friendship between nations. War is often the instrument of passion rather
than equity. Whether war is eternal or not the function of the Red Cross
is to be neutral and to heal. With acquaintance comes understanding. We
have our superstitions regarding the Chinese; they have theirs regarding
us. Beyond the Pacific the pulse of a mighty nation is quickening,
and through the Golden Gate the young Chinese will soon be lured by
opportunity to the Flowery Kingdom. Nor will they go as student, tourist
or commercial man alone. Slow, indeed, will be the opening of the vast
interior. The intelligently trained Mongolian is a great organizer and
China’s metropolitan progress will be swift. Since the fire the evolution
of the Chinese quarter has been marvelous. Some undesirable conditions
still exist, but measuring by these only heightens the achievement of the
progressive.
[Illustration: A YOUNG GIRL OF THE CHINESE QUARTER.]
Across the Western seas New China wakes from sleep,
And hearts of exiled sons in filial answer leap;
Her sons with quickened pulse of other lands,
Shall hold the mother’s future in their hands.
We may not flatter yet that we have done our part,
We may not now forget the foes at China’s heart.
She asks our friendship now, the same she had of old,
That she may hold secure her crown of jade and gold.
Our neighbor, separate only by the restless sea,
Yet linked by ships, the birds of commerce, bold and free;
Let us not fail the higher duty, man to man,
Which lights the world and thus reveals the master plan.
_Additional Notes._
The practical value of First Aid instructions as instrumental in saving
life was demonstrated by Lee Wong, a member of the Chinese Detachment,
First Legion, State of California, who applied continuous pressure upon
the artery of a man wounded by a knife until the arrival of a physician.
Mr. Tinyut Lee, an active member of the Chinese Detachment, who made a
remarkable record for the sale of Christmas and New Year stamps in the
Chinese Colony, promised to excel that achievement by 800 per cent. As
the colony has had no theatre since the fire rendered 23,000 Chinese
homeless, this resourceful detachment hired the Oriental Theater, a clean
moving-picture resort in the heart of the quarter, to swell its bank
account. This benefit, with 5 cent tickets, netted $40. The Detachment
has paid into the California Branch treasury $87. It is now contemplating
a Red Cross Hospital, and plans are being prepared for a home nursing
course for Chinese young women.
Members of the Columbia Park Boys’ Club Detachment, who did not accompany
that organization to Australia, were equipped with a first-aid outfit for
their summer outing at Cloverdale.
Dr. G. H. Richardson, Field Agent of the California State Branch, has
completed his course of lectures to the Merchant Marine on First Aid.
His important work has been highly appreciated and a movement to repeat
them at many ports is advocated. This is pioneer work for the Red Cross
among sailors and Dr. Richardson is to be congratulated on his faithful
and disinterested service. The masters, mates and pilots of Lodge Harbor
15, before whom he has been lecturing, have placed upon record their
appreciation of his efforts in their behalf.
ILLINOIS
I have the honor to submit the following data about the organization and
equipment of the Illinois First-Aid Corps of the Red Cross:
The Illinois organization was officially born January 11, 1909—that is to
say, less than five months ago. On that day the reporter was appointed
Director-in-chief of the Illinois units to be organized. Within a few
days after the Illinois Branch was handed about forty applications as a
nucleus.
These new members who joined the American National Red Cross, and at
the same time the First Relief Column, were not gathered in a few days,
but represented a loyal band of men and women who had joined in 1908 an
independent, private first-aid corps under my command.
All the officers were fully uniformed, practically in accordance with
army regulations. The fact, however, that the Relief Column officers have
no distinctly military rank and that the regulations in Major Lynch’s
text-book would compel them to remove the coat-of-arms from the cap, the
buttons, and the insignia of rank from the straps; possibly, also, to
lay aside their sidearms (there being no mention of sidearms) produced
such intense opposition that for a time I feared not a single one with
whom I had been associated in our attempt to raise a first-aid brigade
would remain with me. And for one man to do all the work and to look for
congenial co-workers all over again appeared a Herculean task. It was
then that I submitted in writing certain propositions to Mr. Ravell,
Secretary of the Illinois Branch, who agreed to place them before the
Central Committee at Washington. On his return from Washington last
December I was advised that we could retain the caps and adopt more
suitable collar insignia, so that there remained but one objection, viz,
lack of military rank for the officers.
