The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1931-11-06
THE STORY OF THE BEGINNING
OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS

LII 1Suz, MISS DdIIOll dtIcilOco tAlc
International Conference of the Red
Gross at st. Petersburg OeningraO /,
where she was decorated by the Gar
Miss Barton, however, was reaching
the advanced age at which she was
entitled to retire from active service
On May IA, 1904, she handed in her
resignation, after years with the Red
Cross. She died April IL, 1872
The American National Red Cross,
as we know it today with its semi
governmental status, its widespread
organization extending to outlying
possessions of the United States, and
its peace-time program, dates from its
Congressional charter of January 5,
1905.
The work of reorganization and of
drawing up the new charter was led
by Miss Mabel T. Boardman, now sec
rotary of the Central Committee and
national director of volunteer service.
For the drafting of the charter, the
Red Cross was chiefly indebted to Miss
Boardman, to John w. Foster, former
Secretary of State, and to William H.
Taft, who became first president of the
new society. Mr.. Taft was at that time
Secretary of War.
Reorganization on new plan gave
the Red Gross increased opportunities
for usefulness From an enrolment of
1887 members at the end of 1905, it
now has a normal enrolment Of AGO.
600 members, with a Junior Red Cross
membership in the schools that reached
more than 1000, 900 in 1881.
First in Time of Need.
Practically every mining district in
the United States is familiar with
American Red Cross disaster opera
tions In the last decade no less than
35 mine explosions have required Red
Cross assistance. In that period the
relief agency has given help to 4,062
mine workers and their dependents.
Figures compiled at National Head
quarters of the Red Cross reveal that
a total of 1,571 lives have been lost
in those tragedies. In addition to the
fatalities, 1O8 individuals have suffered
injuries.
Miners and mine operators are aware
that the Red Cross stands ready to
answer when disaster strikes such as
it did in the 35 incidents mentioned
above. Not only are the injured pro-
vided for, but relief is extended to
the dependents Of the victims of ex-l
plosion or other accidents. Often the
Red Cross arranges provisions for fam
lilies of mine blast victims for months
after the tragedy occurs. Always the
agency's workers remain on the job
until suffering and restitution are re-
Iieved
Mine explosions are merely one signal
for Red Gross relief. When COM
munitieS are visited by floods, torn
ADDE'S. earthquakes, drought or hurri-
canes, the Red Cross is the first to
reach the scene of disaster and the last
to depart. Balanced diets, warm
clothing, medical aid, fuel and shelter
are provided for the victims of such
disasters. The Red Cross outlines its
program with a view of assisting the
stricken community to recover on al
permanent basis to prevent a recur-
renee of the plight of those affected
As soon as calamity sufferers are in al
position to provide for themselves, Red
Cross assistance is withdrawn in order
that self-reliance and independence of
the victims may be preserved.
Among the domestic disasters int
which the Red Cross gave aid to vic
TINS during the fiscal year ended June
80, 1881, were floods in Nogales, Arr
IONA, McCulloch County, Texas, and
San Doral, New Mexico; tornadoes inI
Lyon County, Minnesota, Latexo, Texas,
Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, Lincoln
and Franklin Counties, Mississippi, Yell
County, Arkansas, Warren County,
North Carolina, and Greenwood County, |
Kansas; cloudbursts in Utah, and Bris-
CO and Hall Counties, Texas; mine ex-
plosions in McAlester, Oklahoma, Sum
day Greek, Athens, Ohio, Lutte, Okla
homa and Linton, Indiana; fires inl
Panama City, Florida, and Portagel
Maine; forest fires in Florence County
Wisconsin, Michigan, Middleton, Cali
fornia, and London County, Tennessee;
a railroad accident In Elizabeth, N.
j., and a typhoid fever epidemic in
Jackson, Ohio. In the tnsular and
foreign territory aid was given in
floods in Turkey; hurricane in Santa
Domingo; earthquakes in Mexico, Al
bania, New Zealand and Nicaragua; al
storm in American Samoa; and three
fires in Porto Rico.
Since the ending of the fiscal year inl
June of this year, the Lake of the
Woods and Koochiching County forest
fires laid waste miles and miles of
territory and impoverished hundreds
of settlers besides taking many lives
IN the devastated areas. The Red Gross
was on the scene within two days after
the catastrope with food, clothing and
building material for the fire sufferers.
Red Cross relief to disaster sufferers,
is made possible by individual member
ship in the society The annual Roll
Call is to begin on Armistice Day, Nov.
18th, and will extend through Thanks
giving, November &C. During that
period every citizen viii be afforded an
opportunity to become part of the
society. which this year is observing its
Fiftieth Anniversary.
Duck Hunting Season