We regret that the new plans for a reorganization in regard to State Branches are not yet in such shape as to be presented in this Bulletin. Experience has shown the difficulty of maintaining efficient State Branches under present regulations. Our States are generally too large for the officers and members of Committees of a State Branch to hold frequent meetings, and in many cases it is not wise to concentrate all officers and members of State Committees in one city. The new plans leads to the creation of skeleton State Branches, to act only in case of disasters. The local, county, city, or town chapters will be brought directly in contact with the National Headquarters at Washington. In case of disaster in a State, it has been the custom of the Governor of the State to take prompt action for relief measures. For this reason it is probable that the Governors of States will be asked to act as Presidents of their respective State Branches. In appealing to the President of the United States for assistance, as has been the custom when the calamity has been of such magnitude that it was not possible for the State to render all the aid required, the Governor will appeal to the President of the American Red Cross, so the stricken community will be assured of assistance from the Government and also from the great national organization of the Red Cross. The new plans will soon be formulated and sent to all State officers of our Branches.
MAJ.-GEN. GEORGE W. DAVIS
Copyright, Clinedinst, ’08.
Arrangements for First Aid Courses on a large scale are fast developing. In October, under the Red Cross’ auspices, will be held a competition in First Aid among a number of Miners’ First Aid Corps from different mines in Pennsylvania. A prize, to be won three times, will be awarded, and bronze medals to the individual members of the winning team. Plans for the Nursing Department will receive much consideration. The new Christmas stamp for the tuberculosis work we trust will prove even more successful than that of last year, and so our Red Cross sees the future looming large and vigorous before it.
HON. CHARLES D. NORTON
If, having proved to our people and to the world at large the use and value of our American Red Cross, we can now raise our Endowment Fund to a million dollars, so that by its income we may be always ready to render First Aid when great national or international disasters occur without having to wait for contributions to come in, and so that we may continue and carry on measures of teaching the hundreds of thousands of our men and women engaged in manufacturing, in mining, in railroading, etc., to be prepared to help themselves and each other in cases of the innumerable accidents of every day life, our Red Cross will take its place among the greatest, most efficient, and most blessed forces not only of our own country but of the world itself.