The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1920-01-02
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Mr.. !. Mulhgan. who has been in Europe representing the
Knights of Columbus in their charitable work, has returned, and
states what many have long suspected, that the measureless gener-
osity OF the Americans is spelling the poor OF Europe. lher sur
fering and misery were appalling, and as soon a. it was relieved,
these people were perfectly content TO sit down and ENJOY the
good the gods provided them without attempting to do anything
for themselves. 1t is characteristic of America to oyerdo things
good and bad. We despise the day OF small things and love 10
deal with problems in a wholesale manner only Thousands IN
Europe are starving yet, and must be fed il their lives are to be
saved. They will be succored, but it should be done WITH a view
of helping them to help themselves and not with a view OF making
them wards and permanent dependents of this country, When the
Red Cross was first started by a German gentewonan' II was
based on personal service. The members we're to nurse SICK ana
wounded soldiers. An American woman. Clara Barton, joined, ana
on her return home, organized an American branch OF the Neo
Cross. which soon took the lead in the world in the good work, ana
began doing things in the American way on a large scale sure
ing of all kinds was relieved; fires, floods, epidenics' dronPhtS ana
calamities of all kinds were looked after, and these, activities cost
millions Of dollars of money and the services OF thousanes u pee,
pie. During the late war the American Red Cross PROBABLY saVeu
as many lives as the war sacrificed. and the organization y SUI,
at work, spending the millions that were generously cohulou'ea
tot In France it is rebuilding destroyed towns tnat were WleeN.u
and RACED by war, and in many other countries 1t is feedihs tne
hungry. caring for the sick and wounded, and clothing the naked
The Y. M. c. A. did a noble work during the war, and spent Vas'
sums of money, and the knights OF Columbus were n al ~ Il" T ,o
front rank MANY other organizations contributed literally Inc
order Of Eks handed in a million dollars III a lump sum ana
built a large reconstruction hospital near Boston, where ue
afflicted are being cared for and prepared to win their way in the
world at such work as their MANNED bodies will admit OF American
generosity knew no bounds, no limits. 1t reached the afficted
everywhere. Foreign governments seem entirely wiling 10 per
NIT America to take care OF the needy and suffering, and we
are doing it. Foreign governments are encouraging a replenisn-
ment Of the man power lost in the war, and when the babies come
they are left tostarve and shiver until American charity and gen
eroaty comes in to hover and sustain them. We had to tight and
finance the war, and we are now called upon to fight and finance
the results of the war. This is not all. We are bluntly told that
unless we extend credits, money and raw material to reconstruct
Europe. there will be general bankruptcy in those countries, and
our billions already loaned cannot be paid back. America IS the
worlds grand almoner, and surely has a burden to bear. 1t is
bearing it bravely, but an end must come. If we are spoling the
moor of Europe, we should see to it that we do not spoil the gov
ernu1ents, also.
Our productive energies will stand much, and have stood
much, but they can be overtaxed. In her present crisis, Europe
appeals to humanity for help and sustenancc, and humanity at this
time means America, where alone people have something to give,
When normal conditions return, and the foreign countries
that are now hungering become self-sustaining, a great burden
will be lifted from our shoulders, and the happy day cannot come
any too soon. We have 100000 people at home to take care
OF, and these must be first provided for. America is great, and
rich. and has much to give, because she has rich lands and plenty
of food, so that people can work and produce more. If we ship.
out or give away more than our surplus, there will be a scarcity
at home, and scarcity in a land Of abundance would be an anomaly
that would reflect discredit on our rulers and managers. The Win
ter is a closed season, and it is now upon us. In the spring all
energies must be turned to production. Food is the first and para
mount consideration. With plenty OF food, the world can live
Raiment can be reduced or dispensed with il necessary, Every
pound Of food that can possibly be raised should be produced as
there is a mouth waiting for every ounce of it, and a hungry stonf
ach waiting to be relieved by it, Our task S a big one, but we can
and will be eoual to it