CLARA BARTON SPEECHES & WRITINGS FILE Articles & Other Writings Manuscripts 1858 - 19083 (18583) "Mais," disait Monsieur Custis, "si la maitresse de Mt-Vernon etait une femme remarquable, la vieille dame de Westmoreland l'était encore davantage. Si le fils etait grand, la mère etait plus grande encore. Aucune personne dans notre patrie, n'avait jamais eu une telle dignité de corps, et de caractère; un tel gouvernement sur les autres, et un tel empire sur soi-même. Son nom avant son mariage etait Marie Ball. À un jeune âge elle avait été laissée veuve, et l'éducation de ses enfants tombait entièrement sur elle. Son gouvernement domestique etait si complet[e], que le Général Washington à souvent dit, qu à l'âge de vingt deux ans, il ne s'était jamais assis à table sans l'ordre de sa mère. Pendant les huit anneés de la Révolution, il ne l'avait pas vu; mais après la bataille de Yorktown, ses premiers pas se tournaient vers Fredericksburg. Elle demeurait humblement sur sa plantation. Mais le champion du monde, n'osait entrer en présence de sa mère sans invitation. 4 Il s'arrêtait avec ses forces au village, et envoyait un messager pour dire qu'il y etait, et qu'il attendait pour la voir. La matrone était à son ouvrage. Elle recevait le message sans émotion, et disait. "Je suis bien aise de l'apprendre, dites à George de venir ici." Il obeissait. Il lui disait qu'il [verait?] y avoir un festival le soir dans le village. Elle répondait. "Mes jours de plaisirs sont finis." Mais y irai, si vous et vos amis le désirent. Il me faut y aller de bonne heure, viens me prendre à sept heures. Des lignes de vétérans se formaient du chemin au village pour honorer la mère de leur chef. À leur surprise, sans équipage, elle se promenait ou milieu d'eux; supporteé par le bras de son fils. et mise en robe de soie noire L'étonnement des officiers Français de Lafayette etait sans borne. Elle y resta[i] deux heures recevant les saluts des officers avec dignité.5 Mais à neuf heures elle disait, "George il est temps que les vieilles soient à la maison. Je m'en vais." Quand Lafayette etait prêt d'aller en France, il ne voulait s'en aller sans voir encore la mère de Washington.- Il allait à Fredericksburg. Elle le recevait avec bien de la grâce. Quand il lui parlait de la grandeur de Washington, elle lui disait, "Je n'en suis pas etonneé. George etait toujours un bon garçon." En mil huit cent vingt quatre, Lafayette disait "Je suis maintenant vieux. J'ai demeuri parmi des rois, et des princes, mais je n'ai jamais senté autant de crainte que dans la présence de cette dame. Avec ses mots mon vénérable ami cessait ses paroles. Il me disait, quand il ne fera pas si chaud, venez à Arlington, et nous parlerons encore - Je le lui prometais. Mais quand l'Automne venait, nous entendions au travers les eaux qu'Arlington etait troublé. Son maitre etait malade. Toute la ville, attendait la nouvelle du jour 6 suivant, nous n'entendions pas un mot, mais la cloche sonnait solennellement, le tambour voilé battait un chant, et le dome National étendait son crèpe. Arlington n'avait pas de maître. mais Mt Vernon avait recueillé encore un autre trésor à l'autel de la Nation.6 The sheets are changed with men bright with tinsel, and the clattering hoofs of galloping horses sound continually in our ears, the weather is bright - and warm on may for which blessing I feel bererly to thank the great giver of all good gifts, that when this rash-army lying like so many thousand herds of cattle on every side of our bright beleagured city, with only the soil for which they peril life, beneath, and the single threads of white comas above, watering like so many faithful dogs, held by lands stronger than death, yet patient and uncomplaining A merciful God holds the warring fruitless elements in his firm benegrand-graph, withheld the rigers of early winter, and showers down when their heads the gerrial ways of untimely warmth changing the rough winds of Doe, to the healing breezes of April Neele may we hold thanks givings, and our Army unite in prayer and songs of praise to God - Dec 9, 1861Our sympathies are more enlisted for the poor bereaved Zouaves than aught else. They who of all men in the land most needed a leader - and had the best - to loose him now in the very beginning. if they commit excesses upon their enemies, only their enemies are to blame for they have killed the only man who ever thought to govern them, and now when I read of one of them breaking over and committing some excess trespass, and is called to account and punished for it, my blood rises in an instant - I would not have them punished - I know I am wrong in my conclusions, and do not desire to be justified, but I am not accountable for my feelings. The funeral of the lamented Ellsworth was one of the most impres- -sing and touching sights I ever witnessed or perhaps ever shall - Just these broad sides walks from the Presidents to the Capital - two impassible lines of See first pageliving beings, then the Company after company and whole Regiments of sturdy soldiers with arms reversed drums muffled, banners furled and draped. following each other in slow solemn procession the four White horses, and the gallant dead, wit his country's flag for a pawl, -- the six hearses beside the herse, and them the little land of G..ous (for only a part could be spared from duty even to bury their leader) clad in their plain loose uniform, entirely weaponless, heads bowed in grief, eyes fixed on the coffin before them and the great tears rolling down their inertly(?) cheeks told us only too plainly of the smotheren grief that would one day burse into rage and wreck itself in vengence on every seeming foe, -the riderless horse - and the rent and bloodstained sucession Flag brought up the rear of the little band of persenal mourners - - then followed an official train lead by the President and Cabinet - all of whom lookedsmall to as that day, they were no longer dignitaries but mourners with the throng - I stood at the Treasury and with my eye glanced down the Avenue to the Capitol gate, and not one inch of earth or space could I see, only one dense living swaying moving mass of humanity Surely it was great love and respect to be meted out to the memory of one so young and from the common ranks of life I thought of it long that day and wondered if he had not sold himself at his highest price for his Country's good. If the inspiration of "Ellsworth dead" were not worth more to our cause than the life of any man could be -- I could not tell, but He who knows all things and ruleth all in Wisdom hath done all things well. - [*6*] Our sympathies are more enlisted for the poor bereaved Zouaves than aught else. They who of all men in the land most needed a leader-and had the best-to loose him now in the very beginning, --if they commit excesses upon their enemies, only their enemies are to blame for they have killed the only man who ever thought to govern them, and now when I read of one of them breaking over and committing some trespass, and is called to account and punished for it, my blood rises in an instant-I would not have them punished, I know I am wrong in my conclusions, and do not desire to be justified, but I am not accountable for my feelings. The funeral of the lamented Ellsworth was one of the most imposing and touching sights I ever witnessed or perhaps ever shall. First those broad side walks from the Presidents to the Capital, two impassable lines of living beings, then Company after Company and whole Regiments of sturdy soldiers with arms reversed, drums muffled, banners furled and draped, following each other in slow solemn procession the four white horses, and the gallant dead, with his country's flag for a pawl, --the six bearers beside the herse, and then the little band of Zouaves (for only a part could be spared from duty even to bury their leader) clad in their plain loose uniform, entirely weaponless, heads bowed in grief, eyes fixed on the coffin before them and the great tears rolling down their swarthy cheeks told us only too plainly of the smothered grief that would one day burst into rage and wreck itself in vengence on every seeming foe, --the riderless horse and the rent and blood stained secession flag brought up the rear of the little band of personal mourners--then followed an official train led by the President and Cabinet-all of whom looked small to us that day, they were no longer dignitaries but mourners with the throng, I stood at the Treasury and with my eye glanced down the Avenue to the Capitol gate, and not one inch of earth or space could I see, -only one dense, living, swaying, moving mass of humanity. Surely it was great love and respect to be meted out to the memory of one so young and from the common ranks of life.-2- I thought of it long that day and wondered if he had not sold himself at his highest price for his Country's good. If the inspiration of "Ellsworth dead", were not worth more to our cause than the life of any man could be-I could not tell, but He who knows all things and ruleth all in Wisdom hath done all things well. [*Should be preserved*] Clara Barton Letter. Visit to the Emperor. [*Given me by Miss Barton. *] [Faccimile]Baden Baden, Germany Oct. 28, 1887 The International Red Cross Conference had closed. Most of the delegates had left Carlssruhe, unless like ourselves, remaining for after work, The Grand Duke and Grand Duchess with their court, had retired to Baden Baden for the customary birthday festivities of Her Majesty the Empress, and the Emperor, with his suite would, as also customary, make his yearly visit in honor of the occasion, thus making that lovely and historic old town, for the moment; the center of interest for the Empire. Dr. Hubbell and myself were at breakfast, when the hotel portier laid a telegraphic dispatch beside my plate. It will be remembered, at least -- by personal friends, that three years ago, while in attendance at a similar international conference, the honored pleasure of a meeting with His Majesty The Emperor of Germany had been given me. This dispatch informed me that a like honor again awaited my presence in Baden Baden. Trunks were packed, adieus made, and the midday train of the following day took us in time for the appointed hour. Whoever had visited the interior of the "New Castle", The Baden Baden palace of the Grand Duke, and been shown through its tasteful apartments, rich in elegance, tradition and history, will require no further reminder of the place where the interview would be given. This was, as well the birthday of the Crown Prince, and in tender paternal sympathy, for the painful affliction resting upon a life so treasured, and for the great anxiety of the German people, His Majesty, the Emperor, would pass a portion of the day with the beloved daughter and sister, The Grand Duchess at the Castle, and in honoring memory of the occasion, its halls were thronged with visitors who came to manifest both respect and sympathy. At half past one o'clock we were ushered in at the great castle doors, by their attendants in livery of "scarlet and gold", the national colors of Baden; our damp wraps removed, for it was pouring rain, and after a half hour's sitting by a cheerful fire, among pictures which quite called one out of personal consciousness, we were escorted to the grand reception and drawing rooms, -- to the center of a magnificent apart-- ment with no occupant but ourselves. By another door one saw the Emperor surrounded by guests who paid formal respects. Scores of visitors with coachmen in richest-livery had entered while we waited. and registered titled names on the open pages. At length, His Majesty turned from the group about him, and taking the arm of the Grand Duchess, entered our apartment. It was difficult to realize all the ninety years, as he stepped towards us with even, and steady, if no longer elastic tread. He approached with cordially extended hand, and in his excellent French, expressed satisfaction for the meeting. "In the name of humanity he was glad to meet and welcome those who labored for it." In recalling the earlier days of our acquaintance, her Royal Highness the Grand Duchess alluded tenderly to the winter in Strasburg of 70~71 which I had passed among its poor and wounded people after the siege, and selecting two from a cluster of Decorations which I had worn in honor of the present occasion, drew the attention of the Emperor to them. The one he knew, it was his own, presented upon his seventy fifth birthday. The other, he had never seen. It was the beautiful Decoration of the "German Waffengenossen." The "Warrior Brothers in Arms" of Milwaukee. It was puzzlingly familiar, and yet it was not familiar. There was again the Iron cross of Germany, but it was on the American Shield. The "American Eagle" surmounting the arms for defense; and the colors of Germany, the Red White and Black of the Empire uniting the two. His Majesty gazed up the expressive emblem, which, with no words, said so much; and turned inquiringly to the Grand Duchess, as if to ask, "Does my daughter understand this?" The explanation was made, that it was from His Majesty's own soldiers, who, after the "German France War," had gone to the United States and became citizens; and this device was designed to express, that, as by its shield they were American Citizens, and true to the land of their adoption, so by its "Iron Cross." They were still German; and by the colors of the native land for which every man had offered his life, and risked it; they bound the old home to the new; and by the American Eagle and arms, surmounting all, they were ready to offer their lives again, if need be, in defense of either land. The smile of the grand old Emperor, as he listened, had in it the "well done" of the benignant father to a dutiful and suesuccessful son. "And they make good citizens?" he "would ask." "The best that would be deserved," I said. " industrious honest and prosperous, and Sire, they are still yours in heart. still true to the Fatherland and its Emperor." " I am glad to hear this, they were good soldiers and thank "God for true men everywhere;" was the earnest and royal response. His Majesty continued speaking of America. its growth, its progress, its advancement in science and humanity. Its adoption and work of the Red Cross, which meant so much for mankind. and when assured that its people revered and loved the Emperor of Germany. That his life was precious to them, and that thousands of prayers went up for in that distance land he had never seen. the touching and characteristic response betrayed the first tremor of the voice the ear had caught in its kindly tones. "God be praised for this. for it is all from Him. I am only " His, Of myself I am nothing. He makes us what we are, God " is over all." We stood with bowed heads while those slowly spoken earnest holy words from that must revered of earthly monarchs fell upon us like a benediction. At length His Majesty gave a hand to both Dr. Hubbell and myself in a parting adieu, and walked a few steps away when, turning back , and again extending a hand, said in French. " It is probably the last time;" and in the pleasant English," Good Bye." And again taking the arm of the Grand Duchess walked from the room, leaving His Highness, the Grand Duke, one of the kindest and noblest types of manhood to say the last words, and close the interview, one of the most-impressive and memorable of a life time. Clara Barton.