The American Red Cross Magazine (Vol. 8, No. 2, April 1913)

by American National Red Cross

© Underwood & Underwood

THE
AMERICAN RED CROSS
MAGAZINE

Volume Eight APRIL, 1913 Number Two

Opinion and Comment

NEW NAME, NEW PAPER, NEW DEPARTMENT

Unless attention is specifically called to the fact, our readers may not notice that with this issue they receive a Magazine instead of a Bulletin. That time-tried query of the cynic, “What’s in a name?” may be flung at us, and our answer will be that the contents and character of this publication are more in keeping with the accepted idea of a magazine than of a bulletin. At any rate, we like the new name better than the old, and we hope our readers will approve our taste. But whatever may be the verdict upon the slight change of name, we feel assured that we shall hear only approval of the heavier and better paper on which the magazine is printed. We hope also that the new department of “Opinion and Comment” may prove acceptable. Furthest from our thought is any idea that the Magazine is perfect, and any concrete suggestions of improvement which readers may offer will be cordially received and given careful consideration.

MAYOR GAYNOR’S SOUTHERN FLOOD RELIEF COMMITTEE

During the Mississippi River flood in the spring of 1912, Mayor Gaynor, of New York, appointed a committee to collect money for relief purposes. Mr. Robert W. de Forest, head of the New York County Chapter of the Red Cross, was made chairman, and Mr. Robert Adamson, the Mayor’s secretary, became secretary of the committee. Among the prominent members were officers of the New York Southern Society. This committee undertook its duties with such vigor and effectiveness that it became much the largest contributor to the flood relief fund placed in the hands of the Red Cross for expenditure. The committee held its final meeting in Mayor Gaynor’s office on January 21, 1913, when the secretary presented an interesting account of the work accomplished.

Money was received from all parts of the country, although the greater part was contributed by residents of New York City. The New York Southern Society received $14,281.05. From this sum $10,000 was paid to Mr. Jacob H. Schiff, treasurer for the Mayor’s committee. The Southern Society also paid all expenses of the campaign for both itself and the Mayor’s committee, amounting to $1,612.49, and forwarded $600 directly to flood sufferers. This left a balance in the hands of the Southern Society of $2,068.56, which later was turned over to the Red Cross. Including the $10,000 paid in by the Southern Society, the Mayor’s committee received a total of $67,322.39, all of which was transmitted to the Red Cross.