The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-11-25
TOPEKA STATE JOURNAL
MORN ALTON
Blu RE AU
FREDERIC J. HAsKIN, Director.
Washington. D. c.
DON'T STOP GIVING.
Washington. D. {

that actual fighting is not in progress.
the country is in danger of becoming
Indifferent towards its fighters, whom
it has been supporting so we'll. The
Red Cross society, which needs the
aid of the people now as much as in
the time of war, notes a sudden slack
ening of the tension at which its help
ers have been working. Red Cross
meetings are lacking in both size ana
pep. and the ubiquitous knitters have
forsaken khaki and gray wool Tor
orange and purple
The most obvious conclusion would
be that America considered its re-
sponsibility toward war relief ended
when the last shot was fired. This
would be a discouraging state II true.
A more generous and plausible ex-
PLANTATION OF the fast waning enthusi-
asm is that in the excitement of peace
celebrations the people have relaxed
from the strain Of war, and that they
are only waiting for word as to the
rev work to be done.
Work of the Red Cross is in scope
wider than that of any other relief
-~anization. Some of its activities
will soon be no longer necessary, but
in the main its~work in connection
with the present >war is only half over.
For several years to come it will need
funds and workers to carry out Its
relief projects in Europe and at home.
One of the eyer growing demands
of war refugees. Turnout France
Belgium, Poland and other devastated
countries the Red Cross is evolving
the beginnings of new communities
out of the chaos of scattered families
and plundered homes.
To raise the dazed Inhabitants OF a
devastated village from the apathetic
stage-of allowing everything to be
done for them to the self-respecting
t. foe
requires something more than the
reckless distribution of money. Ex-
perience in handling this form of
civilian relief has been gained by the
Red Cross at the time of flood and
earthquake disasters SO that 1t is par
ticularly fitted to carry on this impor-
-tant social service.
Hon, efess patrons of a>bread line
during the first days ofWRed Gross
management soon are established in
makeshift quarters. and are started to
work rebuilding their homes. Often
the tension of constant fear is removed
for the first time since the war
wrecked their quiet lives. After a
little they are self-supporting, but at
first there must be funds to raise them
from the state caused by hunger and
the horrors of war. According to
Americas liberality. the work lags or,
progresses.
Then there Is the problem Of en-
couraging the wounded to take up life
where they left off, and if that is not
possible, to strike out on new lines.
In this work. the Red Cross is lending
valuable aid in French hospitals.
Wounded soldiers ara studied, their
talents latent or developed, are discov-
cred. and they are given a start in
whatever work they are best fitted to
perform. t .sr
las far as possible" said Red
Cross worker. 1--WE like to make up to
the wounded man for his handicap.
To the man who leaves the hospital
with his former earning power doubled
because he has learned to do higher
paid work, the burden of helpless
arm or leg is lightened. Life is again
worth living"
Red Cross work with the sick and
wounded requires no explanation. The
only thing to be said is that the need
for bandages and comfort pillows has
not ceased and that until every
wounded soldier is well, Americas
obligation to make surgical dressings
continues.
When the great exodus of soldiers
from France begins our men cannot
be the first to leave. Sixty-five per
cent of our troops were sent to France
on British vessels. Great Britain will
be using these ships to send home
Australians, Canadians and Indian
troops all Of whom have been on ac-
tive duty longer than the United
States forces. For this reason, and
for others. America IN troops will be
delayed for some time overseas
Meanwhile their families in this coun-
try may be in financial difficulties
even with the government allotment
and allowance provisions. The gov
eminent system for aid of families of
enlisted men is ordinarily adequate,
but in event of sickness or heavily in
creasing expenses. outside help is
sometimes required This help the
Red Cross has been giving, and will
continue to give, so long as money is
available, until our soldiers and sail
ofs are again supporting their de-
pendents
The most popular form OF Red
Cross work, a form which has appar-
emily died a sudden death, is knitting
for the troops. An occasional knit-er
of service wool still appears III public.
but she has a desultory air and the
needles do not click SO briskly. The
incentive is lacking. This is unfortu-
nate" says Miss Mabel Boardman of
,, the American Red Cross, because
calls are steadily coming from the
| army for sock sand sweaters, while the
sailors who cruise in northern waters
suffer from cold during winter
months. Knitted articles are urgently
needed"
So long as the army and navy are
me bilized there will be work for The
! knitters, for French and American
camps are just as cold and the north
ern Atlantic just as windy in time OF
| peace as in wa. Miss Boardman be-
| lieves that later Americans will be
asked to knit garments for women
refugees, but just now the citizen with
talent for knitting is urged to knit
socks.
| While the soldiers remain in
| France, canteenS must be operated.
| Soldiers are still mentioning in their
| letters home that a real made-in-the
, United-States toothbrush would be a
| gift of great value First class tooth
brushes, not to mention other con-