1914-09-02akaa (Part Two)

One of Hamilton’s most prominent citizens and a leader in the Hamilton Red Cross society was Sir John M Gibson.

          During the course of an interview with the Spectator, Gibson spoke highly of the organization :

          “ ‘We are glad to see that a vigorous branch of the Red Cross society has been organized in Hamilton and proposes to do some work.

          “ ‘No one can say that the amelioration of the experience of those who are wounded or, because of the gas, disabled at the front in the service of their country, is less important than any of the other helpful enterprises now going on. Indeed, it is questionable whether it is not the most urgent. When we read accounts of the slaughter of human life and the hardships and trials the British soldier has been exposed to, and likely soon to be the experience of our Canadian soldier, our sympathies are most forcibly appealed to.

          “ ‘It is gratifying to know that the women members of the Red Cross society, or the branch of the Women’s League working for the Red Cross society, have already accomplished much in the way of preparing most useful articles to supplement the soldier’s ordinary outfit and which are almost necessities in case of sickness or disability.

          “ ‘ Last week, the ladies forwarded through the Red Cross several large bales of goods, some of which are urgently needed at Val Cartier and a considerable quantity of which will go over with other large shipments when this contingent sails , to be handled either by a Canadian commissioner, or in conjunction with the British Red Cross society.

          “ ‘It should be understood that the Army Medical Service cannot in the nature of things provide the comforts and aids which are so important in the treatment of serious wounds or illness. The field hospitals of the armies in all the countries depend for these auxiliary aids on the Red Cross. It is well-understood that all counties recognize the Red Cross officers and nurses on the field as sacred from attack or interference, and their helpful ministrations are not confined alone to the wounded and afflicted of the forces to which the Red Cross organizations are attached, but also to the enemies who are prisoners after being disabled. The Red Cross is also extremely helpful in assisting to trace up the missing who frequently are prisoners in the hands of the enemy.

          “ ‘A list of things which the Central society, advised by the director of the Army Medical Services at Ottawa, recommended to be made or contributed is in the hands of the Red Cross officers. But there a great many supplies, which can be bought in England to better advantage than here and money is asked for The Canadian society has already forwarded $50,000 to the British Red Cross society alone with large quantities of articles of various articles of various kinds, but it is urged that there is much need of money.

          “ ‘Everyone should do something for the Red Cross. A subscription of $25 makes a life member, $2 an ordinary member with voting privileges and $1 an associate member entitling that member to wear the Red Cross badge.

          “ ‘The Canadian Red Cross society was incorporated by the Dominion Act of Parliament in 1909, tough it has been in existence in this country nearly twenty years and did valuable work throughout the South African war. The Hamilton branch is in good hands and the work done in this city and vicinity for the sick and wounded at the front will, we have no doubt, be as creditable to our people as the other helpful movements which have been so successful.’ ”¹

               ¹ “Should Support Red Cross Work : Sir John Gibson Outlines Its Claims on Humanity”

          Hamilton Spectator     September 24, 1914

As the Hamilton Red Cross society’s fund-raising campaign was well underway, the Spectator dispatched a reporter to investigate how things were progressing :

“A busy spot in Hamilton is the Red Cross headquarters at 67 King street east – now that the campaign for the raising of funds is at its height.

“One of the callers this morning was a young woman – scarcely more than a girl, who spoke with a pronounced German accent. ‘Here is a dollar for the Canadian soldiers,’ she said, ‘and I will give another dollar every month.’

“ She said that Germany was her birth place and that she had been in Canada only a short time.”¹

¹ “Red Cross Work Is Noble Cause : Headquarters Here Busy Spot Each Day : German Woman Contributes Dollar For the Cause”

Hamilton Spectator.   September 26, 1914.

The Spectator reporter was convinced that the Red Cross campaign was going well :

“The cry of the Red Cross – ‘For humanity’s sake, help’ has taken hold. People are contributing without the pressure of canvassing. There is an almost continual flow of dollar subscriptions entitling the giver to an associate membership in the local branch of the Red Cross. A $2 subscription carried with it an active membership and a $25 subscription a life membership. Amounts smaller than $1 and larger than 25 cents are thankfully received.” ¹

With the help of all three Hamilton daily newspapers in promoting the Red Cross appeal, the confidence of the society’s leadership in the generosity of Hamiltonians was not shown to be misplaced. The target set for Hamilton by the national Red Cross organization was readily exceeded.