CLARA BARTON   SPEECHES & WRITINGS FILE  Speeches & lectures  Manuscripts & printed copies  1879-84THE RED CROSS.
Miss Barton's Address at the Union
Press Convention at Cape May.
At the union banquet of the press associations
of New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania,
held at the Stockton House, Cape May,
on Wednesday evening, June 25, 1879, a toast
was proposed in honor of "Miss Clara Barton
of Dansville, N. Y., the soldier's friend and
nurse during the American civil war and the
Franco-German war," to which Miss Barton
thus eloquently responded :
Mr. President, Gentlemen and Ladies :--
If I could feel that the kindly sentiments
with which you have honored me
were all fully deserved, I do not know
that it could make them more precious
or welcome to me, for their expression
brings to me opportunities so long waited
for, that my gratitude cannot be
measured.
First–an opportunity to thank the
Press of my country for its unwavering
and generous kindness through all the
years it has dealt with my name. Our
war was but one year old when the
American Press commenced to speak of
me to the people, and the people to listen
and respond; and through all these seventeen
years, that press and that people
have given me only words of approval,
kindness and unstinted praise—never a
word of blame, never a criticism from
those whose right and whose business it
is to discriminate and criticise, if need
be; but alway the gentle, aye, tender respect
that a sister might look for at the
hands of noble, proud and loving brothers.
And this, to one often occupying
unaccustomed ground for a woman, and
a personal stranger to all. And through
all these years my heart has waited and
longed for an opportunity to express its
gratitude and appreciation. But if Utopia
itself has planned it, how could an
opportunity more rich, more abundant,
more satisfying that this have been devised?
And if at last, in the fulfillment
of my answered prayer, remembering
all, the grateful thoughts crowd the
words. and the words struggle with tears,
you will not wonder. What has caused 
all this kindness on the part of my countrymen
and women is the thing I cannot
understand. I can comprehend that it
is, I can see how it is done, but I cannot
understand why. If it be the little I was
enabled to do in our first great days of
national peril and woe, then, God be
praised for giving me the will, and the
strength to do. But how little, and how
poor it was! And even this little they
said was too much for me, for I fell in
the ranks before my march was ended,
or my work done. And I was ordered to
the rear, like other worn-out, broken
soldiers, to camp and hospital. Ay,
more than this. I was "retired" out of
the country, to rest in the quiet vales of
France and Switzerland. But scarcely
was I there, and hardly had my rest
commenced, when the bugle-call to arms
again sounded in my war-trained ear, the

bayonets gleamed, the sabres clashed,
and the Prussian helmets and the eagles
of France stood face to face on the borders
of the Rhine. Did I go? You will
hardly ask me that, and you will not
blame me that I did. That the horrors
and sufferings of Wissenberg, Woerth
and Hagernau, Strasboug, Metz, Sedan
and Paris--poor twice-shattered Paris--
and every hesieged and desolated city of
France fell under my observation, and
shared the labor of my hands through
eighteen hard and dreadful months. I
remembered our own armies, my own
war-stricken country and its dead, its
widows and its orphans, and it nerved
me to action for which the physical
strength had long ceased to exist, and on
the borrowed force of love and memory,
I strove with might and main.
But I found here a help from a systematic
organization, which was not in our
own country, which so enriched labors
by facilitating them, that they no longer 
seemed so fruitless and so poor. A few
wise, great hearted men of Geneva,
Switzerland, shocked and pained by the
ever attendant horrors of war, had counseled,
devised a plan for international
action and aid, and called a convention,
the delegates to which should represent
each and every civilized nation in the
world. Each was represented by two or
more delegates, a constitution and laws
drafted, a plan of action adopted, a name
chosen, and a badge or symbol by which
it should be known, selected. This organization
was named the "International
Convention of Geneva for the succor of
the sick and wounded in war," and its
symbol was the "Red Cross." The delegates
were requested to present this constitution
to the heads of their respective
governments, and ask their signature to
the compact or treaty. They were faithful
men, for at the end of only seven 
years, when I first knew of it, twenty-
five nations had signed the treaty, and
were in the compact, each with its own
national head, and generally its people
organized, and working under the wise
system of this great national and international
charity. I found in this compact
the signatures of every civilized nation
on the face of the globe, except the
United States of America! She, with her
great war record of matchless charities--
the leader and the organizer--the home
and the birthplace of the "Sanitary, and
Christian commissions," she alone had
declined --the place for her "hand and
seal" alone was vacant. She alone stood
outside the pale of civilization in the eyes
of the christian world, side by side with
the heathen, and the savage. And this,
wholly unintentional on her part. As a
people she did not know she had refused,
or had even been asked. It had been
officially declined for her without her
knowledge, and this, not because anything
was known against it, but simply 
because nothing was known of it. Its

language and literature were in anotther
tongue than ours, and could not reach us.
During all these eighteen months of
European experience I worked with that
cross upon my arm, and under its wise
discipline and perfect organization saw
labors performed and results secured
which never had, and never could have
been under any system of charity the
world had before known. And when in
'78, after four years of exile, I left old
Europe for my own land, it was with the
firm pledge to the members of that convention,
that I would present it to our
government in its true significance, ask
its consideration and signature, if approved,
or learn its reasons for withholding,
and that I would do my possible 
to make the American people understand
it, for by its constitution and amendments
it is not confined to sufferings by
war, but is equally applicable to, and
available in, calamities of any nature,
whether by war, pestilence, famine, fire
or flood, the magnitude of which is great
enough to be regarded as national.
But I returned home worse broken
than I had left. This committee of noble
men waited for, and watched me from far
off central Europe, through three years
of helpless illness, and when at length I
stood once more upon my feet, it renewed
its request, and made me the bearer
of its dispatches to the government. I took
up the work, and have consumed as
much time in attempts to reach and inform
the official heads of our government
upon this subject, as in all my work in
Europe. And yet they are not reached.
And how shall I reach them or the people
at large, but through the great national
leaders and teachers? And at last
they sit before me here to-night in hundreds,
ay thousands, and listens to my
poor words. Their quick intelligence
will take the subject in, they are wise
and will judge it well; they are all powerful
and will speak in their own good
time; they are gentle and generous, kind
like brothers, and will forgive me if I
have spoken amiss
But, ladies, noble women of America,
my sisters, it is to you more than all others,
that this subject appeals and belongs.
It is you, who more largely rule and dispense
the charities of this nation. It is
you who organized relief societies and
filled the storehouses of the great commissions,
and it is you who will establish
and wear the Red Cross of Geneva in this
country if ever it be done. I wish I had
time and opportunity to explain it more 
fully to you, and show you the great advantage
and mercy it may be to a great
and calamitous people like ourselves.
But I am speaking for too long, and thankful
for the opportunity afforded me, with
a God blessing on the press and the people
of my country, I bid you good night
and good bye.until it becomes too late to retrieve, and the welfare of your charge
has slipped from your grasp—till the national balance is lost, its government
paralyzed, its power prostrated, its resources bankrupt. We
have seen it so once, and only woke to the fact and flew to the rescue 
when the price was a million of men, and billions of treasure.
Keep this in view, and never forget that the price of liberty is eternal
vigilance.  The second is more likely to take its rise among the people 
in general, than with you. It is that, in some moment of great
national peril, or some political crisis, the courage fail, faith grow
dim, and weakened by panic, consternation and helplessness, we
yield to doubt and despair.  Such crises come to all nations, and all
peoples, and will sooner or later come to us. We cannot always 
hold our great ship of state out of the storms and breakers. She
must meet and buffet with them; her beams are broad, her timbers
must creak in the gale. The waves must wash over her decks. She 
must lie in the trough of the sea, but the stars and the stripes are
above her; she is freighted with the hopes of the world; God holds
the helm, and she will ride the storm. The weak must fear, the 
timid tremble, but the brave and stout of heart will work, and hope,
and trust, while faith with her unerring finger points backward 
through the darkness and gloom of the past, to the reflection of
God's beacon lights ahead. She may sail many days in the mist,
with the fog bells for her only music; but remember, she floated four
years, not only in mist, but in darkness and blood, with neither rudder 
nor compass, and made land at last. And not only this, but she
came in with her decks laden to the water's edge with the rent 
shackles and broken bonds of a whole race of slaves.
After this, shall our faith grow weak, and our hearts weary?
Shall confidence fail, and trust wax dim? Shall we forget who rules 
the storm, and panic struck give up the ship? When she struggles 
and groans in the angry breakers of political faction, and foes assail,
and the pirate lurks in her wake, shall our coward hearts grow faithless,
and a craven crew abandon her to the wreckers? Heaven forbid.
Still, as in the old days, through seas of blood, she rode triumphantly,
so may she sail, so must she sail, out and in, voyage after 
voyage, century after century, till she has brought and laid to rest
and shelter, under the shadow of her waving stars, the weary, down
trodden and oppressed of every nation, name and race, of this our 
God's green earth. Stand by her, veterans and countrymen.
Strengthen her timbers, bind her keel, trim her sail, and trust in the
pilot at the helm. Take for your motto the undying words of the
great martyr, "The government of the people for the people, by the
people, shall not perish from the earth."

[*Sept 2 1880*]
[From the Dansville (N.Y.) Advertiser.]
FIRST NEW YORK DRAGOONS.

ELEVENTH ANNUAL REUNION.

ADDRESS BY MISS CLARA BARTON.

Comrades and Friends:—There are two reasons why my remarks 
to you will be exceedingly brief. First, if I rightly understand 
the occasion, you are not here to meet strangers and listen to their
speeches, excellent and eloquent as they might be, but to meet each
other, grasp hands that join but once a year, and speak for yourselves.
Second, if I had golden sentences with diamond points to 
throw out among you I could not make them reach the ears of this
vast concourse of people—you could not hear me—thus, if I were
disposed to "air my eloquence" on this occasion I should fail, or it 
might more properly be said, I should air it too much, for there is
altogether too much air here for my purpose; and although you are
not by any means too many for yourselves, I must confess you are
too many for me. But there are present those whose voices are
familiar to you, long learned in other days, whose deep tones of command
rang out full and clear above the din and carnage of battle, 
guiding you through danger and carrying you on to victory. These
more truly befit the occasion, and will fill both hearts and heads better
than any weak words of mine. Indeed, I first thought I had no
right to a place at all on this platform, and have previously declined
the proffered honor. But as I looked over your regimental and my 
own lists, I found, that although I might have known very little of 
your living present members, I had had something to do with your 
dead, and your missing. I find among my own records the names of
over twenty soldiers of the 1st N.Y. Dragoons, whose graves I found,
had them properly covered, enclosed, marked and suitable burial 
rites performed in the prison cemetery of Andersonville. There are 
other soldiers standing here who learned the terrors of its stockade
prison grounds, its hardships and starvation, but who, thank God,escaped the narrow, crowded trenches, that day by day, through the
terrible months stared them in the face. Again, by reference to my
records, I find a still larger number whose only history at the close
of the war was summed up in one little word, "missing!" The
heart-broken friends appealed to me for help; and by the aid of surviving
comrades, I gained intelligence of the fate of nearly one half
the number, and, soldiers, I greatly fear there are some whose names
to-day stand on the rolls against the dark word, "deserter," who
were never unfaithful to their trust; who fell in the stern path of
duty, on the lone picket line, perhaps, or wounded, and left in some
tangled ravine to perish alone, under the waters in some dark night,
or crazed with fever, to die in some tent or hut, or by the wayside,
or; alone with his tarnished name he sleeps, quiet and sweet,
Low in the soil he died to save,
Nor wrecks the wrongs above his grave.
This may not be a fact, but I have stronger grounds for fear than
those who have never searched the fate of soldiers on the field, or
looked after the losses of an army. And in justice to our men I am 
glad of every opportunity to name my apprehensions, for it has long
been my honest belief, that in spite of the best efforts, our army records
show a larger number of deserters than we ever had. Thus, I
thank you, comrades, for this opportunity afforded me to speak my
word of sympathy for your honored dead, and utter my plea for the 
dishonored and disgraced.
The very nature of the grounds over which our armies fought, 
their wildness, ruggedness-the unparalleled extent of territory, and
great duration of time, all conspire to render it one of the most difficult
of wars, of which to keep accurate and positive record. I have
looked over many battlefields, traced the routes of many armies in 
other lands, some already passed into history and fame, and some at
the very moment of making history, and among them all it does not
occur to me that I have seen any which, on the whole, equalled our
own fields in natural disadvantages, and difficulties to be met and
overcome. True, Hannibal and Napoleon marchds armies over 
Alpine ranges, softening and cutting the rocks as they went. But we
met the enemy and fought battles above the clouds. Men who
marched and fought their way from the Blackwater and Dismal
Swamp up through the marshes of the Chicahominy, and James,
till they stood on the brow of the Cumberland, with Culpepper, Manassas,
Spottsylvania, Todd's Tavern, Meadow Bridge, Mechanicsville
and Cold Harbor, all among the past, have not everything yet to 
learn of hard marching. And men who swept down the mountain

sides, with Sheridan and the gallant Custer, till Strasburg, Gordonsville, 
Trevilian Station, Five Forks, Cedar Creek, Winchester, and
Appomattox were carved upon their scabbards, have not yet all to
learn of hard fighting and well won fields. I have studied the massing
of forces, and scanned from point to point the old battle grounds
of Marengo, and Jena, and Waterloo, Majenta and Solferiono, and it
always seemed to me that these armies had fairer fields, and better 
chance than ours. I saw the Prussian army hurled upon the French
at Hagueneau and Woerth, till the soft earth for miles was plowed
with cannon, and planted with slain, and still I regarded these as
easier fields than Antietam or Gettysburg. I stood with the besieging
armies of the Grand Duke of Baden while they bombarded 
Strasburg for 100 days and nights, and the ground on which that
splendid besieging army was camped was level as a lawn, and fertile
as a well kept garden. And poor Strasburg, shattered and scathed as 
it was, was less bare and terrible than Atlanta after Sherman. I saw
the wounded thousands as they rolled back from Sedan; but the
results of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, and Old Fredericksburg were
more terrible. I saw the whole city of Metz reeling from hunger at 
the surrender of Bazaine. But the sight was joy and beauty and
holiness, compared with the death freighted boats I saw unlade at 
Annapolis when Andersonville surrendered its perishing victims. I
saw Paris when the Commune fell, and the army of Versailles shot
down its guilty victims in the streets by the ghastly glare of blazing
palaces, and I thanked God there was never anything in America
with which this could be compared.
Thus, soldiers of the nation, I have compared your labors and
hardships, thoroughly, carefully and critically, with those attending
the military service of other nations, and you do not lose by the comparison.
And, when I compare the cause for which you fought, it is 
as high as heaven above that for which any other army every drew 
swords or marched to field. As citizen soldiers, you have one duty 
left. It is for you to guard the liberties you have preserved, to  hold
the country you have fought to save. None can so well appreciate 
its worth, for none so well know its cost;. While the veteran soldiers
live, they must constitute the legitimate guardians of this nation.
Their patriotism and faithfulness have been proved, tried so as by
fire, and can never be doubted. They may make mistakes, may err
in judgment, but never in heart as a body, where the welfare of the 
country is at stake. Patriots you are, politicians you may be, but
partisans never. The soldier knows but one party, and that his
country. In your guardianship, you have two dangers to fear and
avoid. The one an easy, careless confidence, which may possess youNew York Dragoons
1880
Comrades and friends!
There are two reasons why 
my remarks to you will be exceedingly brief. 
First- if I rightly understand the occasion, you 
are not here to meet strangers and listen to 
their speeches. excellent and eloquent as they 
might be- but to meet each other- grasp hands 
that join but once a year,- and speak 
for yourselves.
 Second- If I had golden sentences 
with diamond points to throw out among you 
I could not make them reach the ears of this 
vast concourse of people,- you could not 
hear me- thus if I were disposed to 
"air my eloquence" on this occasion2
I should fail- or it might more properly be 
said- I should air it too much. for there is 
altogether too much air here for my purpose. 
and although you are not by any means too many for 
yourselves, I must confess you are too many 
for me.
But there are present those whose voices are 
familiar to you, long learned on other days. 
whose deep tones of command rang out full and 
clear above the din and carnage of battle, guiding 
you through the danger and carrying you on to victory. 
These more truly befit the occasion, and will fill 
both hearts and heads better than any weak words
 of mine.
Indeed, I first thought I had no rightto a place at all on this platform, and have previously
declined the proffered honor. - but as I looked over
your regimental, and my own lists. I found, that
although I might have known very little of your
living present members. I had had something to do
with your dead, and your missing.
I find among 
my own records the names of soldiers of the
1st N.Y. Dragoons. whose graves I found, had them
properly covered, enclosed, marked, and suitable burial
rites performed in the prison cemetery of Andersonville.
There are other soldiers standing here who learned
the terrors of its stockaded prison grounds,
its hardships and starvation, but who, thank
God, escaped the narrow, crowded trenches, that[4]
that day by day, through the terrible months stared
them in the face.
Again by reference to my records
I find a still larger number whose only history at
the close of the war was summed up in one little word,
missing! - the heart broken friends appealed to me
for help; and by the aid of surviving comrades, I
gained intelligence of the fate of nearly one half the
number, and soldiers; I greatly fear there are some
whose names today stand on the rolls against the
dark word — Deserter — who were never unfaithful
to their trust. - who fell in the stern path of duty - 
-on the lonely picket line perhaps - or wounded, and
left in some tangled ravine to perish alone, -5
under the waters in some dark night, - or crazed
with fever, to die in some tent or hut, or by the
wayside, unknowing and unknown, with none
to tell his tale, or save his honor. - alone with 
his tarnished name he sleeps - quiet and sweet
  Low in the soil he died to save
  Nor wrecks the wrongs above his grave.
This may not be a fact but I have stronger grounds 
for fear, than those who have never searched the fate
of soldiers on the field, or looked after the losses 
of an army, and in justice to our men I am glad
of every opportunity to name my apprehensions
for it has long been my honest belief, that in spite 
of the best efforts, our army records show a 
larger number of deserters than we ever really had.6 
Thus, I thank you comrades, for this opportunity
afforded me, to speak my word of sympathy for
your honored dead, and utter my plea for the
dishonored, and disgraced.
The very nature of 
the grounds over which our armies fought -
their wildness, ruggedness - the unparalleled
extent of territory - and great duration of time
all conspire to render it one of the most difficult
of wars, of which to keep accurate & positive
record.
I have looked over many battle fields - traced
the routes of many armies, in other lands, some already
passed into history and fame - and some at the
very moment of making history, and among them[7]
all, it does not occur to me that I have seen any
which, on the whole, equalled our own fields in
natural disadvantages, and difficulties to be met
and overcome.
True, Hannibal and Napoleon marched
armies over Alpine ranges, softening and cutting the
rocks as they went - but we met the enemy and
fought battles above the clouds.
Men who marched 
and fought their way from the Black water, and the
Dismal Swamp, up through the marshes of the Chicahominy 
and the James, till they stood on the brow
of the Cumberland-with Culpepper - Manassas
Spotsylvania - Tod's Tavern - Meadow Bridge -
Mechanicsville - and Cold Harbor - all among
the past have not everything yet to learn of 
hard marching. - And men who swept[8]
down the mountain sides with Sheridan,
and the gallant Custar, till Strasburg - Gordonsville
Tre'villian station - Five Forks - Cedar Creek -
Winchester - and Appomatox were carved upon 
their scabbards, have not all yet to learn of hard
fighting, and well won fields.
I have studied the massing
of forces, and scanned from point to point the old battle
grounds of Marengo - and Jena - and Waterloo - 
Majenta and Solferno, - and it always seemed
to me that these armies had fairer fields, and better 
chance than ours.
I saw the Prussian army hurled
upon the French at Hagueneau and Wöerth, till the
soft earth, for miles was plowed with cannon, and 
planted with slain, an still I regarded these as[9]
Easier fields than Anteitam or Gettysburg.  
I stood
with the besieging armies of the Grand Duke of Baden
while they bombarded Strasburg for 100 days and nights.
and the ground on which that splendid besieging army was
camped, was level as a lawn, and fertile as a
well kept garden. — and poor Strasburg - shattered
and scathed as it was, was less bare and terrible
than Atlanta after Sherman.
I saw the wounded
thousands as they rolled back from Sedan; but the
results of the wilderness Spotsylvania and Old
Fredericksburg were more terrible
I saw the whole
city of Metz reeling from hunger at the surrender[11]
of Bazaine - but the sight was joy and beauty
and holiness.  Compared with the death freighted
boats I saw unlade at Annapolis when Andersonville 
surrendered its perishing victims.
I saw Paris when the commune fell, and
the army of Versailles shot down its guilty
victims in the streets, by the ghastly glare of blazing
palaces, and I thanked God there was never anything
in America with which this could be compared.
Thus, soldiers of the union, I have compared
your labors and hardships, thoroughly, carefully
& critically with those attending the military[11]
service of other nations and you do not lose by
the comparison, - and, - when I compare the cause
for which you fought it is as high as Heaven above
that for which any other army ever drew swords or
marched to field.
As citizen soldiers, you have one
duty left.  It is for you to guard the liberties
you have preserved, to hold the country you have
fought to save.
None can so well appreciate its worth,
for none so well know its cost.
While the veteran
soldiers live, they must constitute the legitimate
guardians of this nation - their patriotism and
faithfulness have been proved, tried so as by
fire, and can never be doubted.  They may make
mistakes - may err in judgment -[12]
but never in heart as a body, where the welfare of the country
is at stake.  Patriots you are, - politicians you
may be - but Partisans never. - the soldier
knows but one party, - and that, his country.
In your guardianship, you have two dangers
to fear, and avoid.
The one, an easy, careless
confidence which may possess you, until
it becomes too late to retrieve, and the welfare
of your charge has slipped from your grasp.
 - till the national balance is lost - its Government
paralyzed - its power prostrated,
its resources bankrupt -
We have seen it so
once, - and only woke to the fact, and flew
to the rescue, when the price was a millionof men, and billions of treasure. Keep this in view, and never forget that the price of liberty is eternal vigilance. The second is more likely to take us among the people in general, than with you. It is that in some moment of great national peril or political crisis, the courage fail faith grow dim and weakened by panic consternation and helplessness, we yield to doubt and despair. Such crises come to all nations and all peoples and will sooner or later come to us. We cannot always hold our great ship of state out of the storms and breakers. She must meet and buffet with them, her beams are broad, her limbers must creak in the gale. The wavesmust wash over her decks. - She must lie in the trough of the sea - but the stars and stripes are above her - she is freighted with the hopes of the world.  God holds the helm - and she will ride the storm

The weak must fear, the timid tremble, but the brave and stout of heart will work.  And hope, and trust, while faith with her unerring finger points backward through the darkness and gloom of the past, to the reflection of God's beacon lights ahead.

