The President said:
The American Red Cross is a great voluntary organization created by the people themselves, on whom the Nation places reliance in time of need. For some months the Red cross has been providing for those of our fellow citizens who have suffered from the devastating effects of the long-extended drought. The area affected is roughly limited to the states bordering upon the Potomac, Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, with limited acute areas in some southwestern and northwestern states. The people in this area lost a large part of their crops; and many thousands are even short of food supplies. The Red Cross now appeals for $10,000,000 of additional funds in order that that essential task may be adequately performed. There is no question but that they are needed. It is unthinkable that any of our people should be allowed to suffer from hunger or want. The heart of the Nation will not permit it. It is to the heart of the Nation that I am appealing tonight. I urge all of my fellow countrymen to contribute promptly and in accordance with their means. It is a call to citizenship and to generosity in time of trial but it is a call for protection to our greatest American institution of Charity and above all a call on behalf of those in need.
I want to take this occasion to thank the thousands of devoted members of the Red Cross throughout the land who in the drought-stricken areas are devoting their time and effort to the relief of suffering and in the other parts of the country to providing the means of doing so. In the face of calamity let us unite in a common effort to drive suffering and want from our country. There can be no higher duty. To the call of that duty the Nation will respond.