The American National Red Cross Bulletin (Vol. I, No. 1)
PREFACE.
In publishing the first Bulletin of the American National Red Crossthe Central Committee takes pleasure in being able to make manifestnot only an evidence of the work of the Committee during the shortperiod of the existence of the Corporation, but also the evident interestin the work by the community at large, as shown by the organizationof branch societies in the District of Columbia, the Philippine Islandsand in sixteen States.
The people of the United States are gradually awakening to therealization of the fact that while we have taken our place as a worldpower politically and commercially, we are far behind other nationsin this great work of philanthropy. It is the object of the AmericanNational Red Cross, under its new charter, and under supervision ofthe National Government, to demonstrate the existence of humanitarianas well as commercial interests in the people of the United States,and the Central Committee appeals to them not only to use theirpersonal influence to enlarge the membership of the branches alreadyformed, but to assist the Committee in organizing branches in Statesand Territories where none now exist.
The Committee would be pleased to receive communications referringto more complete organization from those interested in the workof the Corporation, and especially from persons in the States andTerritories where branch societies have not yet been formed.
The enclosed report is the official report of the Corporation to Congressas required by the charter, and the expense of printing by theGovernment Printing Office the copies issued with this Bulletin isborne by the American National Red Cross.
W. K. VAN REYPEN,
Chairman of Central Committee.
APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP.
Persons desiring to become members of the American National Red Crossshould fill out, as indicated, the blank forms on last page of this bulletin, and mailto the Secretary of the Branch Society in the State where they reside, whoseaddress is given below.
Persons residing in States or Territories where no Branch Societies have asyet been formed should send their applications to the Secretary of the AmericanNational Red Cross, Room 826, Colorado Building, Washington, D. C. Theseapplications will be given prompt consideration as soon as such Branch Societiesare