[*R-11*] [*For the information of those who kindly seek it concerning the nature and offices of the Red Cross permit us to say that "Red Cross + Insignia Protection" 1887*] The Red Cross is not an "Order." It is not a secret society. It is neither directed nor supported [*funded*] by the government. It does not signify governmental help for peoples necessities, but the peoples help for national necessities. It is not an institution designed for the exercise of ordinary charities. It is not a nurses association and it is certainly not an endowment or beneficiary society, and it offers no personal benefits to its friends or supporters. It is an organization primarily constituted to carry out the provisions of an international treaty entered into by the governments of all civilized nations for the amelioration of the conditions of human warfare. First, by rendering neutral the sick and wounded of armies as well as all supplies; and appliances, as hospitals, attendants, medical and surgical aid, transports, etc designed for their use. The whole rendered inviolable by the adopted sign of 2. a Red Greek Cross on a field of white, which popularly gives the name of Red Cross to the Geneva Treaty of 1864. Secondarily - to render relief in all calamities so great as to be considered national in extent and requiring more than local aid, as fire, flood, famine, pestilence, drougth, earthquake &.c. It forms an established and permanent avenue for the contributions of the people in such emergencies [at such times, as in war or calamity] and insures their immediate distribution where most needed, by the hands of experienced and accredited agents. This distribution with other wise oversight, is largely the work of the Red Cross at the field in time of disaster. The Treaty recognizes but one International body of the Red Cross. Which is known as the "Comité international de secours aux militaires blesses, located at Geneva Switzerland. This international committee recognizes but one National head or Society in any one country which national society forms its medium of communication with the government of that country; [*The national society of America is located at Washington*] [Naturally] The name and sign of the Red Cross [*within the treaty*] are by treaty The property of the government, [*3*] (some forty in number) and not of individuals. In most of these Governments [?] protection of this insignia has been secured by legislation enactment making its use for other than the purposes for which is legitimately intended, a penal offense. [*A similar state is under assessment by an arrangement*] of [*its completion*] and until The National Society as custodian [*of the insigna*] does not not feel at liberty to grant its use by extension of membership or formation of societies or other privileges so frequently and earnestly demanded. * * In making this explanation we beg not to be misunderstood. We would not for a moment be considered as facting in appreciation of the warm sympathy and desire to aid so richly profered on every hand ; Our hearts are filled with gratifull recognition of the beneficence of our people and we would ask them to wait with us the action of a government which although sometimes slew can be trusted to do the will of the people which will is the highest serving of humanity Clara Barton President American national Red Cross [*3+*] Whoever has noticed the various brands of merchandize for the last years has not failed to observe the free appropriation of this sign sacred to humanity alone, flanting as trade marks on articles both worthy and unworthy and also is the name assumed by corporate bodies of persons operating for mercenary ends being neither connected with, nor bearing semblance to, the Red Cross of Geneva. The inference is clear to every thoughtful mind that such mal appropriation and misure of its main characteristic must in time destroy the integrity and usefulness of the entire treaty if not protected. "IF WOMEN CAME TO CONGRESS, WHAT WOULD BE THE RESULT." A Paper prepared by Miss Clara Barton, On request of Frank G. Carpenter. For publication in New York Newspapers. October, 1895. 1 "IF WOMEN CAME TO CONGRESS, WHAT WOULD BE THE RESULT?" It would seem that a glance backward would be helpful in this attempt at forecasting the future. What has been the result of mixed assemblages of men and women; the miner's camp and all pioneer life? Did the advent of women there demoralize? Did it impair the atmosphere, morally, religiously, socially, or economically? Did it retard progress? "If women" had not gone, what would have been "the result?" The churches--were they better without women? Has their presence there been demoralizing? Have they bred discord? Have they readily entered into iniquitous and tricky plans? Have they been easily bought and sold? Are they costly elements in the churches? Would the churches like to dispense with their presence? "If women" had not gone, what would have been "the result?" Schools. Have women students demoralized such schools, colleges and universities as have admitted them? Has the standard been lowered, and the curriculum made easier to suit their inferior capacities, and enable them to keep abreast with their classmates? Perhaps the classmates themselves would be more correct testimony in this matter. The experiment is comparatively new and has been fraught with difficulties; we are willing to submit it to a twenty years' trial, and then decide "the results." Where women are members of conventions, do they disturb or lower the tone of thought and action? "We have no way of judging the future but by the past, and judging by the past, "what are we to expect, if women should come to Congress? Clara BartonCA 1898 I was young and strong and loved to walk. I had four great wagons loaded with supplies for sick and wounded soldiers coming in the rear, so I decided [I] would not get my feet wet but wait for my wagons and cross in one of them. The soldiers splashed right through in solid ranks, the water being only about a foot deep. Suddenly a captain of a company in the middle of the stream called out to his men 'Company, Fours, Left, March! Halt! Right, Dress! Front! Now Boys, ' said the Captain, 'There stands Clara Barton. I want you to kneel down in the water on your right knees and let Miss Barton walk across on your left knees.' This order the the soldiers instantly obeyed, and I stepped from knee to knee, the soldiers reaching up and holding my hands, and passed dry shod to the other shore." As Miss Barton related this incident the tears streamed down her cheeks, and she said, "This was the most beautiful tribute of love and devotion ever offered me in my life." COLONEL ROOSEVELT AND CLARA BARTON An incident that occurred is of more than passing interest and it is given as recited by Clara Barton: "In the Spanish-American War, on one occasion, early in the day, there came to our improvised headquarters an officer in khaki uniform showing hard service, with a bandanna handkerchief hanging from his hat to protect the back of his head and neck from the fierce rays of the sun. It was Colonel Roosevelt, and we were very glad to meet the gallant leader of the 'Rough Riders." After a few moments conversation he said: "I have some sick men with the regiment who refuse to leave it. They need such delicacies as you have here, which I am ready to pay for out of my own pocket. Can I buy them from the Red Cross?" 'Not for a million dollars,' Dr. Gardner replied. 'But my men need these things,' he said, his tone and dace expressing anxiety. 'I think a great deal of my men. I am proud of them.' [11] [*American National Red Cross about 1900*] It is probable that there are few terms in general use among us, or few subjects so frequently referred to of which so little is correctly known as the so named Red Cross. An article of two thousand words can serve to throw very little light on a subject of such magnitude, but if only a few important points are made more clear the results may justify the effort. The causes for this obscurity are many. Among the great movements of civilization the Red Cross is comparatively new, It is of foreign birth, consequently its literature is in foreign languages, and in many languages, while we are notably a one language people. The subject with which it was born to deal viz, human warfare, was, until within the two or three last years experimentally unknown to our present American generation, and the desire for, and the certainty of, a perpetual peace for the future, had begotten an indifference not to say repulsion in the minds of the public, which turned it instinctively - often impatiently away from all topics bearing upon the subject of war.#2. It was only when flash of swords, and the bugle call of three short years ago, startled out peaceful dreams, and the little island at our feet put on the mantle of war, and our young men marched away to duties, privations and dangers they had never known, that the reality came home to the American people. "Does the mean us ? says the slartled mother-wife and sister Is it real war, and not National Guard, parade and drill that calls these men out ? Who will care for them if sick, who will nurse them back to life and bring them home to us if wounded, who will save them from prison, torture and death if captured?" 200000 gray bearded men with slow and limping tread, give ominous answer. "War is war- they must take their chances as we did forty years ago." "But," persists the terror stricken sister and wife, "you old soldiers suffered more than tongue can tell; endured all that mortals could endure and live; you marched into ambush under #3. mistaken orders, your surgeons were captured after a battle, you lay wounded on the field till the vultures attacked you- you lan- gushed in fever hospitals without nurses- you starved in prisons- but that was forty years ago; is there nothing better now? have we provided nothing better in all this time?" Possibly a little better, dear terrified sister, let us see; for that is what we have come to talk about. The history of the world is largely a history of its wars and through the four thousand years until three and a half centu- rise ago, there is no official record of any movement to lessen the woes of those who fought them. at that date a medical service was attached to armies and thought to be sufficient for any emer gency that could ever arise. Through all the terrible wars of Napoleon I this service was never changed, increased nor question- ed. But when the doors of Scurara opened for Florence Nightingale and her forty nurses, the flood of light which followed them re- vealed serious defects. Still so slow is the march of improve-#4 improvement, that the war of Lombardy in 1859 showed no amendment. On the 24th of June, that same year, the armies of Napoleon III, equipped with every facility then known to military medical science, stood face to face with the foe in northern Italy three hundred thousand combatantsin a line of five leagues in lengh and fought fifteen hours without cessation or rest. The horrors of that field, through the suffering of its wounded from want of care- scarcely one surgeon for fifty men, bleeding, fainting and a famishing, were witnessed by a humane Swiss gentleman, Mr. Henri Dumant, who stayed his travelling carriage in the vicinity of the battle and worked among the wounded. The memories of the suffering he had witnessed, haunted him, until at length he wrote and published them, and the "Souvenir de Solferino" in a few months had been translated into the leading languages of the world, and lay on the tables and on the hearts of the best of Europe. The seed has been well sown, and in 1863 took root in a conference at Geneva, Switzerland, which sought to find if some #5 way could not be devised to lessen the needless suffering of soldiers at the field; which seemed to be largely the result of customary, military restrictions. It was proven that no army ever had been found equal to the needs of its wounded in a battle, it was equally decided that this never could be; as no army could move, march and fight, while burdened with sufficient medical material or personnell to meet the needs of its wounded in, and after a battle. The remedy suggested, struck a blow at one of the strongest time-honored rules of war