The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1918-08-15
From Red Cross Headquarters
BOSTON, July 81, 1918.

To All Chapters
We are continually receiving letters
from Chapters concerning what goods
should be given to draftees going to
camps In order to maintain the proper
principle we are anxious to have the
Chapters familiar with the situation and
at the same time realize that it is likely
to change almost any day.
As you know, the War Industries Board,
whose function is to see that all raw
materials in this country are so distrib-
uted that the goods will 60 where they
are most needed, has Red Cross repre-
sentative on it's board and our require
ments are under it's consideration.
There is shortage in wool and conse-
quently we are very desirous of conserv-
ing such sweaters and socks as we have
and will have in the future, so that they
may be disposed of in the best way possi-
ble With so many men overseas, think
nobody will question the fact that the
men abroad need these goods more than
the men in this country, and it has been
found by experience that about 10 per
cent of the draft men going to camps are
rejected at the camps on account of physi-
cal disabilities. 1t has also been found
that these men are apt to lose, dana &c,
and in some cases, even sell their knitted
goods between the time of freceiving them
from their local Red Cross and the time
that they reach the camps. After the
men are at camp the Red Cross provides
them with the necessary knitted articles.
Consequently, it is our firm conviction
that it is far wiser not to give any knitted
goods to the draft men.
Should any people In your community
complain of your not giving, it seems to
me that if the situation were explained
to them they would be willing to have
you act in a manner which will be for
the ultimate good of the men, A PAM
phlet is in preparation which is to be Civ
en- to all draftees. This will explain that
the knitted goods will be distributed to
them on their arrival at camp and what
the Red Cross will do for them in rela-
ton to the Home Service work.
The War Industries Board further re-
quests us not to purchase yarn in the
open market. From the wool allotted us
H. a 10 Arr,
with knitted goods during the winter un-
less we use the utmost care in conserv-
ing, and so we ask you not to give any
knitted goods to draftees.
Should any of the organizations feel
that some article should be given in order
to maintain the proper morale among
their workers, we would suggest giving
the men a small comfort kit. These
comfort kits must be made outside of
the regular allotment and materials fol
them purchased locally. The comfort
kits made on the regular allotment are
given to men going overseas. These men
when reaching Europe are not living in
comfortable barracks and find these com.
fort kits of inestimable value, conse-
ouently do not destroy them. In this
country they are luxury rather than a
necessity, IN the opinion of Army au-
thor tiles, and are often carelessly treat
ed. Therefore, you must use your own
Judgment as to whether or not you de-
sire to give these kits. 1t is our judg-
ment that the draft men should receive
no goods, but would suggest small can
teen supper, inexpensive, be given them
on their departure.
The amount of wool available for Red
Cross knitting will probably be much
less than previously, owing tc the short
age. The Army and Navy requirements
will first be taken care of, the Red Cross
second, and lastly the civilian population.
Should any change in the probable wool
supply become apparent we will notify
you to that effect. In the meantime
please remember that all draft men when
reaching camps will be supplied with
such knitted goods as they need by an
already well organized Red Cross in each
camp in the country, so long as the
Chapters provide Division Headquarters
with a sufficient quantity. Men in the
Navy are constantly drawing on our sup
ply, for even in the summer months
these goods are extremely valuable in the
North Sea. Your effort to get your peo-
pie to recognize this condition and act
accordingly will be much appreciated.
Yours truly.
JAMES JACKSON,
Division Manager.
n CEEKIhIC