CLARA BARTON DIARIES AND JOURNALS Mar. 12 - Apr. 22, 1903 1903. DIARY OF EVENTS AS TRANSPIRING IN CONNECTION WITH THE AMERICAN NATIONAL RED CROSS, COMMENCING WITH ITS FIRST OFFICIAL MEETING, HELD AT 49 EAST 58th St. NEW YORK, MARCH 12th, 1903. After a sojourn of nearly three months at the above named location in this city, with various obstructionsand hinderances, it was at length decided to hold a [first] an official meeting for the purpose of establishing the formation of the various committees, and the confirming of officers already named, for the proper carrying out of the purposes of the organization in conformity with the by-laws enacted at the late annual meeting, held in Washington, D. C., December 9th, 1902. At the said meeting were present the following persons, members of the organization. Mr. Walter P. Phillips, acting Chairman. Judge Joseph Sheldon of New Haven, Francis Atwater, Meriden, Conn. Samuel M. Jarvis of New York, and Miss Clara Barton, President. M. A. Hines, acting secretary. The first business before the meeting was the confirmation of Mr. Edward D. Easton of Hackensack, New Jersey, as Treasurer, vice William J. Flather of Washington, resigned.All papers were duly signed the bond properly executed, by Mr. Phillips and Mr. Jarvis becoming surety for the amount named in bond. Following this the [Committee] of Extension was named: William T. Wardwell, Chairman, Richard T. Olney, Boston, John G. Carlisle, New York, Ex-Sec. John W. Noble St. Louis, Judge Joseph Sheldon, New Haven Conn. Executive Committee, consisting of Walter P. [*Page "Two" out for insert.*] -3- FRIDAY March 13, A.D. 1903. A letter from Mr. Phillips to Mr. Olney in the morning, urging his immediate decision regarding his acceptance of appointment upon the Committee of Extension. Later a second letter from Mr. Phillips to Mr. Olney informs him - " we have an inquiry from Mr. Carlisle as to your intentions, and we wish to state them with as little delay as possible, hence our enquiry." This letter further says - "we have completed our Executive Committee with the exception of adding the name of Mr. George Kennan, one of our original members, whom we have invited to serve and who will no doubt accept." Copies of the above correspondence were sent to Mr. Briggs, Secretary, Mrs. John A. Logan, Vice President, and Mr. Jarvis of the Executive Committee. SATURDAY March 14, A.D. 1903 At 4 P.M. a letter was received from Miss Mabel T. Boardman, addressed to the "Executive Committee" . "To the Executive Committee of the American National Red Cross Dear Sirs: I wrote to the Secretary of the American National Red Cross for a list of the Red Cross members, and he replied that he is directed to refer all applications for information to you. Will you, therefore, kindly send me a full list of the American Red Cross members, including those elected at the last meeting, Dec. 11th, 1903, with their addresses and also a list of the Executive Committee. I remain yours respectfully, (Signed) Mabel T. Boardman." SUNDAY March 15, A.D.1903. Mr. Phillips called this morning, attended church with Miss Barton and returned with her for dinner. This afternoon Mr. Phillips had a talk with Mr. Jarvis at his hotel, which resulted in a visit to Washington by Dr. Hubbell. He goes to -4- SUNDAY March 15th, A.D.1903. night at twelve O'clock , to get Gebara papers from files in Washington, and attend to other necessary business. We feel this to be a just claim, which should be allowed by the Department. Letter from Mr. Phillips to Miss Boardman, as recorded yesterday, sent to Mr. Atwater for publication, also notes of correction, forwarded to Mr. Briggs, to be appended to the reply , MONDAY March 16th, A.D. 1903. Fourteen copies of proceedings of annual meeting sent to Mr. Briggs this morning replying to Mr. Atwater's request. Copy of insurrectionary letter addressed to Mr. B Briggs and signed Mabel T. Boardman, received. Secretary Briggs heartily approves action of Executive Committee concerning Miss Boardman. Received letter of acceptance from Mr. Easton as follows: Miss Clara Barton, President, American National Red Cross 49 East 58th St., New York City. Dear Miss Barton: [*March 14/03*] I acknowledge receipt of appointment as Treasurer of the American National Red Cross and accept the position. With assurance of great respect and admiration for you and your wonderful work and hoping you may be long spared to continue to show the world an example of unsurpassed devotion, I am, Yours very sincerely, (Signed) E. D. Easton. Mr. Phillips