namely, that no civilian be allowed upon a field especially in time of battle; [for] the proposition of the conference [was] being, that societies of civilians be formed in the various countries, whose duty it should be to provide whatever might be lacking in the medical department of an army at the field, either of material or personnell, and whose privilege it should be, to go, under proper restrictions and use them. Perchance some grayhaired father will one day read this little sketch, through the dim mist that gathers at the tender #6. memory of the days when he waited at the outer edge of the captured field where the wounded boy lay perishing, or the lifeless body waited, and there was neither power nor pity in his whole country, the country for which he had given so much, sufficient to cross that little line of steel and let him in. It further proposed that each country should have one central society, and only one, that this society should have the power to form other societies, to provide surgeons and equip them, to establish hospitals, to train nurses, in short to be a civil arm of war in the name of humanity, if wars must exist - or rather while they must exist, for no one saw any immediate way of preventing them. Further, that these societies should keep in [readiness] preparation , to accompany their respective armies, placing themselves at their disposal and holding [in] the same readiness for emergencies, [the same] as those in pay of the State; and yet they would be no cost to the state, nor to any but themselves. Singularly, of this conference of only thirty-six persons, eighteen were official delegates, representing fourteen #7. powerful governments, and the historian has aptly said that "The eyes of all Europe were turned toward that little meeting at Geneva." Kindly keep in mind the date, 1863: just the middle of our Civil War. Three thousand miles away, we knew little of European movements; in war ourselves, we had little time to study them. Our Sanitary Commission was struggling into active life, and Europe knew nothing of it. The Red Cross had not even a name. Please let this answer the mistaken, misleading, and constantly recurring question of the "Red Cross in our Civil War." [We had] There was none. That conference of 1863 accomplished prodigies of successful labor within the year. It drew into its compact the [adhesion] concurrence of two-thirds of the important countries of Europe, which proceeded to establish aid or central societies, for relief in war; as for instance, Austria, Spain, France, Great Britain, Netherlands, Prussia, six German States, Sweden, Switzerland, Italy, Portugal and Denmark. Although thorough advocates, these societies were merely single-handed and national, each ready to act with all human-#8 ity and generosity to friend and foe, but there was no bond between them. Internationally they had no existence. The established laws of war held its impenetrable mantle over them, and [internationally] there was no link between these civil aid societies and the military of even their own countries. The surgeons whom they would send could still be captured, their wounded left on the field to suffer and die, the material sent could become the spoil of the conqueror, hospitals could be robbed and their inmates either left destitute, or dragged off to prison, according to the caprice of the conqueror. International law sanctioned these things. It was clearly them, international law that must be remedied in this regard. This conference of '63 bravely called for another to be held in 1864, which should take on the character of a convention, consisting exclusively of delegate from the crowned heads and rulers of the world, the makers of war, armed with treaty powers, regarding the conduct of armies in the field, and the treatment of sick and wounded soldiers. This convention was held at Geneva, August 1864. #9 A compound international treaty was entered into known as the Treaty of Geneva for the aid of the sick and wounded of armies. The first clause of this remarkable document of ten articles, strikes the keynote of all that was sought, by declaring neutral all persons disabled at a field, all persons properly authorized to care for them, as surgeons, chaplains, attendants, all materials sent or designed for the use of the wounded in hospitals, and the hospitals themselves. Wounded prisoners were to be given up if desired, the suck and wounded should be taken care of regardless of nationality, friend and foe receiving the same care from all belligerents. A sign was created by which all persons engaged in the relief of the wounded of either army, might be known. All material, as of food, clothing, vehicles, etc. having this sign should be sacred from capture. One flag bearing this sign was instituted for all military hospitals, and all hospitals flying that should be held sacred from attack. This sign to be a Greek red cross on a white field, selected as a compliment to Switzerland where the convention was held, it being her national colors1 #10 reserved. It was not the Roman cross nor was it chosen with any thought of religious preferences. This would have been impossible as all races, creeds, and religions must accept and honor it alike. This convention was strictly international, establishing no relations with the central aid societies, which are national in character. There can be no such thing today as the "International Society of the Red Cross of America, "or of Germany or of France. They are national. The one International Red Cross in existence is in Geneva, Switzerland, known as "The Comite International de Secours Aux Militaire Blesse" (The International Comitte of the Red Cross, for the help of the wounded in war.) It consists of a committe of seven members. Its world honored President M.Gustave Moynier, having presided over the first conference held in 1863. The articles of the conventi n have neve been changed. One by one the government have adopted them, until only two, Brazil and Mexico, remain outside, while forty-four are within the treaty. For general information let me say here that there is #11 a movement toward a meeting in 1902 for the "Revision of the Convention of Geneva", but this probably will be an action by governments, regulating international laws and not the concern of the national societies. The "Orders of the Red Cross" of which so much is seen in print, are quite another thing, usually belonging to secret societies, for purposes of their own, charitable and meritorious, or wearing a different cross, In feet, there exists nothing in common between them and the Red Cross of Geneva but hearty goodwill, kind wishes, and mutual respect never interrup ted. The Red Cross of Geneva is in no way an "Order" having none of the attributes of one, and should never be alluded to as such. It has no secrets. To return to the National Societies a score or more strengthened by the convention of 1864 and the protection of the treaty, no time was lost by them. In 1866 Austria, Italy and Germany afforded opportunity for trial. The sod field of Sadowa testifies as to their need. Italy and Germany were in the treaty, Austria Not. #12 That made no difference in the treatment of its wounded. Parsubitz fed, and dressed the wounds of 600 to 800 a day for two months, regardless of friend or foe. In 1870 under Napoleon III, France marehed to its eastern borders, while Germany Watched the Rhine. Both were leading Red Cross Nations. The German Red Cross, like its army, was ready. Its central committee received and applied $10,000,000. as an aid to the medical department of the army. The Red Cross of France, like its army, was not ready; and yet her alacrity surprised the world. In one month she raised and equipped seventeen movable field hospitals, which were sent to the army and went with it to Sedan. During the siege and commune at Paris, a vast number of sick and wounded soldiers had been massed together, and the famine of the last days of the siege had rendered their condition pitiable beyond description. The Red Cross by full approval of the Prussian authorities removed 10,000 of these, and brought back 9,000 prisoners from Germany. I speak of these from personal observation and participation. #13 In July 1876 Servia and Montinegro entered Turkey. All were in the treaty. The Turkish of fieials, intelligent and educated, understood the origin of the Red Cross and respected it, but prudently feared to place a cross in the sight of their ignorant, fanatical soldiery, and the Red Crescent was substituted, which remains until today. In 1877 Russia came down and crossed the Danube. Plevna tells its terrible tale. The Servian Red Cross young and poor, established its wonderful hospital at Belgrade, and Roumania nursed 1042 wounded turks. $15,000,000. in Red Cross relief were spent by Russia alone. Of eivil wars there has been no end. Italy had its armies to the region of Persia and its Red Cross sent 117 persons after them, who followed the advance guard and six wounded and twelve killed. The Dutch established its Red Cross in Malay in 1878, Bolivia and Peru entered the treaty during their civil wars of 1879 to 1881 In the early Transvaal war, the Boers without being in the treaty, lived up to its highest precepts. The Japanese became are one of the most advanced Red Cross nations, the Emperor being the active head of its central society. Civil wars are usually considered the most cruel, and yet, singularly, the Carlist war in Spain was said to have been exempt from cruelties. Doctors and nurses were respected, prisoners were well treated, and even the wounded insurgents set at liberty, at Pampeluna. Spain has always regarded her Red Cross, and even in the height of the Spanish-American war sent her official testimonials of regard to the President of the Red Cross of America. The exceptional cases of cruelty in war which stand out to shock the world, are usually, of individual import, depending largely upon the moral nature and characteristics of the officers, or persons placed in power. Is it to be supposed that if Wirtz with all his medioerity of intellect had possessed the heart of a Stonewall Jackson or Fitzhugh Lee, that Andersonville with its 13,000 dead would ever have stained our proud record? The reconecentradoes of Cubawere not driven out and gathered in under the rule of Blanco. Having followed the Red Cross through the origin and incipient activities of its first decade or two in Europe, let us turn for a few minutes to the part it has taken in our own country. It will be recalled that although officially invited to every conference, the United States was too sadly occupied to give attention to anything outside itself, until the close of our civil war; and them, too worn, tired, and glad of the end of war to ever want to hear of it again. Thus it happened that when Dr. Henry W. Bellows, the great apostle of war relief, and president of our Sanitary Commission, having come in contact with the Red Cross at the Paris Exposition of 1868, and perceiving its great utility, undertook to interest the American people and induce the government to unite with the treaty, and actually formed a society, failed both with Government and people, was compelled to abandon his society and19 #16. relinquish his efforts. Foreign nations knenly [?] regretted this, and continued their efforts to interest America. [*insert 19 1/2*] At length in 1 1877 a second fort was made, during the administration of President Hayes, and continued successively through a term of five years. In 1882, during the administration of President Arthur, following out the expressed desires of his lamented predecessor Garfield, and the advices of his cabinet, the treaty was adopted by our government, and we became the thirty-third in the roll of Red Cross nations. not a very [?] record for advanced Americans. At the instance of President Garfield, a central society of about thirty members, of which 5 bring you a sermmant [?] faithful [?] members, had been previously formed, by-laws enacted, officers elected etc; but aside from this small body of deeply interested persons and the executive Department of the Government, which has given us the treaty, little was known it it throughout the United States. Bonfires were lighted in Europe at the news of the accession of America to the treaty, but America could not quite see its importance. It added no new territory, it cost no money, it gaind 20 #17. none, it changed no votes, and had no political bearings, had no differences of opinions, and no [gossip] petty scandal It seemed to have much to do with wounded soldiers, and we had none. We had out Grand Army and was not the enough? Thus it was generally settled that it was probably some Catholic order or a sisterhood of foreign countries and was prudently let alone. But the small central society, understood well the charge it has assumed and took up its duties. All that officially pertained to a governmental treaty must be performed- it must be promulgated by our President, ratified by the ratifying powers of the Congress of Berne, and the proper connections made between the society and our government, all to be acknowledged and sent to the international headquarters at Geneva. All this was duly complied with and we were at length a Red Cross nation with a central society ready for the relief of wounded soldiers, but no soldiers to relieve, and no prospect of any. We had gained a treaty. It would rust out without application of some kind, and be unknown and worthless when the sad day [which we all foresaw and believed in,] should come for its use. The society saw and felt the responsibility resting upon it. The people must be awakened and instructed by some kind of object lesson, We had no wars, no battlefields to attract their sympathy and help, but we had great disasters constantly occurring, as pitiable oftentimes as a