Delegates of the American Medical Association the resolution adopted by
the Executive Committee of the American National Red Cross, October 18,
1907, and then offered the following resolution:
WHEREAS, By the terms of the Treaty of Geneva, 1864, and the
Revised Treaty of Geneva, 1906, the emblem of the Greek Red
Cross on a white ground, and the words “Red Cross,” or “Geneva
Cross,” were adopted to designate the personnel and materiel of
the medical departments of the military and naval forces and of
the recognized volunteer aid societies in time of war for the
humane purpose of rendering them immune from attack or capture;
and
WHEREAS, The United States, as well as all other civilized
powers, is a signatory to said treaties; and
WHEREAS, The use of the Red Cross by medical associations and
individuals of the medical profession must seriously impair
the usefulness of the emblem for the purpose for which it was
created and adopted; be it therefore
_Resolved_, That it is the sense of the American Medical
Association that the use of the Geneva Red Cross by
associations or individuals, other than those of the army,
navy and Red Cross Society, should be discontinued, and, if
desirable, some other insignia adopted, and be it further
_Resolved_, That the adoption of this resolution be given as
wide publicity as possible in the medical journals of the
country.
Dr. Samuel Wolfe, of Pennsylvania, supplemented the resolutions
presented by Major Ireland by introducing the following
preambles and resolution, which were also referred to the
Reference Committee on Legislation and Political Action:
WHEREAS, It is held that the Red Cross, which now constitutes
the main character in the official badge of the American
Medical Association, is eminently distinctive of certain
broader fields of philanthropy, rather than of medicine in
particular, and
WHEREAS, The traditions of medicine would be fully satisfied by
the adoption of a design as herewith submitted and described as
follows:
A shield on which is emblazoned the American eagle holding in
its talons a laurel wreath within which is the knotty rod and
entwined serpent and the letters A. M. A.; therefore, be it
_Resolved_, That the American Medical Association adopt as its
official insignia or badge this design.
_Protect the Red Cross._
Issued by the New York State Branch.
When the Red Cross insignia was first adopted at the Geneva Convention,
as a sign of a hospital in war, and for many years after that, no one
dreamed of using it as a mark on goods sold in trade. Gradually, however,
such use became more common, and a badge of humanity, which men in the
midst of warfare respected, became more and more, in trade, a meaningless
label, applied to all kinds of medicinal boxes, bottles and jars, and
every other conceivable package and bundle.
The badge of the Red Cross in America would have become a mere commercial
mark but for the efforts of the American Red Cross and its branches.
We have worked hard to stop this wrongful use of the red cross, and we
appeal to you to help us in this work, and to respect the law, for the
unauthorized use of the red cross is in violation of a Federal statute.
Help us to make the red cross what it should be, the badge which stands
for humanity, and help to those who suffer in war and in calamities of
all kinds. Help us to do this by stopping the use of the red cross or
using the words red cross on your own articles of commerce and by urging
others to do the same.
Even if it helps you to sell a few articles by using this mark on
them, is it worth while bringing the red cross into the domain of
commercialism, when so many thousand Americans, men and women, in private
and in public life—President Taft as well as the smallest worker in the
smallest branch—are trying to make the red cross the emblem of the great
Red Cross work all over this country, and of that work only?
We forget only too readily what is done in such cases as the San
Francisco and the Messina earthquakes, and few recall now the Red Cross
work in the Spanish War—fewer still the similar work of the Sanitary
Commissions during the Civil War. We pour out money to the associations
organized to help those in distress, and we give the Red Cross millions
of dollars to distribute. Nobody questions its work; nobody doubts its
efficiency; all trust it. Why not then help it as we ask you to do? City
officials in New York, and hundreds of individuals have stopped the use
of the red cross on ambulances, automobiles, wagons, boxes, packages and
all kinds of other articles. They have chosen other emblems suggesting
medicine and purity of the articles sold. We urge you to do the same.
Help us, therefore, to make its badge honored and respected, so that it
shall stand for nothing but the presence of the ever-ready American Red
Cross.