paper - " Some facts concerning Clara Barton's work " - was given to the press for publication to day. Letter received from Robert I. Clegg, Editor of -5- MONDAY, March 15th, A.D. 1903. Machinery Department of "Iron Trade Review" Cleveland, Ohio; asking information concerning Emergency Box. This is to be referred to Mr. Howe - who writes that he will return from Philadelphia this afternoon. TUESDAY, March 17th, A.D. 1903. Mr. Howe made a brief call this morning; reports himself "ready to begin work". "Gibara" papers received by Express to day; also " Howard " papers, containing full correspondence between Mr. Howard and the Board of Control. At the appointed hour - 8P.M. Messrs Phillips and Atwater arrived, followed shortly by Mr. Jarvis; this constituting a quorum the meeting was called to order, Mr. Phillips in the Chair. Proceeded to read the minutes which were approved. Mr. Easton's letter of acceptance of the Treasury ship was read with satisfaction. This appears to close this subject, all conditions having been complied with. Mr. Briggs account duly approved by President and Executive Committee. "Gibara" papers were partly examined and handed to Mr. Jarvis for further consideration. The case of Simon Wolf was considered and it was decided that he also should be suspended from membership. The following letter was written and it was unanimously agreed upon: March 17th 1903. Mr. Simon Wolf, Washington, D.C. Dear Sir:- The attention of the Executive Committee of the American National Red Cross has been called, within the last forty-eight hours, to an article signed with your n name, in the issue of the New York times of Feb. 15th, 1903. On the assumption that you are the author of the communication and feeling that the intent and purpose of it -6- TUESDAY, March 17th, A.D. 1903. is to cast a slur upon the President of the organization, whom it is our privilege to honor, we have decided to suspend you from membership in the Red Cross. At a meeting of the Committee, held at No. 49 East 58th St., in this city, on March 17th, 1903, present Messrs Jarvis, Phillips and Atwater, it was decided to notify you of your suspension and to add that we shall place your case before the full membership with a view to your ultimate expulsion from the organization. Very truly yours, (Signed) Walter P. Phillips, Chairman of the Executive Committee The meeting was then adjourned until Tuesday next. WEDNESDAY, March 18th, A.D. 1903. The above letter, in view of certain contingencies, it was decided not to to send for the present. Received from the State Department through the Swiss Minister, notice of a meeting to be held in September, in Switzerland, for consideration of some amendments of the orignal Treaty of 1864, and suggesting the sending of delegates by the Government to the meeting. Later - a letter from Mr. Monyer, relative to the disposition of the " Augusta " fund. A call from Mr. Howe and Mr. Loughheim, of Phila. ? one of Mr Howe's partners. Mr. Loughheim became interested in the organization of the Red Cross as Miss Barton read to them the plan she had outlined. After considering it a few hours he submitted, through Mr. Howe the following proposition vis: -that if Miss Barton would personally visit the govonor of each State, with a view of securing their cooperation in the organizing of the people, that he - Mr. Loughheim, would be glad to assume the entire cost of travel, entertainment and incidental expenses, for Miss Barton and any one who might accompany her. Mr. Loughheim also proposed to rent premises suitable for the occupancy of both the American Red Cross Headquarters and the business of " First Aid." Both these propositions to be submitted to THE -7- WEDNESDAY, March 18th, A. D. 1902. Executive Committee. In the evening Mr. Phillips called with Mr. Davis, Atty. for the American Phonograph Co. Mr. Phillips is well pleased with press notices so far as received. THURSDAY, March 19th, A. D. 1903. Mr. Jarvis called on his way to his office in the morning, in response to request from Miss Barton, - who believed that he should early receive Mr. Phillips' suggestion that he call upon Mr. Carlisle. Dr. Lesser, through Mr. Howe, requests permission to call a meeting of Physicians here on Saturday morning next, to decide upon the contents of the "First Aid" box, and approve the same. Letter from Mr. Olney stating that - as Mr. Carlisle has no intention of serving on Extension Committee, he also asks to be excused. Registered letter from Miss Boardman, addressed