She may sail many days in the mist, who the fog bells for her only music, but remember; she floated four years, not only in mist, but in darkness and blood, with neither rudder, nor compass, and made15
land at last.

And not only this, but she came in 
with her decks laden to the waters' edge, with the 
rent shackles, and broken bonds of a whole race 
of slaves.

After this, shall our faith grow weak, and 
our hearts weary? - Shall confidence fail, and 
trust wax dim. 

Shall we forget who rules the storm, 
and panic struck give up the ship:

When she struggles 
and groans in the angry breakers of political 
faction, and foes assail - and the pirate lurks 
in her wake, shall our coward hearts grow faithless, 
and a craven crew abandon her to the 
wreckers?  Heaven forbid. - Still, as in the 
old days, through seas of blood she rode triumphantly16
triumphantly.  So may she sail, so must she 
sail, out and in, - voyage after voyage - 
century after century - till she has brot, and 
laid to rest, and shelter, under the shadow of 
her waving stars.

The weary, down trodden and 
oppressed, of every nation, name and race, of 
this, our Gods' green Earth.

Stand by her 
veterans and countrymen.

Strengthen her timbers 
bind her keel - trim her sail, and trust in the pilot 
at the helm.

Take for your motto, the undying 
words of the great martyr - "The government, of
the people, for the people - by the people - 
shall not perish from the Earth" -[Nov. 2. 1880]                 
Memorial Day [*Address*]
[*Evidently written at Dansville*]

And so it happens that a handful of invalids, sick people, away from the 
their friends, and families, among strangers, longing for home, with 
individual discomforts, and unrest, sufficient, one would think to engross 
all their thoughts, and rule their actions, that these pale faced persons 
have met together in a little family hall, on a little mountain slope, to 
pray and praise,/to give utterance to something their hearts are too full 
to keep, to express feelings that refuse restraint, to join in one simultaneous God be praised.
And this scene is only typical.  All the halls in all the land are 
filled, yesterday, last night, today, tonight, tomorrow, and this thing 
goes on, the same act repeated with only a change of some.  The halls are 
not adequate, for more than one half the people of our entire country, 
yes, more than half of all the people of this great Republic are actors 
in the drama.  They know their parts require no promptings, and are not solicitous about stage or audience.
The streets are filled by marching men with banner and torch.  The 
windows are [ablaze] a blaze of light.  Bonfires gleam out through the darkness, and weird figures whirl in ecstasy in their lurid light.  The magnetic wires 
from Maine to Texas tremble under the shock as if touched by the real lightning of the Heavens.
The trains thunder on with double engines, crashing and swaying with combined weight and speed.
The cannon from lips ablaze belches forth its volleys of applause.  
The children in the streets shout, "Hurrah for Garfield"; the strong voiced 
young men under cap and banner roll it from throats of iron.  Maidens and matrons along the line of march, or clinging to the edges of a listening 
crowd, in softer, gentler tones, with waving kerchief, and lips pale 
with excitement, breathe out the same refrain.
And the white haired grandsire, as he turns from his paper, and

2.
wipes his dim eyes, breaks out and breaks down with Thank God Children, 
Thank God.
And so this thing is going on all over the land, one grand pean of 
praise and thanks, and jubilee.  Every one who can make a speech, makes one, 
and those who cannot, try.  What is it all about, what has happened?  Have 
some great tidings been brot to us?  Has some stout Rolland fell dead at 
our gates, with good news from Ghent?  Have we been relieved from a terrible 
siege, and let out from pestilence and famine?  Have our ripened crops, our 
sole dependence been saved from the ravages of the Scots and Picts?  Have 
our fair fields been rescued from the Goths and Huns?  Have our homes, wives 
and maidens been shielded from the invading Gauls, or our young men from 
the sword of the Romans?  Have we won a great military victory?  No none of thes
None of these in reality, at least for the present time, from the 
future possibilities of some of them, perhaps.
Then what is it?  What have we gained, and what been saved from?
We have gained substantially little we had not before, and we have, 
I suspect been saved mainly from the dangerous results of our own follies.
We know friends, that on the 19th of April 1861 this nation was plunged 
in Civil War.  We feel that on the 2nd day of November, 1880, this war was 
closed, and this is our great peace jubilee.
Almost 20 years, two thirds of a generation, a tedious length, the 
strongest voices in our shouting ranks today, were childs prattle 
and the wall of babies then.  We thought we closed it at Appomattox!  
But his was only the first act, the trial of physical power and military 
force.  Then followed as must follow in all such contests, the warfare 
of mental power, the matching of thought against thought, mind against mind, 
the testing of principles, their inauguration and establishment, reducing 
to practice the ideas for which we fought in arms.  The attempts to set 
right that which being wrong in the beginning, the cruelties and injustices 
of war had made still more wrong.3. 

Blind attempts to change, at once, the social status of a people[s] fixed
by centuries.  The magical effort to make those born with different eyes,
always seeing through a different atmosphere, and from a different standpoint
see as we see.
And beyond all, our gigantic and world astounding attempt at national
magnanimity.  The sight of a single individual bent on a fools errand, with
his mistakes and mishaps, may be amusing and at times laughable, but a great
nation following the same role, dragging along its helpless dependencies,
compromising its position, crippling its powers, wrecking its trust,
risking its liberties, and its Government is too serious a sight for
merriment, too, too pitiful for sarcasm, too sad for all but tears and fears. 
Saved from the results of our follies, I said,-  If saved from the
follies themselves, remains to be seen.  If only we have learned our own 
property or possessions and that which we merely hold in trust for others,
that  with our own, we may  be as generous and magnanimous as our
dispositions lead  us to be, provided we have neither dependents or
creditors. 
But over that intrusted to us for safe keep9ng, which we have
voluntarily accepted and sealed with our pledge, we have no other jurisdiction 
than to guard it to the last.  Neither our generous impulses nor our
enlightened judgment, can enter into this arrangement to change it short of
positive and absolute crime.  Whatever probabilities or possibilities may
come, under our observations, however much we may desire to aid, to relieve,
even, however well in our own judgment it would be to do so, we are powerless, 
so far as this trust is concerned.  We may not, must not risk one particle
of it, for one minute. 
This Government, its liberties, its well being, its faithful administration
its guardianship against the wiles of doubtful friends, or open foes, is the
trust given into the hands of this people, who have voluntarily accepted 


4. 

the charge, and pledge themselves to its fulfilment.
Has there ever come to us a moment, when in our generous magnanimity
we seemed yy forget this.  Have we committed the crime of surrendered
trust?  Have we been brought face to face with the prospect of its
terrible penalties?  Have we passed under the rod without its scourge?
Have we still our jewels left,  not lost? ,  still in our keeping? 
Have we learned a lesson of wisdom, and national responsibility.  Will we
profit by it? 
If so we are indeed saved, saved so as by fire.  No wonder we meet
in grateful thanksgiving through all our vast land.  It should be 
penitent thanksgiving as well. 
To the God of all sure mercies, let our blessings rise today
From the scoffer and maligner he has plucked the spoil away. 
To the God of all sure Mercies let our blessing rise today
From our follies and our faults he has drawn the scourge away. 
Yea, He who  cooled the furnace around the faithful three 
And tamed the chaldean  Lions has set his people free.
And He who turns the courses of the s treamlets of the glen 
And the river of great waters, has turned the hearts of men.
Thanksgiving  to the Lord of life- to Him all praises be
Who from the hands of doubtful men, has set our nation free.
All praise to him before whose power the mighty are afraid.
Who takes the crafty in the snare they had for others laid. 

Oh sing my soul rejoicingly in evenings twilight calm
Uplift the loud thanksgiving, pour forth the grateful psalm. 
Let all dear hearts with us rejoice as did the saints of old
When of the Lord's good angel  the rescued Peter told. 

5. 
Oh let the humble ones arise
The poor in heart be glad.
And let the mourning ones again
With robes of praise be clad.
For He who cooled the furnace
And smoothed the stormy wave
And tamed the Chaldean lions
Is mighty still to save.[*sol
?*] 
[*Nov - 1880*]
soldiers,- comrades,  citizens of
Dansville,  Republican voters ##
: --- It is a proud honor to pay to
a woman,  that Thousands of men
bearing their signals of light and
glory,  with martial music and
Banners.  should mass themselves 

[*2.*] 
before her simple quarters, and
rend the air with their shouts
in a cause the greatest, the deep
Est- the highest,  the most engrossing
and important  the nation knows
or can know to-day.
You design it as an honor. 

[*3.*]
and as such, I accept it.  and come
to speak to you  my acknowledgments
and my thanks. 
The array of regiment of
men with Band & Flag  before the
door of my tent  is not a new sight
to me,  but the blaze of their torches was the
glitter of bayonets  and their
supports the death dealing musket
and rifle[*4*]
The shouts of a thousand men are 
not strange to my ears -  But
these things  carry me back and
compel me to live over again, with
some of you the days  so rapidly
passing into history--  hereafter to
be known only as such,  and by 

[*5*]
tradition,  to us who lived them 
fond. fearful tradition-- wierd -
faded and incomprehensible to those
who follow after. 
Your coming to me
to-night  as  representatives of the
Republican Party of the United States
shows that in some way.  you must

for you and me[*?*]

[*6*]
fell that I am with you,  for I
have never told you so.
Still you
would wonder where else I could
be.  So would I, Comrades. - So
would I. -  Where else could we
be?
Soldiers of the North-

[*4*] 
where could you have ben in the
war.  but where you were?
what
other place was there for you?-
where 
can you be today but where you
are?
what other place is there for 
you.? 
"for you and me good friends
for you and me?[*8*]
almost 20 years ago, you stood
shoulder to shoulder-- hilt to hilt
in the great strife to hold the
Nation as it was created - one
and inseparable - - its laws and
free Institutions as they had been.
its standing among the peoples

[*9*]
of the Earth unbroken and
undimmed.
Today you stand the same
men.  shoulder to shoulder--with
sword and Bayonet sheathed---and
army with Banners---
A living Breast
work of thought and principle --
with hearts as brave and true 

[*10*]
and tread as firm to determined
as then, to serve and win in the
same cause.--- To defend by your
votes what you saved by your
arms.
If you were right then
you are right now

[*11*]
If you are wrong now.- you
were wrong then -- and God help us!
Help us for the sin of that war!- 
Help us that we stood by our riven
Flag.  the emblem of our nation's life.
Help us for the martyrs who fell in
its defence---Help us for the years
of pain and woe.  that followed 

[*12*] 
in the track -- Help us for the
desolated hearths.  and darkened
homes. --- help us for the crowded
cemetaries that stud our land- 
--Help us for the little wayside
graves that nobody ownes---

[*13*] 
Help us for the uncoffined bones
that moulder and bleach alone.
Help us for Andersonville-
Oh God- help us for that !  If
we were wrong
Help us that 4000000
slaves are free.
Help us for all the 
issues which have grown out of
The war 

[*14*]
for if it were wrong They are wrong
and if you are wrong today, the
war was wrong, for the principles
are identical.

The Republican Party
has not been an over wise organization
it has made grave mistakes -

[*15*]
It has let slip many of the
best results of the war -

Only the
fact that its intentions were good
and generous has saved it from
destruction - and yet these have
been its stumbling Block -
It has tried to be magnanimous
before it was just[*16*]
It has often left its Northern
Soldiers without recognition, -
and its Southern Union men
without reward.
But no political
organization had ever such a
burden of responsibility lain upon

[*17*]
Brain and heart and hand to
perform.
It is not strange that
it has sometimes failed of the
best course,  rather, strange that
after all, it has done so well.
And you, and such as you all
over the land, are saying by[*18*]
such demonstrations as this tonight
that you are determined to stand
by and help it on to a firmer basis,
better Experience, and wiser legislation.

You have selected your leader
and you have chosen [wisely and] well,
you need no wiser head, or truer

[*19*]
heart, no better man. than.
James A Garfield
I have known him for fifteen years!
and Gentlemen I do not believe he is
a thief.

I could, [conscientiously and]
unhesitatingly give him a recommend
for personal honesty

I do not
believe he has stolen anything since[*20*]
I [knew] have known him.

Oh pity - pity, for such
political subterfuge - such trickery
such injustice.

Let me implore of you
standing here before me, as American citizens
as Republicans - as honorable men - in
whatever campaign you may find
yourselves - never to descend to
unjust criticism,[s] misrepresentation

[*21*]
and personal abuse to carry
your point.

The cause which cannot
succeed without these is not worthy [to]
of success -

Be men, faithful, firm
hopeful, true to yourselves - ready to 
meet with courage any issue which
may fall, and strive with heart[*22*]
and hand for the best. 
Again you
have chosen well -
a statesman -
a scholar - a patriot -  a true hearted 
honorable man.
The cherished friend [of 
Charles] and worthy compeer of 
Charles Sumner.  Henry Wilson 
bluff honest Ben Wade and

[*23*]
Abraham Lincoln.
See to it that
next Tuesday you add to this 
illustrious list the name of James 
A. Garfield not a dead, but a living 
leader!
Gentlemen I thank you and 
bid you Good night.ADDRESS MADE BY REQUEST TO THE REPUBLICANS OF 
DANSVILLE, N.Y.,
At the time of the Election of PRESIDENT GARFIELD.

Soldiers, Comrades, Citizens of Dansville, Republican Voters:-
It is a proud honor to pay a woman, that thousands of 
men bearing their signals of light and glory, with martial music 
and Banners, should mass themselves before her simple quarters, 
and rend the air with their shouts in a cause the greatest, the 
deepest, the highest,- the most engrossing and important the nation 
knows or can know today.
You design it as an honor, and as such, I accept it, and 
come to speak to you my acknowledgements and my thanks.
The array of a regiment of men, with band and Flag before 
the door of my tent is not a new sight to me, but the blaze 
of their torches was the glitter of bayonets and their supports the 
death dealing musket and rifle.  The shouts of a thousand men are 
not strange to my ears, - But these things carry me back and compel-2-
me to live over again, with some of you the days so rapidly passing 
into history--- hereafter to known only as such, and by tradition, 
to us who lived them, fond fearful tradition--- weird-faded 
and incomprehensible to those who follow after.
Your coming to me tonight as representatives of the Republican 
Party of the United States shows that in some way you 
must feel that I am with you, for I have never told you so.
Still you would wonder where else I could be.  So would 
I, comrades,-- so would I.--- where else could we be?
Soldiers of the North-- where could you have been in the 
war, but where you were?
What other place was there for you?
Where can you be today, but where you are?
What other place is there for you? "for you and me 
good friends, for you and me?.  Almost 20 years ago, you stood 
shoulder to shoulder--- hilt to hilt in the great strife, to hold 
the nation as it was created, one and inseparable--- its laws 
and free institutions as they had been, its standing among the 
peoples of the earth unbroken and undimmed.

-3-

Today you stand the same men, shoulder to shoulder, 
with sword and Bayonet sheathed, an army with banners--
A living breast work of thought and principle, with 
hearts as brave and true, and tread as firm and determined as 
then, to serve and win in the same cause,--- to defend by your 
votes, what you saved by your arms.
If you were right then you are right now.
If you are wrong now,-- you, were wrong then, and God 
help us!  Help us for the sin of that war!  Help us that we stood 
by our riven Flag, the emblem of our nation's life.  Help us for the martyrs who fell on its defence-----
Help us for the years of pain and woe, that followed in 
its track-----Help us for the desolated hearths, and darkened 
homes.--- help us for the crowded cemeteries that stud our land-- 
Help us for the little wayside graves that nobody owns--- Help us 
for the uncoffined bones that moulder and bleach alone.
Help us for Andersonville-- Oh, God help us for that ! 
if we were wrong
Help us that 4000000 slaves are free.
Help us for all the issues which have grown out of the-4-
war for if it were wrong they are wrong and if you are wrong today, 
the war was wrong, for the principles are identical.
The Republican Party has not been an over wise organization, 
it has made grave mistakes--.  It has let slip many of the 
best results of the war.
Only the fact that its intentions were good and generous 
has saved it from destruction, and yet these have been its Stumbling 
Block.  It has tried to be magnanimous before it was just.  
It has often left its Northern soldiers without recognition, and
its Southern Union men without reward.
But no political organization had over such a burden of 
responsibility lain upon Brain and heart and hand to perform.
It is not strange that it has sometimes failed of the 
best course,-- rather strange that after all, it has done so well.
And you, and such as you all over the land, are saying 
by such demonstrations as this tonight that you are determined to 
stand by and help it on to a firmer basis, better experience, and 
wiser legislation.
You have selected your leader and you have chosed well,

-5-
you need no wiser head, or truer heart, no better man than, 
JAMES A. GARFIELD.
I have known him for fifteen years!  and Gentlemen I do 
not believe he is a thief.
I could unhesitatingly give him a recommend for personal 
honesty.
I do not believe he has stolen anything since I have 
known him.
Oh pity,- pity, for such political subterfuge, such 
trickery, such injustice.
Let me implore of you standing here before me, as American 
Citizens, as Republicans,- as honorable men, in whatever campaign 
you may find yourselves, never to descend to unjust criticism, 
misrepresentation, and personal abuse to carry your point.
The cause which cannot succeed without these is not 
worthy of success.
Be men, faithful firm, hopeful, true to yourselves, ready 
to meet with courage any issue which may fall, and strive with 
heart and hand for the best.-6-
Again you have chosen well.
A statesmen, a scholar, a patriot, a true hearted honorable 
man.
The cherished friend and worthy compeer of Charles Sumner, 
Henry Wilson, bluff honest Ben Wade, and Abraham Lincoln.
See to it that next Tuesday you add to this illustrious 
list the name of James A. Garfield, not a dead but a living leader.
Gentlemen, I thank you and bid you Good Night.


Washington Light Guards  [*11*]
[*1881-82,*]
Comrades and Brothers:
No higher 
compliment can be paid than that one 
be invited to stand among the defenders 
of the greatest Republic on the face of the 
Earth____  No greater pleasure should 
be desired than to join in their festivities.  
Both these have been tendered to me,2

and along with them, the high privilage of thanking in person for these courtesies.  And it is alone the desire to do that which could induce me to occupy a moment of this well filled and beautiful evening.

It is not a new thing that I be invited to meet with the veteran

3

soldiers, and the Grand Armies of the country.  They have generously recognized a --- companionship.
----

They remember the old days, and in common with the hundreds of better women-workers than I, they have accorded a kind of comradeship with themselves.4

In the name of every woman who ever trod a field, or walked a hospital, or gave of the work her hands, or the sacrifices of her soul, that the lot of the soldier be made less hard.  let me thank [these veterans] for his remembrance.  But here is a different element.  Here is

5

something new in my soldier experience.  I find myself standing to-night on the thresh-hold of a 2nd generation of military existence.

There young faces have never blanched at the opening roar of the Artillery, or the wild rattle of musketry, --never reddened in the fiery heat6

of the contest where foe grappled foe, and one must strain with might and main.  Ere he can win his blade again.

The powder stains have never darkened these fair faces.  These full flowing veins have not been drained of their life-current

Your feet have not grown weary

7

in the dusty march.  Nor you lithe limbs stiffened in the drenching rains of Autumn nor the pitiless snows of winter.

And yet, young men, you are soldiers, - you have enlisted in the ranks.-

You have taken the vows, and sworn to maintain them with your8

lives and seal them with your deaths if need be.

Just such soldiers as 20 years ago rallied to the defence of the flag, at the call of the country.