battle, and which it was our custom to call upon the government to relieve through appropriations from the treasury. Here was a legitimate opportunity to apply the first great principles of the Red Cross, viz, "People's help for National Need." To this opportunity the perplexed committee turned and on presenting the treaty for acceptance, it prayed the ratifying powers at Berne, to accept the United States, with the privilege of relieving in great national calamities, other than war, confining its operations to disasters beyond local relief, and requiring governmental aid. The committee frankly gave its reasons, admitting that it was an innovation. Still the request was kindly considered and granted. Thus in 1882 American stood alone among the Red Cross treaty nations, with the official privilege of rendering aid in great calamities in civil life. The nineteen fields of Red Cross relief in eighteen years, on which the members of that committee have stood and conducted the relief, tell the story of their labors. The Ohio and Mississippi floods in 1884, the Jacksonville Yellow Fever, Johnstown, Port Royal, Russian Famine, Armenia, Cuban Reconcentrados, and Galveston should have constituted sufficient object lessons. The organization has been faithful to its trust and the people have been faithful to theirs so far as they understood it. These were object lessons, many and hard, and for a purpose; but, did the Red Cross in America ever come to its legitimate use? Did it never find its place in war? Did it never need its treaty? Were those eighteen years of misspent effort? Did its century tree never bloom? More than the grizzled old soldiers of '61 will answer this. Another army of men with looks still dark, and faces young, yet old before their time, will give reply. Men who camped on the fever swamps of Santiago, toiled up in the mountainside of San Juan, braved death at El Caney, tossed in the fever ships that bore them back- the delirium of Montauk, till at length the cool gentle hand of the Red Cross nurse called back the life fast ebbing out. Did some sign glisten on the breast, or encircle the arm of that nurse? Ask the brave men whom the Phillipines sent back in thousands to the western slope, the men of Manila. When California takes them the crowded vessels and the clean hospital beds await them, the home food, and the tender care of the matronly women of California remind them that life may yet be worth the 20 living- ask these men if the flag floating over [the] that hospital told them anything when they saw it - Old Glory with its stars and stripes to be sure, - strong, robust, full of life and hope, twelve months ago, that had led them on to war; today, weak, sick, fever-burned, broken in heart and limb, the Red Cross welcomes them back. Go with me a little further. Let us look at the cemeteries of the camps of two years ago. Stand with me at Arlington and mark the scores of fresh-made graves, filling, filling, month by month, and ask, did the little society of eighteen years ago miscalculate ? Was it mistaken? God grant that some day there will be no need but not yet, it is not yet. [#20. living- ask these men if the flag floating over that hospital told them anything when they saw it. Old Glory with its Stars and stripes to be sure; that had lead them on to war, strong, robust, full of life and hope twelve months ago today, weak, sick fever burned, broken in heart and limb the little Red Cross welcomed them back. Go with me a little further. Let us look at the cemetaries of the [hospital quarters] camps of two years ago. Stand with me at Arlington and mark the acres of fresh made graves, filling, filling, month by month and ask did the little society of eighteen years ago miscalculate ? Was it mistaken ? God grant that some day there will be no need, but not yet, it is not yet.] America has a double responsibility. Her Red Cross is two fold; civil and military; both alike legitimate, both of the same origin, & imposinge the same duties. Eight months ago the war victims of Manila were pouring into San Francisco in thousands, wounded, sick, poor and friendless. The Red Cross of California received every one, nursed, fed and helped them on. This was Red Cross [relief in] war relief. At the same time the elements had devastated a great seaboard city, literally sweeping it into#21. the sea, drowned 10,000 of its people and left 20,000 homeless, ruimed and desolate. The Red Cross entered there and by request, took charge of its relief, working for months among the distressed [people] victims distributing the charities of the people, braving an atmosphere nearly fatal to health and life, and only left when the survivors could help themselves. This was civil Red Cross relief the same organization, the same officers, the same society, the same work, [differing] [There is not a person in all our land exempt from the possibilities of one or the other of these contingencies - misfortunes are for all-] [The] Our Red Cross applies to every individual within our borders, and to them this half-told sketch is dedicated There is not a person in all our land exempt from the possibility of one or the other of these contingencies - misfortunes are for all. Our Red Cross applies to every individual, within our borders, and to them this half-told sketch is dedicated. [*CA. 1900*] Subjects The ease with which we get inf - on general topics which is of little influence or worth to us as general subjects - or the large side of any subject and the difficulty not to say impossibility of ascertaining the facts really needed apparently from their seeming unimportance - a common use - To an illustration let any writer review himself and see which troubles him most in spelling - which he is most likely to spell wrongly - the large word of 4 or 5 syllables, seldom used, or the little word of one or two, which he hears every hour in the day - he would go through ratiocination without a halt feel but after an [?] confronts him, he might find himself some day hesitating if it might not claim a double s at the end - while the panel of the door constantly before him might feel neglected with an allowance of only one n - andCopy of article send to Hearsts syndicate 2 how could he be certain just at that moment if the potato on his plate could not claim an additional I or if the two? on some other plate might not be modestly satisfied without. We all know that the United States of America is said to have over 75 millions of inutility but how many in our own town, village or even city indeed I cannot recall just now. I recall [once] a familiar conversation with Miss. Frances Willard in which she deplored this very difficult saying in her gentle tender way-How hard it is to get into the minds of people The simple facts they most need to know, don't you find this one of your [great] Trials [Honey?]. Her weary living soul was often tried-only biding in my correspondence I have been asked by an intelligent charity bureau to preside for an aged nurse of the red cross in the civil war I am asked if many of the other nations have joined our "order" sometimes my "order." If men are 3 Admirible to the ¨order¨~ Have we any things to do when there is not a disaster How can they the Red cross join, what salary do we pay- sometimes even what we recieve, How many nurses do we keep employeed; How many in training did Florence Nightengale establish the Red cross, before she went to the crimed or while there: If the Red cross doesn´t encourage war by the hope that the wounded will be cared for, doesn´t it make war too easy I have never been asked if we did not encourage calamities- floods fires and hurrycanes. The best proof of attempted information lies here- -even in the feet of ever in the the feet of beteen 300 400 letters from young ladies mainly graduates who have chosen the Red cross as a theme or realise to be read4 Before the class, the institution a [indeed?] the town and asking of me something of which to make up the artists in other words to mainly write it for them a per paragraph [?] is from the sensational correspondent who as Samantha would say. amen or perhaps often brings out the pathetic story of Henry Dunant, as unearned for, neglect and suffering in a charity hospital a alms house, forgotten and left to his fate while the build wide Red Cross The result of his brain and heart glorifies itself in for famed deeds of charity - one could outrun all limits in there peaceful phases of misconception without finding an end - but let us look for a moment at these details To return to the Red Cross nurse in the Civil War- The civil war [cleared?`] in april 1865+ The first [?] of the Real 5 cross was at Geneva Switzerland in 1863 it formed a treaty in 1864 and was unknown in the United States till 1882 - 16 years - There has [?] even in our civil war [?] the pity The action of this convention became the treaty of Geneva ratified by the congress of Bern, for the relegation of the suffering of sick and wounded soldiers- a sign was shown by which all [?] with it should be known - which in honor of Switzerland has its national colors reserved, making a red [?] cross on a white ground -- This sign gave the popular name to the movement, but not to the treaty + It was eighteen years before the Red Cross reached the U.S. which united with the treaty March 1 1882 - {*thus the old [?] has had no red cross marks [?]} Disasters in civil life The treaty provides only for relief in war.6 The United States on its admission asked to be permitted to act in the relief of great natural disasters other than war- this was granted by the ratifying power. This provision is the ground work of all the fields of reliefs ever heard of in the United States until the Spanish American, and Philippine wars Galveston forming its eighteenth field of relief in disasters-... Nurses While relief in war may call mainly for nurses- the relief of disaters as from floods, fires, famine, Hurricanes, calls for the quick help of strong experienced people with food and clothing, men who can face danger, endure hardship, and manage affairs -railway & express business- all that is needed where all is in peril = These are what the National 7 Red cross provides at a field - it has seldom had need of any nurses outside of its two wars named above. Consequently it keeps no corps of nurses which would be a useless labor and cost - It would be the greatest possible relief however to it if [the] people could come to understand this and not burden it with the constant offer of services which it has no need of, never seeks and does not want- The skilled and matchless hospitals of the country Train and graduate nurses equal to any care which the sickest person might need or should expect,- these trained and noble hearted nurses are ready at a8 a moments call from the National red cross if needed; In this should be mentioned connection the N.Y. Red Cross Hospital of which Dr and Mrs. A. Monae Lesser are the accomplished heads is designed for special training, and its teachings probably cannot be excelled. The National Red cross as organized is not a society but- a committee - (as is also the international head of the Red cross at Geneva -) its It does not admit of an increase of numbers like a society - hence the inutility of asking to "join it,"- One would become a member of the Red cross through an auxiliary society- but not through the national Committee. The Red cross of America Notwithstanding all this I regret to say that I have in my burdened possession not less than four thousand applications many from young girls for positions as nurses to go do anything anywhere, who have no years no training no knowledge of nursing, or indeed of anything suited to the position sought- This state of things has two distinct sides, the one intensely pitiful,- the other wearisome and vexatious [*8*] Persons, men who can face danger, endure fatIgue or hard- -ship and manage affairs. Railroad and express business indeed all that can be needeed in times of peril. There are what the National Red Cross provides at a field. It has seldom had need of nurses, outside of its two wars Spanish American and Philippine. Consequents it keeps no corps of nurses, which would be a useless labor and cost and wholly impracticable. It would, however be an [*9*] untold relief to the National Head Quarters if persons could come to understand this, and no longer burden it with continue the offers of services of which it has no need never seeks and does not want. The skilled and matchless hospitals of the country train and graduate nurses equal to any care which the sickest person might need, or should expect. There trained generous hearted nurses are ready at any moments call from the National Red Cross to seek its field adopt to its sign and work under its banner. 