100 years ago in The Record

Tuesday, July 10, 1917

“There is no longer any possible doubt that the Second New York infantry is in line for service under the Stars and Stripes in Europe,” The Record reports. President Woodrow Wilson has issued a proclamation setting August 5 as the date when all National Guard units will be drafted into the regular army. The Troybased Second regiment was mobilized for federal service shortly before the U.S. declared war on Germany last April. All guard units not already mustered into federal service will be mustered in by July 15. The Second is currently guarding strategic bridges, canals and railroads in northeastern New York. Once the regiment is officially drafted, it is expected to head south for regular army training in a “concentration camp” before being sent across the Atlantic to Europe. The most likely concentration camp for the Second, according to the latest reports, is in Spartansburg NC. While other guard units are expected to be on the move as of July 15, “it is altogether probable that the Trojans and the men from this section of the state which make up the command will, for the present, remain where they are, although they may be moved at almost any time if the government sees fit to do so.

Exploiting the red cross

Troy mayor Cornelius F. Burns presides tonight over a meeting of the executive board of the Rensselaer County chapter of the American Red Cross, which is urged to crack down on individuals and businesses trying to make money illegally off the Red Cross name and logo. Albert W. Straub, the director of the Atlantic division, informs the Rensselaer board by circular letter that “My attention has been called to the large number of business firms that are illegally using the name of the Red Cross in advertising sales or the percentage basis,” he writes, “and to jewelry stores and other stores that are selling Red Cross buttons and pins to the public. “This is in direct violation of section 4 of the charter and by-laws of the American Red Cross. The responsibility for correcting these infringements must be placed upon the local chapter and your cooperation within the jurisdiction or your chapter is respectfully requested.” Straub reminds the Rensselaer directors that “No offers should be accepted contemplating a division of profits between the promoters and the Red Cross. This rule applies to the manufacture and sale of merchandise or articles of any kind.” The Record reports that “Though the committee has no knowledge of local violations of these Red Cross laws, the members are constantly on the alert for such instances.”