Evening star., 1941-04-21

Continued From First Page0
q. s. N, retired, presided as per-
manent chairman of the conven-
tion. The invocation was pro-
nounced by the Right Rev. James E.
Freeman, Episcopal Bishop of Wash
ington. Sessions will continue until
Tuesday.
s27,000,000 Spent on War Relief.
Mr.. Davis told the representatives
OF chapters throughout America that
''the vast mobilization of Americas
defensive power demands immedi-
ate expansion of Red Cross work
ut home"
Almost $27 ,000,0 600 has been spent
on relief to war-stricken countries
scattered across the world, he re-
ported. Great Britain, the largest
beneficiary, now is receiving each
month approximately 25 supply
ships, he said.
Daniel Wessler, Portland (Oreg)
high school boy, brought the con-
yention greetings from the Junior
Red Cross, meeting with senior
members at the opening plenary ses-
sion, but holding separate sessions
at other times.
In an address on Builders Of a
New World" the youth declared:
LAS the flag of our country repre-
sents the unity of the States, the
symbol of the Red Cross represents
the unity of mankind. Under its
banner, the lines distinguishing race,
creed and social class fade into in
significance"
Senator Burton Speaks.
Senator Burton, Republican, of
Ohio declared that "as America looks
ahead, at least one course is clear.
1t is the need for our support OF
the Red Cross and our encourage
ment of the extension of its services
everywhere" and he added:
The doors of the world are open
to it alone. Let its symbol become
q rallying point of civilization every
where. 1t symbolizes the hope Of
the world. Let it catch and reflect
the light of that everlasting sunrise
of a better tomorrow that inspires
America"
The opening session was ushered
In colorfully with a procession OF
the color guard, volunteers, nurses
and junior delegates. Delegates
crowded into the hall accompanied
by music from the Marine Band Or
chestra. led by Capt. William F.
Santelmann.
So heavy was the week end regis
tration at the national headquarters
building that officials predicted
delegates and their guests would ex-
ceed 5000.
Bigger Roll Call Needed.
when darkness falls upon the
earth, as it does today" Chairman
Davis told the convention, 1.-The
lamps should be kept the brightest.
The Red Cross, ever beacon in the
gloom, shines forth in the darkness
not only to manifest good will, COM
passion, human brotherhood, but
also to inculcate and perpetuate
those qualities that forces of dark
ness would destroy. y
The responsibilities we shoulder
today are becoming heavier. To
meet these tasks we must have
greatly increased roll call this fall
over that Of last year. Members
constitute the strength and deter
mine the extent of Red Cross work"
And the national chairman added:
"When I say members, include our
junior membership. for we must
never forget that the Junior Red
Cross is, after all, both the Red
Cross of today and of tomorrow.
preparedness for National De-
fense,' the theme of this conven-
ton, is the highest cause for which
any American can labor until it is
no longer a theme, dream, but
reality. Every one is working-and
this gives us cause for pride and
exhilaration-every one is working
voluntarily"
Describes War Tolls.
Reviewing the war work, Mr..
Davis said:
Entire populations have been
tortured with wretchedness and
degradation. Guiltless and yearn7
ing only to live in peace and to
preserve their way of life, they
have become pitiful mass OF per-
secuted humanity-maimed and
broken in body and in spirit.
TT is for this kind of people the
Red Cross exists. For them that
1t sends out a ray of hope through
the blackness of an insane world.
Prevention of suffering, as well as
it's alienation, has ever been a
Red Cross objective"
Mr.. Davis recalled that almost
three years ago the Red Cross, at
an international conference, ap-
pealed in the name Of humanity to
all nations to agree to so restrict
air attacks as to safeguard the lives
of helpless nome -combatants. That
appeal has been ignored. Not only
has it been ignored, but never be-
fore has the sanctity of human life
been violated on such vast and
barbaric scale. Wholesale slaughter
Of civilians has become the new
order in Europe and Asia.
"The contortions of world in
the throes of total war have posed
y,arrIeYjnc nrohlems. Through eyery