The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1918-01-22

occurred a propaganda against the
United States had been widely spread
in Italy. The failure of the United
States to declare wa- on Austria was
seized on as proof that the United
States cared nothing for Italy and did
not mean to give any real help to her.
We were giving help to Italy at this
time in money and supplies, but the
value of this aid was not appreciated
by the man on the street, and until the
United States declared war on Austria
and sent Red Cross units into Italy the
feeling was widespread that Italy had
nothing to hope for from this country.
"Whcn the first American sections
consisting of sixty ambulances arrived
in Italy a revival of enthusiasm took
place in every town and district
through which they passed. and as more
units arrived and spread throughout
Italy the effect was felt on the spirit
of the whole nation.
Soup kitchens, temporary dwellings,
and other comforts were provided for
large part Of the refugee population.
who had produced a great problem in
Italy, which was pretty bare of food
binary population was concerned.
Great quantities of medical supplies
were lost in the retreat, and they were
worth their weight in gold during the
hrst few days of the retreat. This gave
TO the Red Cross its opportunity to be
OF the greatest possible service 1t sent
INTO Italy from its great French depots
a total of forty-six carloads of medical
supplies within the first few DAYS. and
continued TO send more as long as they
were needed
One Of the feats which the Red Cross
accomplished at this time, as Major
Murphy described it, was the removal
from the Venetian district threatened
by the invasion Of large bodies of max
ers of Venetian lace They were taken
away in groups with their machinery
and set up again in towns far from the
front. so the workmcn were able to re
sumo work Immediately without being
thrown upon charity or forced to suf-
Ter from non employment.
Soldiers. who are the finest fighters in
the world, feel ready to quit. Major
Murphy said, when they find their wives
and their children neglected, sick. or in
acute military problems is that of TAX
ing care of the civilian populations in
the rear of the fighting lines. Work
of incalculable benefit has been per.
formed by the Red Cross in France and
Italy in strengthening the morale OF
soldiers by removing anxiety from theil
hands about their dear ones. said Major
4 MurpAy. The value of this war. The
| Major continued, has been recognized
/ by General Petain himself. who sent 9
complimentary message to Major Muir
! ply on the valuable aid which France
/ had received from the American Rec
/ Cross.
Two of the principal works under
taken by the Red Cross in France ha.
been that Of fighting tuberculosis in GO
| operation with the Rockefeller Insti
tute and in giving medical attention
care and food to French children, VIII,
had suffered from neglect, often be
cause of the death of their parents. an,
because nearly all French physician
are at the front. In many Of the town
of Northern France, and elsewhere il
France, Major Murphy said the Re,
Cross had established flying squadron
OF physicians, who made regular auto
mobile tours for many miles in all di
rections from the headquarters treat
ing the civilian populations. espeeiall
the children.
Red Cross workers, equipped wit
steel helmets and gas masks, visit tn
French front daily and serve hot drink
70 22',0Oo French soldiers. Barrack
built by the Red Cross for the accom-
mediation Of French soldiers at over
crowded junction towns, where the
STOP on their way from the front t
their homes on leave, have proved wor
derfully popular and have contribute
greatly to the cheerfulness Of Frenc
i)ldiers, Major Murphy declared. B
SO doing the soldiers were sent HON
clean, wcll-fe and rested