[Illustration: OFFICERS OF THE FIRST ILLINOIS LEGION.]
However, with the objected-to features of the uniform overcome, I assured
the officers that if they would go to work and aid me in the organization
so that we could show the American people that we have the personnel,
if not the material equipment, I would do all in my power to induce the
authorities to grant us a certain status, which, though not equivalent
to that enjoyed by the National Guard, would still mean more than empty
titles beautifully engrossed in “commissions” signed by a few private
citizens. This had the desired effect. Immediately after my appointment
I called them together and delivered an impassioned address. I pointed
out to them the seriousness of the step, the great responsibility it
involves, the sacredness of the work to be done and the honor and
prestige that is to be ours if we succeed. I made them pledge to observe
the strictest possible discipline, to obey implicitly, and to respond to
any call issued by the proper authorities.
A week later all our former members, new friends, patients of mine—in
short, any one who could be reached—were called to attend a meeting in
the parlor of a large hostelry, and the work of organization was begun in
earnest.
For about two months bi-weekly lectures were delivered at hotel parlors.
An independent detachment which had been associated with a fraternal
organization was induced to join our column as a body. We agreed to
accept them without the Legion dues by merely paying for membership in
the Red Cross. The evening that body of young men in uniform entered the
lecture hall in military order new life was infused, especially among
the male members. I was repeatedly besieged by them with the request to
supply them with uniforms and to take them to some place where they could
learn how to march, carry litters, transport patients, etc.
I promised them all these things for the near future. As I am myself
living in moderate circumstances, and as our Legion dues of $1 per annum
(we had to make the dues low to enable the poorest working man and
working woman to join) were not sufficient to pay for the most urgent
needs, I presented myself to our Chairman of the Executive Committee,
Dr. L. L. McArthur, and laid the matter before him. He finally consented
to our appealing to certain private citizens when I was supported in my
contentions by the Secretary and by Colonel Gordon C. Strong, I. N. G., a
member of the Executive Committee, and a gentleman, by the way, to whom
we are indebted for many services rendered the organization and your
reporter.
At a meeting of the Executive Committee Mr. J. Spoor, president of
the Union Stock Yards, promised to fully equip a detachment of 22 men
recruited in the yards. He not only paid for 22 uniforms, but equipped
that detachment with hospital pouches, canteens, litters, and a national
flag.
[Illustration: FIRST COLUMN FIRST ILLINOIS LEGION READY FOR INSPECTION BY
REVIEWING OFFICER.]
Four detachments were completed by this time. The day a fifth one was
completed I recommended to the committee that the entire command be
officially declared as the “First Illinois Legion,” for there were then
already indications that detachments would soon be organized in other
cities in Illinois, and, in fact, detachments will be completed in the
near future in Springfield, Joliet and Decatur, all depending on the
writer’s ability to go to these towns and perfect the details. Our aim is
not only to raise the full quota for this Legion, but to have in Chicago
two legions and a third one distributed through the State.
At about the same time Colonel Strong induced Captain Maurice Woolman,
commanding Battery B, Illinois National Guard, to let us have his armory
at the cost of expense ($15 monthly). We occupy that armory every
Thursday evening. Captain Woolman was so pleased with our men, who
began drilling in civilian suits, that he consented to act as military
instructor to the First Legion, and since has attended every drill and
instructed the officers in infantry tactics.
But the most important thing had yet to be done. We had to secure
uniforms to enable the men to participate in the Memorial Day parade. I
interviewed the Hon. Lambert Tree, and that gentleman subscribed $100.
I also sent a dozen letters to prominent citizens, who, I knew, were
familiar with the aims of the Red Cross. Only one so far responded with
$10. But that was a beginning, and Dr. McArthur, after learning of my
efforts to raise enough to uniform the men made us all happy by calling
me into his office and telling me to have all the men uniformed, that
he would guarantee the bill, though I must raise the money within 90
days. The firm honored Dr. McArthur’s guarantee, and when his action was
announced to the assembled detachments all military discipline was thrown
to the winds and our boys yelled themselves hoarse. The uniforms are
good regulation khaki. We have now a total of 121 service uniforms for
enlisted men and non-commissioned officers.
