Bisbee daily review., 1918-08-18
News Of Social Circles


 greatest manufacturing enterprises in the world. and the wise direction of al this energy and enthusiasm pre- sents many serious problems. We want every Red Cross worker to m- deTstand the situation as it gradually develops so that we may have that cooperation on the part of every one that goes with a true understanding of Red Cross aims and purposes. We have therefore, set down below at some length a summarized account of the work up to the present time and of the problems now before us.
 Our Entry Into the War
 When this country made it's entry into the war, the Red Cross saw the necessity of providing great quantities of articles which could be made by the chapter workers. such as surgi- cal dressings, hospital garments, knit ted comforts and the like. Informa- tion as to types of these articles was circulated throughout the chapters and tentative estimates Of the quantities which were to be produced were re- lied upon in arranging for the pur- chase of the necessary raw materials, such as gauge, cotton, yarn, etc.
 Plans for instructing workers in the production of the various articles were rapidly made effective. In a surpris- ingly short time, the chapters were turning out enormous quantities of all these articles. In the meantime, the Red Cross organization for inspecting, transporting and distributing these products to the points of need was be- ing developed.
 Surgical Dressings
 The rate at which surgical dressings have been produced has been constant lv increasing and is now at a point of higher than our estimates indicate as necessary for some months to come. This rapidly increasing production has strained the capacity of the manufac- turers of raw materials to such an ex- tent that there has been serious diff ficulty in securing sufficient gauze and other materials used in making dress ings.
 Our department of supplies is work ing in close coroperation with the gov ernment to see that regular quantities of these materials are secured for Red Cross work. All necessary orders have been placed with the manufac- turers with every help that can be given the situation by government priorties.
 Hospital Garments, Refugee Garments,
 Comfort Kits, Knitted Goods
 For months past, careful studies have been in progress, not only by our commissions abroad but by our de partments in this country. working Tn close cooperation with the army and navy to determine the need for these articles. As a result. definite esti- mates of their requirements between now and the autumn are in hand and have served as the basis for the al- lotments for the work to be done by the chapters. To make the things called for by this estimate will mean that more women than ever before will be required to devote their time to this work. Some of these articles are for our own soldiers and for those who will soon be called to the col ors. others are for the hospitals of our allies abroad. both civil and mili- tary. while still others are for the un- fortunate population in the actual war zone of our allies, where they will serve to alleviate so far as possible the suffering of old men, of women and of children and at the same time serve as a reminder of this cOuntTy's interest and sympathy at a time when such evidence of sympathy mean SO much to the morale of these sOrely stricken countries.
 You are particularly requested not to purchase through outside sources any of the materials we carry in stock, even though you may be able to get more expeditions deliveries thereby. The reason for this request is that the government has agreed to allow us to participate in purchase of gauge, cot ton. outing flannel and such staple ma terials at the price paid by the gov ernment and on practically the same terms of delivery, only with the spe- cific understanding that capters would refrain from outside purchases of these materials. This condition is imposed because such purchases tend to demoralize market conditions and make more difficult the government task of regulating the manufacture and marketing of these staple materials.
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 It is hoped thatt his long letter may convey a very clear understanding of the difficult problem which confronts us and the spirit in which we are try ing to meet it.
 We are confident that every loyal member of the Red Cross will do the utmost to promote the efficiency of the organization so that we may continue to be the greatest relief agency oper- ating in the war.
 Very truly yours.
 A. B. c. DOHRMANN
 Assistant manager, Pacific division.