The Devils Lake world and inter-ocean. (Devils Lake, N.D.) 1915-1920, 1918-03-27
RED CROSS
LETTER

Gentlemen
Written and verbal requests have
to this office from Commercial Clubs,
Red Cross Chapters, and individuals in
digerent parts of North Dakota ask
ing if it is permissible under the Red
Cross rules and regulations to take up
collections for The Red Cross at po-
litical meetings.
Because this is a campaign year in
North Dakota and such requests for
a ruling on this question may naturally
be expected to increase, and in order
that the rule may be clear and distinct
and generally understood, it is deemeu
advisable to rule formally on this
question and give the ruling as wide
publicity as possible.
The Red Cross asks no man his or
her political beliefs, religious affilia-
tons, social position, wealth, occupa-
ton, residence, or similar questions.
It asks only unqualified loyalty to
America, willingness to serve America
and the cause of humanity, and COM
petence to do the work for which he
or she volunteers. It asks contribu-
lions from each and every individual
who believes in this great work, and
accepts the penny Of the child and the
check Of the millionaire with equal
gratitude.
Federal statutes, and the rules and
regulations laid down by the Central
Committee of the American Red
Cross, takes every precaution against
any possible misuse of the Red Cross
name or emblem. Commercializing
Of the name or emblem is tsrictly pro-
hibited, and solicitation of funds for
the Red Cross is limited to authorized
agents of the organization.
Attention is directed to the provis-
ions of the Act of Congress approved
June %, 1910, which reads:
ut shall be unlawful for any per-
son, corporation, or association other
than the American National Red Cross
and it's duly authorized employees and
agents, and the army and navy SAM
tary and hospital authorities of the
United States for the purpose of trade
or as an advertisement to induce the
sale OF any article whatsoever, or for
any business or charitable purpose, to
use within the territory of the United
States of America and it's exterior DOS
sessions the emblem of the Greek Red
Cross on a white ground, or any sign
or insignia made or colored in imita-
ton thereof, or of the words Red
Cross, on any combination of these
words"
Chapter Letter No. 10, issued from
the Northern Division Headquarters
of the American Red Cross in Mime
apolis under date of September 2Sth,
1917, rules as follows:
Soliciting and Collecting Red Cross
Funds: Chapters must take excep-
tional care that all soliciting and COL
Letting of funds in the name of the
American Red Cross is done by au-
thorized persons. All persons solicit
ing or collecting funds for the Ameri-
can Red Cross must have a certificate
Of authority signed by an officer of the
Chapter or Branch having Jurisdiction
where funds are solicited. There
must be no exceptions to this rule"
Misuse of the Red Cross name OF
emblem is a misdemeanor, punishable
by a fine Of not more than $500 and
imprisonment up to one year.
The Red Cross will be grateful fol-
every money gift that is made to it
and such gifts will be accepted at all
times by Red Cross officers every.
where. There is now a Red Cross or
g%anization in practically every and vii.
+: lage and town IN North Dakota, ano
individuals attending meetings in an,
OF these towns, political or otherwise
and who wish to make a contribution
large or small, to the Red Cross, ca,
do so by leaving their gift with thu
Red Cross branch officers there, o,
with any bank for transmittal, and 8
receipt will be issued to them.
1t is better, however, that perhap.