Each uniform consists of: Campaign hat with maroon cord, blouse with the
letters “Ill.” and a large Red Cross button on the collar, one pair of
trousers, one regulation belt, one pair leggings. Each man has a pair of
tan shoes (private property). One detachment has pouches and canteens.
Each detachment has a guidon (five in all). We have at our disposal
19 regulation army litters. Several of them are private property, but
available.
The writer is chief surgeon to the Abraham Lincoln Hospital, with a
capacity of 32 beds and a complete operating room outfit, laboratory,
etc. This hospital is at the disposal of the Executive Committee without
any expense for board, nursing or service.
The total strength of our personnel is as follows:
Director-in-Chief, commanding all Illinois “Relief Columns” 1
Surgeons, attached as his staff, available as instructors or
in a professional capacity (ranking as assistant directors) 6
Director-in-Chief, First Illinois Legion 1
Staff Assistant Directors, corresponding to adjutant and
quartermaster, respectively 2
Detachment Commanders 5
Doubtful and unassigned or suspended 2
---
Total officers 17
===
Five detachments of non-commissioned officers and
privates (each 21) 105
Color bearers 4
Bugle and drum corps 16
Nurse corps (ladies) 21
Non-active, or not yet assigned, pending completion of
6th and 7th detachments 58
---
Total strength 221
This report is not satisfactory to us from a numerical standpoint because
we have paid no attention to recruiting owing to the proximity of
Memorial Day, having strained every nerve to drill the men so as to make
a creditable showing.
_Work Done._—Lectures delivered (bi-weekly) during January, February and
March. Drills (weekly) during April and May. Sunday, May 23, the entire
command assembled at the armory at 10 a. m. and accompanied Battery B to
divine service. They marched in orderly fashion and were very dignified.
At 1.30 p. m. the command met a second time at Rose Hill Cemetery and
assisted in the ceremonies. Conduct and appearance elicited hearty
approval from G. A. R. speakers.
[Illustration: DRUM AND BUGLE CORPS, FIRST ILLINOIS LEGION, A. N. R. C.]
_Decoration Day Parade._—The writer was marshal of the 5th Division.
None but Red Cross officers were selected for the staff. They were all
in dress uniforms, sidearms, and were decently mounted. The Red Cross
detachments marched in the center of the division with their bugle and
drum corps, colors flying. Several detachments carried litters. I noted
that the people greeted the command with hearty applause. General Grant
and Governor Deneen, who reviewed the parade, seemed interested. No less
an officer than Colonel Van Hoff, Chief Medical Officer, Department of
the Lakes, who witnessed the procession, admitted that we made a fine
showing. I have been assured by many military men that our men marched
as well as any seasoned troops. We certainly have succeeded in raising a
feeling of pride in the breasts of our men for their organization.
But we have only begun. We must now proceed to increase our organization
all over the State. The writer will be compelled to visit cities, deliver
addresses and “incite” the organizers to activity. Our medical officers
will be compelled to attend courses in military hygiene and surgery,
which I will deliver from August 15 to September 30. Lectures and drills
will go on. In July the command will be taken out on a three-day “hike.”
The money for this will be raised by a concert and ball. This “hike” will
enable us to teach our officers the rudiments of military map-making and
map-reading (topography). But all these efforts fall into insignificance
compared with the task before me of raising funds to pay off the debt
guaranteed by Dr. McArthur and to equip the new members, several hundred
of whom are expected to join within a few weeks. We need more litters,
pouches, dressings, tents, bedding, transport wagons, ambulances, wheeled
litters, all of which are requisites for an emergency. I am aware that
in times of disaster the State will aid us with its equipment of tents,
kitchens, etc., yet I feel that we must have at our disposal a field
hospital—at least 100 stretchers, folding cots, bedding, blankets,
surgical appliances, kitchen (field), a transportable x-ray machine, etc.
I also realize that there must be a system at the very beginning, and
within a few days books will be prepared in which all information
about the personnel will be recorded for reference in an emergency.
Something like that has been done already, but I intend to learn who can
be depended upon to respond to a call—their ’phones, business, social
status, and the like.
I am disheartened when I look at the figures tabulated in England,
Germany, Japan and Australia, with their thousands of men and women, and
millions in property. I am anxious to do my share, but I feel confident
that success would come surer and faster if the following suggestions
were carried out:
1. Reorganization of the First-Aid Department with national and State
chiefs.