Just such soldiers as in 1776 rallied to the defence of a country that had no flag.  No

9

no defenses, no nationality, save the inborn determination of a brave invincible people to create one and plant a government in which the laws of the people, should guarantee and maintain the nights of the people.  It was independent companies, the trained militia that swept the field10

of Lexington and lay behind the Breastworks of Bunker's Hill.

It was Boston Militia that heard the first call of the sainted Lincoln, your gallant commander among them on the 7th of April 1861-, and on the morning of the 19th stood in their blood in Baltimore.

11

Independent Militia, that I followed through these terror-stricken streets that dreadful night to the old Infirmary.  The first war wound my hand ever dressed, the first blood I ever saw drawn in combat was of the volunteer militia state guards.Independent Light guards!

12

Young men; it is no small vow you have Taken- The vanguard of an army is of such as you- and though I pray God that the furrows of old age may lie deep upon your faces- AY: and the gates of Heaven open to you

13

before the notes of war shall ever fall upon your ears.  still if it must come- you are ready you are here, and our hope in such dread hour, as in the pas, must rest in you, adn such as you.  to save to us, our nation.- 

To the world, its asylum for the14

oppressed.

To the generations yet unborn in the cradle of Universal  liberty.

WASHINGTON LIGHT GUARDS.

Comrades and Brothers!

No higher compliment can be paid, than that one be invited to stand among the defenders of the greatest Republic on the face of the earth-no greater pleasure should be desired tome and long with them, the high privilege of thanking in person for these courtesies.  And it is alone the desire to do that which could induce me to occupy a moment of this well filled and beautiful evening.

It is not a new thing that I be invited to meet the veteran soldiers, and the Grand Armies of the country.  They have generously recognized a ---companionship.

They remember the old days, and in common with hundreds of better women-workers than I they have accorded a kind of comradeship with themselves.

In the name of every woman who ever trod a field, or walked a hospital, or gave of the work of her hands, or the sacrifices of her soul, that the lot of the soldier be made less hard, let me thank for his remembrance.--But here is a different element.  Here is something new in my soldier experience.  I find myself standing to-night on the thresh-hold of a 2nd generation of military existence.

Their young faces, have never blanched at the opening roar of the ARtillery, or the wild rattle of musketry.-never reddened in the fiery heat of the contest, where foe grappled foe, and one must train with might and main, e're he can win his blade again.

The powder stains have never darkened these fair faces, These full flowing veins have not been drained of their life-current.  Your feet have not grown weary in the dusty march, nor the pitiless snows of winter.

And yet, young men, you are soldiers- you have entered the ranks- you have taken the vows and sworn to maintain them with your-2-

lives, and seal them with your deaths if need be.

Just such soldiers as 20 years ago rallied to the defense of the flag, at the call of the country.

Just such soldiers as in 1776, rallied to the defense of a country that had no flag, no defenses, no nationality, save the inborn determination of a brave invincible people to create one, and plant a governments in which the laws of the people, should guarantee and maintain the rights of the people.

It was independent companies- the trained militia that swept the field of Lexington and lay behind the breastworks of Bunker's Hill.

It was Boston militia that heard the first call of the sainted Lincoln, your own gallant commander among them on the 17th of April 1861, and on the morning of the 19th stood in their blood in Baltimore.

Independent militia, that I followed through these terror-stricken streets that dreadful night to the old INfirmary.  The first war-wound my hand ever dressed, -the first blood I ever saw drawn in combat was of the volunteer militia, state guards.  Independent Light guards!

Young men: it is no small vow you have taken-the van-guard of an army is of such as you-and though I pray God that the furrows of old age may lie deep upon your faces- Ay! and the gates of Heaven open to you before the notes of war shall ever fall upon your ears, still if it must come-you are ready-you come here, and our hope in such dread hour, and in the past, must rest in you, and such as you, to save us, our nation.-

To the world, its asylum for the oppresses.  To the generations yet unborn the cradle of universal liberty.

WASHINGTON LIGHT GUARD 

FAIR,

From February 1st to 11th 1882,

At MASONIC TEMPLE HALL.

ANNOUNCEMENT EXTRAORDINARY!

Every holder of a season ticket (price $1.00) to the above Fair, who presents the same for registration to the Secretary of the General Fair Committee, at Masonic Temple Hall, any evening during the Fair, up to 9 o'clock P.M. on the 11th, will be entitled to one chance in the Grand Drawing, which will take place on Saturday evening, February 11th.

The following articles will be given to the holders of the lucky numbers:

1 Cymbella Organ ..... $130.00
1 Parlor Suite ..... 70.00
1 Chamber Suite .....50.00
1 Gent's Gold Watch .....40.00
1 Lady's Gold Watch ..... 40.00
1 Hair Mattress ..... 35.00
1 Writing Desk ..... 25.00
1 Lady's Rocker ..... 25.00
1 Gent's Easy Chair ..... 20.00
1 Gent's Watch Chain ..... 16.00

1 Gent's Silver Watch ..... $15.00
1 Parlor Rug, Velvet .....12.00
1 " " " .....12.00
1 Point LAce H'dk'f ..... 10.00
1 Lady's Gold Ring ..... 10.00
10 Articles @ $5 each ..... 50.00
20 " " $3 " ..... 60.00
25 " " $2 " ..... 50.00
30 " " $1 " ..... 30.00

-----------
100 Articles, valued at .... $700.00

Tickets with numbers corresponding with those upon the season tickets will be placed in a box on the last evening of the Fair, and drawn by a disinterested person.

-----------------

SEASON TICKETS, $1.00; SINGLE ADMISSION TICKETS, 25 CENTS; AND CHILDREN'S TICKETS, 10 CENTS; (each ticket admits one person.) For sale by members of the General Fair Committee.
ROOMS OF THE FAIR COMMITTEE,

WASHINGTON LIGHT GUARD

Washington D.C. October 11, 1881

To M.........................

DEAR SIR:  The Ladies of Washington City are making the necessary arrangements to hold a FAIR AT MASONIC TEMPLE, from the 1st to the 11th of February, 1882, (both days included) for the purpose of raising a fund to provide uniforms and overcoats for the Washington Light Guard.  The past services of this Company and the energetic efforts of its present members deserve the encouragement and support of every public-spirited resident of this city.

Contributions may be delivered to any member of the Committee having authority to receive the same over the signatures of Major H. D. Norton, President and Chairman of Executive Committee, and L.A. Bailey, Secretary.  Articles to be disposed of as the Fair will be received at the residences of such members by the Janitor at Masonic Temple, Corner of 9th and F Streets, N.W., and at the Headquarters of the Company, No. 601 C Street, N.W.

The receipt of all contributions will be duly acknowledged by the Corresponding Secretaries, Miss L.A. Norton and C.C.J. Norris, or through the columns of the National Republican.

Your assistance and active co-operation are earnestly solicited.

H.D. NORTON, Pres. and Treas. Gen'l Fair Committee.
Mrs. SAM'L MILLER, First Vice-President
Mrs. M.M. MITCHELL, Second Vice-President
Mrs. A.K. FERRISS, Third Vice-President.
L.A. BAILEY, Recording Secretary.
Miss L.A. Norton, Corresponding Secretary.
C.C.J. Norris, Corresponding Secretary.

[1882] S-11 Suffrage

(Used in connection with some War Veterans Reunion)

The papers of the day were passed to me for inspection.  After arraying me in sufficiently gorgeous mental and moral attire, ascribing to me all the virtuous qualities I had not, they had completed their peroration with the following comforting assurance:-

"We can promise our citizens a rare treat of patriotic eloquence such as in seldom listened to x x and we can assure them that there will be no cause for disappointment, they will not have thrust upon them a lecture on women's rights after the style of Susan B. Anthony and her clique.  Miss Barton does not belong to that class of women."

My blood boiled as I read and faced an audience of which the most exacting speaker might be proud, not even standing room in the aisles.  And I treated them to their feast of "Patriotic eloquence" a vim I had no power to control.  I could feel the indignation hiss between my teeth as the words rolled almost unbidden, but I held firmly to my subject till it was ended, and when they had shouted and cheered to a tiger I resumed- in the following text--

"Soldiers, you have called me here to speak to you on the war we lived together.  I have done it.  Now I have a word to you.  I wish to read this paragraph which you have used to help fill your hall,-" I read it very slowly and distinctly.

That paragraph, my comrades, does worse than misrepresent me as a woman, it maligns my friend and it allures the brightest and bravest work ever done in this land for either me or you.  You glorify the women who made their way to the front to seek you out in your misery and nurse you back to life.  You call us angels.  Who opened the way for us to go, and made it possible, who but that detested set of women who for years had claimed that women had rights and should have the privilege to exercise them, the right to her own property, her own children, her own home, to her freedom of action, to her personal liberty, and upon this other women claimed the right and took the courage if only to go to a camp and drag a wounded man out of a (swamp ?) and try to save him for his family and country.

And soldiers, for every women's hand that ever cooled your fevered brew, staunched your bleeding wounds or called life back to Stanton and their followers.  No one has stood so alone, so unhelped as Susan Anthony and Soldiers I would have the first monument that is ever raised to any woman in this country raised to her, and that monument will be raised and your daughters, boys will help profoundly, gratefully help to set its granite blocks for everlasting age, set it where all may see. And I would reproduce the eloquence of Webster at Bunker Hill-, Let the earliest light of the morning gild it and parting long linger and play on its summit". 

Boy's, three cheers for Susan Anthony!

And the very windows shook in their casements.

A-11 Original and copies

Dansville Coterie Address

Written for Coterie at Danville by request in 82 or 3.

Mr. President-Gentlemen & Ladies:

There is, I suspect, in nearly every human organism, enough of self love and vanity to render proffered honors gratifying, albeit accompanied with some misgivings as to the full right of acceptance, from a consciousness that they are not very well merited.

I who have been doubly honored am conscious that I come fully within the pale of the conditions named.

It was a token of esteem for which I have no words, (and until you, that created me a member honorary of your association, and still farther, that I am invited to respond to the sentiment which distinguishes your Honorary Members as such.  But you will kindly bear in mind that all conditions of membership in this association are now to me.  I have not yet learned your ways, nor helped to bear your burdens, consequently not able to respond with the intelligence and fitness of those skilled by the experience of almost a decade, who have not only been a part of, but built up this structure to an eminence and completeness that renders a membership the desire of the best intellects in the community, and the pride of all.

Certainly, no person who has been a member of this Conterie has ever regretted it; no one who has been a member for any length of time is in all respects just the same person he or she would have been without that experience.  Some breadth has been gained-some cultivation acquired, some light has fallen upon subjects which would have remained forever obscure.  The pleasures of added knowledge have grown out of it, and perhaps it is not too much to say that, as a literary educator, nothing in your town exceeds, or ever will exceed it.  I have never known an assemblage of this character the laws of which has been so wisely framed, or so firmly enforced, and to this, very largely must be accredited its uninterrupted continuance, and eminent success.  A membership in this Coterie means work.--This busy hive does well to admit few drones, Its guests are almost none, its list of honary members very small, and this (with one slight exception which I need not name) is composed of those who have been its most active workers.  They have builded their house, gathered

-2-

their sweets, laid by their stores, and may well be bidden to the full feast of quiet enjoyment.  It is sweet to them to look calmly on and cherish what their labors have helped to establish.

We are so fortunate as to welcome some of them here tonight, and enjoy their presence.  To such, permit me, I pray you, in the name of the Coterie to pass the gracious sentiment which has just been presented, with the hop that many, many anniversaries may return to greet them, unbroken and undimmed.

Some are absent, whom we miss, whom we remember with grateful honoring affection --to such, our distant greeting, our hearts best benison, our richest love.

And some, have passed beyond the portals, -some white lips have breathed the password to the mystic lodge of Heaven, and entered in.  In memory of these, we stand with bereaved and tender hearts, tearful eyes, and uncovered heads bent low in silent reverence, for they indeed are out Honorary Members.-1-

And so it happens that a handful of invalids, sick people, away from their friends, and families among strangers, longing for home, with individual discomforts, and unrest, sufficient, one would think to engross all their thoughts, and rule their actions-that these pale faced persons have met together, in a little family hall, on alittle mountain slope, to pray and praise, to give utterance to something their hearts are too full to keep,-to express feelings that refuse restraint-to join in one simultaneous God Be Praised.

And this scene is only typical, all the halls, in all the land are filled-yesterday-last night-today-tonight, -tomorrow, -and this thing goes on--the same act repeated with only a change of scene.  The halls are not adequate, for more than one half the people of our entire country, yes, more than half of all the people of this great Republic are actors in the drama.

They know their parts require no promptings, and are not solicitous about stage or audience.

The streets are filled by marching men with banner and torch.  The windows are a blaze of light.  Bonfires gleam out through the darkness,-and weird figures whirl in exstacy in their lurid light.

The magnetic wires from Maine to Texas tremble under the shock as if touched by the real lightning of the Heavens.

The trains thunder on with double engines, crashing and swaying with combined weight and speed.

The cannon from lips ablaze belches forth its volleys of applause.

The children in the streets shout-"Hurrah for Garfield": the strong voiced young men under cap and banner roll it from throats of iron.  Maidens and matrons along the line of march, or clinging to the edges of a listening crowd, in softer gentler tones, with waving kerchief, and lips pale with excitement, breathe out the same refrain.  And the white haired gransire, as he turns from his paper, and wipes his dim eyes breaks out, and breaks down, with thanks God Children Thank God.  And so this thing is going on all over the land, one grand pean of praise and thanks, and jubilee!  Everyone who can make a speech-makes one-and those who cannot, -try-what is it all about-what has happened?  Have some great tidings been brot to us?

-2-

Has some stout Rolland fell dead at our gates, with good news from Ghent?

Have we been relieved from a terrible siege, and let out from pestilence and famine?  Have our ripened crops, our sole dependence been saved from the ravages of the Scots and Picts?  Have our fair fields been rescued from the Goths and Huns?-Have our homes, wives and maidens been shielded from the invading Gauls or our young men from the sword of the Romans?  Have we won a great military victory?  No, none of these, --none of these in reality,-at least for the present time-from the future possibilities of some of them, perhaps.

Then, what is it?-what have we gained, adn what been saved from?  WE have gained substantially little we have not before-and we have, I suspect been saved mainly from the dangerous results of our own folleys, we know friends, that on the 19th of April 1861, this nation was plunged in civil war,--we fell that on the 2d day of November, 1880, this war was closed, -and this, is our great peace jubilee? almost 20 years, -two thirds of a generation, a tedious length, the strongest voices, in our shouting ranks, today, were childs prattle and the wail of babies then.

We thought we closed it at Appomattox!  But this was only the first act, -the trial of physical power and military force.  Then followed, as must follow in all such contests, the warfare of mental power, -the matching of thought against thought, mind against mind the testing of principles-their inauguration and establishment-reducing to practice the ideas for which we fought in arms.

The attempts to set right, that which being wrong in the beginning, the cruelties, and injustices of war had made still more wrong.  Blind attempts to change, at once, the social status of a people fixed by centuries.

The magical effort, to make those born with different eyes, always seeing through a different atmosphere, and from a different stand point.  See as we see, -and beyond all, our gigantic and world astounding attempt at national magnanimity--The sight of a single individual, bent as a Fool's Errand-with his mistakes and mishaps,-3-

may be amusing and at times, laughable.

But a great nation following the same role, -dragging along its helpless dependencies, -compromising its position-crippling its powers, -wrecking its trust-risking its liberties, and it Government is too serious a sight for merriment, too pitiful for sarcasm, too sad for all but tears, and fears, -saved from the results of our follys, themselves, remains to be seen.  If only we have learned one thing-viz-the difference between our own property, or possessions, and that which we merely hold in trust for others, --that with our own, we may be as generous and magnanimous as our dispositions lead us to be, provided we have neither dependants nor creditors.  But over that entrusted to us for safe-keeping--which we have voluntarily accepted, and sealed with our pledge, we have no other jurisdiction, than to guard it to the last, -neither our generous impulses nor our enlightened judgement, can enter into this arrangement to change it short of positive and absolute crime, whatever probabilities or possibilities may come, under the observation, however much we may desire to aid, to relieve, even, however well in our own judgement it would be to do so, we are powerless, so far as this trust is concerned.

We may not, we must nor risk one particle of it, for one minute.  This government, its liberties, its well being-its faithful administration-its guardianship against the wiles of doubtful friends, or open foes-is the trust given into the hands of this people, -who have voluntarily accepted the charge, and pledge themselves to its fulfilment.

Has there ever come to us a moment, when in our generous magnanimity we seemed to forget this.  Have we committed the crime of surrendered trust?  have we been brought face to face with the prospect of its terrible penalties?  Have we passed under the rod without its scourge?  Have we still our jewels left, not lost? still in our keeping?  Have we learned a lesson of wisdom, and national responsibility-will we profit by it?  If so we are indeed saved, saved so as by fire-no wonder we meet in grateful thanksgiving through all our vast land-it should be penitent thanks giving as well.

To the God of All sure mercies, let our blessings rise

-6-

today

From the scoffer and maligner he has plucked the spoil away.  To the God of all sure mercies let our blessing rise today
From our follys and our faults he has drawn the scourge waay.
Yes, He who cooled the furnace-around the faithful three
And tamed the Chaldean Lions has set his people free,

And He who turns the courses of the streamlets of the glen
And the rivers of great waters, has turned the hearts of men.
Thanksgiving to the Lord of Life-to him all praises be
Who from the hands of doubtful men, has set our nation free-
All praise to him before whose power the mighty are afraid-
Who takes the crafty in the snare they had for others laid.
Oh sing my soul rejoicingly in evening twilight calm,
Uplift theloud thanksgiving, -pour forth the grateful psalm,
Let all dear hearts with us rejoice as did the saints of old
When of the Lords good angel the rescued Peter told.
Oh let the humble ones arise
The poor in heart be glad,
And let the mourning ones again with robes of praise be clad
For He who cooled the furnace and smoothed the stormy wave
And tamed the Chaldean lions is might still to save.How can I speak?  What can be added to the glory of a Nation whose
citizens are its soldiers? whose warriors, armed, and mighty, -spring
from its bosom in the hour of need, and peacefully retire when the
need is over?

     A nation, which from its civil walks of life has furnished
to its armies, -captains-colonels,-brigadier and major generals, -and
more than all, the great Captain, -the sainted soul, that martialed,
and sped our conquering Hosts, till they wore the victor's crown,
and he the martyr's- Abraham Lincoln.

     When the civil North rises in her might-the shadows of
her warriors darkens the land, and the bristling of her steel brightens
the Heavens--And when the ground shakes under the tread of her
marching Armies well may rebellion, and traitors tremble.

     Your state sent its scores of regiments to the field-
those grand old Regiments under whose banners so many of your brave
martyrs bled and died, -Among whose green shadowy memories your thoughts
love to linger, till martial pride scatters the tear-drop, grief has
gathered, and you bless God that your good green prairies raised
such sacrifices for your country.

     How they came trooping from cottage and hearthstone, how
they filed down your streets and crowded your cars and boats in
their haste to meet the foe, -how the mucis of the fife and drum
rolled over your heads--have you forgotten these days? how they
stood at the front-full.


Gentlemen & Ladies- There is, I believe, in every human organism enough
of self-love, and vanity to render proffered honors gratifying, albeit
accompanied with some misgivings as to the full right of acceptance,
and a consciousness that they are not very fully merited.-Still, they
are gratifying and acceptable.

     For me,-I have been doubly honored, and I am conscious that
I come fully within the pale of the conditions named.

     It was a token of esteem for which I have no words, -(and
until now, no opportunity) to thank you, that created me a member
honorary of your Association, and still farther, that I am invited
to respond to the sentiment which distinguishes your Honorary Members
as such.

     But you will bear in mind that all conditions of membership
in this body are new to me.. I have not yet learned your ways
nor helped to bear your burdens, and am not able to respond with the
intelligence and fitness of the members of almost a decade's experience,
-who have not only been a part of, but have built up the
structure to an eminence and completeness that renders a membership
the desire of the best intellects in the community and the pride
of all.

     I feel my experience very keenly, and when it was first
suggested that I respond to a sentiment here to-night in the presence
of this skilled and practiced assemblage of former members I felt
myself utterly unable to comply, through sheer incompetency.

     What could I say except that you had done me an honor, and
I thanked you.

