Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-09-10
RED CROSS READY
TO HELP JOBLESS
Local Chapters to Aid in
Unemployment Relief,
Judge Payne Says.

John Barton Payne, chairman OF the
American Red Cross, today informed
local chapter officials that the Red
Cross stood prepared to administer re-
lief this Winter through its local units
to those suffering and in want from any
cause which is not being met by other
agencies. Chairman Payne estimated
that more than 1000 of its chapters were
new engaged in unemployment relief.
In letter addressed to all chapter
officials. Mr.. Payne said Where there is
suffering and want from any cause and
the fundamental local needs are not
being met, chapters may participate in
the community plans for meeting the
need"
Change Of Attitude Seen.
Some observers have interpreted the
letter as almost complete change in
attitude regarding the Red Cross pol
lcles on unemployment relief
They pointed out that heretofore, in
refusing aid to those reported in dis
treSs arising from strikes and other un-
employment conditions, the Red Cross
had held to its tra additional policy Of con-
inning its activities to disasters caused
by acts Of God"
Mr.. Payne said in his letter that "thc
suggestion has been made that the Red
Cross accept complete responsibility for
rellef OF unemployment in the present
depression"
Consistent with its charter the Red
Cross has developed and adhered to the
following principles: Cd The Red Gross
distinguishes between distress resulting
from natural and economic causes:
CD 1t does not duplicate the work of
other agencies; 80 chapters undertake
general relief work only where other
agencies are inadequate and where the
financial support for such work is pro-
vided locally"
Mr.. Payne's letter today was almost
duplication of a letter sent out By
him on February 8. 1928 in which the
policies of the organization were out
lined as to unemployment relief. The
1928 letter said. in part:
There are situations, other than the
natural disasters referred to above, such
as strikes, business depressions, failure
OF crops and other forms of unemploy-
ment and economic maladjustment,
which may cause widespread suffering.
These situations are not national ca
lamities' as contemplated by its charter.
for which responsibility is imposed upon
the Red Cross.
1T is not the policy of the Red
Cross to duplicate the work or to do
what falls within the responsibilities
adhered to policy of abstaining from
national relief in unemployment dis
treSs, but If there is suffering and want
from any cause and the fundamental
needs are not being met chapters may
participate in community action in ex-
tending relief"
Mr.. Payne today also gave out a
statement outlining Red Cross activ-
tiles in unemployment, drought and
general relief.
100000 Given Aid.
Last available reports" he said
indicate 1881 chapters are now en-
gagged in general family relief work.
directly helping their communities to
meet the unusual needs of the present
situation by assuming responsibility for
all or part Of local unemployment
relief.
During the year ended June 80 ap-
proximately 100000 persons were given
relief by these Red Cross chapters.
Red Cross workers-chapters and
the national organization working
jointly-during the past year handled
the cases of more than 100000 ex-
service men and their families, thereby
relieving other agencies"
Meanwhile, Walter S. Clifford, ma
tional relief director, was completing his
organization, encouraged by the support
Of another State Governor.
Gov. Leslie of Indiana, in telegram
to President Hoover, said the people of
Indiana were "unalterably opposed to
the false doctrine of Federal paternal-
ism or dole system, and feel that
financial aid from the Federal Govern
ment not only is unnecessary but
undesirable"
Mr.. Clifford had selected "a of the
State representatives who will keep the
national organization in touch with
local relief efforts. He expected to
name others today.