Evening star., 1935-04-09
RED CROSS HEARS
PLEA0F RICHBERG
ORGANIZATION Akin to N. R. A.
and A. A. A., Recovery
Director States.

All dpptdl lOT LIlUSc Will UllV AuSoA-
ism and the public spirit" to support
the Red Cross, to support also the
Governments great recovery agencies,
N. r. A. and A. A. A. was voiced be-
fore the annual convention of the
American Red Cross last night by
Donald r. Richberg, executive director
of the National Emergency Council.
Speaking before more than 1900
delegates assembled in Memorial Con-
tinental Hall, the New Deal advocate
asked for appreciation of the idealism
which is seeking to bring the mod
Grating influence Of peaceful Coop
Grafton into fields Of economic war
fare"
This is a practical idealism," Rich
berg continued. because neither this
Nation nor any other nation can long
endure the disintegrating forces o1
modern induStrialism unless 1t Is
disciplined and controlled by obliga-
tons of public service"
Addresses Heard Today.
The convention this morning heard
addresses by DR.. Thomas w. Gosling
of Washington. national director OF
the Junior Red Cross, on The Junior
Red Cross Looks to the Future" and
by James T Nicholson, manager OF
the Chicago chapter of the Red
Cross. on War Service and Social
Values"
The convention dinner will be held
at the Mayhower Hotel tonight, with
addresses by Jesse H. Jones, chairman
Of the Reconstruction Finance Corp;
Senator Byrnes of South Carolina ana
Secretary of Agriculture Wallace.
In his address last night Rlchoerg
asked for "an understanding OF the
need of angels Of mercy and healers
of the sick on the battlef1elds OF trade
and industry, where, as after armed
conflicts, the wounded thirst and
starve and writhe in agony
Compulsion Is Denied.
In his plea for understanding OF
N. R. A. Richberg denied the doctrine
of compulsion, for Those who still
cherish the ancient delusion that
virtue can be compelled will seek
again and again, and always in vain,
to establish by an unaccepted law
obligations that will not be fulfilled. "
The New Deal spokesman admitted
that many of those who in recent
months helped to raise the banner OF
the Blue Eagle. now feel that We
would have moved more rapidly to-
ward a clearer understanding OF
high purpose had we chosen, not an
symbol of force, but a symbol OF
peaceful cooperation to signify ad-
herence to a code of fair competition" !"
After referring to dissentions which
have arisen under codes promoted by
business groups, Richberg said with
regard to the farmer:
Let us turn from this SorroWful
scene to observe for few moments
the free and independent farmer,
rescued from years of increasing mis-
ery-rescued somewhat in the manner
Of one tossed from the second story
window of a house on fire into a
blanket held inexpertly by his we'll
meaning neighbors. Surprise. pain,
pleasure and humiliation are strangely
blended in the experience"
Economic Connection Seen.
With regard to Red Gross relief to
economic sufferers, Richberg said:
. Economic devastations that leave mil
lions Of victims in their wake have
not been generally comprehended
within the healing powers of the Red
Cross. It may or may not be wise to
hn rolioF NJ fhnca
by force Of arms or natural violence
with aid to the helpless victims of in
dustrial warfare and economic dis
order. Yet where could We seek to
find gentler spirit or keener desire
to aid victims of economic disorder
than among those who gather under
the symbol of Christian charity?"
Another speaker last night was
James L. Fieser, vice chairman Of
the Red Cross, in charge of domestic
operations, who pointed out that al
most 100000 men and women joined
the Red Cross at the last roll call
and that another push will put the
membership beyond the maximum Of
the past decade.
This year, above all Others" Mr..
Fieser said, I'VE must take stock to
see whether our program requires ad-
justment to new responsibilities in
unmet fields and whether our chap
ter or national organization requires
adjustment"
B. j. Benzel of Oklahoma City,
chairman of the convention, presided
at last nights meeting. Music was
furnished by the United States Army
Band.