The work of the American Red Cross extended through many lands. It
followed the flags of the Entente Allies into Palestine, Mesopotamia,
India, South Africa, and other battle-grounds. Its work on the western
front was a miracle of achievement. In Russia through the Red Terror of
the Revolution the workers of the American Red Cross went serenely about
their tasks of mercy, relieving the hungry, aiding the sick, and
clothing the ragged peasants.
Henry P. Davidson left the firm of J. P. Morgan & Company to devote his
administrative genius to the affairs of the American Red Cross. Other
men and women of rare executive ability joined in the free tender of
their services to the work of the Red Cross.
While the organization strove mightily against famines, wounds and
disease overseas, it was suddenly confronted during the period from
September 8th to November 9th, 1918, with the severest epidemic America
had experienced in generations. Returning American troops brought the
germs of the malady known as "Spanish influenza" into New York and
Boston. Thence it spread throughout the country. During its brief career
the epidemic claimed a total of 82,306 deaths in forty-six American
cities, having a combined population of 23,000,000. Philadelphia, a
great center of war industry, with the Philadelphia Navy Yard harboring
thousands of sailors and marines, showed the highest mortality in
proportion to population, 7.
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