to Chairman of Executive Committee, relative to her suspension from membership. Mr. Phillips called later, answered Mr. Olney's letter, "regretting that he would not serve upon Extension Committee. FRIDAY, March 20th, A. D. 1903 A letter received from Mr. EASTON, asking that Miss Barton notify Riggs Bank, ( as per request of Mr. Flather, inclosed,) - that Mr. Easton had received and accepted the appointment of Treasurer of the American National Red Cross. Miss Barton at once wrote and mailed the "notification" to Mr. Briggs, Secretary, asking him to affix to it the Red Cross seal, and deliver to the bank. -8- FRIDAY, March 20, A.D. 1903 An interesting conversation with Mr. Howe in the evening relative to the possibility of cooperation between the National American Red Cross and First Aid to the Injured. Copy of letter from Mr. Tillinghast, with reply from Mr. Phillips, sent to Mrs. Logan and others. SATURDAY, March 21st, A. D. 1903 Arrived from Mr. Atwater a large box of Replies to Memorial to Congress. Miss Barton finds them very finely executed. Later a few Bulletins No. I, received. They contain Miss Boardman's letter and reply of Executive Committee. Mr Phillips asks that a copy of Miss Bartons letter to the Committee on Appropriations in the Senate and House of Representatives be sent to him. This letter asked that the Committee decline action upon the Bills before these Bodies, proposing for Miss Barton an annuity or so called pension, stating that for the Red Cross Cross it could not be properly accepted and why, and for herself personally, it was neither needed nor desired. Mr. Phillips spoke of interview between Miss Boardman, Mr. Easton and himself, in which time he was able to give her some information. In the Evening papers appeared a dispatch from Washington, D. C., stating that Miss Barton, President of the American Red Cross, had been deposed in favor of Admiral Van Ruypen, by the board of Trustees. "Untrue in every particular" was given to the leading city papers and Publisher's Press. The Associated Press made denial as received from Mr. Briggs, Washington, D. C. SUNDAY, March 22, A.D. 1903. City papers generally publish report of yesterday, together with Miss Barton's denial. -9- MONDAY, March 23, A.D. 1903. Amended copy of notification to bank of Mr. Easton's appointment as Treasurer, signed by President and Secretary, with seal of Corporation affixed. The last formality to be observed in connection with this subject. Mr. Atwater paid a little visit to Headquarters to day. Letters from Mr. Phillips relative to Miss Boardman. Mr. Jarvis telephoned asking that list of Committees be mailed to him. Mr. Howe called to say that Mr. Loughheim would be unable to meet Executive Committee tomorrow night, because of his mother's death, which occurred to day. Dr. Lesser and other doctors met by appointment this afternoon here to approve the contents of First Aid equipment. The opinion is unanimous that the newspaper story as quoted Saturday night is not only untrue, but impossible and absurd. Mr. Atwater determined to trace the origin if possible. TUESDAY, March 24, A. D. 1903. Letters received from Mr. Briggs containing clippings from Washington papers, confirming statement of Saturday and still more aggressive in character. A representative of the Journal called this afternoon, very curious as to Miss Barton's probable movements, attempting to discuss the probabilities of her going to Washington. Asserting that steps were being taken, from which it is believed that Miss Barton would desire to say something. Executive Committee met at 8 - 30 P. M. Mr. Howe also by invitation from Miss Barton. Mr. Phillips submitted letter replying to Miss Boardman's answer to notice of suspension. Approved with some slight changes and mailed to her later. The advisability of proceeding legally against the newspaper which seems to be responsible for article announcing that Miss Barton was deposed in the interest of harmony", on Saturday last. A unanimous renewal of determination to stand by -10- TUESDAY March 24th, A.D. 1903. Miss Barton and the Red Cross. Many satisfactory expressions from Editors of different newspapers throughout the country, offering their columns for discussion and fair statements. Final decision to employ Mr. William C. Davis as announced in appended telegram, - after the election of Mr. P. V. De Graw, as Executive Officer had been unanimously and enthusiastically agreed upon. Washington, D.C., March 25, 1903. P. V. Degraw, Executive Officer of the American