Resolution adopted by the National Association of Retail
Druggists in convention at Louisville, September 6-10, 1909.
WHEREAS, By the terms of the Treaty of Geneva, 1864, and the
revised Treaty of Geneva, 1906, the emblem of the Greek Red
Cross on a white background and the words “Red Cross” or
“Geneva Cross” were adopted to designate the personnel and
materiel of the medical departments of the military and naval
forces and the recognized volunteer aid societies in time of
war, for the humane purpose of rendering them immune from
attack or capture, and
WHEREAS, The United States, as well as all other civilized
powers, is a signatory to said treaties,
_Resolved_, That the National Association of Retail Druggists
request its members to refrain from using this insignia to
designate their places of business.
THE STORY OF THE RED CROSS
V.
SOCIETIES SUGGESTED.
“Why did I write ‘Un Souvenir de Solferino’”? M. Dunant asks himself, and
replies:
“That societies, like those suggested, with a permanent existence should
be organized so that they could be ready to act the moment war was
declared. They should receive official recognition from their respective
governments, with permission and facilities for continuing their noble
work to the end. Among their officials should be the most honorable
and esteemed men. In our century of egotism what an attraction for
generous hearts and chivalrous characters to brave the same danger as
the soldier, with a voluntary mission of peace and consolation! History
proves there is nothing chimerical in counting upon such devotion. Two
facts especially confirm this. While the Sisters of Charity cared for
the sick and wounded of the French army in the Crimea, the Russian and
British armies witnessed the arrival from the north and the west of two
legions of noble women nurses. The Grand Duchess, Helene Paulowna, of
Russia, widow of the Grand Duke Michael, engaged nearly 300 ladies of St.
Petersburg and Moscow, provided them with supplies, and sent them to the
hospitals in the Crimea, where these good women were blessed by thousands
of the soldiers.
“Miss Florence Nightingale, having received from the Minister of War a
pressing appeal to help the sick and wounded English soldiers, left for
Scutari in November, 1854, with 27 other women. In 1855 Miss Stanley,
with 50 more women, went out. The image of Florence Nightingale, her
little lamp in hand, passing at night down the vast wards of the military
hospitals and taking note of each of the sick and wounded will never be
effaced from the hearts of the men who were the objects of her noble
charity, and the story of her work will remain forever engraved in
history.
“In many cases of similar devotion, ancient and modern, how many proved
of little value because they were isolated and were not supported by
the sympathy of others intelligently associated together for a common
end? Had trained nurses and hospital orderlies been at Castiglione those
terrible days of June 24, 25, and 26, how many human lives would have
been saved? The sight of so many brave young soldiers crippled by loss of
arm or leg returning disconsolately to their homes must arouse a feeling
of remorse that no measures had been taken beforehand to prevent such
consequences of wounds which would have healed had proper care been given
them at first.
“For the accomplishment of such a work help must be immediate, for he
who can save the wounded to-day can not save them to-morrow. Why could
not such humane work be organized, permanent, and universal, instead
of desultory, temporary, and restricted? It appeals to the men of all
countries and all ranks, from the monarch to the workingman, for all may
take their part in this good work, from the high-born lady to the simple
housewife—all who desire to contribute to their neighbor’s welfare.
It appeals to the general, to the marshal, the minister of war, the
writer, who by his publications may plead for a cause that interests all
humanity.”
Dunant also urged the calling of special conferences to formulate an
international treaty for the protection of the sick and wounded and the
hospital personnel in time of war.
The result of these reflections was the formation in 1863 of the
universal work of the Red Cross, which should not only be useful on the
battle field in war time, but also in time of epidemic, floods, fires,
and catastrophes generally, and in 1864 the first treaty of Geneva, since
accepted by all the civilized countries of the world, was signed.
The Bishop of Orleans pronounced this “a beautiful and Christian idea of
M. Dunant’s,” observing that “he who does good is the compatriot of all,
and deserves a universal passport.”
