Jasper County Democrat, Volume 21, Number 77, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 December 1918 — MAKES A STIRRING APPEAL [ARTICLE]

MAKES A STIRRING APPEAL

For Red Gross Membership Before Departing For Europe. Probably the most powerful and stirring appeal yet made in the Red Cross Christmas roll call, was flashed throughout Indiana today from campaign headquarters at Indianapolis^ — the of Henry P. Davidson, chairman of the Red Cross war council, before departing for Europe

this week at the request of President Wilson. Clarence Stanley, roll call manager for Indiana, believes that no citizen of the state who can be reached by this appeal, will refuse to become a member of the Red-Cross. The last words of Chairman Davidson before sailing for Europe were: “Millions of pleading wistful faces are turned to us today and only ‘by answering that mute appeal by universal enrollment in the Red Cross,, can we show our sympathy and our vote for a kindlier, gentler world in the days to come. As I leave I have a supreme confidence that the spirit of mercy and human sympathy which the people of the world have ascribed to the American people will again shine forth when the world once more learns of their devotion to Red Cross ideals. Enrollment irt the Red Cross by every man, woman and child will mean more to the wotld today than ever before.”

State reports to roll call headquarters indicate that the influenza epidemic is causing the roll call to slow down in some districts, Red Cross officials say. “Some tall hustling must be done if Indiana is to hold her place in the front rank,” said roll call manager Stanley. “Reports indicate that influenza has some hold in every county in the state.” Information has reached Indianapolis headquarters that an erroneous report has spread over the country and has reached Indiana, stating that there will be no soliciting of memberships in any locality. This is vigorously denied by Red Cross officials wh ohave urged workers in those localities conducting the regular roll call to. redouble their efforts. An appeal is made also to chapter members who have not bee nactive in the roll call to at once offer their services to the officials directing the campaign. Local Red Cross headquarters will be open daily until next Wednesday evening.