The National Red Cross was founded at Washington, D. C., on October 1, 1881, incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia and reincorporated April 17, 1893. Under the name of the American Red Cross it was finally incorporated in 1905. The original founder was Miss Clara Barton.
As at present constituted the American Red Cross is officered by a President, Vice President, Treasurer, Counselor, Secretary-General, General Manager, and Comptroller; the President being the President of the United States. There is a Central Committee, consisting of a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and one representative from each of the Departments of State, Treasury, War, Navy and Justice, appointed by the President; six members elected by the Board of Incorporators, and six members elected by Delegates. There is an Executive Committee elected by the Central Committee and a War Council of seven members appointed by the President.
The War Council announces that the present work of the Red Cross should contribute to the following aims:—
1. To be ready to care for our soldiers and sailors on duty wherever and whenever that care may be needed.
2. To shorten the War—by strengthening the morale of the allied peoples and their armies, by alleviating their sufferings in the period which must elapse until the American army can become fully effective abroad.
3. To lay foundation for an enduring peace—by extending a message of practical relief and sympathy to the civilian population among our Allies, carrying to them an expression of the finest side of the American character.
The war work is divided into two main parts, the principal purposes of which are summarized by the Council as follows:—
The Work in the United States.—
1. To take such measures as are necessary, in cooperation with the Army and Navy, for the protection of the health and welfare of soldiers in camps and cantonments, and of civilians whose welfare is involved in war conditions.
2. To stimulate and guide the volunteer work of women in the manufacture of supplies and comforts needed by troops and civilians abroad and by men in training in this country.