     A very little speech to make truly, and still, it terrified
me.  But so long as you have really elected me to be, and abide with
you, I may as well throw off all masks, and let you into the inner
courts of my nature, by a slight revelation of personal characteristics.
vis::that all speech making terrifies me. -First-I have no taste for
it.-Next-I have no gift for it.-Next-I have no cultivation for it.-
and lastly.-I hate it.--always did and always shall.  Nothing but
necessity ever drives me to it, and whenever a speech of description
or length from an hour and a half down to three minutes is pro--2- 

posed to me, the first incentive is straight rebellion, open defiance
positive declination-and having delivered myself of these,  tersely
and promptly, I feel very comfortable and happy for a short space
of time, and so it would continue with me, I think, if no one appeared
to care any more about it than I did-But at length it gets
to me that some one is sorry,-disappointed,-had expected a little
help,-more accommodation-greater generosity from me,-is really, very
sorry,-Then, the various tenants of the upper story commence to wake
up and express themselves  approbativeness says-Aren't you ashamed? 
you didn't even try to oblige-Benevolence says-"was that kind?"-
conscience asks if it were quite right?  if it were exactly what I
would have liked myself?  Then trail in that precious land, always
sure to be found on the track of the wrong doer,-conviction-contrition
--repentance!  One says-"you have done very badly"--another, "I
know you are very sorry for it"another--"If really you are sorry,
it may not be too late to retrieve-if you will try, we will help
you."Then good will, and poor judgment,-get around and join the
group, and all commence to batter down and weaken my fortifications.
They level the little earthworks I had thrown up so vigorously in 
the beginning-They order away the sentinels I had  set to guard them
with the greatest care,-they pull down my stars and leave the stripes,
and the result is, a perfect surrender, accompanied by a humble apopogy 
and a promise to do the best I can--our obliging President has
just lived through my 

A. 
[*[1884]*] 
Mississippi Floods .
A-11  Address

Friends-  I always regret to commence
remarks with an apology,  or even an
explanation,  but I scarcely know , 
under the circumstances ,  how to do other
wise.
     I find myself before you as the principle
speaker for the evening, to give an address, as
you have been promised, without the slightest
original intention of doing so, or the smallest
preparation of my subject.
     I am only an accident tonight and
I don't know how I happened!-
     But something in this wise, I conclude,
your good tender-hearted pastor has heard of a
sister church somewhere in the country or out
of it - gone down in a big fire, and his sympathetic
heart craves that his people, so grandly
covered, so fully fed with the word should help
a wee bit to get another church for those who
have none.  He came to me one day with hisB
beautiful christian thought  and asked
me if I could come and stand with him
some Sabbath morning.  I understood it to be
while he should speak with you about it.
And perhaps add a few words of my own.
I thought I might do this -  and later, when
I found it put over till evening.  I said I had
no time to prepare a word to say.  but if he
would not make me either a center-piece
or a figure head,  I would be with him and
say some words,
Later,  I found, to my consternation.
That I was publicly announced to deliver an
address upon the great river floods of 84.
in this church.  Sunday Evening - half past 7 
o clock.  [?] [?]  no formalities omitted.-
My first-impulse was to run away- 
And I assure you I came very near doing it!
And now that I see how many of you there 
are here --- I wish I had
I think I should, only that yesterday I was
called by the International Committee of Geneva
Switzerland, our Directing Head, to make 


C 
known to the people of the United States
and our Red Cross Societies,  that a call
had been issued in behalf of the wounded, 
sick, freezing, and dying of the Bulgarian
and Servian Armies.
If I could have ran away from your
head.  I could not from my own, and must
perforce remain to write, print and circulate
circulars till the Sabbath broke, 
I tried to recollect, as I worked on,  if I
had, anywhere,  a few pages in preparation-
that I could present.  and at last it came to
my mind,  that I had once, on ship board
arranged some pages upon that subject to be 
read to the passengers in the cabin, if the sea
would be quiet long enough to allow it.
After much search that paper was
exhumed,  and I bring it to you- 
Very languid, and sea sick you will
no doubt find it,  but I shall not regret.- 
Somehow I cherish the feeling, that for the innocent
little trick your beloved pastor has played me

I ought to bring him to greater mortification
than I am afraid I shall, the worst I may do- 

E 
desolate and deserted home, standing unkept
unlighted, and unused year after year, and
have in the least comprehended what it all
meant,  who have for a moment realized
That it was just as hard, distasteful, and
unprofitable for me to be out of my home
afloat in the world among strangers, weary
and comfortless, as it would be for you. 
There need not be told that the effort has
not been without cost of time, means. labor
and life -  generally I have come home too
weak to walk, and when a little strength
returned I have left you again to toil on
against the pressure and resistence of objects
hard to move, men slow to comprehend,
and governments intended to be immerable - 
In all these years I believe I have never
recounted to you the succession of work through
which we have passed,  what has really been 
accomplished  I could not tell you in an evening
even if I do have it all to myself. 


[*Mississippi Floods of 1884*]
CLARA BARTON LECTUE.
FRIENDS-  I always regret to commence remarks with an apology, or even an
explanation, but I scarcely know under the circumstances, how to do otherwise. 
I find myself before you as the principle speaker for the evening, to
give an address, as you have been promised, without the slightest original
intention of doing so, or the smallest preparation of my subject. 
I am only an accident tonight and I don't know how I happened! 
But something in this wise, I conclude, Your good tender-hearted pastor
has heard of a sister church somewhere in the country or out of it,- gone
down in a big fire, and his sympathetic heart craves that his people, so
grandly covered, so fully fed with the word should help a wee bit to get
another church for those who have none.  He came to me one day with his
beautiful Christian thought and asked me if I could come and stand with him
some Sabbath morning.  I understood it to be while he should speak with you
about it, and perhaps add a few words of my own.  I thought I might do this,
and later when I found it put over till evening, I said I had no time to
prepare a word to say, but if he would not make me either a center- piece
or a figure head, I would be with him and say some words. 
Later, I found, to my consternation, that I was publicly announced to
deliver an address upon the great river floods of'84 in this church, Sunday
evening, half past 7 o'clock, & c, & c, no formalities omitted.
My first impulse was to run away, and I assure you I came very near
doing it! 
And now that I see how many of you there are here----I wish I had.
I think I should, only that yesterday I was called by the International
Committee of Geneva, Switzerland, our Directing Head, to make known to the
people of the United States and our Red Cross Societies, that a call had
been issued in behalf of the wounded, sick, freezing, and dying of the
Bulgarian and Servian Armies. 

B 

If I could have run away from our head, I could not from my own, and
must perforce remain to write, print and circulate circulars till the
Sabbath broke.
I triet to recollect, as I worked on, if I had, anywhere, a few pages
in preparation that I could present, and at last it came to my mind, that I
had once, on ship board arranged some pages upon that subject, to be  read
to the passengers in the cabin, if the sea would be quiet long enough to
allow it.
After much search that paper was exhumed, and I bring it to you.
Very ;anguid, and seasick you will no doubt find it, but I shall not
regret,-  somehow I cherish the feeling that for the innocent little trick
your beloved pastor has played me, I ought to bring him to greater
mortification than I am afraid I shall, the worst I may do 

CLARA BARTON     SPEECHES & WRITINGS FILE  [*Speeches & lectures*]  [*Manuscripts & printed copies*]  [*1885-87*] 

Address to the German Soldiers
and Brothers in arms at
Milwaukee  Wisconsin 


[*Gentlemen & Ladies     [1885]*] 
Soldiers and Brothers in arms. 

Few spoken words ever fell upon me with greater
force than those of our Brother at our first
meeting.  "There are many, he said, who for
some acts of their lives, receive the grateful
acknowledgment of the world,  after they have
labored, and left it:  but it is seldom that one
is permitted to receive it in his own life time.
- to feel the hand grasp,  to look into the faces,
and listen to the cherished words of those who
love to do them honor." 
I cannot express to you, how deeply 
this thought sand into my heart, as he gave
it out. 
It is fifteen years, comrades, since I stood 
side by side with your friends.  your brothers, Ay! 
with yourselves, on the war trodden fields of the 
Fatherland, and felt the shock of those two greatest 
armies of modern times as they came together with
a crash that shook to its center the entire civilized
world. 
How little we then dreamed of this night. 

2 
That I, a stranger to your land, and your
language, to your customs, and your hearts.
4000 miles from home, with no bond between
us but the brotherhood of humanity, and the
God-given cross under which I served, should, 
after a decade and a half, be remembered, and
called by you, to comradeship on the western
slopes, and lake washed shores of my own loved
America.  Few circumstances in my public
life have even touched me so deeply.as this. 
I had so loved the Fatherland!   And well
I might,  for all its people, from the weary 
fainting soldier, who took of me, a morsel
of bread,  a cup of water, or a bandage for
his wound,- up, up, to its Royal daughter, its
beloved Empress queen,  and its grand old 


3
Kaiser with his wonderful crown of 88 
years ,have one and all, sought with
unwavering assiduety through there fifteen years
to do me honor, and to command all they could
reach to do the same. 
Let us go back a moment, comrades, only 
a moment, out of this brilliant hall of light
elegance, luxury, beauty, pleasure and peace.-
Take my hand, as we wander back and stand
once more under the helmets and the Black Eagles
of Germany.  shoulder to shoulder, with lances
poised, and listen to the war toned shout of
command as the gallant Fritz throws his army
in the face of the foe on those first old fields of
Woerth and Hagenau.
Let go my hand, now, comrades, -push 

4 
you on, under your Eagles, while I follow
you step by step, with the Banner of the Red
Cross under which I must fight.-  As you fall,
I must gather you up. On on you press, where
duty leads :  the field is plowed with cannon, 
planted with slain, and watered with blood. 
The fire and smoke roll over you.  The sabers gleam
and clash;  the fallen, both friend and foe lie
thick in your track,  here mingle and draggle
in dust the helmet of the Prussian, the red cap of
France, the scarf of the Arab.  The band of the
Turco, and the tassel of the Zuave-
On you press,  on I follow, over morass, through 
ravines, across the war trodden field of the husbandman. 
till at length, amid a thunder of
shouts, such as only victorious armies ever give 


5
The Eagles of France disappear, and the
Black Eagles of Germany flap their conquering
wings in their place. 
Once more our hands clasp, but oh: 
my poor brother,  mine are now stronger
than yours.--  There's blood on your brow
come rest you under my flag.  its cross
shall shelter, and its peaceful balm shall
heal.  =  But the old King, von Moltker 
and Fritz are ahead. - They follow the [?], 
and we must follow them.  Strasburg 
Metz.  Gravellota ; -  oh: cover your eyes,
shut out that sight, and name it not to mass.
-- Sedan, -  the fields redden.  Your heavy
trains thunder back with the dying, and the dead
The long days of fight go on till at last a 

6 
flying courier bears in a white flag--
France bows its warlike head,  and waits
The surrender is made-  The Royal decree
spoken.  "Bear him to Williams Height lie
castle".  and your Imperial enemy in
ermine and gold.  The last of the Napoleonic rule- 
lies a prisoner in the Fatherland. 
On on to Paris;  Set you down before
its massive kingly gates till fire, and hunger,
open them,  on, into the gilded palace of
Versailles you follow your conquering
King, to come out Kaiser William 1st, of 
United Germany -   The Fatherland - 
through two - centuries, is avenged
Brothers, your work is done, your
tired feet may rest .  Your conquering Eagles 


7
may go home and peacefully watch the
Rhine.  And we may return to our
brilliant hall, citizens you, of a new chosen
country, my country, but none the less
loving and loyal to the grand old Fatherland,
beyond the sea.
Brothers.  Citizens.  You see, you all 
see how humble, how small was my share
in this,  how unlikely to have been remembered,
and you can realize how that fact must enhance
the value of this recognition by these brave soldiers
who faced death on those bloody fields till they righted 
a wrong of centuries,  overthrew one empire, and
created another. 
It is a proud moment for me, when these brave
warriors call me to come and take my place, 

8 
and be one with them.  No sweeter surprise
could have come to me than this announcement,
and in every letter I have had the privilege of
writing to the honored President of the [Woffenger?] 
Kreiger I have endeavored to give him to
understand how deeply I felt this generosity;
but realizing that I have failed to express with
my pen, what I have felt, I am inexpressibly 
grateful for the beautiful opportunity which has
been given me to speak it thus publicly, not only
to the comrades who have honored me, but to 
the people of this beautiful city of Milwaukee 
as well, and to acquaint them so far as I
can, with the history and character of the brave
men, who have come to make a home among them. 
Cherish them, my countrymen of America. 

9
for they were worthy in their own land.
- honor them, for they were brave, - love them 
for they have suffered.- 
And now, soldiers, in the fraternal
bonds of comradeship, true while life,
lasts,  I pledge you my faith,  I give you my
thanks.  I leave you my blessing, and I bid you
good night. 

[11 Sturbam ?]

Stray pages of the St. Paul paper on
Prison Reform
recd before the Conference of Charities &
Corrections -- Gaby. 1888 -

Some steps in life are accounted unwise -
some positively foolish - some fool hardy.
Until the present hour, perhaps the most
foolhardy step I have ever been led to later
was the temporary superintendance of a 
state prison for the management control,
and reformation of women. The consenting
however unwillingly to undertake a
work of which I knew nothing; and yet
under such circumstance I did undertake
it, and continued in it longer
than I agreed to.
But good, kind and loving friends, in
point of temerity and fool-hardiness the
effort of this present hour beggars that.
That I should, in any way however tacitly
have given consent to take my place
in this desk this evening beside these
gentlemen who embody in themselves the
experimental knowledge of the world upon
this subject, - and before this audience
trained to thought the cultivated cream of
the land. I with literally no experienceno knowledge of the subject with thoughts
running always in other channels. is
to me past human comprehension
The Lord directs, let us obey.
     In May 1883, after four months of combined
importunity from the then Governor
Generbal Butler and all the people interested
in and controlling the penal
institutions of the state of Massachusetts
that I would take the superintendicy of
Sherborn Reformatory Prison (and it was, I
believe the only point upon which the
Governor and these people ever did agree, I decided
to take it for six months - I
remained something longer.
     I entered that prison feeling myself
so ignorant of all that pertained to its line
of work - and methods and thought -
such dearth, such vacancy in my mind
of all that should be there, that it seemed
to me positively wicked, to waste my own
time and that of the community and

3
and those who must come under me,
in the strengthless, thoughtless vacancy
of my attempted work - I seemed to myself
a kind of empty [balloon]. balloon
     At the end of eight months I went
out of it with a burden of thoughts,
plans, ways and means possible and
impossible under which my body could
scarcely hold itself erect, or my feet carry
me away.
     I seemed more to myself like an already
heavy laden ship which had met another
in distress and taken on shipwreck
passengers and crew, till her gunwales
hugged the water, and her laboring
wheels wearily tugged for the land.
     So piled, so crossed, and iris crossed
so intricate - so vast - contradictory, perplexing,
so vexed by customs, so
hampered by foolish laws, so burned by
mercenary ends, so fettered by political
4  1
aspirations, asperities and jealousies to
say nothing of thheimmutable laws, of
natural descent as related to crime,
so discouraging was all this to be faced
from the latter half of a busy life
that I wearily and gladly turned and
laid the burden down on the hands of
you skilled laborers and have mainly
been content to feel and leave it there.
The subject of prison reform seems to 
me so vast, and the methods by which 
it is to be attempted so varied that it
can scarcely be touched in one talk
The first question might be what is
meant by prison reform, and in what 
degree:  palliation or cure?  I well remember
the one question which [always] usually confronted me
from visitors at Sherborne "Miss Barton
how is it?  Do you really reform anyone here?"
My reply was, "That depends upon
                                                                             3
but, if reform may mean that the habits which must 
inevitably grow up in the minds, characters and tastes
of these women during a turn of two years of sober
industrious and instructed life, in which they shall see
only cleanliness and order, where the workroom shall
replace the street, the quiet cell, the schoolroom and the
chapel shall take the place of the grog-shop and the brothel,
kindly spoken advice, prayer praise and song in the
place of oaths and vulgarity, and a resolution at
least to try to lead a better life; if all this may be
accounted in the direction of reform, than yes a 
thousand times yes.  We reform all who come within
our walls.
The prison in itself, so far as it goes is well, the danger
lies beyond, in the temptations, the lures, the traps of
the community into which the poor weak creature
is plunged in her first hour of regained liberty.
I never saw one of these women  go out  - with her little
bundle of freedoms suit, and watched the eager, timid
and half frightened expression of her face, and felt
the child like clinging grasp of her hand upon mine
                                                                                          4
as the trembling "good bye, don't forget me" fell from
her lips, that a great prayer did not rise up in my
heart -- oh God, strengthen her weakness, guard, guide
and protect her from the temptations and the snares
leading her down to death, of thy [vist???] and free
outside these prison walls -- 
                                                  I recall an official visit
from some twenty members of the Legislature at Boston,
for the purpose of overlooking the prison, seeing what it 
might need and how it could best be officially served.
Accordingly my opinion as superintendent was asked --
if the prison were what it should be in its appointments,
if it were large enough, or too large, etc.  And in a 
general way what I would recommend to them to do;
I replied, - "This prison is all very well, a model prison,
and certainly as large as it ought to be for the size of the state;
and it is very probable there is not much that you can
directly do for it at present, -- as an institution: - but
gentlemen, the Institution from which you came, has the
making of the laws by which this institution exists.
Any time when you there will find a way to make it
impossible for the people of this state to get intoxicating

5
liquors, upon which to get drunk - I will guarantee
that in six months the state of Massachusetts may [?]
Sherborn prison for a shoe manufactory - True vice
will exist without drunkenness but to no such extent
as to require miles of prison galleries for the women
of Massachusetts -
     There follows in their mournful train
the sin bound cortege of primal and secondary causes
for vice and crime, and which makes necessary the
various methods of treatment - which have been here so
able discussed that no words of mine could throw a
single [?ay] of added light upon the subject.
I can only concur or perhaps express suggestively
some preferences which may have presented themselves
to me.
     In regard to indeterminate sentences, I may
not be sufficiently clear upon the technical points as
presented by our good brother Dr. Wines, but in a
general way, I would say, I am in favor of an
unfixed term of imprisonment when the sentence
is given. A fixed time of release is an independence
to the prisoner beyond the power of his keepers, and

6
stands directly in the way of all reform.
If it were possible, I would advocate entire separation,
one prisoner from another, and from all others of
their kind, leaving their companionship with their
keepers, guardians, instructors and attendants. It is
quite possible for one evil minded prisoner, endowed
with a natural power of leadership; (and their name is
legion), to undo in one half hour of general recreation
with freedom of contact and speech, all that the entire
prison staff have been able to do in six months in the way
of moral reformation, This course may prove to be neither
wise nor possible = but the prison reformer in his discouragement
will often wish it were -
     I would earnestly
advocate in all prisons, police stations houses
of detention, in short every where, the placing
of arrested women, and of women prisoners, in
charge of women only - and men in charge
of men, it is just and right for every
reason of virtue and decency =7
I would for every consideration of humanity
have the most careful and scientific
investigation made in all prisons for
any tendency among us inmates to insanity
The wilful subjection to prison rules, and
prison penalties of those from whom benighted
minds the light of reason and the power 
of self control have been withdrawn, is cruelly
inexcusable.  Their examination and suitable
removal should receive skillful and prompt
attention, not only for the sake of the prisoner,
but the prison itself:  both suffer by remaining
together.  

I beg to suggest the lessening, so 
far as possible of the stimulating qualities of 
the food generally provided in prisons:  more
of grains, vegetables, and fruits, and less of 
meat, grease and coffee.  The beneficial 
results of this, I am confident would be seen in
the better temper, more tractible nature, lessened 
irritability, and happier frame of mind 
of convicts in general.

8
I would have the food plentiful but unstimulating, 
cooling, wholesome.  The records of
the punishments in prisons could not fail in time 
to demonstrate the improvements of this course.
I fully realize the difficulties to be encountered, 
and the volcanic ground upon which
any warden or superintendent would step.  The
moment any change in this direction were
undertaken; but the question always remains.
Are the convicts of a prison to make up their
own "Bill of Fare" and insist upon it to the point
of rebellion?
I am neither a believer in , nor
and advocate of capitol punishment; and have 
always been opposed to the pardoning power 
upon the ground that it made capitol punishment
a necessity for the safety of communities
If a criminal could be sentenced to imprisonment
for life, and remain so, the world would 
be safe from him; but no sooner is he sentenced
that the officious, or sentimental, or maudling, or9
designing portions of society commence steps
for his pardon, and at length, such enginery
is brought to bear that it is worth an official
life to refuse, and in due course of time he is
pretty sure to be set at liberty in defiance of
the law which forever him guilty to prey anew upon his fellow men: Thus making
it almost if not quite necessary to ill the
criminal in order to prevent them from killing others.

But says one, If it were found
that a prisoner had been wrongfully convicted
and was unjustly held, would you not have
this person pardoned? Most certainly
not! - Pardon implies crime.
If the prisoner is not guilty, I would
have him or her publicly vindicated and
set at liberty, and not subjected to the
additional degradation and wrong of
receiving a pardon for a [wrong] crime never
committed.


deliberations

There remained but one subject more
which I would name, and but a
world of that. Simply the relations and
feeling to be maintained between the inmates
of a prison, and those in charge
of them, I would recommend not only
a uniform kindness, and firmness
of course, on the pack of every attendantStray pages of the original draft of the
paper read at St. Paul, "conference of charities
and corrections" = Upon Prison Reform -
The corrected copy as sent to Miss Barrows
for publication does not contain the personal
portions of the [address] paper as read

14
but a uniform politeness as well, like
begets like in spite of every thing.
It increases self respect - This they
have lost, and this they need to have
restored so far as may be. Make punishment
as rare as possible - but sure
and in all instances as light as the case
will admit of.
I regard undue severity of punishment,
as far more harmful and demoralizing
than no correction at all. Cultivate the
love of the convicts by all proper means,
it is more potent than punishment.
I believe the record of my last month
at Sherborn shows not a single punishment
among 300 and 400 women, they
grew to feel that tho only hurt of their
punishment was the pain it gave me,
and when I met them for the last
night in the chapel, and told them we
should not meet again, and invited [ea]
each to come and bid me good-bye, tho
sobs and wails that went out and the15
tears that rained over my hands and
held theirs for tho last time was harder
for me than all the eight months work
I had done among them - and as I
passed down the long corridors in the
dark at ten o'clock, unheard by them
and the low moans and sobs were still
going out it was too much to bear.
   I sought my room - sank down, cold
and shivering with the terrible thought
that rushed over me - had it not been
all wrong - was I far enough removed
from them? Surely we must be too
near alike, if not akin, or they would
never have clung to me with that pitiful
love. I went out from the prison walls
of Sherborn next morning. I have never
seen a face there since I have never
returned, and I have no desire to.


