The Red Cross is often referred to by the press and by many of our friends in correspondence, as a “society.” From this practice, it appears that a misapprehension exists regarding the official title of the national organization in this country, and a few words of explanation seem necessary.

As contemplated by the Treaty of the Red Cross, and provided by the regulations of the International Committee, there is formed in each of the countries adopting the Treaty of Geneva, one Central National Committee of the Red Cross, with headquarters at the seat of government.

In this National Committee of each country, authorized by the International Committee and recognized by its own government, is centred the power of organization and direction of all matters connected with the administration of relief contributed by the people in the name of the Red Cross. This authority includes the sole right to form innumerable branches, subject to the direction of the National Committee. These branches, created by the National Organization, may be known as Auxiliary Societies of the Red Cross, or by any other appropriate name, but the central national organization is not a society; it is a National Committee.

Therefore, in referring to or addressing the parent organization, it is improper to use the term “society.” It should be remembered that the Central National Committee of the Red Cross for the United States of America, has, for sake of convenience, been incorporated under the title: The American National Red Cross.

Relief of Wounded in War.

The Central National Committee of the Red Cross in each country, being duly accredited by the International Committee and officially recognized by its own government, is the lawful means of communication between the people and the armies in the field, acting as the administrator of the contributions of the people for the relief of the sick and wounded in war.

Correspondence in Time of War.

When hostilities are in progress, and the usual means of communication between the belligerent countries are suspended, prisoners of war are enabled to communicate with their homes through the medium of the Red Cross of neutral nations. Thus, for example, during the late Spanish-American war the prisoners on board the prize ships at Key West were, by an arrangement made with the authorities of the United States Government, permitted to write to their friends and relatives. The letters were, of course, first visÉd and certified by the American National Red Cross, and those addressed to persons within the Spanish lines were forwarded through the Red Cross of Portugal.

Wounded as Prisoners of War.

Formerly a wounded man, as such, had no particular rights which any one was pledged to respect. Now, however, the Treaty of Geneva provides that the wounded immediately become neutral and are entitled to the care and consideration of their captors. There is also preserved to them the right to send messages through the lines, informing their friends of their whereabouts and condition.

The Red Cross and Local Charity.

The National Committee of the Red Cross and its branches, not being a local benevolent institution, the Red Cross takes no part in the distribution of local charity, when the distress is such that it is within the power of the community itself to relieve. Therefore, members of auxiliary societies when engaged in the usual charities of a local nature, should not act as the representatives of the Red Cross. The Red Cross in times of peace can only be called into action when a disaster occurs which is of such magnitude as to be considered national in its character, and beyond the control of the immediate community.

No Reflection Upon the Government.

By their adhesion to the Treaty of Geneva, and by their recognition of the National Committees in each country, the nations of the world have declared that, no matter how extensive the preparations, nor how complete may be the organization of the medical department of an army, it is beyond human possibility to provide for all contingencies. For this reason the National Committees of the Red Cross were created. The necessity for auxiliary aid by the people, through the Red Cross, existing as it does in all the treaty countries, is in no wise a reflection upon the Medical Department of the Army, nor upon the ability and faithfulness of its officers. Hence, the timely acceptance of this auxiliary aid, the necessity for which all nations have publicly acknowledged, brings with it no discredit; it is only its rejection that opens the door to censure.

Membership in the Red Cross.

In the past many applications have been received for membership in the American National Red Cross, to all of which it has been necessary to make the same reply. The central organization being a National Committee, membership thereon is only conferred by election and appointment, not by application. Membership in the Red Cross may, however, be obtained through the auxiliary societies. During the Spanish-American war many auxiliaries were formed for temporary work, but have not yet been received and accredited as permanent societies of the Red Cross. It is hoped, however, that the time may soon come when the local branches of the Red Cross may be found everywhere, and when any one who is acceptable may become a member by joining the nearest auxiliary.