TUBERCULOSIS DEPARTMENT
AMERICAN RED CROSS CHRISTMAS STAMPS
_Terms and Conditions Governing their Sale and Disposition of the
Proceeds._
[Illustration]
Practical experience in the Red Cross Christmas stamp campaign in the
season of 1908, and in the distribution of the proceeds from stamp sales,
has shown the necessity of certain changes in conditions and methods.
The rules which will govern in the sale of stamps and disbursement of
proceeds from July 1, 1909, until further notice are as follows:
Rule 1. The American Red Cross will appoint agents to sell the stamps and
dispose of the proceeds. The stamps will not be sold to agents but will
remain the property of the Red Cross until sold at retail by the agents.
Agents will be such State branches and sub-divisions of the Red Cross
and such anti-tuberculosis societies or other organizations as may be
appointed.
Rule 2. Before entrusting the sale of Christmas stamps to any society,
the Red Cross will require satisfactory evidence of the reliability and
standing of the society and its ability to creditably carry out the Red
Cross purposes in the expenditure of the proceeds from stamp sales.
Every State branch or subdivision and every other society desiring
to sell Christmas stamps is required to first submit to the Central
Committee a statement of the particular anti-tuberculosis work which it
proposes to support or promote with the proceeds from the stamp sales.
If the organization desiring to sell stamps intends to expend the money
itself, the statement should make plain the exact character of the work
proposed to be carried on. If it intends to turn the money over for
expenditure to one or more other societies or agencies, the names of such
other societies or agencies and the kind of work for which the money will
be expended by them should be explicitly stated.
All the information called for in rule 2 should reach the National office
of the Red Cross during the summer in order that there may be no delay in
the appointment of agents or the forwarding of stamps when the selling
period arrives.
Rule 3. The appointment of agents will be for the period ending March
1, 1910. During the term of its appointment an agent shall have the
exclusive right to sell Red Cross stamps within the city (including
suburbs) in which such agent is situated and the expenditure of the
proceeds of the sale of stamps will be under the immediate direction of
such agent, in accordance with the general plan approved by the Red Cross.
Rule 4. The American Red Cross will supply Christmas stamps to agents
free of charge. It will also supply, free of charge, posters and printed
matter intended to assist in the sale of stamps.
Rule 5. When the stamp sale is ended the agent will return all unsold
stamps to the National office of the Red Cross. The Red Cross must pay
for all stamps printed whether they are sold or not. Unsold stamps
returned are a total loss. In view of this all agents are requested to
order stamps with the utmost care. It is expected that all orders can
be promptly filled. There will, therefore, be no necessity for trying
to make a first order large enough to cover all the demands for the
entire season. This advice is especially urged upon agents who have not
heretofore sold the stamps.
Rule 6. All express charges and all postage required in forwarding
shipments of stamps or in returning unsold stamps will be paid by the Red
Cross.
Rule 7. Christmas stamps are to be sold at the uniform price of one cent
each. The stamps will be printed in sheets of 100 each and shipped in
packages of 10,000 stamps or multiples of 10,000. No broken packages will
be shipped. Stamp books will not be issued in 1909.
Rule 8. In ordering stamps as Christmas approaches, it is important to
consider the congested condition of business with the express companies
and post offices, and the distance which the shipment must travel. By
careful forethought it will usually be found possible to estimate needs
early enough for orders to be filled in good time. The Red Cross will
respond promptly, but cannot prevent express and postal delays.
Rule 9. On or before February 1, 1910, every agent which has sold Red
Cross Christmas stamps shall pay to the American Red Cross an amount of
money equal to one-third of the face value of all stamps sold by such
agent. Any expenses incidental to the sale incurred by the agent will be
paid from the two-thirds retained by the agent and the remainder will
be applied to local anti-tuberculosis work in accordance with the plans
previously approved by the Red Cross.
Societies which sold Red Cross Christmas stamps in 1908 will note that
the plan of selling stamps and disposing of the proceeds described above
marks a considerable departure from the plan of last year.
This change is the result of careful thought and is believed to be in the
direction of better business method and greater justice to all concerned.
It seems eminently fair that the important direct work of the Red Cross
should in some measure profit from the sale of stamps. The loyal and
generous support which the American people have given to the Red Cross
leads to the belief that the buyers of stamps will be pleased to know
that a portion of the money comes direct to its great work.
