Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-05-19
Funds Needed for Noble Cause


THE campaign to raise 500, 900 900 for
tho Red Cross war fund will begin to-
morrow and last week. To stimulate
interest and zeal in tho local effort, a parade
will be held in this city this afternoon, ar
engagements for which are on scale Of such
magnitude and impressiveness that no doubt
will bestir the enthusiasm Of every one who
participates in witnesses it. The quota
allotted to Virginia to raise is 100000, Of
which Richmond is expected to contribute a
liberal share. That both State and city will
meet their obligation in heaping measure. is
n foresone conclusion, judged by the record
Of achievement in all previous worthy I'm
dertakings.
OF the great work to which the Red Cross
Is committed, there is difference Of
opinion as to its value. History records no
example of an organization efficient and
far-reaching to administer relief to suffering
and to mitigate the horrors that are in
separable from war. With the greatest con-
hfct known to the world threatening to en-
gulf tho whole Of civilization in destruction
the Red Cross faces demands upon its ser
vice unprecedented in its career. 1t has risen
grandly to the occasion until it's work of re-
lief and repair is coe1tensive with that of
the destructive forces in whose wake It fol-
lows. 10 carry on its stupendous activities,
which expand as the war progresses Its funds
mands Its finances must be continuously
repienished to meet its increased expendi-
lures This replenishment must come from
the voluntary offerings OF the people, In
the democratic army which the nation has
sent into the seething caldron of battle and
with fevered haste is recruiting to needed
strength to hold the alert and powerful foe
In check. there has already gone to the front
or must go, at least one son from every
rnrin
OF these youthful patriots. these brave de-
tenders OF American homes and champions
OF human rights against frightfulness that
has shocked humanity with It's horrors, as
they return exhausted. wounded and dying
from the fury Of conflict, is big part of the
service the Red Gross performs. To mitigate
the pains, to relieve their dying agonies and
record the last whispered messages to be-
loved ones at home their souls depart into
eternity, to nurse them tenderly back to
health. is but a measure Of the noble work
for our soldier boys that the Red Cross car
rtes on. The activity OF the Red Cross is not
confined to military relief. It's service is ex-
tended to civilian relief on no less helpful
scale Upon the first the soldiers both our
own and those OF our allies. are directly ad-
ministered to- but under the second civilian
relief Is extended wherever there is human
need. Not only are the dependent families
OF American soldiers cared for, but the
families of those Of our brave allies in the
tramplcd fields OF France and Belgium are
included in their marvellous work Of relief
Already the Red Cross has spent something
like $4,000. in caring for refugees,
repatriates, the homeless and sick and
orphaned children Of devastated France and
Belgium. Indeed, mere words, however
eloquent and eulogistic in their arrangement
are still lacking in forcefulness to give vivid
and adequate EXPRESSION OF the fullness and
completeness OF the marvellous service this
great humane organization SO unselhshly rem
ders to suffering humanity. It's activities are
the concrete expression Of the soul Of re-
ligion with intelligent vision in tense action.
To state the need for this second appeal OF
the Red Cross for funds to continue its work
should be all that is required 10 insure sue
cess OF the campaign in that behalf Let not
the doubt exist that there is one human being
in our midst with soul SO sordid in its love
OF money as not to welcome the opportunity
to contribute, according to his ability, to
this noble fund