An address. read
at an International Conference
At Saratoga? -[i] and having
relations to my experiences at
Sherborn Prison -

Two copiesSome steps in life are accounted unwise - some foolish
- some foolhardy.  Until the present hour perhaps the most foolhardy
step I have ever been led to take was the temporary superintendance 
of a State Prison for the management, control and 
reformation of women.
The consenting however unwillingly to undertake a work
of which I know nothing; and yet under such circumstances I did
undertake it, and continued in it longer than I agreed to.  But
good, kind and loving friends, in point of temerity and foolhardiness
the effort of this present hour beggars that.  That I
should in any way, however tacitly, have given consent to take
my place in this desk this evening beside these gentlemen who
embody in themselves the experimental knowledge of the world upon
this subject, and before this audience, trained to thought, the
cultivated cream of the land, I, with literally no experience, no
knowledge of the subject, with thoughts running always in other
channels - is to me past human comprehension.  The  Lord directs
- let us obey. 
In May 1883, after four months of combined importunity
from the then Governor, General Butler, and all the people interested
in and controlling the penal institutions of the State of
Massachusetts, that I would take the superintendency of  Sherborn
Reformatory Prison, (and it was I believe the only point upon 
which the Governor and the people ever did agree)  I decided to
take it  for six months.  I remained something longer. 
I entered that prison feeling myself so ignorant of all
that pertained to its line of work and methods and thought - such
dearth - such vacancy in my mind of all that should be there, that 


Sherborn.     -2-
it seemed to me positively wicked, to waste my own time and that
of the  community and those who must come under me, in the
strengthless, thoughtless vacancy of my attempted work - I seemed
to myself a kind of empty baloon. 
At the end of eight months I went out of it, with a
burdens of thoufhts, plans, ways and means, possible and impossible,
under which my body could scarcely hold itself erect or
my feet carry me away. 
I seemed more to myself like an already heavy laden
ship, which had met another in distress and taken on shipwrecked
passengers and crew, till her gunwales hugged the water and her
laboring wheels wearily tugged for the land.
S o piled, so criss-crossed, so intricate, so vast,
contradictory, perplexing, so vexed by customs, so 
hampered by foolish laws, so bound by mercenary ends, so fettered
by political ambitions, aspirations, asperities and jealousies,
to say nothing of the immutable laws of natural descent as related
to crime - so discouraging was all this to be faced from
the latter half of a busy life, that I wearily and gladly turned
and laid the burden down on the hands of you skilled laborers,
and have mainly been content to feel and leave it there. 
The subject of prison reform seems to me to be so vast 
and the methods by which it is to be attempted so varied, that it
can scarcely be touched in one talk. 
The first question might be, what is meant by prison
reform? and in what degree?  Paliation or cure?  I well remember 
the one question which always confronted me from visitors at
Sherborn - "Miss Barton, how is it, do you really reform any one
here?"  My reply was "that depends upon what you consider reform
to consist in.  If you mean to ask if we take women here, badly
born, worse raised, with inherited, habitual vagrants crime in 

Sherborn.     -3- 
their natures,with the grog shop and the brothel for their
teachers, who never lived a decent day or knew a decent night,
filthy inside and out - and by a residence of a few months here
we are able to send them out to you not only good, well behaved,
industrious, cleanly, sober, orderly,honest, respectable members
of society - something they never were before - infailable, proof
against all the temptations and vices which you of the free community
on the outside my throw in their path, so they shall never
fall again - then No, we reform no one, and our prison is a failure;
but, if reform may mean that the habits which must incidenttally 
grow up in the minds, characters and tastes of these women
during a term of two years of sober, industrious and instructed
life, in which they shall see only cleanliness and order - where 
the work room shall replace the street, the quiet cell, the school
room and the chappel in the place of the grog shop and the brothel
kindly spoken words of advice, prayer praise and song in the place
of oaths and vulgarity and a resolution at least to try to lead a 
better life, if all this may be accounted in the direction of 
reform, then Yes, a thousand times Yes, we reform all that comex
within our reach. 
The prison in itself is all well but the danger lies beyond
in the temptations, the lures and the traps of the community into
which this poor, weak creature is plunged in her first hour of
regained liberty.  I never saw one of these women go out with her
little bundle of freedom suit, and watched the eager yet timid
and half frightened look on her face, and felt the child-like
clinging grasp upon mine and heard the universal "Good bye, don't
forget me" that through the tears a great prayer did not rise up
in my heart "Oh, God, strengthen her weakness - guard her from 


Sherborn.     -4- 

THE TEmptations and the snares leading her down to death, of Thy
virtuous and free, outside these prison walls." 
I recall once an official visit from about twenty
members of the State Legislature, at Boston, for the purpose of
overlooking the Prison and seeing what it might need and how it
could be best officially served;  accordingly they appealed to me
for my opinion generally - if the prison were what it should be
on its appointments, if it were large enough or too large, etc. 
and in a general way what I would recommend to them to do;  as by
recent act they had made me not only Superintendent BUT  Treasurer
and Steward as well.  I replied: 
This Prison is all very well - a model prison and certainly
as large as it ought to be for the size of the State;  and
it is very probably that there is not very much that you can 
directly do for it at present, as an Institution - but Gentlemen - 
the Institutions from which you come has the making the laws by
which this Institution exists - any time when you there will find
a way to make it impossible for the people of this State to get
intoxicating liquors, upon which to get drunk - I will guarantee
that in six months the State of Massa chusetts may rent Sherbon 
for a shoe manufactury.  I am not sure that they believed what I
SAID , but I did and still do. 
True, crime will exist without drunkenness, but to no
such extent as to require two miles of prison galleries for the
women of Massachusetts. 
In this country I regard drunkenness as the great 
father of crime, and the mother of prisons, alms houses, asylums
and work houses - the parent of vice and want and the instigator
of murder.  Whatever bears ever so little against this,  is to my
mind "Prison Reform." 

Sherborn.     -5- 

T hen follow in their mournful train the sin bound cortege
of primal and secondary causes of vice and crime and which make
necessary the various methods of treatment which have been so ably
discovered  that no words of mine could throw a single ray of 
added light upon the subject.  I can only concur or perhaps express
suggestively some preferences which may have presented themselves
to me. 
In regard to intermediate sentences:  I may not be sufficiently
clear upon the technical points as presented by our good brother
but in a general way I would say I am unequivocally in favor of an
unfixed term of imprisonment when the sentence is given.  A fixed
time of release is an independence to the prisoner beyond the
power of his keepers and stands directly in the way of all reform. 
If it were possible I would advocate entire separation, one
prisoner from another, and from all others of their kind, leaving
their companionship entirely with their keepers, guardians, instructors 
and attendants;  it is quite possible for one evil minded 
prisoner endowed with a natural gift of leadership, and their name
is legion, to undo in one half hour of general recreation with
fredom of contact and speech, all that the entire prison staff have 
been able to do in the way of moral reformation in a whole month. 
This I have bitterly realized.  I do not know if separation will
ever be found practicable, but in my judgment is nearly indispensible 
to successful efforts at all prison reform.  It is largely
the same contact with this same class of society which has destroyed
them - it cannot restore them. 
I would earnestly advocate everywhere, in all prisons, police
stations, houses of detention in short everywhere, the placing of
arrested women and women prisoners, in charge of women only, and
men in charge of men.  It is just and right for every reason of
virtue and decency;  here again it is largely this contact that has 


Sherborn.     -6- 

destroyed,  it cannot restore.
I would for every consideration of humanity have the most
careful, intelligent and scientific investigation made in all 
prisons for any possible tendency to insanity on the part of any
prisoner.  The wilful subjection to prison rules and penalties 
of those from whose benighted souls the light of reason and the power
of self control have  been withdrawn is cruelty 
inexcusable and accursed in the sight of God and man. 
In the name of all mercy single these out and take them to
their own place. 
Again, I would in the name of humanity lessen so far as possible
the stimulating qualities of the food generally given out
in prisons - more of grains, vegetables and fruit, and less of
meat.  The result of this I am confident would be seen in the
better temper, more tractable natures, lessened irritability and
happier framex of minds on the part of all convicts.  I would 
have the food plentiful but unstimulating and the cooking wholesome.
The records of the  punishments in a prison could
not fail in time to demonstrate the beneficial result of this co 
course. 
Cannot this thought find somewhere and some time a little
consideration in your deliberations?  In the name of humanity I
suggest it. 
There remains but one subject more which I would name, and
but a word of that - simply the relations and feelings to be
maintained between the inmates of a prison and those in charge of
them.  I would recommend not only a uniform kindness and firmness
of course on the part of every attendant, but a uniform politeness
as well.  Like begets like in spite of everything.  It increases
self respect.  This they have lost, and this they need 

-7-
to have restored so far as may be. Make punishment as rare as
possible but sure and in all instances as light as the case will
admit of. I regard undue severity of punishment as
far more harmful than no correction at all. Cultivate the
love of the convicts of all proper means - it is more potent than
punishment.
I believe the record of my last month at Sherborn shows not
a single punishment among between three and four hundred women.
They grew to feel that the only hurt of their punishment was the
pain it gave me, and when I met them for the last night in the
chapel, and told them we should not meet again, and invited each
to come and bid me good bye, the sobs and wails that went out,
and the tears that went over my hands as I held theirs for the last
time was harder for me than all the eight months work I had done
among them, and as I passed down the long corridors in the dark,
unheard by them, at then O'clock, and the low moans and sobs were
still going out, it was too much to bear. I sought my own room - 
sank down, cold and shivering with the terrible thought that
rushed over me - had it not been all wrong -mwas I far enough
removed from them? Surely we must be too near alike, if not skin
or they would never have clung to me with that pitiful love. 
I went out from the prison walls of Sherborn next morning.
I have never seen a face there since. I have never returned and
I have no desire to.[*S - Schools -*]
[*Page 13*] 
[*11--A*]
[*Remarks
at Commencement
Excercises*]

Business Education.

Spencerian Business College, 

Corner of Seventh and D Sts., N. W., 
(NATIONAL BANK OF THE REPUBLIC BUILDING,)
Washington, D. C. 

Announcement for 1887-8. 
THE SCHOLASTIC YEAR BEGINS SEPT. 1.  COLLEGE OFFICE OPEN FOR
ARRANGEMENTS AUGUST 29, AND EVERY WEEK DAY WHEREAFTER.

BYRON S. ADAMS, PRINTER. 

12 SPENCERIAN BUSINESS COLLEGE.

luminate the depths of our understanding, and so
have learned how to save four-fifths of the time and
all of the worry we formerly expended on mathematical
researches. Why should we not take at
least one-fifth of the time thus gained for broad and
generous culture? That is just what we have done.
It has made business more delightful, and life more
glorious. Like dear personal friends and counsellors
have the old poets thus to us become. We learn from
them that truly

"We live--O we live
And this life that we conceive
Is a noble thing and high,
Which we climb up loftily
To view God without a stain."

Dear friends of the Class of '87, it is the nature of
partings to make us forget errors and remember
kindness and love alone. If in our days together
there have been failures of duty to our teachers, to
each other, to ourselves, let us think of them only
for the lesson loss and pain they taught us. You
remember Beecher said: "there is no cream so rich
as that which rises from spilt milk." May the world
ever deal as kindly with our errors as these dear
friends have done. Yet we may well believe it will
not be so loving and tender. Whatever hardships
may await us, let us preserve our honor, and reflect
upon our beloved College at least a portion of the
credit it merits from our hands. We shall ever
observe each other's struggles, successes, triumphs
or misfortunes with a thrill of sympathy, as brothers
and sisters of one household. O brothers, sisters,
remember;
"A sacred burden is this life we bear,
Look on it, lift it, bear it solemnly,
Stand up and walk beneath it, steadfastly
Fail not for sorrow, falter not for sin,
but onward, upward till the goal ye win."
God bless and guard you all! Farewell!
DEAR TEACHERS :--The beneficiaries of your kindness
are numbered by thousands. To the incense of 
their gratitude we lovingly add our own.
Through flames and smoke, and wreck and calamity
you have been preserved to us. Through
losses and crosses, grievous to be borne, you have
safely passed, bearing ever sunshine, calm faith and
an atmosphere of love with you and around you.
We believe more in the immortality of the soul, than
we did before we knew you, for surely you are immortal!
We ask you blessing on our heads. Farewell!
Miss Kelly's popularity and handsome delivery
won earnest recognition from the audience.
Prof. Spencer, with a well merited tribute
to the services the former Superintendent of
Public Schools had rendered to the community,
then introduced the
Hon. J. Ormond Wilson,
who said:
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN :
We are gathered on this occasion to give
a hearty greeting to the young women and 
men who have diligently applied themselves
during the past year to that study and discipline
which should fit them more especially
for the practical duties of life called business.
It so happens, too, that this commencement
of the Washington Spencerian Business
College, is its twenty-first, and this number
suggests arriving to womanhood and manhood,
attaining to maturity.

It has been my good fortune to know
much of the work of this institution from
the beginning, and it is from it more than
from any other source that I have been able
to learn the educational value of the class of
schools to which this one belongs--schools
now established in all the commercial centers
of the country.
In looking through the Annual Reports of
the United States Bureau of Education,
whose accomplished head, the Commissioner,
honors us with his presence to day, I find
that the special department of education
which this school so successfully represents,
fills more and more space in that valuable
volume each succeeding year, and that in the
last decade, the number of schools has increased
from 131 to 232, and the number of students
from 26,109 to 43,706, a gain of nearly
one hundred per cent, and I find also that at 
the same time there has been a corresponding
enlargement of the courses of study, and
improvement in the methods of instruction.
The Business College, like most human
institutions, is the result of a gradual development.
Its germ was perhaps a school in which
only the art of penmanship was taught, an
art, to be sure, very practical, useful and important
to mankind. Then Bookkeeping
was introduced, and Arithmetic, the elements
of law and the customs relating to commercial
and business transactions, familiarity
with and ability to draw up all the forms required
for these, and to properly conduct the
correspondence connected, therewith commercial
Geography and History, and the
ready and skilful use of the Type-Writer.
The study of the English language, especially
with reference to its practical uses,
is not overlooked, and students are well
trained in the ways of acquiring useful knowledge
from books, the great store-houses of 
the past, and from newspapers, magazines,
and other publications of the day. The libraries
of these institutions now form a regular
item in their statistics and at this time
they include more than one hundred thousand
volumes (100,000).
The work done by these schools is 
thoroughly in accord with the great principle
of Comenius, to learn to do by doing
and hence we find, in each, its bank and
currency, its merchandise and wholesale
and retail departments, and, as far as may
be, all the forms of business materialized, so
that the hand and eye may perform their
proper functions in education.
The one thing that is especially to be noted
is the fact that the student is continually
doing, from the day of his entry to the day 
of his departure. His theoretical knowledge
is to a great extent deduced from his practical
training.

SPENCERIAN BUSINESS COLLEGE. 13

At the same time the importance of ethical
culture is not lost sight of. The student
is required to learn and practice self control,
to be prompt, industrious, honest, exact,
truthful, temperate, regardful of the rights
of others, for these moral qualities are all 
essential to any true success in the business
world.
It has been well said that learning is essentially
self-tuition, teaching the superintendence
of the process, and the essential
function of the teacher consists in helping
the pupil to teach himself. Measured by
this standard, the methods of instruction in 
this Business College must receive the hearty
endorsement of all intelligent educators.
There is another point of view from which
these schools appear to great advantage, and
that is, in what they have done and are doing
for the advancement of women. They are
thoroughly preparing them for a great variety
of suitable employments in which
formerly only men were engaged, and which
were regarded as exclusively within their
province. These schools have demonstrated
the fact that women can be educated successfully
in business lines, and that they can become
quite as efficient as men when employed
as bookkeepers, stenographers, type-
writers, correspondents, or in the more general
duties of a clerk or proprietor in many
branches of business. In this way new fields
of work are open to then and this must
lead to a more equitable adjustment of compensation
for labor. Why pay women less
than men for similar work? The question 
will not down and the answer must yet come
in the form of an equalization of pay everywhere.
In expressing these views in regard
to the education of women, we have in mind
no particular class or condition; they have
a general application.
The evidence of the practical usefulness of
our Washington Spencerian Business College
can be pointed to on every hand throughout
the city.
Its graduates and students are now to be
found filling places requiring special ability
and skill and entire trust-worthiness in the
government departments, national and local,
in the banks, counting houses, and offices of
various kinds, and even in the other schools,
public and private. When we carefully investigate
the work it does in a short period 
of time, it at first seems to be incredible;
but as has been well said, "Given a teacher
in right conditions, with right ideas, with
true enthusiasm, in the presence of a pupil
with lofty aims and power of concentration,
it is astonishing how much may be accomplished
in a very short time."
It does not propose to do the work of a 
public school, but rather to work in harmony
with it, as its practical supplement.
The full and complete definition of education
fills a wide space, and the public
school, at its best, can never occupy the 
whole of it. It is a great mistake to try to
put it in place of the family and the church,
of the professional and the trades school and
of various other institutions, each of which
has been wisely established, developed and
adapted to its own special purposes.
I will not detain you longer, for I know
you have come here this bright and beautiful
May afternoon, when earth and sky are 
at their best, and tree and flower are rejoicing
in the flood of Spring time, and when all
nature beckons you without, to give a look,
a word of approval and cheer to the young
women and young men who, having been 
diligent and faithful in preparation, are now
about to enter bravely upon the discharge
of the responsible duties of life's business,
and I am here to unite with you in extending
to them a hearty greeting and to say to our
most worthy friends, Mr. and Mrs. Spencer,
"God speed you in your work for our city."
May your educational progeny be as numerous 
as the seed of Abraham of old, " like
the sands of the sea." The world will be
better for it.
Mrs. Spencer, in a touching tribute to the
life and character of a woman whom the
crowned heads of the world have delighted
to honor, introduced

Miss Clara Barton,
President of the American Association of
the Red Cross, 
who said:
MR. AND MRS. SPENCER:
DEAR FRIENDS:
I thank you for the honor of an invitation
to make a few remarks upon this beautiful
occasion.
Fortunately this means neither an essay
nor an address, for which nor you nor I
could at this moment fine the time.
And were it otherwise, and I had a 
thoughtfully prepared speech, suited to the
occasion, I could not reproduce it here. The
spirit of the hour, the unique, the ethereal
character of the surroundings, would not
permit it. The reflections awakened by the
scene would forbid it. The very presence
of these pupils of yours, these young men
and young women, bravely preparing the
first steps towards a life of active usefulness--
girding on the sandals for the toilsome but
glorious march of life--a march in which
their footsteps will not always, as to-day
press fragrant banks of blooming flowers--
all these, would rally about me an army of
memories which like the pursuing ghost of
Banquo would not down, and all the fine
phrases, however well dressed for the14     SPENCERIAN BUSINESS COLLEGE. 