In making the societies which sell the stamps its agents the Red Cross is
giving them certain concessions which are extremely important. They will
require no cash capital or initial expenditures. The provisions for a
free supply of posters and printed matter and the payment of express and
postal charges by the Central Committee will assure every agent against
loss. If all the work of selling stamps is carried on by volunteers,
there will be no expense to the agents connected with the campaign. In
any event the necessary expenses will be trifling and there is no risk of
loss involved in undertaking the agency for the stamps.
The total cost to the National office of the Red Cross of printing and
handling of Christmas stamps in 1908 was about $13,000. This amount was
repaid from the proceeds of the wholesale price at which the Stamps were
sold to agents. In 1909, under the proposal set forth in the rules above,
the expenditures by the National office of the Red Cross will include
not only the printing and handling of the stamps but the printing and
distribution of posters, circulars, etc., and the payment of all express
and postal charges upon shipments of stamps and other supplies. Instead
of charging these expenses directly to the agents, as in 1908, they will
be covered by the one-third share of the proceeds of stamp sales reserved
by the Red Cross, as described in rule 9 above.
With a double incentive to the purchase of stamps on the part of the
public, an absolute absence of risk or initial expense on the part of
agents, and the great favor of the public established last year, the
campaign for the Christmas season of 1909 should bring a generous return
to all concerned.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
By Miss I. L. STRONG.
The second season of the Red Cross Day Camp for Tuberculosis began the
first of April. Several improvements were made on last year’s camp.
We now have two visiting physicians, Dr. Norcross and Dr. Lawson; a
caretaker in charge (who is also “taking the cure”), two large tents
loaned by the War Department, and our own kitchen and cook. One of
the instructive visiting nurses is both Superintendent and nurse.
The patients are ambulatory cases in the first and second stages. A
few advanced cases have been admitted, but most of these have been
referred to the hospital. The Camp draws its patients largely from the
dispensaries.
[Illustration: FOUR OF THE YOUNGER PATIENTS. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA DAY
CAMP.]
The patients arrive about 9 a. m., and are given a lunch of milk and
eggs. After having their temperature and pulse taken they wander out
under the trees, where the hammocks and reclining chairs are found. Here
they stay reading and sleeping till noon, when a hot dinner is served.
This consists of meat, potatoes, one vegetable, milk, bread and butter,
and a dessert, usually made of milk and eggs. After an hour’s rest the
children generally play croquet or visit the spring in the woods. Lately
they have been much interested in seven puppies found in the woods. Of
course they have been promptly adopted. A setting hen is also a member of
the family. Another lunch of milk and eggs is served at 4, the afternoon
temperatures recorded, the car tickets given out, and preparations made
to “break camp” at 5.30 p. m. The Camp is ideally situated among the
trees high up behind the new Municipal Hospital. On the list to-day there
are 19 patients—5 white men, 3 white women, 2 white boys, 5 colored men,
1 colored woman, and 3 colored children. Of the cases thus far treated
2 have been discharged cured, 3 improved and continue the out-door
treatment in the country, 7 have been transferred to the hospital, 3 have
died, and 9 are at home, either at work or unable to attend, thus giving
a total of 43 patients admitted, with an average attendance of 14. Of
the patients now on the list 9 are making constant progress, and 10 are
holding their own. We feel sure that though the camp has hardly as yet
made a beginning, yet the results thus far justify its continuance. The
camp life is educational as well as beneficial. Fresh air, cleanliness
and carefulness are constantly being taught, and each patient becomes
a little center to spread the knowledge of the cause and prevention of
tuberculosis. Now that it is started the District of Columbia cannot
afford to be without its Red Cross Day Camp.
INDIANA
By ROWLAND EVANS, Secretary Indiana Branch American Red Cross.
“Whether tuberculosis will be finally eradicated is even an open
question. It is a foe that is very deeply intrenched in the human race.
