The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1919-04-01

an extended program of Red Cross activities in
the interest of humanity
The world is appalled, at the widespread hui
man suffering which has following in the wake
of the war. Problems of food and reconstruc-
ton of such magnitude that they must, Of
course, be dealt with and financed by govern
ments. But, in addition, there is vast field for
supplementary and emergency effort on the part
of voluntary national relief organizations.
The original Geneva convention was designed
primarily to guarantee neutrality to those actu-
ally engaged in the care of sick and wounded
combatants. This war has shown however, that
the battlefield Of modern warfare extends into
every home of the nations involved. Out of this
fact has grown the necessity that the Red Cross
should in time of extend its ministrations
to homeless refugees as well as to civilians in
their homes behind the lines.
The international Red Cross at Geneva has
from the very beginning done an important
work. Throughout the present war its high
principles of both neutrality and helpfulness
have been maintained. It's position of pre-emi-
hence as the great neutral agency should be
upheld and it is the belief that its ideals for
extending relief in time of can be applied
with equal vigor and effectiveness in time of
peace
The experience of the war has developed an
advanced practice in caring for the welfare of
motherhood and childhood. 1t has likewise dem
onstrated novel and most promising possibilities
in the care and treatment of tuberculosis and
other diseases.
It is accordingly of unusual importance at this
moment in the worlds history that representa-
tves of the various people should meet in con-
ference compare information and experience,
and determine how voluntary effort in every
country NAV hest exert itself in the Service IF
humanity.
It is peculiarly fitting that such world con-
ference should meet under the aegis of the Red
Cross, for the Red Cross has shown itself to be
an instrument of peculiar flexibility and adapt
ability with which to promote efforts for the
relief of suffering humanity. The Red Cross
emblem signifies, next to human sympathy
above all else, neutrality, neutrality between
nations as between races, as between religions
between classes. While, in it's organized
form in each country, it enjoys intimate rela-
tons with its own government, yet it preserves
its voluntary and democratic character
1t is expected that out of this world gather
ing there will emerge an international organiza-
ton through which the peoples of t. world may
cooperate in stimulating and developing activi-
ties in the respective countries for the better
ment of mankind
Surely the operation or Sucn plan would de-
velop new fraternity and sympathy among the
peoples. BY so doing an important contribution
will have been made toward the success of the
League of Nations: and his present plan should
be viewed as vital factor in the larger under
taking.
The League Of Nations aims to hold all peo-
pies together in an effort to avoid war and to
insure freedom; this particular plan aims at
devising a procedure whereby all peoples may
cooperate actively in promoting the health and
happiness of one another