10) Just here is an illustration of the very difficulty I am trying to make hear foats his seeming implicitly of being shall fasts and dolaet to the knowledge of the multitude South lady all that has been said, and not said I repeat to state that I have in my burdened permission between zero and 4000 applications mainly from young girls for penalties as news an to Seine the red cross. To go any where to do anything preens who had no exposures - generally no goals to speak of me training - no knowledge of nursing 10) All men admissible From the probably inflatable foat that the President of the american red cross has been a woman, the idea has doolittle grown that it was essentially a womans' organization - that is a mistake - the Red Cross was organized by men, thought out, and unsought- out by them, and I was nervous gears before women had any part in it. Then mainly - empresses a queens as pahienous and women in hospitals as nurses - that causes anxious of ladies formed in nearly all evolution but the certified communities are men- Henry Dunant. The originator was Monsieur Henry Dunant a Swiss gentleman. I have no purpose to give his story here but maidy[*8*] is an organization, and by no means an "order", one might as well term the life saving service, or the Mouns (?) Hospital an order - it has none of the features of an "order" - has no personal restrictions, no secrets, no conclaves, but simply works on openly for the good of humanity where most needed - I beg persons will notice this and drope the mistaken term of the "order of the Red Cross" as applied to the National Red Cross, under the looks of Geneva there are bodies of Red Cross orders in ruins parts of the country - generally secret societies - no sane lectures or formed societies with special remiss. There is no connection save genered good will between there and the National Red Cross for relief. [*11*] to say that Mr Dunant is still a hale healthy man, a schoolonly and accomplished gentlman. He resides in Northern Switzerland, in an institution of his own driving, where he has every comfort desired and freedom to pressure his studens at lessons, Empress Frederic of Germany settled a pressure upon him some years ago and a grateful world would not allow him to need or to want. ----------- Mrs Nightingale There can be no doubt but the initial work of Florence Nightingale gone an impulse to the humaniters of the world in relation to human wellfare which no mind could estimate. Even Mr Dunant might have caught an inspiration from17 from her of which [eve] himself was not aware. She has given to the world its greatest lesson in humanity its first step towards the ultimate good will and peace of warring nations and to England the brightest jewel in her arie crown. But there was no red cross at the Crimea: for the wounded soldier no laws of God or man, he died or was slain when he fell. The wild Cossoc was unrestrained, There was lack of womens nursing and dearth of womens tears, till Florence Nightingale and her forty English Nurses passed gently through there charnel [crammed?] aisles of misery and death, I have stood in those sacredly [hostesse] rooms and [almost] found I could almost hear the rustle of [nisp] 13 Incorporations The Amer Red cross has been three times incorporated, once at at unitey with the treaty 1882 Again in 1893 and again in June 1900, under which incorporation it now acts in connection with the act of congress passed at the last session all of which are so recent that there has been no time to judge of their utility as connected with the progress of the [work] [agency] workTO THE READERS of the WOMAN'S MAGAZINE Dear Friends: I have been asked by your enterprising Editor for an article which shall tell the story of the Red Cross for the entertainment and possible information of his readers; and it occurs to me to put the Article in the form of a story, so dar as possible in the treatment of a subject which is only solid, historical matter of fact, from which not the slightest deviation from the exact truth could in any wise be permitted, and which has no shadow of romance, beyond the pathos of the pitiable conditions of humanity which at length led up to its existence. we may fail in our attempt, but with your kindly promise and effort to make the best of it - let us try. From childhood our earliest Bible lessons told us mainly of War; how foes fought for days, until at length the foroes of one of one or the other prevailed and tens of thousands were slain. Though the w wars of Alexander, Hannibal and Napoleon we find the same relations, but where do we find the relation of any humane efforts to relieve the sufferings of the slaughtered victims, or scarcely, except by inferenc inference, any intimation that they did suffer, Were Surgeons or nurses sent to them? Some two-hundred years ago a few regimental doctors were provided for armies; only however when Florence Nitingale went to the Crimea, was a nurse for sick or wounded soldiers ever heard of. It was some years later that this that out story begins. Napoleon I had died in exile, and France had brought his a ashe s home. The succession for which he had set at naught both justice and happiness had fallen before the great, Divine command "Thou shalt have no other Gods before me", and Napoleon III was Emporer of France. Political complications brought . on his wars in Nother It Italy, where he met the enemy at the fields of Galferino and [Maronta]. -2- The Crimea had taught a lesson in progressive humanity which Napoleon, with great credit to his kindly nature, endeavored to put in practice by every means lopen to him; but in spite of all provisions he could make, there was still the iron rule of war that excluded all civillians from field of battle, however great the need or ready the help. The Battle lasted days, with terrible effect, until there was not one surgeon for fifty wounded men , anD these exhausted beyond po power to work. It chanced that a humane Swiss gentleman, Mr Henry Dunant, of Geneva, was journeying through Italy in his carriage, and coming in contact with the battles, in some way . get access to the fields. The conditions which he found, the terrible sufferings he witnessed, were not only a shock but a revelation to him, Without further preliminaries or permission he arrested his journey and commenced to work among the wounded and dying remaining several days; all thee time wondering, as he worked and witnessed the apalling need of help and material, realizing how full the waiting, anxious, pitying wold was of both, why they could not be had. What was the necessity of that iron Military r rule that shut all outside help away from such scenes of suffering needles? Would the people of thee world permit it if they could know realize as he did thee real situation? The thoughts haunted him until he determined to make thee known and wrote a little book - "Souvenirr de Solferrno"x and published it in French. In a few months this little book was translated into most of the leading languages of Europe )you will be glad to know that it exists in English), and people commended to awaken to the conditions. In the following year, the society of Public Utility of Switzerland would meet at Geneva, for the consideration of important social questions. Its President M. Gustav Moynier - (kindly remember-3- this person as we shall have occasion to recall him). Mr.Dunant presented the request that the society take up the subject of the noodles sufferings of war, and try, in its deliberations to find some way of lessening them. The proposition was accepted and the subject proved so important as to occupy the entire meeting of a couple of weeks, resulting in what is historically known as the Conference of Geneva, of 1863. As Conferences can only discuss subjects for Convention to act upon, it was decided to call a Convention, to be held in Geneva, one year from that date, August 1864, to which Convention the State of Switzerland invite the Governments of every nation in the civilized world to send delegates to consider the question of needless inhumanity in war, and attempt some measures of migration. Invitations were sent to every government. You will recall that this was during the hardest years of our Civil War and the request to send delegates was declined by our government, as having too much business of its own. Nearly every other nation was officially represented in the Convention and ten articles of agreement, known as "The Treaty Of Geneva for the relief of the sick and wounded in war" were adopted. These articles provided that all wounded or sick soldiers, and all surgeons and nurses attending them, all hospitals and material for their use, should be held neutral, scared to both armies, and could not be captured by either. That citizens properly authorized could go to a field of war or battle, carry provisions and work as in other distress or suffering. That badly wounded men should not be held as prisoners, and much more of a similar nature quite unknown to the people of this good old warring world of ours before. At length, on reaching the seventh article of the treaty a serious difficulty presented itself. They had provided for the admission of properly authorized civilians to a field in action, but how -4- were these persons to prove or to show that they were authorized? How should it be known that a man were not a spy? How should even the wo wounded man know that he was his friend and not an enemy seeking to kill him. After much perplexing thought it was devided that the person must wear some badge or sign that all the world should know - some sign common to every nation and never to be questioned. But what? This would be the greatest sign in the humanitarian world. At length it was proposed in the convention that as Switzerland, the smallest of all countries, and a republic, had had the courage to call all these kingly nations to her, to speak of their faults, they would honor her by making her flag - ( a greek, white cross on a red field) this sign. But Switzerland could not yield her flag. Then it was proposed and accepted, to reserve the colors, and make the sign a red cross on a white ground, and this should be the great sign of humanity in war forever more. This changed every hospital flag in the world. There is only the red cross hospital flag, and every soldier knows and respects it. The red cross band (or brassard) is on the left arm of every worker at a field; it marks all hospital supplies from friend or foe, never to be captured by either, and sacred to all as the bread and wine upon the Altar. Here then, my friends, is your red cross, and which I fear you have never quite understood till now. The sign that in some form I trust youwill all one day wear, lovingly, honoringly and proudly, feeling that on the whole earth there can be only one sign higher, or nearer to heavens - the cross of the master that satisfies all. But how did we become connected with it, you ask? Let us first keep in touch with our characters as we go on. When the convention closed, with an invitation to every government to accept, through its delegate, the form of treaty submitted, an International Committee was formed, as the one international head, composed of seven leading gentlemen of the city of Geneva, with Monsiuer Gustnv Moynier, as its -5- President. These gentlemen constitute the "International Comite de Secor", of to day, residing at Geneva, the body which communicates with the National Committees of all other countries. It was all decided that every nation, on adhering to the treaty, would establish one national society, and only one, through which the international committee should communicate with the government. This committee is national, and not international, and is what you know as the American National Red Cross, which is sending to you this Article. You ask for Mr.Henery Dunant. He is still a hale, hearty gentleman, residing near Lake Constance, Geneva. If you should chance to read from the pen of some enterprising correspondent that Mr.Dunant is living in a hospital in great dependence and poverty, do not allow either your sympathies or your indignation to take possession of you. Monsieur Dunant, from very natural choice is an institution, such as is common in Switzerland, founded by his ansesteral family, which is by right, his home if he prefer it - has every comfort at his command, enjoys the respect, gratitude and correspondence of the highest of all nations. Several years before her death, Empress Vicotria of Germany, mother of the present Kaiser, settled a handsome pension upon him, and there is not a Red Cross nation in existence, but would do the same, if he needed or desired it. The bestowal of the greatest Nobel prize rests between Mr.Dunant and another gentleman with a prospect of a division between them. He writes most interesting books. The writer of this sketch received a charming and historical volume, direct from him a few months ago. We come now to your question of how we came in connection with the Red Cross, inasmuch as we declined participation in its Treaty notwithstanding we declined to take part with it, the committee did not decline us, and continued to send to our State Department all literature prepared by it for circulation. There was even a code of "A Additional Articles" including the Navies, prepared in Paris, in 1886, -6- which the original treaty of 1864 did not include, and which was never officially acted upon, but which we did accept with our treaty, and made use of in the Cuban War. Our renowned citizen. Dr. Henery Bellows, head of the great Canitary Commission in our Civil War, attempted to established a Red Cross Society in America, but it received little encouragement from either government or people, and was abandoned. While the other nations to the number of thirty or more had united with the treaty, and their relief had been applied in several wars, still nothing was known of it in America, and the international committee got no response [?] to its invitations. Coming now to a point where, as our story progresses, it must include some personal references to myself, I wish you would be an indulgent as to permit me to drag the use or the personal pronoun, so distasteful to me, and speak of myself in the third person, or rather as another person, but us say as if so can do this as we go on. It chuneed that lets in 1808, Miss Giars Barton, who from having done some service in the civil was, where everyone did so much, had become a victim of nervous prostration and was sent aborad by medical service. Arriving in Geneva, Switzerland, the international committee of the Red Cross, with Sonsieur Moynier its president, sought her out to ask why America declined to become a party to the Treaty. She could only plead ignorance for all, even herself dad not known of it, and it was not known in America. She was asked to acquaint herself with it, and commenced a diligent study of the subject of the subject in