The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1920-11-08
PRESIDENT WILSON SAYS
AMERICA RED GRO SIS
DESERVES A HEA RTY
RESP ONSE TO CALL

Washington, Nov s-The follow
Ing message from President Wilson,
who is also president Of the Ameri-
IAN Red Cross, to the American peo-
pie, was issued from the White
House today:
The American Red Cross deserves
heortv response To- its fourth invi.
:aticn 10 annual membership. which
Will be Issued during the fortnight
beginning November II. Armistics Day.
Under the stimulus Of war and
through the cooperation Of our peo-
pie. his organization grew into i'm
mense SIZE enlarged its rang OF ac-
tivity, served not only or fighting
forces but aso civilians rvolved N
...l hardsairs of war in our own
nation and IN the nations a:sociated
prise, and gave 10 the world an ex-
ample OF effective mercy through CO.
ordinatsd effort.
Since the cessation Of hostilities
the organization has faced dual
duty first, TO fulfil obligations Gre
aIed by the war, and, secondly, TO
adapt its experience and machinery
TO the needs Of peace.
1T is, today. still assisting gov
srnment agencies in the care and
cheer OF our disabled soldiers and sail
ors. 10 replaciog those able 10 work
In civilian occupations, and in coun-
selling and aiding the families Of
former combatants; and 1t is still
assisting in some y, the more pros
trared countries Of our former assO-
Nates
While continuing these manifest
obligations the Red Cross has been
accommodating methods and applying
lessons learned in war to the normal
needs OF our own people in times of
peace especially in regions where pro-
visions for public health and welfare
were inperfectly developed. II has
placed public health nurses in many
localities, and has endeavored TO en-
list greater numbers Of young women
in the nursing procession in order
that the supply might more nearly
equal the steadily increasing demand
for community nurses Ii has devised
q scheme of public health centers'
for the relief OF maladies and for
instruction in hygiene. dietetics, and
general principles of disease-preven-
ton. With its nurses and nurses aides
it has rendered incalculable service
in the serious epidemics OF influen-
~. II has carried instruction in hy-
giene and first aid into schools. the
women's clubs and the homes Of our
country. II has taught young and un-
taught mothers how TO care intelligent
ly for their babies and has done much
in many ways to promote child well
fare, upon which the welfare of the
nation ultimately rests. Ii has made II
q fundamental principle 10 avoid
futile Implications. TO cooperate with
public agencies when its cooperation
was sought and TO supply deficiencies
where such agencies had not yet been
established.
1T has continued its educational
work among the school children
through its junior Red Cross branch,
and IL has, as one result Of its war
experience, nut preparation for dis.
asIer-relief on scientific foundation
50 that ii Is now equipped TO meet
disaster emergencies promptly in al
most every part OF our country.
by systematic plans and practical
performances, 1t has given clear
answer TO the question why the Rcd
Cross should be continued and car
risi over from war activity into
peace-time activity. The answer Is in
the record.
Additional TO these obvious as
pects OF the mItter. there is an
other reason why |, as president Of
the American Ped Cross. urge my
teiiow-countrymen 10 join the Red
Cross IN impressive numbers; Reac-
ton follows emotion. and after great
effort comes lassitude. Sound patriot
ism and genuine human service are
continuous. not intermittent, not con-
ringent merely upon the excitement
Of war. II there is In some Of US an
inward cooling Of the fine fervor which
animated US In the crisis OF the ma
items stress and peril u contraction
CT the spirit which emboldened US
as individuals and as nation, now,
during the Red Cross Roll CAN is
fitting season ~ take counsel with
Cur inner selves. 10 rekndle the old
flame 10 rsatflrm allegiance to prac-
tical patriotism and practical human
itarianism and to symbolic the re-
generation Of our better thoughts and
hanasomer selves by re-enllstment In
great army modified Tor the COM
men good.
"tsignedl WOODROW WILSON.