Occasion would vanish like the fog under a
morning sun.  I could see in the commencement
of the lives of these young men and
women but the beginning of my own, and 
like a humble member of an evening prayer
meeting, could only tell my experience and
sit down.  For regard it as we may, this college
of yours, is the Jacquard on the loom
by which the pattern of their entire lives is
to be sleid and woven.  The threads they
are tying to-day will run through the whole
web, for strictly I hold that every man or
woman to be able to conduct the affairs of
business life and execute its transactions
with success, comfort and safety to themselves
and others, must first, somewhere or
somehow, find the training to fit them for it.
Thorough and safe business habits and
methods will not come of themselves, they 
are neither indigenous nor spontaneous
among man and woman kind.  Indeed, the
first great law of Heaven seems to have been
well nigh exhausted before reaching the
human part of creation, and disorder is
largely the rule among the dwellers of this
poor globe. 
All the failures among business men, and
the wreck of those with whom they are connected
are by no means attributable to
wrong intentions.  These persons are simply 
attempting to do something for which
they have not been educated, and consequently 
do not know how to do. 
Biddy meant no harm when she put "the 
tay with the mate to boil."  They were "both
to be boiled and schure." 
It is the unskilled, and not the malicious
engineer who runs his train off the track. 
True there is now and then a skillful man 
who perverts his knowledge to wicked ends; 
but it is not him nor his class with whom 
we are dealing.  The public and the laws 
generally find a way to deal with him, and
verily it were better for that man if he had
not been born. 
But the miserable array of individuals who
fail of success in life, eating the bread of remorse 
and poverty themselves, and dealing 
it out to others, through simple ignorance of
the things they are attempting to do, is both 
pitiful and appalling, and these individuals
themselves, are often a perplexity to lookers
on.  As, for instance :  I could never comprehend
how two persons transacting business 
with each other upon an honorable basis,
with correct intentions, could have difficulty
in a settlement.  They are simply not accurate. 
It has always been difficult for me to comprehend
how a person engaged in business 
for himself, in the absence of sudden or unexpected
losses, or unforeseen falling of
stocks, should, after a time, find himself involved,
and compelled to bankruptcy, himself 

being as greatly surprised thereat, as
those who had trusted him.  This could
scarcely happen I think to a person accurately
trained in systematic methods of business. 
That person would perceive his condition,
scent the danger from afar, and shape
his course to save both his creditors and himself. 
People are naturally careless and slipshod
in their transactions with each other, and
even the strict integrity of business must be
taught and learned.  Such knowledge and
such methods can alone make life successful, 
or its burdens bearable. 
That is what these wise and faithful teachers 
are doing for you.  They are making your
life burdens easier to carry all the way down 
to the end, and a marvellous example they
have given you in themselve.  during this
very term you have seen them pass through
a crisis, which ordinarily considered, would
have been a justifiable cause for complete 
failure, the rupture of all contracts, and the 
ruin of future prospects.  In unskilled hands 
it would have thus resulted. 
But what are the facts?  Through the wreck
of all, barely escaping with life, no man has
lost a dollar by them, their pupils not a 
day's tuition, I believe, and to-day their Institution
bears no sign of the ordeal through
which it has passed. 
At sunrise following that terrible night, a
business room had been improvised in their
hotel, and I listened to orders given and
carried out with the precision and system of
a Banking House, while yet the odor of
smoke lingered in every thread of the garments. 
This was a practical, terribly practical,
illustration of the system they teach, and
you had the good fortune to have lived it
through with them.  A lesson you will never 
forget.  It was my fortune in early life to
see and live through some things in this direction
of practical instruction. 
I said I could only tell my experience. 
Shall I do so?
At fifteen, I had commented life as a New
England teacher, the youngest of my family
by many years. 
My brothers were already heavy business 
men.  The elder, Capt. Stephen Barton, had 
in him the elements of a good, and a great 
man--a scholarly man.  Mathematics were
to him playthings, and business a pastime. 
For some cause, perhaps partly curiosity 
to see what a little girl could do, for far less
was expected of girls then, than now, he
placed me in his counting house, and with
his own masterly mind and hand taught me
what to do there. 
With the aid of assistants I continued my
two vocations, holding supervision of both,
my school room, and my counting house. 


SPENCERIAN BUSINESS COLLEGE.     15 

This went on for years, and business methods 
became to me a part of the warp and woof 
of life.  Strictness and integrity in business
became ingrain. 
That I must be accurate, if I were anything,
was a foregone conclusion. 
That a dollar meant a dollar, and not fifty
cents, nor seventy-five, nor ninety-nine, but
One Hundred Cents, and nothing less must
be calculated upon for the payment of a dollar. 
These lessons have held me free from
complications all my life, and rendered it
not only possible, but easy to accomplish the
few and small things I have undertaken. 
Persons sometimes question me in regard
to this, as, "How is it that you never appear 
to be in the slightest embarrassment in regard
to financial matters in the things you 
have in hand?  You never speak of them,
they seem to give you no possible concern."
"No, I know that a dollar means a dollar,
and I engage in nothing which I cannot see
my way clear to accomplish."
"You never fail."
No, I never intend nor expect to fail, but
without this early training, all would have
been a failure, I should have done nothing
that I have done. 
But you do not solicit financial aid in the
accomplishment of charitable objects?" 
"No.  I would have all charitable enterprises
rest upon a good practical business 
basis, and not upon begging.  There is talent
enough in the world to take care of this, if
properly applied, and the men and women,
who like yourselves (these pupils) are now 
so generally compassing this practical knowledge, 
will yet be the persons to take up this
subject and set society on an easier and safer
foundation.
Let me beg of you young men and young
women, to give this great world problems,
some part of the future of your thoughts.
Do this in honor of the life efforts of your
broad and philanthropic teachers, who, giving 
to you their first thought, give the second 
to the welfare of mankind, and last and least
of all, to themselves. 
Cherish that spirit as you go out from here,
wearing it in memory of your Alma Mater,
and as no day ever passes over me that my
thoughts do not go back in heart gratitude 
to the sleeping dust of the grand old brother
who tried this experiment upon the capacity
of a little girl, so yours will go back year by
year till with whitened locks you lay your
wreath of grateful love tenderly upon the
mounds where lie the faithful, "beautiful
hands, that rested not, but still kept toiling
on, that the children might be glad." 

Principal Henry C. Spencer
Then briefly addressed the graduates as
follows: 
Young men and young women of the class of '87: 
It seems fitting that we should say at least
a few words here, in the presence of your
parents and brothers and sisters and this
multitude of friends assembled to celebrate 
your graduation from the business college. 
This institution certifies that your attainments
entitle you to the consideration of the 
business community, that you are worthy to 
be tried and tested in the performance of the
uses and duties of business life.
We counsel you as young beginners to be
modest in your claims to merit, and in estimating
the value of your services to others.
Do not manifest any anxiety in regard to the
amount of compensation you are to receive
until you have had an opportunity of showing
how useful you can be to those who employ 
you. 
Seek positions in lines of business that are
of undoubted advantage to the community, 
and which are controlled by men of integrity.
Shun, as you would contagion, any
business the tendency of which is the injury 
of your fellow men, however profitable it
may promise to be to you personally, "For
what doth it profit a man if he gain the whole
world and lose his own soul."
Knowledge, skill and experience are essential
to success in business, but their possessor
must also have good reputation and
integrity of character.  Thus qualified,
though reverses may come, and disasters
sweep away property, the true man rises 
superior to adversity.  Standing on the firm
rock of character, he retrieves all losses, and
ultimately wins success. 
The graduates who have gone out in the
preceding years, bearing the credentials of
this institution, have found that their services
were needed in carrying forward the
world's work ; and you too, will doubtless,
find your places, where the knowledge and
skill you have acquired and the principles 
of right which pervade your hearts and
minds, will be made serviceable to yourselves,
your friends, and the community. 
To the audience Prof. Spencer said: 
DEAR FELLOW CITIZENS : 
At the twenty-first annual graduating exercises
of this college, we present the largest
class, seventy-one in number, we have ever
sent forth.  We commend these graduates to
you, believing that you will find them worthy
of your confidence.
We are sure you will give these young
people a fair opportunity to make their way
and take their places with the busy, helpful, 

16     SPENCERIAN BUSINESS COLLEGE. 

wealth producing, useful, people of our
national capital. 
In the early hours of the morning, on the
5th of December last, we saw the halls of the
Spencerian Business College with their fixtures,
furniture, books, pictures, manuscripts
and many valued treasures, the prized accumulations 
of years, utterly destroyed by
the devouring flames.  The externals of the
institution, the instrumentalities of its use,
having a direct money value of from ten to
twelve thousand dollars, went up in fire and
smoke.  We said "Thank God we have escaped 
with our lives!  The good will of the
institution in the hearts of the people survives
the wreck.  That fire cannot destroy.
We have our vigor, our experience, the love 
and knowledge of our occupation, and resolutely,
cheerfully, we will begin and build 
up again."  Within a week's time after the
fire we called our students together to resume
their work.  None were missing.  In
regaining our feet we had the prompt, warm
and hearty co-operation of our fellow citizens,
and now that we see so many of you
together here we gladly improve the opportunity
to express to you our HEARTFELT
THANKS!  GOD BLESS THE TRUE AND NOBLE
CITIZENS OF WASHINGTON ! 

Vice-Principal, Mrs. Sara A. Spencer,
said:  They tell us that when one is drowning,
or in other mortal peril, he remembers in a
flash the whole history of his life.  Twice 
within a year I have looked imminent and
terrible death straight in the face, and one
moment was like a century of living history. 
One night a little while ago, one hundred 
loving friends gathered in our College Halls
in Lincoln Hall Building to welcome me
home again after terrible illness and danger. 
The trustees of the building agreed with
each other that since I was so obliging as to 
remain on this planet a few years longer
they would give us a general commission to
make that portion of Lincoln Hall Building
occupied by our College as beautiful as
skilled workmen could make it ;  and it was
done. 
That night when the friends assembled,
they said all the tender and beautiful things
departed spirits might well love to bend
down and hear when their funeral services
are going on.  If ever in my life I had felt
alone, or overburdened, or weary by the wayside,
surely the compensation was come. 
A few weeks later, one bitter night in December,
I was in that great building all alone.
No gentle faces, no loving voices, no friendly
grasp of the hand!  The thundering of horses
feet outside, the ringing of all the bells, the
surging of all the engines in the national
capital, the crackling of flames overhead, 

the thick smoke, the hot air that rendered 
the opening of the eyes instant blindness,
the opening of the lips instant death, tens of
thousands of anxious faces lifted upward
from the streets as sheets of flame leaped
heavenward, the burning exit door chopped
down over the only path out of that crashing
ruin--these were to be my funeral services,
it seemed, at last. 
How true it is that in all the great emergencies
of life each human soul must stand
alone! 
"And didn't you save anything?" asks a
friend now and then : 
Well--no.  I was not thinking of saving
things the last time I walked through those
College Halls.  I believe in cremation, I 
was making somewhat premature preparation
for that experience--ante mortem.  I
had no particular use for pictures, music,
statuary, libraries or precious relics just then. 
Since we must lose everything, it was very
good for me to look the King of Terrors 
straight in the face at the same time.  It enabled
me to form a clear estimate of the relative
value of things. 
No we didn't save anything--to speak of.
Only a family of five persons--just five human
beings.  There are over ten millions of
families in this country, and the average
family numbers about five persons.  It
seems hardly worth mentioning. 
Only, if it had been otherwise, we should
not have had this brilliant commencement
to-day.  You would not have been here 
listening to us.  And our children of that
College to be, as kind Mr. Wilson has just
said, like the children of Abraham, and the
sands of the sea for multitude, would never 
be born into our College family.
When we came to count up our losses, the
loss that cut the deepest was the loss of our
College records.  Never in the wide world
should we recover the 15,000 names and addresses
of students and patrons within the
past 21 years.  How could we hold our next
commencement?  Our graduates were our
children, and they had always been invited.
I had written their names so often, I wondered
if it was worth while to try to recall them.
I tried the alphabet.  A, B, C, D reminded me
of nothing.  I took a Directory and went
through it, writing the address of every one 
whom I knew to be a graduate of our College. 
There were about 650 who had completed 
our full course and held our diplomas, but
I had never classified them as to residence.
I now learned that 521 of these reside in the
District of Columbia.  And what are they
doing here?  Why, they are artists, bank-tellers,
florists, teachers, lawyers, ministers,
merchants, fruit dealers, cashiers, chief
clerks, experts in every class of departmental
work.  And how glad I was to find that the 


SPENCERIAN BUSINESS COLLEGE.     17 

large majority had staid at home and followed
the occupations of their parents, adding
thereto their own genius and culture,
developing a broader use and a truer beauty.
I found no speculators among them.  We
have not thought that class of community
need reinforcements.  We know of none
who have sought the congenial atmosphere 
of Canada for their health and--safety.  If
they have defrauded anybody, it has been
done in so business like a way that it has
not been found out.
This class of '87 may see a living type of
the useful lives we desire for them in the
elder brothers and sisters assembled in this
house to day.  Dear children all, your Alma
Mater gives you her blessing!
The band played a march,  "The Jolly
Coppersmith," during which the class formed
in semi-circles upon the stage to receive their
diplomas. 

The Hon. N. H. R. Dawson,
U. S. Commissioner of Education, said: 
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN : 
This large and intelligent audience, made
more brilliant in its surroundings by the
presence of the good and the beautiful, the
young and the aged, accompanied by the
voluptuous swell of music and song, with
the wealth of floral treasures which affection
has brought as its votive offering, all unite 
to make up a scene of enchanting loveliness,
and attest the deep interest that is felt by 
the citizens of Washington in that system of
education which combines Culture with Art,
and prepares its disciples for the practical
affairs of life, and is a hearty and appropriate 
greeting to the students who celebrate in 
this annual commencement the close of
their collegiate careers, and is also a deserved
and flattering endorsement of the 
successful management of the distinguished
faculty of this institution. 
To me has been assigned the last act in
this interesting drama of educational life--
the duty of awarding the diplomas to the
graduates.  I am extremely gratified to have
been chosen to fill so prominent a place in
the ceremonies of this auspicious occasion,
and at the risk of imposing further upon 
your patience, will venture to add a few 
words of approval and encouragement to
those who are about to embark upon the
voyage of life, and to be initiated into the
mysteries of the business world. 
In this august presence of parents and
friends I see a large class of young men and
maidens, radiant with the high emprise
and resolve of early manhood, and the modest 
blush of female loveliness and innocence,
who have successfully passed through the 
curriculum of their studies, and are now 

fully equipped with the weapons of the mind, 
the heart, and the hand, to enter upon the
battle of life.  Instinct with hope and confidence,
they stand upon the threshold, at the
initial point of departure from the glad and
joyous scenes of study and culture, where
they have spent so many delightful hours 
in the pursuit of knowledge and the acquisition 
of those branches of practical education 
in which they have been specially prepared. 
All the roads upon the map of busy
life open before them, and diverge from this
central point, leading through the enchanting 
gardens of hope into the inviting fields 
of human endeavor and industry.  The immagination
pictures the delicious landscape
in roseate colors, with charming walks and
refreshing shades, murmuring streams and 
fragrant flowers, by bright and azure skies
illumined.  But all of these paths are not
ways of pleasantness or peace, and many of
these pleasant dreams are doomed to disappointment,
and will vanish like the mists of 
morning that disappear before the rising
day. 

"--Pleasure are like poppies spread,
You sieze the flower, its bloom is shed; 
Or like the snowfall in the river,
A moment white, then melts forever." 

Each one of you, young ladies and gentlemen
will bear your own cross, and it may be
that some few, faltering by the wayside, will
fall beneath the burdens and temptations
that environ your steps, while others, more
fortunate, will win the crown, and pass unscathed
through the crucial ordeal to which
you will be subject. 
But forgetting all these unpleasant forebodings,
you must press forward in the race
of usefulness that lies before you, and resolve
and determine to quit yourselves like
true men and women. 
Make duty your guiding star, the love of
your neighbor next to the love of God, the
psalm of your life ;  and strive to observe
those cardinal qualities of common-sense and
judgment, industry and integrity, which
challenge the admiration of the world, and
sooner or later, in your dealings with men,
will inspire confidence and assure success.
These principles will reveal themselves alike
to the humble and the great, the peasant and 
the prince, and when recognized by an appreciative
public, will lead to honor and
happiness, and give you a place in the firmament
among the stars that shine in "Fame's
proud temple." 
Trusting that these achievements are to be
the aims of your ambition, and the rewards 
of your labors, and wishing all of you God-speed
in your lives, I now have the honor of
delivering to each of you a diploma, the 

18     SPENCERIAN BUSINESS COLLEGE. 

warrant from your Alma Mater of proficiency
in academic and commercial attainments. 
The Commissioner then conferred diplomas
upon the following : 
LADIES--Day Class--Flora A. Berger, Ill.;  Nellie
E. Burse, Me.;  Anna Jean Carr, D. C.;  Katie C.
Fletcher, D. C.;  Margaret A. Kelly, D. C.; Jeannette
Ray, D. C. 
GENTLEMEN--Day Class--Sam'l H. Bogley, Md.; 
Warren F. Brenizer, Va.; Harry Brock, jr., N. J.; Wilmer
M. Browne, Fla.; Benj. F. Butterfield, Vt.; Chas.
W. Cornwell, Va.;  James M. Fowler, jr., D. C.; J.
Frank Hamlink, D. C.;  Will C. Hecox, N. Y.; Chas.
E. Hellen, D. C.; Benj. U. Keyser, jr., D. C.; Wm. L.
F. King, D. C.; Judson A. Lamon, Ill.; Edw. E. Lawler,
Va.; Wharton E. Lester, Md.; Edw. P. Loughran,
D. C.; A. Lewis Lukens, Va.; Russell Magruder, Md.; 
Henry E. L. Myers, D. C.; Meyer Nordlinger, D. C.; 
Danl. J. Normoyle, Va.;  Wm. E. Predmore, N. Y.; 
Jas. P. Quinn, Va.;  Francis X. Quinlan, D. C., Jno. B.
Schroth, D. C.;  Beverly T. Sener, D. C.;  Harry G.
Schaffer, W. Va.; Geo. B. Sheriff, jr., D. C.;  Wm. C.
Strauss, D. C., Frank A. Swartwout, Ill.;  Robert R. 
Taylor, jr., N. Y.;  Wm. A. Van Doren, D. C.; Maner
L. Wade, Ga.; Wm. E. Warren, D. C.; Geo. H. Weber,
D. C.; John W. K. Young, Penn. 
LADIES--Night Class--Estelle P. Adams, D. C.; 
Emma Noud, D. C.;  Mary L. Rathbone, D. C.;  Jennie
M. Spears, D. C. 
GENTLEMEN--Night Class--Byron S. Adams, D. C.; 
Chas. E. Benton, Iowa; Patrick J. Brennan, Ireland; 
Jno. J. Carroll, D. C.; Wm. A. Dorsey, D. C.; Rich'd
W. Emmons, D. C.; Seimosuke Fukuda, Japan; David
B. Goldstein, D. C.;  Jas. Henry Harvell, Virginia; 
Henry Keifer, D. C.;  Finis D. Morris, D. C.; Asa W. 
Piper, Ohio; Bernadine Smith, D. C.; Jno. Robt. Sutton,
jr., D. C. 
STENOGRAPHY AND TYPE-WRITING--Matina Beall,
Md.;  Mary C. Chapman, D. C.;  Ruby D. Crowell,
Ohio; Elizabeth M. Dilli, D. C.;  Jessie Lamb Entwistle.
D. C.;  Anita Hendrie, New York;  Maud M.
Howlett, D. Cl;  Ellen Leary, D. C.; Clara R. A. Nelson,
D. C.; Robt. E. Logan, Ill.; Jno. G. Urquhart, 
Virginia.

Convention of Business Educators of
America. 
The Ninth Annual Convention of the Business
Educators' Association of America assembled in the
halls of the Spencerian Business College of Milwaukee,
Wis., July 19, 1887.  It was the largest Convention
and the most profitable this Association has
held.  The delegates, more than 100 in number, represented
the leading business colleges of every
section of America. 
The Convention was welcomed to Milwaukee by
Mayor Wallber, and by President Chapin of the
Chamber of Commerce in eloquent speeches, in which
they paid fine tribute to Robert C. Spencer, the elder
brother of the Spencer family, for what he had done
to promote the business interests and philanthropic
work of Milwaukee.
President W. H. Sadler, of Baltimore, in his annual
address, said : "He who sees the end from the beginning
alone can measure how much the general
prosperity of this nation is indebted to the enthusiastic
energy and intelligent devotion to legitimate
business inspired in the young men of this country
by the training they receive in business colleges. 
Prof. S. S. Packard of the New York College, Hon. A. 
D. Wilt of Dayton, Ohio, and Col. Geo. Soule of New
Orleans responded to the addresses of welcome.
The latter was especially impressive upon the educational
needs of the South. 
Tuesday evening Rev. J. L. Dudley, Milwaukee,
delivered a rare address upon "The Ideal Business
Man," who always puts manhood before business,
and prospers the better therefor.
The following sections met daily and reported an
epitome of their interesting work to the Convention : 
Shorthand and Type-writing, Penmanship, Civics, 
including Economics, Law and Ethics. 