French, its only literature at hand. After a winter divided between study, illness, and travel, she found herself in July a resident of Berne, Switzerland. On the 15th of that month, Napoleon 3rd of France declared war upon Germany. The international committee of Geneva, p personally urged Miss Barton to accompany them to the field and learn the practical working if the Red Cross in war. Accepting the invitation she went with them through nearly all the battle scenes of the short-7- but terrible war, where the German armies drove the French from the Rhine back to Paris captured Napoleon and crowned King William of Germany Emporor in the Palace of Versailes- through the seige of Paris and the dreadful days of the Commune, and long months after in war re- lief of the distressed cities of France. Having commenced a worn out invalid, in 1869, you will conclude that two such years as '70 and '71, had not reported her strength More weak and ill she sought England in the Autumn of '72, for a long winter of illness, and America in 1873 for still long years of other helplessness. But she had learned the Red Cross and the Treaty of Geneva, and had pledged herself to the best nations of Europe, and to the International Committee, if she lived to get home, to make America understand that wise and beneficent Treaty, and unite with it if possible. It was the winter of 1876, before she was able to seek the President of the United States with this suggestion and with letters of Mr. Moynier addressed to him. So many were the obstructions that it was five years of the utmost diligence before the object was attained. In 1882, during the administration of President Arthur, the hard lines slipped and that gentlemanly President, carrying out the purpose of his martyred predecessor, President Garfield, proclaimed to the American people the Treaty of Geneva for the relief of the sick and wounded in war. A year previous to this, in 1881, at the instance of President GARFIELD, the present National Society of the Red Cross had been formed, as a means of advancing the Treaty, and Miss Barton had been made its President. We had now a Treaty for relief in war, but no war at hand and the country full of the most assured hope that we never should have but we had other afflictions, great disasters of flood, fires, pestilance and even famine; often as hard to endure as battles in war, and -8- it entered into the mind of the National President, when presenting the Treaty to the other Nations for ratification, to ask of them the privilege to so extend the powers of the Treaty for America, as to permit it to work under the rules of the Red Cross in great national calamities as in war. The request was graciously granted and became known as the American Amendment. (All Nations now aid in great calamities the same) With the exception of the Spanish-American war, this is all the knowledge we have of Red Cross relief in this country, but not less than eighteen fields of disaster have been helped by the American people, under the Red Cross since the Treaty. You will recall the great River Floods, Johnstown, The South Carolina Sea Island, The Russian Famine, Galveston and many others were you longed to, and many did go, and rendered timely aid to the unfortunate, and to the National Society at the field. Thus the Red Cross in America is twenty years old. In the world it is twice that age. It originated in the desire to alleviate the sufferings of soldiers, to aid the Military and the Government in the care of the wounded, and to reduce so far as possible the needless severities of War, if wars must exist, by bringing to the medical Department of an army the ready help of the people, on the assured ground that no army could ever be sufficiently provided to meet the needs of its soldiers in battle. It could not march or move with such an equipment. This the Red Cross is designed as the civil arm of the military at the field; subject to its direction, and working in all ways in conformity with its instructions. In great disasters in civil life it works independently, unless, as at Johnstown, the Militia is also at the field.. All have the same origin and object. The Greek Red Cross on the modest dress of the Hospital nurse in civil life - on the uniform of the hospital steward or gracing the cap of his surgeon in chief-9- at the field, are one and the same; all answering the same high behest, and dating back alike to the seven Articles to the Treaty of Geneva. Let us keep in mind the fact that the Red Cross was institute as the help of the people for the Government in time of War and distress; and never the help of the Government for the people; consequently not a dollar is ever received from the Government. The people alone sustain their Red Cross. Its thousands of subscribing Members should constitute its support and create its fund, and the membership is purposely made so small that no one is deprived of the privilege. Its officers have never received salaries; and often its most devoted field workers refuse compensation, beyond their plain, field living and the hardships endured. In most countries the Department of First Aid to the Injured has been incorporated into the organization of the Red Cross. This is now being done by the National Society of the American Red Cross; and a few words must be added in explanation of this new movement in which you will be more personally interested than in the larger national and international concerns of the Red Cross. Knowing however, as you now do, the meaning of the Red Cross, its true significance and all that is implies you will the more readily appreciate what an immense power for good this new First Aid Branch may become in the fostering hands of all the men and women of these United States who have learned the true meaning of the symbol of the Red Cross. The First Aid Department is organized to encourage the formation of Classes of instruction in First Aid Methods of Treatment to the Injured, in every community in the United States. Its chief concer concern is to provide such facilities that every person may become equiped with sufficient expert knowledge to deal intelligently with any case of accident. Graduates of these Classes will be organized into permanent Red Cross Brigades; and from this trained Red Cross army will be drawn volunteers for active field service in the even of national -10- disaster or of war. Diplomas, Orders of Merit; and Medals for distinguished service will be awarded by the Department. These are the salient features. The many minor details are beyond the scope of this article. And now I want to quote for you one of they by-laws of the Red Cross of which you, and I am sure hundreds of thousands of American Citizens are totally ignorant. Section 5 "Any reputable person may become a Subscribing Member upon the payment, to the Secretary, of $1.00 per year, and upon one payment of $1.00 additional said Subscribing Member shall be entitled to a Subscribing Member's Diploma with the autograph signature of the President and a Red Cross Badge." This means in affect that every man or woman in the United States may become a subscribing or sustaining member of the Red Cross upon the payment of one dollar per annum, which is the full membership due. A Red Cross Badge, in the form of Pin or Button, is fifty cents and a Diploma of Membership for Framing is also fifty sents. Either or both of these will be sent with a card of Membership, if so desired. Name and address in full, with Post Office Order for the amount of annual dues, etc., should be addressed to the American National Red Cross 49 East (?) St., New York. Can you not see in this, as I do, vast possibilities for building up one of the greatest humanitarian institutions the world has ever seen; - an institution created and supported by the whole people, for the relief of the people everywhere and for the help of the Government in the time of national trial. Is it too much to believe, that in this great country of ours, with its many reversale of the traditions of time, that this great humanitarian institution, builded by the whole people, should become the fountain of honor and all honorable distinctions; so much more glorious than the old-time source of honors and titles which flowed from the fields of battle, and murder and sudden death.-11- It should be the pride and glory of every American men and women to wear the badge of the Red Cross as a sign of humanity and a pledge of practical help to the sufferering. Vast as the fund might be, so contributed by the whole people, it could no more that meet the b needs growing out of the daily roll of death and disaster and the periodical overwhelming calamities that afflict this country. The more binding up of the wounds of the crushed and the maimed on a field of disaster or war is a very small thing and a very small part of the human misery involved. Often and often as I have knelt by the side of a crushed and bloody figure, trying my best to hold in its life, I have looked across the body and seen down a long, grey vista the wife and children and many dim suffering figures in want and distress because of the thing that has happened to the poor moaning, bleeding body beneath my hands. Do you not see this great need, my Sisters? I do not appeal to you, I want you to become a member of the Red Cross and wear the badge always, and you will do it - not just because I ask it, but because of the thought that you are contributing to a great, national, humanitarian benificence that embrace every one in these United States and may, perchance, in a time of great trial have occasion to succor you or yours. Copy. JOHN H. MORLAN By Clara Barton unfinished My first knowledge of the existence of this man was at Mt. Vernon, Illinois, where I had, by request, taken the Red Cross as a relief in the disastrous cyclone which had swept the town in. Many persons had been injured, and the living had largely been gathered into the City Hall as a hospital. After the destruction of the town had been overlooked and the proper notices of its pitiful condition sent out through the Associated Press, we naturally turned our steps to the hospital. There seemed to be several persons acting as nurses or more properly, helpers. We were ment by Mrs. Mary A. Hines, a volunteer who seemed to be at the head of the Nursing Department, who desired to introduce the "best helper in the entire body, and who had made himself indispensable." This person, introduced as Mr. Morlan, of Illinois, gave the impression of a handsome, well matured boy, with fine expression, clear pure complexion, a well-knit manly figure and, withal, a modesty of manner that at once won the tender regard and confidence of all alike. Upon questioning, we found that he had no previous connection, or knowledge of, the work he was doing so well, but had been attracted by sympathy for the sufferings he had heard of, and came to see what he could do for these distressed people of his own State. He learned of the work of the Red Cross and offered his services on any later-2- field of disaster requiring its help. We knew nothing of him, expecting that he came from a neighboring town and probably returned there; that he had done excellent and capable work with no apparent object but the help of fellow beings in distress. Later, when the incessant rains had made it well nigh impossible to reach the terrible disaster of Johnstown from the East, and at the end of three days and nights of trouble and waiting, we finally did get there. The first living form that met up was this young man we had left at Mount Vernon (he had been better able to get on from the West). He knew that we should be there and had come to meet and work with the Red Cross. Through nearly half a year no one could have done more or better work. Strong, athletic, quick and brave, he became the trusted leader among our band of faithful helpers numbering half a hundred or more. No burden was too heavy, no day too long, no night too dark. His respectful acquiescence, amounting to strict obedience, made the slightest expressed desire a command. He had ripened, grown heavier and more manly in look. And we learned that he had married early and had a wife and little children; that he lived in Fairfield, Illinois, where his father had lived and died. On leaving the field and making such settlement as was possible with our assistants, a large portion of whose service had been, as usual, volunteer, accepting -3- only the living, it seemed to us that Mr. Morlan, beside his monthly pay as a laborer, should receive some further consideration (he had earned it many times over by his faithful labor and tender care for every need.) On submitting the question to the official staff, it was decided to call Mr. Morlan and try to learn from him what, as a young man so long away from his family, would be of the greatest service to him; in short, what did he most need. He was naturally touched by the consideration and, with hesitation, replied that he had been paid for his work and expected nothing more, but, that if we would know his needs, he could say that he had a little place on which was a mortgage of some $200 or $300 which he was trying hard to pay off and own his home. It was decided to give Mr. Morlan the sum named and let him clear his home. The Committee in turn was touched by the tears with which he learned his decision. He received his Red Cross Badge and became a member. He had grown very dear to us, like a brother or son we often thought of and addressed him as such. His habits sided in this respect, he having never tasted liquor or drank even coffee or tea in his life. What other faults could be anticipated? True, our working men some times spoke laughlingly of a "temper in young Morlan" which they would not like to rouse and a resentment they would not like to incur. But no one was harmed and we were in too constant