gray or khaki:
The Red Cross Supply Service will
carry the gray oxford mixture. 4-ply
los construction.
Knitting needles, as prescribed, win
be of three kinds: No. I, $4,000
inches in diameter; No. 2, 175-1OOO
inches, and No. 8, 100000 inches. .
Yarn and needles can be had
through Red Cross chapters.
General Directions.
Do not cast on stitches too tight
ly.
Knit evenly and firmly, and avoid
holes.
Join by splicing. or by leaving two