Farmers Independent

To the Independent:

Concerning the charges made against the Red Cross and their manner of handling the relief work in this county I would like to say a few words—there is no time to spend in writing long articles for the paper, hunting grievances and stirring up unnecessary trouble, if practical help is to be provided for those in need.

Early last fall a meeting was held in Bagley with delegates present from the different villages representing the various organizations, with the object in view of working out some system of handling relief thru the county in the most efficient way possible—realizing that many would need,—not charity, but a lift thru the winter.

A canvass was made at once for clothing, and if any one labors under the delusion that people are selfish and indifferent to those in need they should have taken note of the generous and splendid way our citizens responded to the call. In Bagley the force at the Independent office kindly offered a room for the use of the committee for distributing the collected clothing and they have cheerfully and willingly granted us free access at any time and I am sure it must have caused them inconveniences and annoyances, very often. The committee has worked diligently and faithfully giving their time and efforts in a sincere desire to help those who are less fortunate.

In addition to used articles, material was purchased and made into useful garments. Christmas boxes were sent to all needy families so far as the committees could ascertain. Again there was a proof of the wonderful generosity of our citizens,—in donations for the boxes. All this was a small part of the work done. When the government supplies began to arrive Red Cross quarters were opened in a room in the Lukkasson building where every courtesy and consideration was extended to those in charge.
I do not know anything about the demand made on the Red Cross to see to it that two carloads of feed be brought into this county. As to yard goods, the application was based on the number of families who received Red Cross aid during the past year. What was the use of demanding a car load of cloth. We could not expect such absurd or unreasonable amount.
Those who have contributed to the Red Cross and kept it going ever since a chapter was organized here, and answered the calls for relief these many long years, should be in a position to know something about the matter, and let me say right here that the Red Cross fund has never been spent otherwise than for the benefit of those in need of help. No delegates are sent to conventions or conferences, no banquets are given and no one is financed to go "traipsing" over the country to Washington or any other place All those who are in charge are volunteers and unpaid, and so far as I know supply their own stationery and postage. What body of people noisily clamoring for the rights of the poor can produce a better record?

This word DEMAND seems to be used in a very reckless and flippant way. It is a powerful weapon for little group of people to shake at a great country like ours. In spite of the fact that a Congressman in Alabama got up on the floor of the House and objected, and other vigorous disapproval comes from Clearwater county, the work of handling relief was turned over to the American National Red Cross, and there seems to be nothing at this late day to do about it.
They have expended I believe $500,000 of their funds in operating the job and it has been done so far efficiently and well. What body of citizens are so well qualified to manage so huge a responsibility as an organization that was founded for the exclusive purpose of meeting great emergencies, and has had experience in every line of disaster that can fall to the lot of humanity—locally, nationally and internationally.

Who are the Workers? Are the taxpayers, those who attend to their own business, take care of themselves, and support the institutions which make up our civilization, in that class?—or is it a little group headed by a leader who has no established reputation for being toil worn or tax burdened, making the astounding claim that the fruit of all work is theirs. The fact is that no one has a right to the result of another's labors. Many shift along and exist as parasites but that is only a form of robbery.

The application for ready to wear garments was cut down, but when you look on your map and note what a small part of the whole United State Clearwater county really is, and consider that we have had no great catastrophes—no cyclones, earthquakes, floods, etc. and that people can go on about as usual, even to taking long trips, we should feel very well satisfied and thankful for such a bountiful lift. We should face this matter like men and women of stamina—with the spirit of the pioneers and others who have uncomplainingly endured much greater hardships.

Even if we could scare the Federal Government and Red Cross into sending us a greater supply of clothing, it would not be fair to our merchants.
They have always liberally promoted every project that benefited the county and their interests should be considered.

There is no necessity for turning fanatic or going into hysterics over this affair, if each one contributes what they can in their way that is beneficial we will emerge safe and sound as people have always done in other depressions, and many greater calamities.

After persistent quest to find something wrong with the management of relief work it was discovered that some one who had applied for flour, had been asked if they indulged in any unnecessary luxuries or habits. Our primal duty to a community—it is recognized—consists in being self supporting. We can not look to others for assistance unless we first do our level best. This often means self denial in many ways, and should not be considered a hardship.

Many of those who are helping the poor are themselves wearing old clothes, both underneath and outside.
Why the scornful attitude about patched underwear? An honest patch is a certificate of thrift. If those who criticise and condemn, made half the effort to help out that Clearbrook has, the family alluded to would have underwear to give away. We could learn many valuable lessons from our little friends the wild animals about making provision for the winter by being on the job during the golden months of summer instead of running excitedly about squandering opportunity.

Would it be possible for a Lincoln, a Washington or a saint from Heaven to meet the approval of a chronic grumbler and fault finder?

I know of a widow woman in Bagley with very little material means who has given more assistance and cheer to those in distress, illness and want by lending a helping hand here and there than endless marches to Washington could possibly accomplish.
Without any grand stand play or tragic gestures, without assailing others or resorting to bitterness or hatred or class prejudice, without demanding anything, she has quietly and unpretentiously administered to the needs of countless persons. Of course there are many, many others who are constantly assisting their fellow strugglers, who do no tooting of horns or dramatic advertising.

The committee does not need inspectors, reporters or detectives, these no doubt would be provided by the government or National Red Cross if necessary. Instead of finding fault with what others are doing, get in the game and there will be a chance to go over the top in supplying and splitting wood, doing chores, shoveling paths and general hustling for families who are in need of such help.

So far, in this country no self appointed dictator can order the Federal Government, Red Cross or any other organization about as tho they were lackeys in their employ to spring into action at their command. The committee will gladly accept any helpful suggestion and if all the circumstances are fairly weighed, will not resent well meant criticisms, realizing that all humans are liable to make errors.

Never did words contain greater significance than those immortal lines of Robert Burns

O wad some power the giftie gie us
To see oursels as ithers see us.

This is not a continued article, one chapter should be sufficient to close the case. I am willing to submit the verdict to the citizens.

Mrs. G. H. Hansell,
Acting Chairman, Clearwater County Red Cross.