The Wrangell sentinel., 1923-09-20
Annual Red Cross Drive Sept. 24-29
A Glimpse at the Origin and History
 Of the Red Cross
By MRS. M. O. JOHNSON Chairman Health Committee, Wran- gell Chapter American Red Cross

gell Chapter American Red Cross
 There is no organization in this country or in the world today that means so much to the people in gen. eral as the Red Cross, and glimpse at it's origin and history is most ap- propriate at this time when the local drive for membership is close at hand.
 A Swiss gentleman, Monsieur Hen ri Dumont, travelling in Italy in 1857 was mortified at the lack of care the wounded received at the battle of Solferino. Deeply impressed with the necessity of ameliorating the conditions of war, he wrote pam phlet entitled "A Souvenir of Solfer- ino" in which he advocated more ap- pliances for the aid of wounded sol diers, and he succeeded in enlisting the sympathy of gentleman who was president of the Society of Pub lie Utility of Switzerland, M. Moy- nier, with the result that a meeting was called to discuss the matter. Eighteen nations were represented but nothing definite was decided up- on. In 1863, a meeting was held to which were invited men from coun- tries that sympathized with the movement to do something of an in- ternational character to relieve suf- fering caaJel by war. The meeting lasted four days and resolutions em- bodying the principles upon which the Red Cross was founded were adopted. This led to the Convention of Geneva, held in August, 1863. Un- fortunately, America was not repre- scented at this meeting. The treaty drawn up at the convention has since been remodeled and improved but the basic principles are the same as at it's adoption.
 A uniform badge was needed and the red cross. the symbol of St. John of Malta, an order caring for the sick at the time of the Crusades, was decided upon. This badge was also the Swiss flag reversed and the adoption of it was compliment, as well, to the country where the idea of the society originated.
 The first society was organized in America in 1866 by Dr. Henry Bellows but was not recognized by Congress. Miss Clara Barton who had during the Civil War done mueh to alleviate the sufferings of the wounded. while travelling in Eu- rope was impressed with the work of the International Red Cross, and on returning to America in 1881 ap- preached President Garfield regard ing this country's joining in the movement. A meeting was held at Washington, D. C.. and the treaty signed in 1882. The International Red Cross ideal is the aid of the peo- pie for the needs of the nation. It was re-incorporated April IT. 1893. Nursing service of the Red Cross developed at the time of the Spanish American War. Before and since the World War this country has sent help to other countries suffer- ing from famine and disaster. the latest relief work being for Japan.
 The Red Cross helped the morale during the late war. In Italy in 1897, the morale was low, but when the American Red Cross stepped in and sent a letter to every soldier S wife. enclosing money equivalent to s1O, the soldiers took courage. They found that their dear ones at home were being cared for and it was the spur they needed. The American in Italy. whether Red Cross worker, soldier, or civilian immediately became so popular, ac. cording to those who know, that he could have anything the country could give him. Italy was profound ly grateful to America and the Rec Cross.
 The Wrangell Red Cross Chapter was organized in April, 1917. Act i've work began at once. Benefit! were arranged. membership driv' was inaugurated, goods and sewing materials were ordered. and the loca people assumed their share of thu r'ar work cheerfully and enthusias 'i-ally. Since the war, many gar ments have been made for the con valescent soldiers in the hospital and this year, Wrangell followe, the lead of other progressive com