National Red Cross, announces that at a meeting of the Executive Committee held in New York yesterday it was voted to employ William C. Davis to proceed against all newspapers, press associations and other publications which have libelled Clara Barton and the Red Cross organization. This is to appear in the Washington "Star" and "Post". WEDNESDAY, March 25th, A.D. 1903. Interesting letters received from Mr. De Graw and and from Mr. Kaufman. Clippings received from Philadelphia Ledger and Washington Times, expressive of a determination to retire Miss Barton. Mr. Phillips called in the morning. Sent copy of letter mailed to Miss Boardman last night, to Mr. Easton. THURSDAY, March 26th, A.D. 1903. Mr. Jarvis called early this morning. Miss B. handed him the clippings referred to above. In the afternoon Mr. Atwater came in and arranged vouchers for Mr. Easton which were sent to him. Miss Barton replied to Mr. Kaufman, hoping that he would call if he came to the city. Wrote to Mr. Tillinghast also. (11) FRIDAY, March 27th, A.D. 1903. Interesting conference with Messrs Louchheim and Howe occupied a portion of Ms. Barton's morning. Plans for organization were discussed and some agreed upon to lay before the Executive Committee at the next meeting. Discouraging report of Mr. Wardwell's health. Interesting letter from Miss Jennings and others relative to Red Cross matters and a satisfactory assurance of "caution in handling rumors of Red Cross matters" from Mr. J. B. Shade, to Mr. Atwater. Mr. Shade is President of the "Publishers' Press". SATURDAY, March 28th, A. D. 1903. "Judge Advocate General Davis will represent the army at the Red Cross Conference, in Geneva, in September next." (Dispatch). Mr. Phillips and Mr. Jarvis dropped in during the evening. Finding Miss Barton absent in Philadelphia, they discussed subjects that are likely to be more formally presented at the next meeting of the Executive Committee. MONDAY, March 30th, A.D., 1903. Miss Barton returned this afternoon from Philadelphia this afternoon. The morning issue of the Philadelphia "Press" contains interesting account of Reception. "Thousands greet Clara Barton. Dr. Conwell warmly welcomes President of the Red Cross Society in Baptist Temple, and Congregation follows example." Miss Barton has written a note to Mr. Louchheim, asking him to meet Executive Committee, here, tomorrow night. Some fine papers coming in from the press. 11 TUESDAY, MARCH 31st, A.D. 1903. Miss Barton received dispatch from Mrs. John A. Logan, this afternoon, asking that the Executive Committee reserve opinion in Boardman matter until letter from herself should be received. Another message addressed to Mr. Phillips contained much the same request, also the question - "Have you seen my reply?" Mr. Phillips' reply to this was - "Have not seen your reply but no steps will be taken in matter referred to without your concurrence." Meeting of Executive Committee called to order, Mr. Phillips in the Chair. The subject of organization was taken up and it was decided that the start be made in Connecticut; considerations being, "a cohesive body of people - much wealth there - a factory State". It was moved, seconded and unanimously carried, that Mr. Atwater be commissioned to put in shape some plan of operation to secure the cooperation of the Governor of the State and his wife, and the newspapers. It was determined to adhere to Miss Barton's plan as outlined in paper previously submitted to each member of the Ex. Committee. In connection with this subject and along the same lines Mr. Howe read to the committee a paper prepared by himself, containing valuable and practical suggestions. Mr. Atwater interjects the proposition to place the names of Mr. Howe, Mr. Louchheim and Mr. Davis on the incomplete membership list, not yet published. Decided in the case of Mr. Davis that this be deferred, "in view of some work he may have to do. Mr. Phillips then read "Bulletin No. 2. Mr. Atwater' letter included, was especially commended and all approved. Mr. Jarvis moved that the Chairman be authorized to take the necessary steps to deal with Mr. Howard. Seconded by Mr. 12 TUESDAY, March 31st, A.D. 1903. Atwater and carried. Miss Barton gave the facts in her possession concerning the case, and suggested line of procedure, which it was agreed should be acted upon. Miss Barton received to day an official demand that all names of members of the National American Red Cross be furnished the Department of State. Answered by compliance, through Secretary of American