Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1919-03-07

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.OOO,OOO American women have
exerted themselves In Red Cross serv-
ice.
Has Over 1900, 900 Adult Members.
when we entered the war the
American Red Cross had about 500. 900
members. Today, as the result Of the
recent Christmas membership Roll
Call, there are upwards Of 1900, 600
full paid members outside of the mem
bers Of the Junior Red Cross, number
Ing perhaps 100000 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
to this phase Of the work Surgeon Gen
eral Ireland of the U. s. Army recent
ly said: The Red Cross has been an
enterprise rs vast as the war itself.
From the beginning 1t has done those
things which the Army Medical Corps
wanted done, but could not do ITSELF
"The Red Cross endeavor in France
has naturally been upon an exception
ally large scale where service has
been rendered to the American Army
and to the French Army and the
French people as well, the latter par
ticularly during the trying period
when the Allied World was waiting
for the American Army to arise in
force and power. Hospital emergency
service for our army in France has
greatly diminished, but the Red Cross
Ii still being called upon for service
upon a large scale In the great base
hospitals, where thousands Of Ameri-
can sick and wounded are still receiv-
ing attention. At these hospitals the
Red Cross supplies huts and facilities
for the amusement and recreation Of
the men as they become convalescent.
Our Army Of Occupation In Germany
was followed with Medical units pre-
pared to render the same emergency
aid and supply service which was the
primary business Of the Red Cross
during hostilities. The Army Canteen
service along the lines of travel has
actually increased since the armistice.
"As for work among the French peo-
pie, now that hostilitles have ceased,
the French themselves naturally pre-
fer az far as possible to provide for
their own. 1t has accordingly been de-
termined that the guiding principle Of
Red Cross policy in France henceforth
shall be to have punctilious regard to
Ito every responsibility, but to direct
Its efforts primarily to assisting
French relief societies. The liberated
and devastated regions of France have
been divided by the government into
small districts, each officially assigned
to designated French relief organi-
zation.
1.-THE American Red Cross work In
France was initiated by a commission
Of eighteen men who landed on French
shores June 10. 1917. Since then
some 5000 persons have been upon the
rolls In France, Of whom 1000 were
actively engaged when the armistice
was signed. An indication Of the pres
ept scale Of tha work will be obtained