South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1920-12-03
DECEMBER 3. 1920.
THE GEORGE BANICKI SHELLSHOCK
CASE AND The LOCAL RED CROSS.

10 beats all how easy it is for people looking for
excuse, to jump at conclusions; and, how easy
ST 5. TO jump a wrong conclusion for instance:
a week ago last sunday an article appeared in
The News-Tmes. telling OF good work that is being
done by Miss Anna Kaminsi for shell-shocked SOL
diers and one she-snocked soldier in particular,
George Banfcki Incidentally was stated in con-
nection that this in part made necessary by the
refusal failure OF some organization, from which
it said he entitled to support to care for
him. Immediately the conclusion was drawn by a
let Of people that such organization was. must he,
the Red Cross. and in search of an excuse for not
contributing that organization there they found
it.
wei It poor excuse, better than none, per-
haps but poor. The Red Cross had cared for George
BsncSi 10 limit Of its capacity, has spent sew
oral hundred dollars on him. and after finding for
hin homes for short intervals from which
he was discharged for sundry reasons located him
permanently where ne would be well-kept. but for
his refusal go there Besides it was not the Red
Cross that was referred article a all.
some Polish society. Of which he claimed to be a
member. We mention this in passing disabrse the
minds OF those excuse-seekers far as possible of
their impression that the Red Cross has been der
eHct IN its service
Furthermore Banicd is not an American citizen
he American soldier He fought in the
Polish army. with French. on the western front
and while no doubt brave enough soldier and de-
serving of care should be made a permanent
charge upon the charitable philanthropic insti-
tutions Of this country. should have care and
Miss Kaminski is entitled to every credit for her
charitable mind and service. regardless o the
shortcomings Of her charge: perhaps deserves
credit the because of those shortcomings The
point is that the Red Cross has done it's work 1t
is permanent hospital for sheII-shocSed SOL
diers Its mission is to provide temporary relief
wouldn't get very far il every wounded soldier re-
turning TO America from France-who fought in
American ranks otherwise.-were to try to thrust
themselves upon for remainder Of their lives.
We are afraid that should they undertake it, before
long there would be making an excuse
as TO why they should not give it their support
SO please absolve the Red Cross of blame in
connection with the affair: likewise absolve the or
carnations that 10 be the benedciarles Of the
Good VIII week fund. Place the blame. if any.
where it belongs. if you can find it. To be frank
about it, after some Investigation our guess is that
the blame lies some three thousand miles away
and the responsibility for his care, if not "ovcr
there" then the county lnhrmary or some gov
eminent hospital, and not the door Of the local
Red Gross or even Of Miss Kaminsl, at all To her
avan. say. due credit for assuming the burden.
10 which permit us to add fo- the benefit of those
who would blame the Red Cross or any other or
ganization; why don't you relieve the young lady?
If YOU anxious about the George Banicki
case send Miss Kaminski check that you meant
20 send the Red Cross until you heard of this-if
there to be any check. Don't make the Red
Cross an excuse for not sending the check-and
then keep it.
That's all