National Red Cross organization. WEDNESDAY, April 1st, A.D. 1903. Mr. Howe called to discuss organization plans. Miss Barton is most favorably impressed with his views upon the subject and highly commends his decision to go tomorrow to Meriden, Conn., to see Mr. Atwater and later Mr. Phillips at his home at Bridgeport. Mr. Howe believes that no effective work can be accomplished while existing inharmony prevails. Mr. Steve Barton, just returned from Cuba will remain the night. THURSDAY, April 2nd, A.D. 1903. Letter from Mrs. Logan protesting against the reinstatement of Miss Boardman. Similar communication addressed to Mr. Phillips. Satisfactory reply from Mr. Phillips, reported to night during a brief call. Visit from Judge Sheldon this afternoon. Mr. Wardwell's condition more favorable and speedy recovery hoped for. Miss Barton has requested Mr. Steve Barton to meet the Executive Committee next Tuesday night to confirm his approval of certain resolutions she has formed and will present to them. 13 FRIDAY, April 3rd, A.D. 1903. Letter from Mr. Briggs, in which he speaks of the situation as discouraging and believes it necessary to suspend the entire "minority". Taken charge of by Mr. Phillips for reply. Copy received from Mr. P. of letter sent to Mrs. Logan, replying to hers noted above, in which he assures her of his continued good will and the intention of the Executive Committee to pursue a vigorous and consistent course of action. Also offering Bulletin No. 3 as an opportunity to say anything she wishes for publication. Calls from Mr. Phillips in the morning, Mr. Atwater in the afternoon and Mr. Howe in the evening. Mr. Howe presented an additional paper on reorganization, that Miss Barton highly commends. Discussion of text book to be used in First Aid work. Saturday, April 4th, A.D. 1903. Telephone message from Mr. Atwater, saying that a special meeting of Ex. Committee will probably be called for Monday next. SUNDAY, April 5th, A.D. 1903 A visit from Mr. and Mrs. Atwell, presenting measures for the formation of a Finance Committee, which were considered with approval by Miss Barton. Mr. and Mrs. Hale from Elizabethtown, N.Y., also called and were invited to meet the Ex. Committee tomorrow. MONDAY April 6th, A.D. 1903. Called - Special meeting of the Executive Committee, Mr. Phillips in the Chair. Present, Miss Barton, Mr. Jarvis, Mr. Atwater and by invitation Mr. Harry Hale and Mr. Susemann. Letter from Mrs. John A. Logan, published in the Sunday "Sun", read and approved. Resolved that it appear in Bulletin 14 MONDAY, April 6th, A.D. 1903. [Bulletin] No. 2. Mr. Hale read letters from years back - in which Miss Barton's methods of distributing relief funds and accounting to the Committee from whom received, were made the subject of thanks and high commendation. Moved by Mr. Jarvis and seconded by Mr. Atwater - that all members of the American National Red Cross whose names appear as signers of the Memorial to Congress, should be served at once with notice of suspension from membership, also that they be invited to meet the Executive COmmitttee to show cause why the suspension should not be permanent. Further - that after being duly notified that the entire proceeding should be published in "Bulletin No. 2" This was unanimously carried. TUESDAY, April 7th, A.D. 1903. During the day Mr. Atwater, Mr. Phillips, Mr. Howe, Mr.Louchheim and his friend Mr. Arnold, called. Mr. Briggs arrived from Washington and Miss Janet Jennings also. "Sun" and "Herald" representatives called concerning action of suspension. Mr. Briggs arranged with Ex. Committee final list of members and consulted with them as to advisability of appointing Mr. Charles Baker, of Washington, D.C., Assistant Treasurer. Also t that Mr. Baker's office be made headquarters for the National Red Cross in that city. Wednesday, April 8th, A.D. 1903. Many newspaper men have sought information which Miss Barton congratulates herself, Miss Jennings is well qualified to furnish. Interesting articles have appeared in the leading New York papers touching the action of "suspension of members" with no adverse editorial comment so far as seen. Wednesday, April 8th, A.D. 1903. Four months to day since the last annual meeting of the American Red Cross. The sun shines after - after the storm. Mr. De Graw called this morning to present his congratulations to Miss Barton upon the present and probably result of her Executive Committee's action in suspending the "Minority". Mr. Hale made his last visit before returning to his home