Columbianis-m in Texas
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Llano Grande, and McAllen. In Laredo, one was given to the Catholic Orphans' Home in charge of the Sister Servants of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Military mobilization on an even larger scale was soon resumed, how- ever. The European situation that had involved most of Western Europe in war over the assassination of the Archduke of Austria reached a crisis in April, 1917. The unrestricted submarine warfare proclaimed by Ger- many in a desperate attempt to force France and her allies to surrender had seriously affected American shipping and caused President Wilson to ask for a declaration of war which was made by Congress on April 6 of that year. The country, which had tried to avoid involvement by re- maining neutral, was at war once more in what has rightly been called World War I. The Knights of Columbus immediately asked General Pershing, now the Commander of the American expeditionary forces being readied to be sent to France, for permission to establish KC Huts at all army in- stallations at home and abroad. The general, well acquainted with what the "Huts" had meant to the soldiers on the Mexican Border, unhesi- tatingly gave his consent. The Knights, in cooperation with the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the Y.M.C.A., and the Jewish Welfare Board, continued the patriotic work of service and helpfulness they initiated a year before during the Mexican crisis. They were further authorized this time to provide similar service for the sailors and marines at naval installations. The response to the call for war workers made by the Knights was prompt and general. Within a year, over fifteen hundred Knights volun- teered to serve in the front as secretaries of KC Huts. There were at least 150 recreation centers established that first year at home, and a few were opened overseas. The financial contribution was equally gen- erous. By the end of the year $3,000,000 were spent at home and $4,000,- 000 abroad. This money represented the combined donations of Knights throughout the nation. Everywhere in military camps the old familiar signs "Everybody Welcome--Everything Free" were visible again. They spread cheer to those that read them. In 1918, President Wilson called upon seven allied agencies, including the Knights, to raise $170,500,000. To boost the drive the Manual of the National Catholic War Council was prepared and widely distributed. In Texas, the El Paso Council raised nearly $20,000 alone for the Catholic War Fund, exceeding the quota assigned to it by the Supreme
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