The American National Red Cross Bulletin (Vol. I, No. 1) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The American National Red Cross Chartered by Congress, January 5th, 1905 + Bulletin No. 1 Issued by the Central Committee, January, 1906 Office of the Corporation Room 826, Colorado Building Washington, D. C. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ PREFACE. In publishing the first Bulletin of the American National Red Cross the Central Committee takes pleasure in being able to make manifest not only an evidence of the work of the Committee during the short period of the existence of the Corporation, but also the evident interest in the work by the community at large, as shown by the organization of branch societies in the District of Columbia, the Philippine Islands and in sixteen States. The people of the United States are gradually awakening to the realization of the fact that while we have taken our place as a world power politically and commercially, we are far behind other nations in this great work of philanthropy. It is the object of the American National Red Cross, under its new charter, and under supervision of the National Government, to demonstrate the existence of humanitarian as well as commercial interests in the people of the United States, and the Central Committee appeals to them not only to use their personal influence to enlarge the membership of the branches already formed, but to assist the Committee in organizing branches in States and Territories where none now exist. The Committee would be pleased to receive communications referring to more complete organization from those interested in the work of the Corporation, and especially from persons in the States and Territories where branch societies have not yet been formed. The enclosed report is the official report of the Corporation to Congress as required by the charter, and the expense of printing by the Government Printing Office the copies issued with this Bulletin is borne 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 Cross should fill out, as indicated, the blank forms on last page of this bulletin, and mail to the Secretary of the Branch Society in the State where they reside, whose address is given below.