The St. Johns herald., 1919-03-13

Washington.-(Spe )-Henry P. DavisOn as chairman issues the follow ing statement on behalf of the War Council of the American Red Cross: "To the American People:
 'The War Council of the American Red Cross appointed by President Will son on May 10, 1917, to carry on the work of the American Red Cross dur ing the war, at their request and by vote of the Central Committee, ceased at midnight, February 29.
 Immediately the armistice was signed the War Council instituted studies to determine when the strict ly war work of the organization would have been sufficiently matured to en- able the direction of affairs to be re- sumed by the permanent staff. Henry F. Davison, being in Paris when the armistice was signed, summoned conference there of the heads of ail the Red Cross Commissions in Europe to canvass the situation. After con Sidering all the factors 1t was con cluded to make the transition on March l. The very fortunate choice Of Dr. Livingston Farrand as the new chairman of the Central Committee, and thereby the permanent chief ex- ecutive of the Red Cross, makes possi- ble the cOnsummatiOn of this plan un- der the most favorable conditions. Accounts Audited by War Department.
 Detailed reports to Congress and a complete audit of it's accounts by the War Department will constitute the final record of Red Cross activity dur ing the war; Although 1t has been the rule to make public all expendi- lures when authorized and to give de- tailed information relative to all work undertaken, the War Council in turn ing over its responsibilities to Dr. Far rand and his associates desire to give a brief resume of Red Cross war time activities to +he American people, to whom the Red Cross belong, and whose generous contributions have made pos sible all that has been accomplished.
 
 months the American people have given in cash aud supplies to the American Red Cross more than S4OO,- 100000 No value can be placed upon the contributions of service which have been given without stint and of tentimes at great sacrifice by millions of our people.
 ''The effort of the American Red Cross in this war has constituted by far the largest voluntary gifts of money, of hand and heart, ever con- tributed purely for the relief of hu- man suffering. Through the Red Cross the heart and spirit of the whole American people have been mobilized to take care of our own, to relieve the misery incident to the war, and also to reveal to the world the supreme ideals of our national life.
 Everyone who has had any part in this war effort of the Red Cross is en- titled to congratulate himself. No thanks from anyone could be equal in value to the self satisfaction every one should feel for the part taken. Fully S,OOOOOO American women have exerted themselves in Red Cross serv- ice.
 Has Over 17,ooo,ooo Adult Members.
 "When we entered the war the American Red Cross had about 5O0.OOO members. Today, as the result of the recent Christmas membership Roll Call, there are upwards of 100000 full paid members outside of the mem bers of the junior Red Cross, number ing perhaps 9,OOO,OOO school children additional.
 ''The chief effort of the Red Cross during the war has been to care for our men in service and to aid our army and navy wherever the Red Cross may be called on to assist As