contact with more real and serious things to heed trifles-4- like these. The terribleness of the situation called for all the spirit and courage men could possess. After the close of the field, the kind of family friendship for Mr. Morlan remained with us all. He visited Dr. and Mrs. Gardner like one of their own sons at their home in Indiana. We all met there. I recall one incident illustrative of character. Dr. Gardner had large lands -- several thousand acres. He had observed the destructiveness of the rabbits among his young trees, and, on a day's outing to which we were invited, the men took their shot-guns and pistols. Mr. Molan, who was a good shot, hit a rabbit without killing it, and, seeing it limp away, immediately went after (not to kill) it, to find and nurse his little broken legged victim rather than leave it to starve and die in the bushes where it had crawled. His pity had overcome even his love of sport. He did not shoot again. These little manifestations could not fail to bring him near to our hearts and confidence. At Johnstown, finding ourselves receiving money as well as supplies, we begged the services of Prof. Samuel Goodyear, the head of Goodyear's Business College and author of Goodyear's Bookkeeping, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, an old time friend of many years, to come and take charge of the books and accounts, which he graciously did, leaving his own business with his partners or assistants meanwhile -- a service which money could not have purchases and only friendship could have obtained. -5- The months passed on and tales of the great famine in Russia commenced to shock our reading public, and, a bill for relief which passed the Senate having failed in the House, the Red Cross was requested to take up the "relief of the Russian Famine". It was a most inopportune moment. We were changing for larger quarters and temporarily located in a hotel. It was the year of the Grand Army Encampment in Washington, in which I had been requested to take an important part and could not well release myself. And, added to this, I had been appointed by the State Department as delegate, togther with Dr. Hubbell, to attend the International Conference of the Red Cross to be held in Rome during the month of September. I could, and did, decline the appointment for myself, but the State of Iowa had decided to ship a cargo of corn to Russia and Mr. B.F. Tinninghast was en route to receive the grain and make the shipment from New York. Some one must go to receive it on its arrival at Riga and see to its proper distribution. This could be accomplished by Dr. Hubbell, the field agent of the Red Cross, attending the Conference at Rome, on his way to Russia. But he must leave home almost before the commencement of our work of relief. He was always a main dependence for all work of trust at headquarters and my personal dependence for security. I felt the gravity of the situation very keenly. We could not retain the Doctor and again had recourse to Professor Goodyear, who, upon realizing the importance of the position, again left-6- his business and came to take charge of all bookkeeping and accounts coming to my care in Washington. Mr. Tillinghast holding his business charge in New York. There was still need of a faithful intelligent office man to act in handling the mails coming in and going out some five times a day, to do banking errands and to go back and forth between us and Mr. Tillinghast in New York -- a live man able to straighten out any entanglement of cars of grain which must occur during the enormous shipment. No one so well adapted to fill this position come to our thought as Mr. Morlan, and it was assigned to him. This left three and only three officially assigned to, or having access to, the responsible work at headquarters in Washington. Mr. Morlan received all mail matter from the carriers, passed it to me for replies, the endorsement of checks, etc., passing them over to the proper deck for entry. Naturally, we were all hard worked. And I recall, with a sense of weariness even now, how heavy the pressure of those days with their various demands fell upon us. A vessel was to be obtained to ship the Iowa corn, the great quantity calling for one of the largest carrying ships. The Tynehead, and English ship of great capacity, was secured by Mr. Tillinghast in New York at $12,500, and it became a most anxious question with both Professor Goodyear and myself if money enough would be taken in to pay the cost of the ship. We were surprised by both the small number and small size of the remittances received. I recall, even at this length -7- of time, the great surprise after a day of exceptional weariness and despondency that came to us by the personal announcement by that friendly man and citizen, Mr. E.D. Hay, of a donation from his noble society of Elke of Seven Hundred ($700.00) dollars. The sum seemed so large in comparison. The funds were, howeve, received, and the shipment made from New York, received by Dr. Hubbell in Russia and transmitted even to the Ural, carrying gladness and life in its train. We had given an impetus to Philadelphia, which, taking up our example, sent two ships; and the Christian Herald of New York, partly of itself and partly of the remains of the cargo of the Tynehead, sent out the Leo under charge of its own officers, including Rev. Dr. Talmage, its veteran preacher. Realizing how general the call for aid must be over the country, with so many centres, we came to regard this as a sufficient reason for our scant contributions and gave the matter no more thought until a few months ago when we were informed that Mr. John Morlan had produced checks to the amount of several thousand dollars, bearing date of that time, which he professes to have drawn as agent for the Red Cross and which appear to have been manipulated through a St. Louis Bank known only to himself. But to return to Mr. Morlan, who left us at the close of the field with a deeper sense of grateful trust than ever before on the part of us all. Our trust had ripened into an affec--8- tion which we freely expressed. He must have spent considerable time with Dr. and Mrs. Gardner on their lands and farms and later came to me with a proposition from the Doctor, accompanied by a beautiful letter announcing to me the presentation of a large tract of land consisting of small farms which he desired me to accept for the promotion of such work of charity as I might be engaged in, that partly from sentiments of gratitude and partly as a help in the hard work which he had often seen thrust upon me without sufficient aid he had been moved to make the offer which he hoped I would accept. No valuation was named, no money or terms spoken of, no intimation given that anything was expected in return, no suggestion of any condition, except that in order to relieve me of all care and not throw an additional burden upon me he would remain in charge of the conduct of the farms and tenants and would like that our mutually esteemed friend, Mr. Morlan, be appointed as his assistant to reside on the property and conduct the work. All knew that according to the character of the Red Cross I could not accept in its name in my own name I did accept by a letter similar to that sent me. Mr. Morlan returned to Illinois to arrange for his new charge, Dr. Gardner, myself, and those members most intimately connected, commenced to form plans consistent with ideas of greater usefulness for so magnificent a possession. Mr. Morlan inclined to a stock farm in addition to its benevolent uses and asked the privilege of bringing two or three horses of his own, which the Doctor approved, but was -9- surprised when, a few weeks later, he appeared with an entire carload of elegant costly race-horses. Some explanation made this less remarkable, and with that incumbrance the work proceeded under his management. Other fields, and other cares, occupied our thoughts at headquarters. Still, we were maturing our plans for the consummation of an institution of benevolence to be established at the Park. We had already received several outside facilities when, to my surprise, I commenced to receive little notices of dissatisfaction between the leading spirits, commencing with Mr. Morlan who complained of avaricious propensities of the Doctor and strongly intimating dishonest intentions in regard to his course with me. Later, Dr. Gardner commenced to throw some light on Mr. Morlan's course as that he paid little attention to his business, was a frequenter of horse races and, probably, a better, if not worse. Here was one of the most perplexing and disheartening situations I had even known. In all the years of the Red Cross there had never been a discord. However, other organizations differed and warred there was always peace and friendliness in the ranks of the Red Cross. I could not determine the rights of the contending parties and hoped against hope that they would come to an understanding and make peace between themselves. I urged them most imploringly to do this, telling them I would rather give up the organization than that it should come into rupture before the world and disgrace itself. -10- In the midst of this disturbance the tidal wave and hurricane of the Port Royal Islands occurred and we were called to relief of 30,000 victims of disaster. This called all experienced workers to the field, including both Dr. Gardner and Mr. Morlan. However courteously disguised for my sake, the bitterness was everywhere evident. And I looked in pain on the altered appearance of Mr. Morlan. He was no longer the bright, happy-faced young man, but was dark, troubled, irascible, moody, like a woman and always imploring me not to blame or to think ill of him and begging me to withhold my friendship, saying that he would rather die than lose me. On another side Mrs. Gardner discovered him practicing on the writing of my name as a signature, was alarmed but dared not speak with me last I attribute it to prejudice on her part. During that entire field he performed little of his old-time good work but spent his efforts in attempted differences with the officers holding positions of trust as the secretary or the head of distributions, attempting to throw distrust on them which might tend to their displacement and cause a vacancy which must be filled by some one. Still there was no distrust of him that I knew of. His dual nature with the tenderness of a woman [*[1908]*] The Book which has Most influenced me Written by request, Two copies, Ms, and typeThe book which has most influenced me, Superlatives are difficult to deal with, the comparative is always so near. That which interests most may influence little. Most books interest in a great or less degree, and possibly have a temporary influence. The yellow covered literature which the boy, from twelve to sixteen read, surely interests him, and only too often, creates an involuntary influence, the results of which mark his entire life. He adopts methods, and follow careers which he otherwise would not have done, and reaps misfortune for a harvest. And so with the girl of like age, who pores and weeps, over some tender, unwholesome love-lorn picture of impossible personages, until they become real to her, and while she can never perronate them, they stand in the way of so much which 2 she really does need, it may well be said results influence her entire life. Not alone the character of what is read; but the period in life of the reader, may, and will, have much to do with the potency of results. The little girl who is so fortunate as to clasp her child fingers around a copy of 'Little Women" or "Little Men" -(Bless the memory of my friend and co-worker Louisa M. Alcott; - is in small danger from the effect of the literature she may afterwards meet. Her tastes are formed for wholesome food. And the boy! Ah well; it will require a great deal of prodding to curb, and root the wild grass out of his nature! But what a splendid growth he makes once it is done! All of these conditions, of character, circumstances, and time may be said to have found place in the3 solution of the little problem now before me. [?] ¨What book most influenced me¨? If it had read, interested, rather than ¨ influenced¨, I should have made a wide range. ¨The fables of Esop, ¨ ¨ Pilgrims Progrees. ¨ ¨ Arabian Knights¨. The ¨ Ballards of Scott¨ The benign old [?????] ¨ The citizen of the World¨ and mainly the mass of choice old English classics. for who can select; - The glorious ¨ Idylls of the King¨. In long I should have sat at the round table with Anihus Knights, searched for the Holy Grail with Sir Galahad Roamed africa with Livingston and Stanley, Breakfasted with the Autocrat, and dropped the gathering tear for the loved Quakerpoet so dear to us all. How grateful I am for all this: and is there writers immortal: How they have sweetened life: But they really changed no course, formed no character Opened no doors. ¨ Influenced¨ nothing. 4 In a little children´s booklet, I have ones explained my own nature. Timid, sensitive, bashful to awkwardness, and, that; at this period of a dozen years or so, I chanced to make the acquaintance of L.K Fowler of the ¨ Fowler Brothers¨, the earliest; and then, only exponents of Phrenology in the country. I had at that time, read much of the literature above cited which then existed. Mr. Fowler placed in my hands, Their well written book, and brochures on Phrenology, ¨The science of the mind¨. [ The?] carried me to another class of writers. Spurzheim and Combe - ¨ The constitution of Man¨. There became my examples, and ¨Know Thyself¨ became my [?????] and my [sli???]