Evening journal., 1918-12-14
RED CROSS AND UNIVERSAL MEMBERSHIP

furtherance of desire 10 aid the Red Cross
in its universal membership campaign which viii be-
gin Monday, requested the Rev. Or. Robert Watt,
superintendent Of the Wilmington district OF the VII
mngton NJ f. Conference to express his views upon the
Rcd Cross subject. How handsomely he responded is
shown by the following letter which we received from
him yesterday:
Mr.. George Carter Editor Evening Journal.
My dear Mr.. Carter-The campaign upon which we
will be called 10 embark beginning Monday, and the OBJ
ectve OF that campaign, prompt 10 write this brief
letter with the hope that IL may contribute little To-
ward the success Of movement which represents all
that highest and best In unsesh and large hearted
First OF ALL have wondered whether might not be
well TO reemphssize the necessity OF renewed loyalty
and support for the Red Cross There Is danger now
that the smoke OF conflict has lifted and the red hand
OF Is stayed that may relax diligence in this
glorious whose insignia is a cross red
symbolic Of Him who died that we might live There
are indications in some quarters which Justify this fear.
But matter Of fact the end OF the war in sense
affects the need for this organization Human suffering
Is with always There conditions prevalent among
that call for and helpful unse1sh ministry
such the Red Cross gives and give, which make its
permanent maintenance imperative. II can do work
for suffering humanity which no other agency can do
For example, what fine thing II would be, il the
means were at hand to justify the outlay, the Red
Cross in our city to establish clinics at given points in
the copgested ceners Accidents sickness, sudden at
lacks are occurring constantly II is often difficult some
times impossible 10 the services OF physician,
and valuable time lost and not nfrequently fatal
suits because Of the unavoidable delay in obtain
ing the needed help 10 Is matter Of history now what
invaluable assistance the clinics established by the
American Red France during the dark dread
ful days OF the rendered None who heard the per-
fectly wonderful recital given by Mrs Belmont last June
viii forget the impressions her vivid and moving
description OF the work Of the Red Cross clinic in that
war-orn war-devasted land And while the necessity
is not great there Is still read need for such pro-
vision here. For example, what would we have done
during the recent epidemic but for the gentle. timely
efficient ministry Of the Red Cross nurse?
And viii not forget that across the there
is yet great need for civilian relief AS the Christmas
appeal well says, THE great problem Of helping the
destitute and the suffering peoples Of Europe to get back
their feet" is one which appeals to every American
heart
Surely II ttng that this appeal for increased mem
bershp In this bene1cent organization should
the OF the great festival of Joy What better service
we render 10 Him who went about doing good"
than 10 lend our aid by enrolling member Of the
American Red Cross. 10 Is not fancy that hears Him
saying do this beautiful thing "inasmuch ye
have done unto Of these the least Of my brethren
ye have done 10 unto me- 70 carry Christmas cheer 90
lives made sad by suffering. To lend the hand Of help.
TO lift little the heavy burden, to cheer the dropping
spirit TO brighten the darkened lifewhat could min
lister 10 MERRY Christmas" in life than
this?
II II has seemed almost an impertinence TO write
letter such this TO people who have done mag
nilcently for the Red Cross Wilmington people, and
city which outdistanced all other cities Of like size in
its gifts to this cause, feel the motive and the
spirit Ofsthis missve will be misunderstood What
a glorious achievement Il would be- IL Wilmington were
to make 100 cent TO the present appeal
for universal membership in the Red Cross There could
be more fitting recognition Of the Christmas spirit
than this ROBERT WATT.
Such letter OF Endorsement coming, It does from
the official head Of Of the largest and influential
denominations in Wilmington should have exceedingly
beneficial effect II will 20 accentuate Wonderfully
the already acute interest in the campaign.