The regular sessions of Wednesday, July 20, were
devoted to the following topics :  "The Condition,
Progress and Demands of Writing as a Branch of
American Education,"  H. C. Spencer, Washington,
D. C.;  Bookkeeping, as a Branch of Education,
Homer Russell, Joliet, Ill.; "Bookkeeping, Its Place 
and Prominence in the Business College," C. Bayless 
of Dubuque ; "Household Bookkeeping," Hon. Thos. 
E. Hill of Chicago ; "Initiatory Bookkeeping," L. A. 
Gray, Portland, Me. ; G W. Brown, Jacksonville, Ill. 
Wednesday P. M.  "Expert Accounting" was discussed
by Enos Spencer, Louisville, H. C. Wright,
Brooklyn, Col. Soule, J. W. Welton, Grand Rapids,
Michl, S. H. Goodyear, Cedar Rapids, Iowas, R. C. 
Spencer, G. W. Brown, C. Bayless, H. M. Row and
others. 
"The Ethical Aspects of Bookkeeping," and interesting
topic, was presented by Hon. Ira Mayhew, of
Detroit, who demonstrated that the study of the 
science of bookkeeping cultivated the judicial powers
of the mind, quickens and strengthens the love of
justice, and promotes fair dealing among men. 
Phrenological development in relation to penmanship
and business training, generally, was discussed 
by A. H. Hinman of Worcester, Mass., Col. Soule
and others. 
Wednesday evening's session was devoted to a
choice musical program and a paper on "Business
Education in its Relation to the Work, Wages and
Welfare of Women," by Mrs. Sara A. Spencer of
Washington, D. C.  Mrs. Spencer has opened correspondence
with one hundred of the leading business 
colleges of the United States to ascertain their
experience and observation concerning the business
ability, fidelity, and efficiency of women, and the
general outlook as to range of employments and
compensation.  She presented the answers of 55 
colleges to her questions.  They paid high tribute to
the business talents, energy, and success of women
in business. 
On Thursday the subject of a permanent Summer
School of Business was discussed by W. E. McCord, 
and others, and a resolution was adopted appointing
a committee to consider and report upon a plan at
the next Convention.  "Business Practice" was discussed
by R. C. Spencer, Mr. Mayhew and others. 
The Graphophone was exhibited by Messrs. Devine
and Clephane and Miss Camp of Washington, D. C. 
The result was a recommendation for its adoption by
the business colleges of the country. 
A committee on Introductions, Mrs. Sara A. Spencer, 
Hon. A. D. Wilt, Mrs. S. S. Packard, Mr. Chandler 
Pierce ;  Mrs. Frank Goodman presented the
delegates to each other, and all of them to the
principals of colleges at a charming reception held
on the lawn of the residence of Mr. and Mrs. R. C. 
Spencer, on the banks of Lake Michigan, Thursday
afternoon.  Mr. Geo, Peck made a delightful speech 
in a humorous vein describing his bookkeeping experience
in connection with a country newspaper.
One of the most superb papers of the Convention
was given by Miss Lizzie Askew of Jacksonville, Ill., 
on Friday, on the "Qualifications necessary for
Shorthand amenuenses."  It was ably discussed by
Mr. H. D. Goodwin of Milwaukee, and K. D. Peterson
of Chicago. 
Space forbids further mention of the interesting
proceedings of this best of Business Educators' Conventions.
After a merry and unique entertainment,
a Whitefish Dinner at Whitefish Bay, five miles from
Milwaukee, by the Spencer Brothers, the Convention
held its closing session in Spencerian College Hall,
and elected the following officers for the ensuing 
year : President, L. L. Williams, Rochester, N. Y.; 
Vice-Presidents, Col. Geo. Soule, New Orleans, Enos
Spencer, Louisville, Miss Lizzie Askew, Jacksonville,
Ill. ; Secretary and Treasurer, A. S. Osborn, Buffalo,
N. Y. ;  Executive Committee, C. C. Curtiss, Minneapolis,
Hon. A. D. Wilt, Dayton, Ohio, C. Bayless,
Dubuque, Iowa. 
The next Convention will be held July 1888, in the
beautiful, enterprising and hospitable city of Minneapolis,
in the handsome halls of The Curtiss Business College. 

SPENCERIAN BUSINESS COLLEGE     19 

Special Instruction in Penmanship. 
In response to the demand of the times for
increased speed, brevity and legibility, a
"New Standard Writing" has been prepared 
and presented to the public by the Spencer
Brothers, (authors of the well-known Spencerian
publications.)
The New Writing, based on the broad and
comprehensive principles of Spencerian Penmanship, 
has been pronounced by expert
judges the most simple, rapid and attractive
handwriting ever presented to the
world.  It is meeting with unprecedented
success. 
Lessons in this  labor-saving system of
writing, Mornings, from 9 to 10 o'clock every
week day except Saturdays; evenings, from
6 to 7 o'clock on Mondays, Wednesdays and
Fridays.  Terms:  Day Course, 16 lessons,
per month, $5.00;  for three months $12.
Evening Course, 12 lessons per month, $3 ;
for three months, $8.  Stationery, 25 cents
for a month, or 50 cents for three months. 
Marked improvement in writing is secured
in a month's course of lessons, but three
months are required for a full course, such as
most persons need.

Teachers' Course in Penmanship.
To persons who desire to qualify for teaching
penmanship, special advantages are offered
in this College.  The Teachers' Course
embraces the science and art of penmanship,
according to the Spencerian System ;  the
management, instruction and drill of schools
and classes; the elements of off-hand flourishing,
and their application in the execution
of ornamental designs;  the writing of texts
and round hand with square pen; lettering, 
and the designing and production of artistic
specimens of pen work. 
The object of the Teachers' Course, is to 
qualify for teaching practical penmanship,
and the lessons in ornamental are given only 
as an aid in that direction.  Students are not
received for ornamental penmanship apart
from the practical.  A teacher's certificate
is awarded to worthy graduates in this department,
signed by the Spencer Brothers. 
Tuition fee for Teachers' Course, 3 months,
$25.  Payable on entering.

Spencerian Penmanship Publications.
FOR SCHOOLS, ACADEMIES, COLLEGES AND
PRIVATE LEARNERS.  MODELS THROUGHOUT
THE CIVILIZED WORLD. 

The New Spencerian Compendium of
Penmanship. 
BY THE SPENCER BROTHERS, SONS OF P. R. SPENCER.
The most instructive, comprehensive and
beautiful work on Penmanship that has ever
been given to the world.  It should be the 

companion of every penman, teacher, ambitious
learner, engraver, decorator, sign
writer and pen artist in English speaking
lands.  It should appear with unique collections
of art, on the parlor table of every
home.  No public or private library can well
afford to be without this remarkable publication.
This great work has cost over $10,000. 
The bound edition, embracing all the grand
plates in one volume, with complete letter
press instructions and many practical, beautiful
illustrations has just issued from the
press.  Prices stated on application. 

Spencer's New Copy-Book Series.
BY P. R. SPENCER'S SONS. 
Give thorough drill to the arm and hand. 
Combines the essentials of beauty, legibility
and rapidity.  Are meeting with unprecedented
success in the history of copy-books 
in producing good writers. 
Prominent publishers have already begun
pirating from this new series.  Imitations,
however, cannot equal the genuine publications.
School Series, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 
1A and 2B . . . . . . . . . . each 10c.
Business Series, 7 and 8. . . . . . ." 10c.
Ladies' Series, 9 and 10 . . . . . ." 10c.
A sample set, containing all numbers,
sent for examination on receipt of $1 00

New Standard Practical Penmanship.
BY THE SPENCER BROTHERS.
The latest and best self-instruction at
home, in the business office or the counting
room. 
The "Gilt-ring Edition," the most convenient 
for use, is issued only from the
Spencerian Business College, Washington,
D. C. 
Sent postpaid to any part of the world on
receipt of $1.00.  Special terms by the dozen
or hundred. 

SPENCERIAN WRITING MATERIALS. 
THE BEST!     TRY THEM!
Spencerian Double Elastic Steel Pens. 
NO. 1, COLLEGE PEN, has a smooth, fine
point and double elastic action ; a delightful
writing implement.
NO. 3, COMMERCIAL PEN, has a smooth
point, of medium fineness, and is an easy
writing business pen. 
NO. 24, COMMERCIAL PEN.  Fine smooth
point, with firm nib, and very elastic.  The
companion and peer of NO. 1.
In gross boxes, $1.10 ; in quarter  gross
boxes, $1.20. 

Spencers'  Movement  Exercise,  Hand
Chart and Guide Ruling, Combined. 
The latest, the most practical aid in teaching
and learning plain, rapid writing ever 

20     SPENCERIAN BUSINESS COLLEGE. 

published.  Handsomely printed on four
pages of heavy paper, 7x8 1/2 inches in size, 
convenient to accompany and form a part of 
any outfit for practical writing, at home, in
public schools, seminaries and business colleges. 
By mail, 5 cents a copy.

The Spencerian Patent, Oblique
Pen-holder. 
The fact that this holder is now used by
nearly all the superior penmen of the country
is a sufficient endorsement of its advantages. 
Postpaid, 15 cents. 

Oblique Pen-holder Tip.
This tip can be inserted in the nib of any
style or shape of pen-holder, and the writer
obtain the advantages of the Oblique holder.
Price by mail, 5 cents each, or 50 cents 
per dozen. 

Spencerian Writing Ink
OR ESTABLISHED REPUTATION.
It combines in high degree, three essential
qualities,--fluidity, color, and durability 
and is absolutely reliable for all business
purposes.
This fluid is a handsome blue as it flows
from the pen, and sets a deep permanent
black. 
Quart, stone bottles, per bottle, 75 cents; 
expressage at the expense of purchaser. 

Thirty Lessons in English Language
BY MRS. SARA A. SPENCER. 
This is a condensed, clear, rapid course of
lessons on the development plan, securing
economy of time and correctness and facility
in the use of language.  Years of neglect or
carelessness, or worse still, dead teaching
from tedious volumes, largely devoted to
showing the erudition of the authors, result 
in a mental chaos on the part of the multitudes
of students, which would be ludicrous
were it not deplorable.  In this small book,
the author has aimed to keep the student at
work upon clear construction and analysis
rather than at memorizing abstract definitions
and rules. 
Mailed to any address upon receipt of price. 
Retail price, plain muslin, 40 cents per copy; 
wholesale price, $3.60 per dozen.

Communications and orders should be 
addressed to--
H. C. Spencer. 
Spencerian Business College, Cor. 7th and
D Sts., N. W., Washington, D. C. 


John quickly extemporized five tow bags. 

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q
R S T U V W X Y Z & 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 $ 

Spencerian Business Script, chosen by written vote of a majority of the leading Penmen of America, and reported to the
Business Educators' Convention, Milwaukee, Wis., July 20 1887. 


The Best
EDUCATION For Real Life and Success in Business Pursuits, is secured at the
NATIONAL
Spencerian Business Colleges.
These institutions are under the proprietorship of the widely known
SPENCER BROTHERS, 
SONS OF THE CELEBRATED
PLATT R. SPENCER. 
LOCATION AND MANAGEMENT : 
WASHINGTON, D. C., 
National Bank of the Republic Building, Corner of 7th and D Streets, Northwest,
HENRY C. SPENCER, Principal.
NEW YORK CITY,
36 East Fourteenth Street, fronting Union Square, HARVEY A. SPENCER, Principal. 
CLEVELAND, OHIO,
Main Street, near Public Square,
PLATT R. SPENCER & R. R. FELTON, Principals.
MILWAUKEE, WIS., 
Corner of Broadway and Wisconsin Streets, ROBERT C. SPENCER, Principal. 

More than 50,000 young men and women have been trained for usefulness and self-help
in these Colleges.  The services of their graduates are always in demand at good 
salaries. 
Each College is an organized business house, affording valuable practice in business
affairs, thorough instruction and training in Business Calculations, Business Papers and
Correspondence, Rapid Writing, and the Best Methods of Bookkeeping adapted to every
variety of business. 
A common-school education qualifies a young man or woman for entering a Spencerian
College.
Special Departments for Stenography and Type-writing, Teachers' Normal Course in
Spencerian Penmanship, which afford instruction either in connection with, or independent
of, the regular Business Course. 

THE FIVE SPENCER BROTHERS. 
Sons of Platt R. Spencer, originator of the Spencerian System of Penmanship, are authors
of the celebrated Spencerian Penmanship Publications, and largely interested in
the celebrated Spencerian Pens and other Spencerian Specialties, well known to the
writing and business world. 
Millions of people have acquired a clear, legible and symmetrical handwriting, through
the use of the Spencerian System of Penmanship in the schools of our own and foreign 
countries. 
Prof. Lyman P. Spencer, New York City, the youngest of the brothers, devotes his entire
time, skill and genious, to the preparation of the Spencerian Publications. 

[*1887 original [?made] 
draft in diary 1887-*]

---ADDRESS BY MISS CLARA BARTON---

Prepared to be Read at Senator Conger's
to Seventy united Senators and Members.
----------
The opportunity was lost, and the article
never read in public 
--o:o:o--



Gentlemen.  While proceeding to lay before you the various measures
to which I have taken the liberty of inviting your honored consideration, 
it may be well to refresh your memories in regard to the principles
involved in the subject of the Red Cross;  To recall, how under
the Treaty, it stands related to our Government, and how, through the
same feature it relates us to other governments 
The code of ten articles, forming the international compact
or treaty of Geneva, pledges each nation which unites with it to certain
methods of neutral action and humanity never before admitted by
nations at war,  and it removes , to the greatest possible extent all
severities hitherto practiced under their usages.
This treaty, said to be the first compound treaty ever formed
came into existence at Geneva Switzerland in 1864.  It now includes
some 30 governments. 
The first efforts towards our own adhesion were made with
the Executive Department ;  but as it was thought thatthe text of the
treaty called for some changes in the "Articles of war", it was submitted
to congress,  by which body the adhesion was made in February 1882. 
It ever remains an undisputed fact, that[*the*] medical department
of an army, never is, nor can be made, adequate to the needs oft
the sick and wounded of its battles. 
hence the inevitable suffering of the men, the terrible anxiety and agony 
of friends at home, and the loss of countless lives. 
The Red Cross creates an organized,  neutral volunteer force
from the people, supplied by the poeple, but still subject to the regulations
of the military at the field,  recognized by, and working in
full accord with it, bringing all needed aid in the form of intelligent

[*2*] 

discipled assistants ,  and a bundant supplies to direct help and use
of the medical department of an army, and with which department it work
as if belonging to it. 
It created , with great care, an insignia to be the one,known
and recognized sign of neutrality, in the relief of the sick and wound 
ed of armies, and in the protection of the military hospital service,
the world over. 
This insignia, which has given its name to the treaty,has be
come universally known and respected.  There is no other military hospital
flag, and no other sign marks the relief designed for the succor
of the wounded solder,nor protects from capture or harm, either himself, 
or the non-combattant who goes to administer.  It is probable
that no sign nor figure in the secular world is sacred to so many eyes
as the Red Cross of Geneva. 
This treaty takes its powers from the common consent of the
united governments of the civilized world.  Their rulers sign it. 
Its ratifications are officially made by the congress of Bern,Switzerland.
It recognizes no other feature than relief of its victims,and
the mitigation of the horrors of war. 
In its short life of twenty-five years it has assumed the
conduct of the entire relief work of the armies of the world.  It has
given rise to most valuable inventions and under its humane impulses
sanitary science has made rapid growth.
By common consent of the powers, at the formation of the 
treaty, the worthy body of Genevese gentlemen who called, and conducted
the convention was formed into an International Committee, through
which only medium the various nations within the treaty communicate,
and which holds the direction of all international relief in time of
war.  Each nation, upon its accession to the treaty, is requested to
form a national society, which society shall constitute the medium by 


[*3*] 
by which the other governments through the international committee may
communicate with its government. 
These societies are usually presided over by officers very
near the crown, or high in authority:  as for instance the National
president of the Red Cross of Germany is Count Otte de Stolberg who recently
crowned young Emperor William.  Of France, Marshal McManon. Of
England, Lord Lindsay.  Of Belgium, the King himself. 
Their patrons,are always of the Crown or Royal families,as
Empress Augusta of Germany.  Victoria of England.  Dagmar of Russia. Marguerite
of Italy, and the Royal Grand Duchess of Baden. 
Although the object of the organization, is peoples help for
national necessities, its national brances receive strong governmental
recognition, and encouragement.  Every facility which can be, is afforded
them, and the patronage of the crown, or government in monarchial 
countries, unlikes our own means substantial aid,which is afforded in
many ways. 
Each nation is left free to form its national society, in
accordance with the spirit and need of its nationality.  In the formation
of our own society, it was thought possible to include other relief
than that of war, and as you already know, America organized for
the relief first, of war, then of other great national calamities,
such as the government is liable to be called upon to aid through its 
public treasury.  We were accepted by the rat ifving powers at Bern,with 
this digression, and although novel, it has won great approval and is
known abroad as the "American Amendment to the Red Cross", 
Under this civil feature the American Red Cross has aided in
twelve great calamities : viz:  One forest fire,five floods, three cyclones,
one earth quake, one famine, and one pestilence.  It has brought
to [*the*] aid of these disasters, in money and material, many hundred thousand
dollars;  acting as a systematized and organized medium of conveyance
and distribution for the relief which the people 

[*4*]
desired to contribute.  It has never solicited aid; it has scarcely
suggested the raising of relief; but has endeavored to administer the
relief which was raised, wisely and faithfully. 
Since our adhesion to the treaty, two international Conferences
have been held;  the one, at Geneva, by the International Committee, 
in 1884.  the other at Carlsruhe,by the Grand Duke,and Grand Duchess
of Baden in 1887. 
As president of the American National Society, the honor has
been accorded me to represent the government in each of these Conf erences. 
Some of the questions therein discussed, being of both national
and international importance, will be, later, submitted for the con
sideration of your honorable Legislative body.
The foregoing explanations made, I will, with your kind permission.,
Gentlemen, venture to name to you some of the more personal 
features, of our won national branch of this world wide organization,
touching its conditions, positions relations and requirements, inviting
your thoughtful consideration to the same. I must do this, not on
ly as its chief executive officer, but as the person who has been wholly
responsible for our ever having had any connection with it.  I alone
brought this subject before the government, asking its adoption of the
treaty if found desirable; and to me,alone was shown the exceptional
courtesy of a unanimous accord in a most unfamiliar subject, by the
largest, and as I hold, the highest legislative body in the world. 
During the intervening seven years, I have done my best, and
utmost to properly test the value of the obligation taken, and to learn
from actual and practical experience, if the results would warranta 
continuance of effort, on the part of the National Society, and to
some extent the encouragement and active co-operation of our government
without which  the objects of the treaty would be misapplied and its
results practically lost. 


[*5*] 
These efforts have been made in the face of the open world 
No action has been covered,  none exaggerated.  On its own fair merits
the American branch of the Red Cross stands before the government and
the people it has served for their judgment.
If it has been an idle body?
If a parasite drawing sustenance from others ? 
If it has promised, and not performed ?
If its work has been actual,  or merely appeared upon paper?
If it has found favor with the people it has gone to aid ? 
If any charges have been brought against it ? 
If it has gained or lost in public estimation ? 
If in any way it has disappointed the expectations
of the country or the people?
If it has given cause to the government to regret its admission ? 
If it has sustained its national standing in good 
repute with the affiliating nations of the world? 
If it has been a costly adjunct to the government ? 
Like a gleaner it brings in its sheaves at the end of seven years of
faithful trial, and asks that its work be judged. 
If for any cause, the organization be look ed upon, as not
meriting, or justifying the encouragement and co-operation of the government,
which its peculiar relations to it demand, and it is thought
wisest or best to withhold them, it will be a [s]imple and perhaps welcome
thing,to let go and rest.
Unless one is actually going down hill with a load, it is always
easier to stop than to go on. 
In this case, vastly so.  It is now thirteen years ago, during 
the administration of President Hayes, that I first brought this
matter to the attention of our government, beleiving it to be, perhaps
the work of a month. 


[*6*]
From that day to this, I have found time for nothing else.  I learned
its broad humanities were the belt that spanned the world, and the cat
was hard to lift.  Dependent as it is, upon the co-operation of the gov
ernment , being substantially a link between it and the people at large,
I should not have been justified in proceeding to organize great bodies
of persons under its regulations,until I was assured what position the
government would take in regard to it.  I could not ask this decision
of the government,  until actual results had proven to it, and to myself
as well,  that the position required, was one worthy to be taken 
Thus the trial has been made single-handed.  Not a penny of
tax nor dues has ever been asked for the expenses of the National Red
Cross.  The general impression prevails, that it is actively a branch
of the government, and of course provided for by it . 
This impression, has pecuniraly, been heavily against us. 
as it enters no philanthropic mind to extend a generosity to the Red
Cross,any more than to the war, or state or navy departments,or any
other branch of protected government service.  No freight bill on ship
ments is ever remitted,no agent ever passed free over a road, no bequest
ever made to it. Postage is not paid. 
The government is supposed to do all these things and it is
generally believed that its officers have large salaries.  In one way
this impression has been helpful.  It has given prestege.  But a costly
luxury,and not to be forever afforded. 
The actual expenses of the government, since the first, have 
been,as follow.  An appropriation in 1883 of One Thousand Dollars, ex-
in government printing of a little pamphlet history of the Red Cross,
writ[en] by me , at the request of the Senate Committee, for circulation
after the [?adoption] of the treaty Two thousandcopies.  As neither  frank
nor postage were provided the mailing of each copy cost the society
some ten cents.  The issue is exhausted. 


