New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1917-04-14

MAY TAKE TASK OF
FRENCH AMBULANCE
American Efficiency Creates I'm
passion on Troops at the Front

Washington, April 14.-One of the
! movements undertaken in the direc-
| ton of close harmony in the conduct
of the war between the United States
and it's European allies contemplates
| the transfer of the entire ambulance
| service of the French army in the
field to the control of the United
States government probably in con-
| nection with the American Red Cross.
Ohicials were not inclined to go
into details in discussing the matter
! because the arrangement has not been
| completed. The impression was gath
cred that the proposal had been con-
sidered in spirit of great cordially
and that 1t seemed certain to be ac-
compiished.
! 1t is believed that the project en-
braces the transfer OF the entire
| French ambulance service to the
United States for it's operation and
control. The American Ambulance
corps in France has made a record
| for, efficiency, dash, and initiative. and
| it Is supposed that the French gov
cInment is willing to intrust the am
bulance service of its entire forces
| to American management. One OF
the main objects of the proposed
| transfer is to give the United States
government an official status In the
| theater Of hostilities and thus slim
ulate enthusiasm in both France and
the United States.
! 1t is understood that consideration
| is being given also to the question
of transferring British ambulance
! corps on the western front to the
| United States. but this matter has
not progressed SO far as has the ar
| rangement in transfer the French
| crops.
The war department has been con-
| suited with reference to the French
transfer, and it is supposed from TINS
that United States army surgeons VIII
be sent to take charge of units OF the
American ambulance service on the
western front
Bridgeport Recruiting Center.
The American Red Cross announced
today that since the declaration of
a state of war between the United
States and the German government
applications for membership In the
Red Cross were being received at the
national headquarters here at. the rate
| of 5000 to 1000. d day. Only year
ago the society had fewer than 5O,-
900 members It now has upward of
100000.
Intense rivalries are springing up
among the larger cities to Guido one
another in enlisting Red Cross mem
bers. The organization in Cleveland,
Ohio, telegraphed today its intention
of becoming the largest Red Cross
chapter in the world as the result
of the membership campaign just
starting The Red Cross chapter in
Pittsburgh announced that it was
about to become the largest in the
United States, the enrolment there
| having reached nearly $4,000. The
supremacy of New York, with it's 1OO.-
GOO Red Cross membership. is not
vet threatened by either Cleveland or
Pittsburgh.
The most remarkable outpouring of
| volunteers for the Red Cross was in
Bridgeport, where. between March 10
and 90 about 10000 Red Cross men,
| bers, or IA per cent. of the popula-
ton were obtained. Ridgewood. N.
j., with 1000 population got 1000
Red Cross members in two weeks the
highest percentage in any American
city: Another high record was made
By Lewiston, Penn, 10000 population
in which 1000 Red Cross members
were enrolled.
Through Mrs. Edward H. Binns of
Pittsburgh, the chapter in that city
Is prepared to furnish a convalescent
hospital equipment at Wildwood.
IN T. AZ