Very hard it will be to eradicate completely, but when we think of what
has been done in one generation, how the mortality in many places has
been reduced more than 50 per cent., indeed, in some places 100 per
cent., it is a battle of hope, and so long as we are fighting with hope
the victory is in sight.”—Dr. William Osler.
[Illustration: ADMINISTRATION BUILDING OF INDIANA RED CROSS TUBERCULOSIS
CAMP.]
[Illustration: A GROUP OF COTTAGES OF INDIANA RED CROSS TUBERCULOSIS
CAMP.]
[Illustration: A SINGLE COTTAGE (IN CENTER) COSTING $60. INDIANA RED
CROSS TUBERCULOSIS CAMP.]
The Indiana Branch realized $3,851.58 from the sale of Christmas stamps.
To dispose of this fund to best advantage in anti-tuberculosis work, the
Executive Committee early in February appointed as a sub-committee, with
power to act: Dr. Frederick A. R. Tucker, of Noblesville, president of
the State Board of Health; Rev. Francis H. Gavisk and James W. Lilly.
After providing specific relief in four curable cases, it was found that
the greatest good could be accomplished by enlisting local co-operation
in the practical work of relief.
[Illustration: A DOUBLE COTTAGE (COSTING $80) OF THE INDIANA RED CROSS
TUBERCULOSIS CAMP.]
The Indianapolis Board of Health, through its health officer and
secretary, Dr. Eugene Buehler, had recently established free clinics
at the City Dispensary and Bobbs’ Free Dispensary, and had begun a
campaign of publicity, advertising its clinics and carding groceries and
meat markets, which were raised to a better sanitary standard, and in
various ways, by visitation and distribution of pure food and medicines,
surrounding patients at their homes with better hygienic conditions. The
need for facilities to isolate and treat curable cases with the necessary
fresh air and sunshine resulted in the establishment of a colony of
cottages on the City Hospital grounds, the Indiana Branch furnishing the
first four—two single and two double cottages. As soon as this became
known the Second Presbyterian and St. John’s Catholic churches and
private individuals arranged to donate others, until there are now on the
grounds eleven cottages. The single cottages cost complete, $62, size 10
× 12; double cottages, 10 × 16, $80. The specifications are:
House, 10 × 16 feet, with concrete foundation under house and porch;
foundation to be 6 inches high. Siding to be tongued and grooved
drop-siding; framing material to be 2 × 4 placed flatwise 30 inches on
centers; flooring and roof material to be tongued and grooved. Hip-roof
on main building and shed roof on porch. Porch to be 6 feet wide, with
square posts and small rail. Four windows, 35 × 35, with canvas tacked
on frame hinged at top. Three windows, 18 × 35, with canvas tacked on
frame hinged at top. One glass door to be placed in each single and
two in each double house. All lumber to be dressed on both sides and
to receive two coats of paint inside and out, color to be selected by
owner. Two-ply rubberoid roofing to be placed on roof. Price for cottages
outside Indianapolis same, with freight added.
A cottage was also erected, partly through funds provided by the Indiana
Branch, to be used in connection with the colony for dining room and
kitchen to prepare food for patients and quarters for nurses and cook.
This cottage has sewer connection, hot and cold water and sanitary
plumbing. Patients’ cottages have electric call bells to summon the
nurse, and electric lights are supplied from the City Hospital plant. A
bath house is now being erected, providing separate bath rooms for male
and female patients.
Adjoining the City Hospital grounds the Flower Mission—a private charity
partially supported by public funds—maintains a hospital for incurables.
It is the only place in the State where hopeless cases are received.
The Flower Mission nurses also minister to the relief of tuberculosis
patients at their homes. The branch donated $500 to the furtherance of
this work.
The plan inaugurated at Indianapolis under Dr. Buehler’s management
contemplates (1) extension of facilities of the colony system to include
and care for every offered curable case; (2) minimizing the danger of
contagion and infection from chronic or incurable cases by isolation
where practicable, or else supervizing the home conditions so as to
surround the patient with hygienic comforts, pure food and drugs, and
lessen the danger of infection to other members of the household. Both
parts of the work are well under way and as fast as funds will permit the
work will be extended.