[*7*]
Appropriations of Two Thousand and Three Thousand Dollars,  respective[*ly*]
for expenses of governmental Delegates to the International conferences
of 1884 and 1887 held at Geneva and Carlsruhe,the delegates giving
their time and services, and all costs excepting  those actually encur 
red enroute, and prevable my vouchers.  Thus making an aggregate of
($6000) Six Thousand Dollars in eight years, expended in its own behalf
with as much in value, in each instance added by the society,as otherwise
appropriated.
These are the only demands ever made upon the government.
this balances our accounts to date;- with the exception,that I am never
yet quite certain who owns the treaty. 
[*We*]  now reach a point, where I may name some directions,
in which the government might properly extend its protecting,and its
helping hand.  The International Committee of Geneva makes the nationa
society of America its recognized medium of communication with our government.
It sends its official communications to the President of the
national Association of the Red Cross, with directions that this officer
present the same,to our government, and duly transact the required 
business.  But unfortunately, there is opened no legalized medium
through which the Society is expected to confer with the Government
through either its Executive or its Legislative branches " what is every
body's business, is nobody's business"  The entire system [?] each
time to be explained to busy men, precedents to be found, and however
willing and anxious, no one can be quite certain if he is right. 
The naming of two or three gentlemen, from your [?] [?honorable] 
body to act as a committee on the affairs of the Red Cross would remedy
all this , and render simple and efficient , what is now complicated
and awkward.  It would then be somebody's business.  The subject
would be understood, The needs comprehend , Suitble Advantages taken 
Mistakes avoided;  time saved;-prestege given both at home and abroad, 

[*8*]
and the unavoidable communications between the Society and government
officials come to be regarded as legitimate business, andnot as
favors personally sought , and graciously listened to . 
I regard the appointment of this committee as a most important
step, if any steps are to be taken, perhaps indispensable in view
of certain measures which must come officially before congress. 
At the last International Conferences,Resolutions were passed
requesting that each government within the treaty take firm measures
for the protection of the international insignia of the Red Cross,
from misuse and abuse by unauthorized persons and parties as methods
of popular advertising for speculation and gain. 
The Patent Office is beseiged by applicants demanding the
Red-Cross for trade marks. 
It becomes our duty on behalf of these conferences to present
these Resolutions to the government, together with the statements of
the various countries through their delegates, and to ask its consideration, 
and its official action, in common with that of other nations;
Our duty to the government demands this as well. Tending to this end,
if the organization is to continue, a new charter should be formed
and a permanent incorporation by congress grated. Our present incorporation
being from the District and for twenty years . 
The great query which confronts us, and often with a tinge 
of seeming reproach is,"Why is so little known of your organization?
Why is it not written up, and circulated among the people for general
information ?  Even the army know nothing of it.  Where shall we find
something published about it ? and the inqueries come from the officers
of the Regular Army, the National Guard ,the Grand Army, and the
Medical fraternity in general,not to mention the people at large. 
There is no one in the land who would more gladly see these 
questions favorably met, and the information go out, than the parties 


[*9*]
supposed to be responsible for this dereliction.  It has sometimes occurred
to me that a little "dangerous surplus" might be safely disposed
of in that way without compromising any leading issues. 
Bureaus, with full governmental powers have been commenced
while requiring less of actual labor, method, skill, clerical ability
and official expenses than are demanded and provided yearly, at [*the*] private
Head Quarters of the Red Cross,[*wi*]th less of general demand for
them and smaller visible results. 
Fortunately its President has been always able to furnish
space fo it ;  her name has been its home, and as it was her child, she
has naturally and willingly provided for it--  But Gentlemen-- children
grow. 
In no other country does its organizationsf the Red Cross
stand as an ordinary benevolent Society;  In all others its relation to
the government is defined, pronounced, and its prestege assured. 
This is wise, and just , and only this can make it of greatest  service
to the government,and the people. 
It is a peculiar institution, without nationality, race , 
creed or sect,embracing the entire world in its humanizing bond of
brotherhood, without definite laws or rules, and yet stronger than armies,
and higher than thrones. 
I desire to know it better comprehended and fittingly 
appointed in our great and advancing country.  I would like to see for 
it a Head Quarters which in point of activity would be a national honor
to us . The Red Cross of America should successfully undertake some dif 
ficult problems.  Hospital and emergency work naturally fall to it.
It has come to be the first thought of any community suddenly overtaken
by disaster. 
Withe all our misdirected criminal and incendiary imigration
which nothing seems to hinder with our dangerous foreign leaders and 

[*19*] 
teac[h]ers.  Our strikes, mobs,and dynamite, who can foresee the moment 
when the United States flag shall be called upon to make peace and hold
it ?And wherever the symbol goes the Red Cross must follow, and only
one step in the rear. The first man who falls, must see it on the arm
that raises him, and the last must know it has not left him.
The National Red Cross of America is not without possibilities f or occupation
and these,neither theretical nor sentimental. 
Gentlemen, there are some points which I desire to guard 
against misapprehension on your part. Of all things I would not that
you get the impression that I desire to foist the Red Cross up[*on*] the
government for support.  That because I say it is liable to equal a
government Bureau.  nothing is more impossible or that we have carried
it to a certain extent and now want the government to take it up.
These things could not be;  it would at once defeat the very objects of
the organization,which means peoples help for national needs ,not national
help for peoples necssities.
Still there is a certain fitting and customary connection between
the two,which it is proper to recognize , certain protections of the
rights and welfare of the organization which it is suitable,and for
the interest of the government to maintain, as for instance, the protection
of the insignia,which is its own.  Its acts of Incorporation
some aid in the circulation of information respecting it,its charters 
etc.through its official printing Bureaus,and some direct channel of
communication,and advice opened between the government and the organization,
as customary in other countries,and without which I think we
cannot reasonably hope to stand upon a respectable basis in their estimation.
If Germany can place Count Stolberg, one of  its highest
official dignitaries and of ficers,at the active head of its Red Cross,
Society,we can scarcely do less than to permit a small advisory Committee
of our Legislature confer with ours. 


[*11*]
These are all very small , and inexpensive demands upon a 
government like outs,and from their apparent importance,likely to remain
unconsidered, still they are important to the work that seeks them
With these assured, the national Society can safely permit the people
to take their place in the work and if the time never comes when the
country has need of the help for which they organize,it will be only a
too fortunate land. 
The part which I have thus far been priviledged to take in 
this work has but one merit.  It has been faithful,, and I believe unselfish,
with better judgment,greater strength, wealth, power and prestege,
or the ready help of those who had .  I might have accomplished 
more.  I have nothing to gain from it, and never have had.  I have no
ambition to serve and certainly no purposes.  I regret only the years
which have gone by in feeble unaided effort,which,I  feel,with stronger
help might have been more servicable.
All I am worth to it today,is the experience I hav e gained
I have no more time for trials nor proofs, and of these no more are
needed.  The facts are established.  I have stated what is needed of
the government,before it can go on,and I ask your kind consideration of
the same. 

Gentlemen, While proceeding to lay before you
the various measures to which I have taken the liberty
of inviting your honored consideration, it may be well
to refresh your memories in regard to the principles
involved in the subject of the Red Cross: To recall, how
under the Treaty, it stands related to our government, 
and how, through the same feature it relates us to other
governments.
The code of ten articles, forming the international
compact or Treaty of Geneva, pledges each nation which 
unites with it to certain methods of neutral action and
humanity never before admitted by nations at war, and
it removes, to the greatest possible extent all needless
severities hitherto practiced under their usages.
This treaty, said to be the first compound 
treaty ever formed, came into existence at Geneva
Switzerland in 1864.  It now includes some 30 governments

The first efforts towards our own adhesion were made
with the Executive Department; but as it was thought that
the text of thee treaty called for some changes in the "Articles
of War," it was submitted to congress, by which body the
adhesion was made in February 1882.
It ever remains an undisputed face, that the 
medical department of an army, never is, nor can be made,
adequate to the needs of the sick and wounded of its battles.
Hence, the inevitable suffering of the men, the terrible anxiety
and agony of friends at home, and the loss of countless lives.
The Red Cross creates an organized, neutral 
volunteer force, from the people, supplied by the people.
but still subject to the regulations of the military at the field,
recognized by, and working in full accord with it, bringing
all needed aid in the form of intelligent, disciplined
assistants, and abundant supplies to the direct help, and use
of hte medical department of an army, and with which 
department it works, as if belonging to it.
It created, with great care, an insignia to be
3
the one, known and recognized sign of neutrality in
the relief of the sick and wounded of armies, and in the
protection of the military hospital service, the world over.
     This insignia, which ahs given its name to the 
treaty, has become universally known and respected. There
is no other military hospital flag, and no other sign
marks the relief designed for the succor of the wounded
soldier, nor protects from capture or harm, either himself, or
the non-combattant who goes to administer. It is probably
that no sign nor figure in the secular world is sacred to 
so many eyes as The Red Cross of Geneva.
     This treaty takes its powers from the common
consent of the united governments of the civilized world.
Their rules sign it. Its ratifications are officially made
by the congress of Berne, Switzerland.  It recognizes no
other feature than relief of the victims, and the mitigation
of the horrors of war.
     In its short life of twnety five years it has assumed
the conduct of the entire relief work of the armies of
the world.  It has given rise to most valuable inventions

4
and under its humane impulses sanitary science made rapid growth.
     By common consent of the powers, at the formation 
of the treaty, the worthy body of Genevese bentlemen who
called, and conducted the convention was formed into an
International Committee, through which only medium
the various nations within the treaty communicate, and 
which holds the direction of all international relief in time
of war.  Each nation, upon its accession to the treaty, is 
requested to form a national society, which society shall
constitute the medium by which the other governments
through the international committee [at Geneva] may communicate
with its government.
     These national societies are usually presided over
by officers very near the crown, or high in authority; as for
instance the National president of the Red Cross of Germany
is Count Otto de Stolberg who recently crowned young
Emperor William.  Of France, Marshal McMahon.
Of England, Lord Lindsay. Of Belgium, the King himself.
     Their pastrons, are always of the crown or Royal5
families as Empress August of Germany, Victoria of
England, Dagnar of Russia, Marguerite of Italy, and
the Royan Duchess of Baden.
     Although the object of the organization is peoples 
help for national necessities, its national branches receive
strong governmental recognition, and encouragement. Every
facility which can be, is afforded them, and the patronage of
the crown, or government in monarchical countries, unlike our
own, means substantial aid, which is afforded in many ways.
     Each nation is left free to form its national society, in
accordance with the spirit and needs of its nationality. In the 
formation of our own society, it was thought-possible [to inculde] other relief
than that of war, and as you already know, American organized
for the relief, first, of war, then of other great national calamities,
such as the government is liable to be called upon to aid though
its public treasury.  We were accepted by the ratifying
powers at Berne with this digression, and although novel, it
has won great approval, and is known abroad as the "American
Amendent" to the Red Cross.
     Under this civil feature the American Red Cross

6
has aided in twelve great calamities: [??]: One forest-fire,
five floods, three cyclones, one earthquake, one famine.
and one pestilence. It has brought to the aid of the victims of there disasters,
in money and material, many hundred thousand
dollars; acting as a systemalized and organized medium
of conveyance and distribution for the relief, which the people
desired to contribute.  It has never solicited aid; it has
scarcely suggested the raising of relief; but has endeavored
to administer the relief which was raised, wisely and
faithfully.
     Since our adhesion to the treaty, two international
conferences have been held: the one, at Geneva, by the
International Committee, in 1884, the other at Carlsruhe,
by the Grand Duke, and Grand Duchess of Baden in 1887.
As president of the American National Society, the
honor has been accorded me to represent the government 
in each of there conferences.  Some of the questions therein
discussed, being of both national and international importance,
will be, later, cubmitted for the consideration of your 
honorable Legislative body.

7
The foregoing explanations made, I will, with your kind
permission, gentlemen, venture to name to you some of
the more personal features, of our own national branch
of this world-wide organization, touching its conditions,
positions, relations and requirements, inviting your
thoughtful consideration to the same.  I must do this,
not only as its chief executive officer, but as the person who
has been wholly responsible for our ever having had any
connection with it.  I [as the representative of the International Committee], brought this subject
before the government, asking its adoption of the treaty
if found desireble, and was shown the 
exceptional courtesy of unanimous accord in a most 
unfamiliar subject, by the largest, and as I hold, the
highest legislative body in the world.
     During the intervening seven years, I have done
my bset, and my utmost to properly test the value 
of the obligation taken, and to learn from actual
and practical experience, if the results would warrant
a continuance of effort, on the part of the
National Society, and to some extent the encouragement

8
and active co-operation of our government without
which, the objects of the treaty would be misapplied,
and its results practically lost.
     These efforts have been made in the face of the
open world.  No action has been covered, none exaggerated.
On its own fair merits, the American branch
of the Red Cross stands before the government and the 
people it has served, for their judgement.
     If it has been an idle body:
If a parasite drawing sustinance from others?
If it has promised, and not performed?
It its work has been actual, or merely appeared upon paper?
If it has found favor with the people it has gone to aid?
If anyc harges have been brought against it?
If it has gained or lost in public estimation?
If in any way it has disappointed the expectations
of the country or the people?
If it has given cause to the government to regret
its admission?

9
If it has sustained its national standing in good
repute with the affiliating nations of the world?
If it has been a costly adj[??] to the government?
Like a gleaner it brings in its sheaves at the
end of its seven years of faithful trial, and asks that
its work be judged.
     If for any cause, the organization be looked
upon as not meriting, or justifying the encouragement 
and co-operation of the government, which is peculiar
relations to it demand, and it is thought
wisest or best to withhold them, it will be a simple
and perhaps welcome thing, to let go and rest.
     Unless one is actuall going down hill, with
a load, it is always easier to stop than to go on.
     In this case, vastly so.
It is now thirteen years ago, during the administration
of President Hayes, that I first brought
this matter to the attention of our government.
believe it to be, perhaps the work of a month.

10
From that day to this, I have found time for nothing 
else.  I learned that its broad humanities were the
belt that spanned the world.
Dependent as it is upon the co-operation of
the government, being substantially a link between 
it and the people at large. I should not have been
justified in proceeding to organize great bodies of
persons under its regulations, until I was assured
what position the government would take in regard
to it.  I could not ask this decision of the
government until actualy results and proven to it
and to mysel fas well that the position required
was one worthy to be taken.
     Thus the trial has been made single handed.
Not a penny of tax nor dues has ever been asked
for the expenses of the National Red Cross.
     The general impression prevails, that it is
actively a branch of the government, and of course
provided for by it.  This impression hasprimarily, been heavily against us. as it enters no philanthropic mind to extend a generosity to the Red-cross, any more than to the war, or state or navy departments, or any other branch of protected government service. No freight bill on shipments is ever remitted. No agent ever passed (up to this time) free over a road. no bequeath ever made to it. Postage is not even paid. 

 The government is supposed to do all these things and it is generally believed that its offices have large salaries. In one way this impression has been helpful. It has doubtless given prestige: But it's a easily luxury and not to be forever afforded.

The actual expenses of the government, since the first, have been, as follows. An appropriation in 1883 of One Thousand Dollars, expended in government printing, of a little pamphlet history of the Red cross, written by me, at the request of the senate committee, for circulation after the adoption of the treaty Two Thousand copies. As neither frank nor postage was provided for the mailing fo each copy cost the society some ten cents. The issue is exhausted.

Appropriations of $2000, and $3000 Dollars respectively for expenses of governmental Delegates for the International Conference of 1884 and 1887 held at Geneva and Carlsruhe, the delegates giving their time and services, and meeting all costs, expecting those actually incurred en route, and provable by vouchers. Thus making an aggregate of $6000, six Thousand Dollars in eight years, expended in it's own behalf with as much in value, in each instance added by the society as otherwise appropriated.

These are the only demands ever made upon the government. This balances our accounts to date:- [with the exception, that I am never yet quite certain who owns the treaty]. 

We now reach a point, where I may name some directions, in which the government might properly extend it's protecting, and its helping hand. The International Committee of Geneva makes the National Society of America its recognized medium of communication with our government. It sends its official communications to the President of the National Association of the Red cross with directions that this officer present the same to our government and duly transact the required business. But unfortunately, there is opened no legalized medium through which the society is expected to conger with the government through either its Executive or its Legislative branches "What is everybody's business, is nobody's business" The entire system has each time to be explained to busy men, precedents to be found, and however willing and anxious, no one can be quite certain if he is right. The naming of two or three gentlemen from your own honorable body to act as a committee on the affairs of the Red cross would remedy all this, and render simple and efficient what is now complicated and awkward. It would then be somebody's business. The subject would be understood, The needs comprehended suitable advantages taken mistakes avoided, time saved; prestige given both at home and abroad and the unavoidable communications between the society and government officials come to be regarded as legitimate business and not as favors personally sought and graciously listened to. 

I regard the appointment of this committee as a most important step, if any steps are to be taken perhaps indispensable in view of certain measure which must come officially before congress. 

At the two last International Conferences, Resolutions were passed, requesting that each government within the treaty take firm measures for the protection of the international insignia of the Red cross, from misuse and abuse by unauthorized persons and parties as methods of popular advertising for speculation and gain. 

The Patent Office is besieged by applicants 15
demanding the Red Cross for trade marks. 

It becomes our duty on behalf of the these conferences
to present the Resolutions to the government, together with
the statements of the various countries through these
delegates and to ask its consideration and its official
action, in common with that of other nations: Our
duty to the government demands this as well. 

Again, through the growing popularity of the
organization, the demands for the formation of
minor societies, and for membership becomes so great
as not to be resisted. If the organization is to
continue, new charters must be framed, its
bounds widened, and a permanent incorporation
by Congress granted; our present incorporation
being from the District and for twenty years.

The great query which confronts us, and often
with a tinge of seeming reproach is, "Why is
so little known of your organization? Why is it
not written up, and circulated among the people


16
for general information: Even the army knows
nothing of it. Where shall we find something
published about it? and there inquiries come from
the Offices of the Regular Army, the National Guard,
the Grand Army, and the Medical fraternity
in general, not to mention the people at large.

There is probably no one in the land who
would more gladly see there questions favorably
met, and the information go out, than the
parties & supposed to be responsible for this dereliction
It has sometimes occurred to me that a little "dangerous
surplus" might be safely disposed of in that way
without compromising any leading issues.

Governmental Bureaus, with full [governmental] powers
have been commenced while requiring less
of actual labor, method, skill, clerical ability
and official expenses than are [demanded] required and
provided yearly, at the private Head Quarters
of the American National Red Cross, and with less of general demand17
for them and smaller visible results.
Fortunately its President has been always
able to furnish space for *The Red Cross Headquarters in*; her home [has been
its Prime]. and as it was her child. She has
naturally and willingly provided for it -- Best (?)
Gentlemen(?) - children grow.
In no other evening does its organization
of the Red Cross stand as an ordinary benevolent
society. In all others its relation to the government
is defined, pronounced, and its prestege assured.
This is wise and just, and only this can make it of
greatest service to the government, and *to* the people.
It is a peculiar institution, without
nationality, race, creed or sect. embracing
the entire world in its humanizing bond of
brotherhood, without *definite* arbitrary laws or rules,
and yet stronger than armies, and higher than 
thrones.
I desire to [know] *Praise ?* it better comprehended

18
and more fittingly appointed in our great
and advancing country. I would like to see
for it a Headquarters which in point of
activity would be a national honor to us.
The Red Cross of America should successfully
undertake some different problems. Hospital
and emergency work naturally fall to it. It has
come to be the first thought of any community suddenly
overtaken by disaster.
With all our misdirected, criminal and
incendiary emigsation[?], which nothing seems to hinder
with our dangerous foreign leaders and teachers,
our strikes, mobs and dynamite, who can foresee
the moment when the United States flag
shall be called to make peace and hold it?
And wherever that symbol goes. The Red Cross
must follow, and only one step in the rear.
The first man who falls, must see it on the
arm that [?a?ies] him, and the last mustknow it has not left him. The National Red
cross of America is not without possibilities for
occupation and there, neither theoretical nor
sentimental. 
     Gentlemen, there are some points which
I desire to guard against misapprehension on
your part. Of all things I would not that
you get the impression that I desire to foist
the Red Cross upon the government for support.
That because I say it is liable to equal a
government Bureau in point of work and
ease, that I desire to have it made a government
Bureau. Nothing is more impossible
that we have carried it to a certain extent
and now want the government to take it up.
There things could not be; it would at once
defeat the very objects of the organization, [which]
which means peoples help for national needs
nor national help for peoples necessities. 


20
Still there is a certain filling and customary
connection between the two, which it is proper
to recognize, certain protections of the rights
and welfare of the organization which it is suitable,
and for the intent of the government to
maintain, as for instance, the protection of the
insignia, which is its own. Its act of
Incorporation. - some aid in the circulation of information
respecting it; its charters etc, through its
official printing Bureaus, and some direct
channel of communication, and advice opened
between the government and the organization, as
customary on other countries and without which
I think we cannot reasonably hope to stand
upon a respectable basis in their estimation.
    If Germany can place Count Stolberg,
one of its highest official dignities and officers,
at the active head of its Red Cross Society, we can
scarcely do less than to permit a small advisory[21]

committee of our Legislature to confer with ours.
     There are all very small, and inexpensive demands
upon a government like ours own, and from their
apparent unimportance, likely to remain unconsidered,
still they are important to the work that seeks them.
With these assured, the national society can safely 
permit the people to take their place in the work,
and if the time never comes when the country has
need of the help for which they organize, it will
be only a too fortunate land.
     The part which I have thus far been privileged 
to take in this work has but one merit.
It has been faithful, and I believe unselfish.
With better judgment, greater strength, wealth,
power and prestige, or the ready half of those
who had. I might have accomplished more.
     I have nothing to gain from it, and never
have had. I have no ambitions to serve,
and certainly no purposes. I regret only

[22]
the years which have gone by in feeble unaided
effort, which, I feel, with stronger help
might have been more servicable.
All I am worth to it today, is the experience
I have gained.  I have no more time for trials
nor proof, and of there, no more are needed.
The facts are established.  I have stated what 
is needed of the government, before it can go
on, and I ask your kind consideration of
the same.