in Elizabeth, N. Y. THURSDAY, April 9th, 1903. Most of the day has been spent in furnishing Miss Jennings ammunition to fire at Reporters. She does not waste it but uses grandly, believing that peace upon a righteous basis is the only justification of war. A pamphlet received, entitled "Miss Boardmans answer to Letter of the Red Cross Executive Committee, Notifying Her of Her Suspension by that Committee. WITH some very interesting Addenda." FRIDAY, April 10th A.D. 1903. Aletter received from Mr. Briggs this morning asking final instructions concerning membership list and suggesting the advisability of appointing Mr. Charles Baker Assistant Secretary. Also the desirability of legal advise upon certain questions concerning Red Cross matters. A call from Mr. Jarvis this morning. Later - preparation of matter for the press by Miss Jennings. Good Friday. SATURDAY, April 11th, A.D. 1903. Received from Mr Olney, Counselor, recommendation that "Release" be sent to Mr. James, T. Lewis in Joy Will case. This was done. Miss Barton went to New Haven to day to remain until Monday. Judge Sheldon has asked this opportunity to confer with her upon Red Cross matters, particularly those referring directly to the duties of the Organization Committee, of which he is a member. Favorable accounts received of Mr. Wardwell's improved health. Mr. Wardwell's unfortunate illness has greatly delayed the work of this committee, of which he is Chairman. Sunday, April 12, A.D. 1903. EASTER SUNDAY. A quiet, uneventful day. MONDAY, April 13th, A.D. 1903. It is observed that request for information conserning the Red Cross and Clara Barton and particularly literature upon this subject is more frequent and urgent than ever before. Many letters too bearing upon this subject, of a most satisfactory character, are daily received - not from friends alone but strangers. TUESDAY, April 13th, A.D. 1903. At the meeting of the Executive Committee, at 8 P.M. all the members were present, also Mr. Stephen E. Barton, by invitation. Mr Phillips in the Chair. Miss Barton presented the suggestion made by Mr. Briggs that Mr. Baker be appointed "Assistant Secretary". On motion of Mr. Jarvis seconded by Mr. ATwater, Mr. Charles Baker was appointed assistant to the Secretary subject to his acceptance. On motion of Mr. Jarvis, seconded by Mr. Atwater, Mr. Phillips was authorized to arrange with an auditor to audit the 15 TUESDAY, April 14th, A.D. 1903. accounts of Mr. Flather. Upon a similar motion Mr. Phillips was requested to invite Mr. Howard to meet the Executive Committee, here, on Tuesday evening, next, with a view to some possible adjustment of his indebtedness to the Red Cross. The employment of further legal counsel was discussed with no particular conclusion expressed. Mr. Jarvis presented an article for reading that appeared in the "Evening Post" of this city. It was signed with initials, F.E.L. and contained many unkind and untrue statements; among others that "someone" had said that a check for ten-thousand dollars sent to Miss Barton for benefit of Johnstown sufferers had never been acknowledged by her or anybody. A Washington dispatch. An interesting visit to day from Capt. Dyer, urging Miss Barton to give the Spanish War Vetrans an opportunity to visit her in a body. 800 he says are in Washington. WEDNESDAY, April 22nd, A.D. 1903. No activity in Red Cross matters worthy of note for week past. No meeting of committee occurred last night: Mr. Phippips absent in Washington, Mr Jarvis not able to be present. Mr. Howe has returned from Philadelphia where he has been for two weeks looking after First Aid Boxes, which are being manufactured there. He hopes to be able to start operations about the 10th of May and confidently expects large results. Miss Barton, and so far as I know everybody cognizant of his proposed methods, believes this expectation to be justified. Newspaper clippings indicate no particular change in tone. Everything throughout the entire country by the "Washington Correspondent" -- who is obviously prepared for his work. From the Department of State comes the announcement to 16 WEDNESDAY, April 22nd, A.D. 1903. Miss Barton, that "...in accordance with advices received on the 13th instant from the Swiss Minister at this Capital, that the Government of Guatemala has given its adhesion to the Geneva Convention of August 22nd, 1864, for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded in War." Transcribed and reviewed by volunteers participating in the By The People project at crowd.loc.gov.