2. Proper descriptive nomenclature for the entire corps, State Divisions
and units.
3. A definite military status for officers and men. Even such terms as
“detachment commander,” “column commander,” etc., would be better than
“assistant director,” “director,” etc.
4. Aid in material by the government.
5. Preparation of “rules and regulations” on a similar plan to that used
in the army, to insure uniformity and discipline.
6. Uniform stationery, blanks, enlistment pledges, vouchers and similar
equipment to be issued from the main headquarters.
7. Assignment of medical officers of the army to diverse States as
instructors and teachers.
8. The Red Cross to participate in army maneuvers.
I have the honor to remain, very respectfully,
GUSTAVUS M. BLECH.
Editor’s Note.—The second part of the entertainment given for the
benefit of the First Illinois Legion of the Red Cross was devoted to an
interesting exhibition of its training and drills.
Litter Drill—Detachment B, H. H. Wood commanding.
First Aid to Injured—Detachment D, Harry L. Coon commanding.
Exhibition Drill—Detachment C, John A. Stedge commanding.
NEW YORK
_Red Cross and Y. M. C. A. Co-operation._
Important announcement of first aid till the doctor comes for camp,
summer school, home, shop. The American National Red Cross and the
International Committee of Young Men’s Christian Associations will grant
joint certificates in first aid to the injured, signed by President
William H. Taft and a representative of the International Committee, to
men and boys completing the requirements.
What to do for broken limbs, hemorrhage, poisoning, sunstroke, lockjaw,
cramps, drowning, scalds, burns, cuts, bruises, etc.
Examination (August 25). Part practice, part written. Cost, 25 cents each
person.
For any Association boy or man. A short course—10 lessons. Teacher—a
doctor or physical director. In camp, at home, anywhere. Any text book.
Certificate granted to those with passing grade of 75 per cent. or above
in examination. No extra charge.
For further particulars, see or write Secretary, Young Men’s Christian
Association, or Educational Department, International Committee, 124 East
Twenty-eighth street, New York.
_First Aid Certificate._
This certifies that __________ has satisfactorily completed the
elementary course of study and passed the examination in first aid to the
injured at the Young Men’s Christian Association, __________.
For the American Red Cross:
WM. H. TAFT, _President_.
For the International Committee, Educational Department:
FREDERIC B. PRATT, _Chairman_.
PENNSYLVANIA
August 18, 1909.
Hon. WILLIAM H. TAFT, _President Red Cross Society, War Department,
Washington, D. C._
MY HONORED SIR: On the 17th of July, while traveling on the Canadian
Pacific Railway, near Fields, B. C., I met with a distressing accident by
having two of my fingers almost mashed off by being pinched by the car
door. We had no doctor on the train at that time, but fortunately a Red
Cross man from Philadelphia, Mr Joseph A. Steinmetz, was on the train. He
came quickly to my relief, bound up my fingers as best he could, and was
the embodiment of kindness and sympathy itself. I appreciate his services
very much and desire to become a life member of a society that is doing
so much everywhere to relieve suffering.
I therefore enclose you my check for $25.00, and, if agreeable to your
society, would thank you to send me a life membership certificate.
With deep appreciation of the service of your secretary from
Pennsylvania, I am, very sincerely yours,
E. S. HACKNEY.
Mr. Hackney also sent a contribution to the Pennsylvania Red Cross.
GERMANY
[Illustration: IMPROVISED AMBULANCE—OFFENBACH SYSTEM. LEADERS AND
DOCTORS’ MEETING AT MAYENCE.]
[Illustration: METHOD OF TRANSPORTATION TO SHIPS.
(SANITARY COLUMNS—HOCHHEIM).]
During 1908 the members of the German Red Cross Relief Columns gave
assistance in 8,268 cases of accidents, 4,643 of which occurred in
factories, showing the value of first aid instruction among men employed
in manufactories.
[Illustration: IMPROVISED BICYCLE AMBULANCE. COLLIE DOG TRAINED TO SEARCH
FOR WOUNDED.
(SANITARY COLUMNS—BROSKAW.)]