. A long life has passed, and so have They. but their influence has remained. In every walk of life it has gone with me. It has enabled me to better comprehend the seeming mysteries5 about me; the course of those with whom I had to deal. n come in contact; not by the studying of their thoughts or intentions, for I abhor the practice of reading ones friends; but to enable me to excure, without offense, many acts which I could, in no other way have accounted for. It has enabled me to see, not only that, but why it was their nature, and could not be changed. They ¨could no other, so help them god¨. It has enriched my field of charitable judgment; enlarged my powers of forgiveness. made those things plain, that would have been obscure to me, easy. That would have been hard. and sometimes made possible to endure without complaint; that which otherwise might have proved unendurable. ¨ Know Thyself¨ has taught me in any great crisis, to put myself under my own feet; buy enmity, cast ambitions to the winds, ignore complaint; despise retaliation and stand erect in the consciousnees of those higher qualities that make for the good of human kind; even though we may not clearly see the way. ¨ I know not where His Islands life Their founded palm in air; I only know I cannot drift Beyond His love and care.¨ To the Girls of Teens and Twenties, of the Women Home Journal Madison Square NY My Dear Girls: Your editor has introduced you to me, and I hasten to acknowledge the courtesy. She has done more; she has asked me to write a "little letter", and still more, she has been so thoughtfully helpful to suggest some points, which might be acceptable to you. On the most of there I think we should agree. "Gentleness" of manner is a quality that all might admire, and endeaur to attain, but for that, one must largely look within. Gentleness comes of kindness, kindess of love; When we came to regard there about us with affection; and giving the same considerations to study their wants, [rather than ours]; and their happiness [as well as] our own, all the beauties of gentleness will be ours. Should a girl have "courage"? Most assuredly she should, both physical, and moral, if possible; but if only one be vouch safed her, let it be moral. Hold firmly to the truth, and the right, stand quietly by your convictions, never aggressive, never contreversial but never yielding a point of right or honor. Many of the difficulties of life, and its "handicaps" will fall away under this firm straight-forward landmark, but never for a moment forget, that patience is the deebriefing oil for all the grating machinery of life. On there topics, I think all will agree. But now comes a point in which I greatly fear, that in there days of strenuously, no one will agree with me, and that would naturally agree that I must be wrong. May be so, [but] let us think of it a moment. Should a girl form a definite "aim in life" and persisently work to that end? If she have a natural inborn talent not to be resisted, a Jenny Lind or a [?????] yes; In that case it is formed for her, she has but to follow her lead. But should every girl do this? Should all make this revolution and strive to live up to it? Let us see what this involves it may mean, that unknow- ing heavily, or the world, with scarcily and intimidation of what it may contain, the demands it may make, or the opportunitees it may later offer. With no ascutained measure of her3) own ability either pysical or mental, in all ignorance of her untri litedtle life, she shall arbitrarily select the goal to which she shall direct, and bend all the best effects and energees of life. She is a high school, or graduating girl , in her "teens". Her studies are exacting. Some of them almost- beyond her. Her lessons are all she can carry, Five days in the seven go for this. Sunday in church with its lessons. With a few weeks vacation each, the three or four years, and possibly as many more added, make up the life of this ungrown girl, who perhaps has not the heritage of a strong, robust parentage to fall back upon. Accending to the present school systems, (and I would be understood as intending no criticism,) She is harnessed in a team that pulls continuously No matter how weary she may be, if she rents, she loses her place and falls behind, If she fall out she is lost. Every energy is layed to its utmost. That might do for a settled women of thirty, but this is a growing girl, in her "teens", with limber bones, unformed muscles, quiet pulse, ardent brain, uncertain tastes, craving pickles, and candy for nourishment. 4) What real strength can she have at the end of this career, when it is succesfully reached, to enable her to take up this "aim" or career in life, which she has so long planned, faithfully nourished, and feels it her duty to carry out, or at least attempt iit, at any cost.? Might-it-not be better if she wait, free and untrammeled, be content with more easy lines, get aquanted with herself and study something besides school books, and garner the strength and health. which will enable her to seize the opportunities of life, and embrace them as they present; rather than to ambitiously push one; till wasted body, and worn out never compel her to wait in weary invalidism and regretfully watch the circled opportunites go by? Folded hands are not always restful-Scraps or Partial copy of letter to Teens and twenties and Woman's Compan?n March 27, 1908 [*Good for some newspaper article now Copy & file*] TO THE GIRLS OF TEENS AND TWENTIES A letter written by request of The WOMAN'S HOME COMPANION Also letter requesting it. "Not published: Pattern did not fit." March 1906 [*(8)*] To the girls of "teens and twenties." of the "Women's Home Companion" Madison Square, N.Y. My dear girls; Your editor has introduced you to me, and I hasten to acknowledge the courtesy. She has done more. She has asked me to write you a "little letter"; - and still more, she has been so thoughtfully helpful, as to suggest some points which might be acceptable to you. On the most of these I think we should agree. "Gentleness" of manner is a quality that all may admire, and endeavor to attain; but for that, one must largely look within. Gentleness comes of kindness, kindness of love. When we come to regard those about is with affection, giving the same consideration to their wants, and their happiness as to our own, ignoring selfishness, all the beauties of gentleness will be ours. "Courage!" should a girl cultivate this? Most assuredly she should both physical and moral if possible, but if only one be attainable, let it be moral. She might never come to tolerate quietly the presence of a mouse in her room, while it might skip over my feet unmoved, - but if it were a snake, I should use my feet for a different purpose, if possible.. A mere difference of sentiment, and "make up." Let us be charitable. But morally; here is a field for cultivation. Strive to stand firmly by honest conviction, never aggressive, never controversial but never yielding a point of right or honor. Many of the difficulties and "handicaps" of lifewill fall away under this firm, straight-forward treatment. But never for a moment forget that patience is the lubricating oil for all the grating machinery of life. On these topics I think we will all agree. Now comes a point on which I greatly fear, that in these days of strenuosity no one will agree with me. The natural inferrence would be that I must be wrong. May be so. Let us look at it a moment. Should a girl form a definite "aim in life," and work to that end? If she have a natural unmistakable talent, not to be resisted- as a Jenny Lind, or Adelina Patti- Yes. In that case she does not form her aim, it is formed for her, she follows her lead. But should every girl seek an aim? Should the ordinary school girl be encouraged, or expected, to form this resolution and live up to it? 2. Let us see what this involves. It may mean, that unknowing herself, or the world, with scarcely an intimation of what it may contain, the demands it may make, or the opportunities it may later offer,- with no ascertained measure of her own ability, either physical, or mental, - in all the ignorance of her untried little life, she shall arbitrarily select the goal to which she shall direct, and bend all the best energies of her young life. She is a High School, or a Graduating girl in her "Teens." Her studies are exacting'- Some of them almost beyond her. Her lessons are all she can carry. Five days in the seven go for these. Sunday in church with its lessons. With a few weeks vacation each, the three or four years,- possibly as many more added, make up the life of this ungrown girl, who perhaps has not the heritage of a strong robust parentage to fall back upon. According to the present school system (and I would be understood as intending no criticism,) she is harnessed in a team that pulls continuously. ------However weary she may be, if she rest, she loses her place, and falls behind. If she falls out, she is lost. Every energy is taxed to its utmost. That might do for a settled woman of thirty, but this is a growing girl, in her "teens", with limber bones, unformed muscles, sensitive nerves, quick pulse, ardent brain, uncertain tastes craving pickles and candy for nutriment. What real strength can this girl have ay (sic) the end of the course, successfully reached even, to enable her to take up the "aim" or career in life, which she has long planned, faithfully nourished, and feels it her duty to carry out, or at least, attempt it nat(sic) any cost. May I ask if it were not better that she wait, free and untrammeled by resolutions, - be content with more easy lines, get acquainted with herself, which she had not time to do, study something beside school books, and garner up the strength and health which will enable her to seize the opportunities of life as they present themselves, rather than to ambitiously push on 'till wasted body and worn out nerves compel her to wait in weary invalidism regretfully watching the coveted opportunities go by, sadly realising that folded hands are not always restful. I know I shall be differed with; and beg pardon if I am wrong, but a teachers ten consecutive years among these beautiful girls in the "teens and twenties", and a life time, among beloved over-wrought, suffering women, have given impressions which I cannot away with. Seven times at least, out of every ten, doing the best a girl may with her cherished "aim", she has only to see it wrecked. Nature and custom are her masters. She becomes a wife, and a mother, and needs all the strength she has saved for the life aims which have come to her unbidden. And here, I have one word more. This is to the "Twenties" let us hope the Teens have no interest in it, this too, is "beyond them." Now that we are by ourselves for a moment, let us agree to give 3. to this step the most careful consideration of our lives, considering both sides, remembering that whatever is fortunate or unfortunate for one, will be equally so for the other. Neither can afford a "misfit." Let selfish ambition have no place in your decision. Neither pride, for it is sure to fail. Never marry a man to save him unless you are ready for the greatest of risks. Marriage is scarcely a matter of philanthropy. If a man has lost himself, he is the the proper person to go to in search of himself. Not you. But I would have you just, no less than wise. Consider your own abilities and duties. A feeble, nerve-wrecked wife is an unpromising outlook for a young man; wearying and discouraging however tender the manner, or faithful the attention. See that you carry your future husband the dowry of unbroken health, unshattered nerves, and a wholesome unweakened ability to meet the exigencies of life. And demand the same of him. Clara Barton. Woman's home Companion. The Crowell Publishing Co., Madison Square, New York. Editorial Department. New York, March 19th, 1908. My dear Miss Barton: As you see by this paper, I am connected with the girls' department called "Teens and Twenties." I cannot tell you how anxious I am to have this little department succeed. I am a girl myself still and this is the first time I have had the chance to show whether I will be able to "make good" as the saying is, or not. I want to have in my little department each month something of vital interest to girls-something very alive and inspiring- and I have been wondering if I would be asking too much in begging you to let me have a little letter from you addressed to "The Girls of "Teens and Twenties"? This would not have to be a long letter, my dear Miss Barton. In fact, any few lines from you would be very much appreciated by me and by the girl readers of this department and I hope that the writing of it would not take up more than just a few minutes of your very precious time. I wonder if you would do this for me, as I have in mind the sending of your book- "The Story of My Childhood"-as a prize to the girls of 'Teens and Twenties and I thought that, in connection with that, if I could have a little not from you to publish on my page, it would give an added interest to your book and to the girls in general. We cam to the conclusion here in the magazine that there must be a place for the girl readers where the finer, more ideal part of their lives would be gently studied and fostered. If your letter, or little note, could take up some small simple ideal of a girl's life, it would be very fine I am sure. I will set down here just a few suggestions, so that you will not think I am too indefinite. "The Beauty of Having a Definite Aim in Life," "The Art of Being Gentle," "Courage and Femininity," "The Strength in Overcoming 'Handicaps'," This is not the time nor the place for me to tell you of my interest in all that I have read about you. A little begging letter should stick strictly to business, should it not? But please let me put myself strictly down as being one of your very ardent admirers. Hoping that you will send me the little letter that I ask for, I am Most sincerely yours, Claire Wallace Flynn To Miss Clara Barton President of the Red Cross Glen Echo, Maryland. CWF-GG