_Das Rothe Kreuz_, the official organ of the German Red Cross, gives
interesting accounts of the great assistance rendered by the Relief
Columns of Nuremberg in the earlier part of the year and also of that
given by the Relief Columns of Osterburg and Seehausen after floods in
their respective neighborhoods in November, 1908, and February, 1909.
The Osterburg Column had already proved its usefulness after a railroad
accident in 1903. Since then it had established an alarm system and by
means of this it was quickly called into active service. Provided with
boats placed at its disposition for this work, its members rescued many,
and to others, who were cut off from the outside world by the flood,
carried food and other supplies until the waters subsided. In some cases
persons who were ill were carried in wheel ambulances on the boats and
then transferred to the hospital at Osterburg. In February the Seehausen
Column proved of service in its neighborhood. Its wheel ambulance stands
always at the market place near the bridge, its station being marked
by a Red Cross flag. These facts are a new proof of the value of these
columns to any community and that they can provide faithful and capable
assistance in every kind of accident.
[Illustration: METHOD OF TRANSPORTING WOUNDED FROM THE BATTLEFIELD.
(SANITARY COLUMNS—KONIGSHUTTER.)]
GREAT BRITAIN
[From _Daily Mail_ (Great Britain), August 18, 1909.]
_The Red Cross in Every Home._
We are enabled to give to-day full details of one of the most remarkable
developments of the voluntary principle in English life. It is a scheme
which makes a great and comprehensive effort to enlist the patriotic
services of all classes for a humane purpose—the succor of the sick and
wounded in war. Further, the scheme will associate with the Territorial
Force thousands, including women, who can not themselves serve in our
army for home defense.
The War Office, the County Association, and the British Red Cross
Society are all engaged in the appeals which will be put forward from
to-day to members for the general purpose of urging them to join the
new Red Cross detachments which are to train for the assistance of the
Territorial Army Medical Corps in war. No one need be left out. In the
detachments may be included peers, peeresses, landowners, ladies of the
manor, squires, squires’ wives, local doctors, trained nurses, chemists,
chemists’ assistants, carpenters, women cooks, joiners, smiths, drivers,
mechanics, grocers, and butchers.
Many other occupations could be named whose everyday knowledge would be
of special utility in war. All will be welcomed in the new “organization
of voluntary aid in England and Wales,” the proposals for which were
yesterday submitted to the County Associations and the Branches of the
British Red Cross Society.
_Famous Surgeons Aid._
Its details were the work of Sir Alfred Keogh, Inspector-General of
the Army Medical Service at the War Office, backed by the enthusiastic
assistance of Sir Frederick Treves, the famous surgeon, whose experiences
in South Africa have given him an unequalled expert knowledge, and Sir
Richard Temple. Already there exists an organization which would come
into active operation the moment war is declared, and which provides for
the manning of general hospitals throughout the kingdom.
To these, scattered all over the country, in Cambridge, Brighton, London,
Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and elsewhere, are
attached all the best medical men in Great Britain. There are, to name
only a few, Sir Watson Cheyne, Sir T. Barlow, Sir T. C. Allbut, Sir T.
Oliver, Dr. Norman Moore, Dr. Gibson (Edinburgh), and Sir Hector Cameron
(Glasgow). The names of these voluntary officers of the force, colonels,
majors, and captains, who only assume their rank in war time, fill
twenty-four columns of this month’s _Army List_.
To them would fall the task of succoring the sick and wounded who were
brought to them from the field hospital and the ambulances. Unlike France
and Germany, we have no line of communication by which the victims of
war can be passed from the fighting line to safety in the hospital far
in the rear. The Red Cross Society and the English people are now asked
to meet the want. The scheme is so to train the inhabitants of our towns
and villages that they can render first aid after a battle, convey the
wounded to the nearest hospital, and forward them on through a chain of
similar units from rest house to rest house till the base hospital is
reached.
Sir Alfred Keogh has so planned his proposals that no one in future
will be able to say that he or she can not assist in the duties of the
Territorial Force. He takes the village as a unit. In each he places
a Red Cross detachment, in which both men and women may share. The
commandant may be some one of leading in the place, and the women’s
portion of the detachment will have a lady superintendent, a position
which, it is hoped, some one of note will always be ready to fill.
_Details of the Scheme._
Every voluntary aid detachment will be so arranged as to admit of
dividing into two complete half detachments, thus: