RED CROSS OF THE 
GENEVA CONVENTION 
i 8 8 ■ HE J^.ED £ROSS 
OF THE 
GENEVA CONVENTION 
WHAT IT IS, ITS ORIGIN AND HISTORY 
BY THE 
American National Association of the Red Cross 
DANSVILLE, N. Y. 
A. O. BUNNELL, PRINTER, OFFICE OF THE DANSVILLE ADVERTISER 
1881 PREFACE. 
In placing this pamphlet before the public it is the 
desire of the committee to make known, as far as pos- 
sible, not only the nature and objects of the organiza- 
into known as the Red Cross, as existing in other 
countries, but also the little which has thus far been 
attempted in our own. It has therefore been deemed 
advisable to embody in this a smaller pamphlet, issued 
by our president as early as the winter of 1878, entitled, 
'What the Red Cross Is," the design on her part being to 
introduce the work to the attention of the people, and 
their representatives in Congress. 
Both publications, with a few exceptions, are drawn, 
as nearly as possible without being literal translations, 
from original works issued by the International Com- 
mittee of Geneva, whose literature upon the subject of 
humanitarian work in war is already quite extensive, in- 
cluding the regular issue of a quarterly international 
Bulletin which details the work of the societies, and 
circulates in all countries embraced within the Treaty. 
The position which the organization of the Red 
Cross occupies among the nations will be at once ap- 4 
The Red Cross. 
parent to all persons of observation. Entirely distinct 
in its origin, formation, objects and methods, from any 
system which has ever existed, standing so completely 
a work by itself, it is something not readily compre- 
hended, as our own experience has too well shown. 
It is not appropriately classed with charities, but is rather 
to be regarded as a wise provision for the meeting of 
contingencies, certain sooner or later to confront us. The 
family which lays aside a portion of its passing income 
in health and prosperity, against the days when illness 
or misfortune shall overtake it, is held to be wise, 
economical, prudent, safe. Humanitarian in its principles 
and efforts, and realizing that nations are only the large 
families of the earth, the Red Cross seeks to introduce 
among nations and peoples, for their safety and welfare, 
the same wise course found so desirable and commend- 
able in families and individuals. 
Deploring war and its uncounted woes and evils, as 
they must, who unsolicited turn aside from the ordinary 
pursuits of life to seek out a system which shall lessen 
the horrors, and as its institutors have so beautifully 
expressed it, "enable war to make war upon itself," and 
"oppose the arms of humanity to the arms of violence," 
the Red Cross must by virtue of its very foundation The Red Cross. 
5 
stand in the foremost ranks of the great civilizers, educa- 
tors, and benefactors of mankind. 
International and national only, it will naturally bear 
so small relation in its work to the customary benefi- 
cences of the community, as never to come into collision 
with them, but will seek to aid so far as lies in its power 
any good cause which may exist. Antagonistic to 
nothing, it can know neither jealousies nor rivalry; the 
course marked out for it by its regulations, and entered 
upon from the first, must be evenly pursued. Founding 
itself specifically with the laws which make the country, 
it can only end with the country, and having come to 
stay, will, in all its incipient arrangements, prefer reflec- 
tion, wisdom, and mature judgment, to haste and uncer- 
tainty. 
With these views, and in this spirit, we place our 
publication before the people, inviting their earnest atten- 
tion to the subject explained by it, and feel assured 
that when once understood, the people of the United 
States of America will no longer be found behind all 
others in their active co-operation with the widest 
and most generally recognized humanitarian movement 
in the known world. THE RED CROSS 
OF THE 
GENEVA CONVENTION. 
WHAT XT IS. 
CLARA BARTON. 
WASHINGTON, D. C. 
Ruf us H. Darby, Steam Power, Book and Job Printer, 432 Ninth St. 
1878. To the People of the United States, Senators and Repre- 
sentatives in Congress : 
Having had the honor conferred upon me of appoint- 
ment by the Central Commission holding the Geneva 
Convention to present that Treaty to this government, 
and to take in charge the formation of a national organ- 
ization according to the plan pursued by the committees 
working under the Treaty, it seems to me but proper, that 
while I ask the government to sign it, the people and 
their representatives should be made acquainted with its 
origin, designs, methods of work, etc. To this end I have 
prepared the following statement, and present it to my 
countrymen and women, hoping they will be led to 
indorse and sustain a benevolence so grand in its char- 
acter, and already almost universal in its recognition and 
adoption by the civilized world. 
CLARA BARTON, 
Washington, D. C. JVhAT THE j^ED jOROSS Js. 
A confederation of relief societies in different coun- 
tries, acting under the Geneva Convention, carries on 
its work under the sign of the Red Cross. The aim of 
these societies is to ameliorate the condition of wounded 
soldiers in the armies in campaign on land or sea. 
The societies had their rise in the conviction of certain 
philanthropic men, that the official sanitary service in 
wars is usually insufficient, and that the charity of the 
people, which at such times exhibits itself munificently, 
should be organized for the best possible utilization. 
An international public conference was called at Geneva, 
Switzerland, in 1863, which, though it had not an official 
character, brought together representatives from a 
number of governments. At this conference a treaty 
was drawn up, afterwards remodeled and improved, 
which twenty five governments have signed. 
The Treaty provides for the neutrality of all sanitary 
supplies, ambulances, surgeons, nurses, attendants, and 
sick or wounded men, and their safe conduct, when 10 
The Red Cross. 
they bear the sign of the organization, viz: the Red 
Cross. 
Although the convention which originated the organ- 
ization was necessarily international, the relief societies 
themselves are entirely national and independent; each 
one governing itself and making its own laws, according 
to the genius of its nationality and needs. 
It was necessary for recognizance and safety, and for 
carrying out the general provisions of the Treaty, that 
a uniform badge should be agreed upon. The Red 
Cross was chosen out of compliment to the Swiss 
republic, where the first convention was held, and in 
which the Central Commission has its headquarters. 
The Swiss colors being a white cross on a red ground, 
the badge chosen was these colors reversed. 
There are no "members of the Red Cross," but only 
members of societies whose sign it is. There is no 
" Order of the Red Cross'' The relief societies use, each 
according to its convenience, whatever methods seem 
best suited to prepare in times of peace for the necessities 
of sanitary service in times of war. They gather and 
store gifts of money and supplies; arrange hospitals, 
ambulances, methods of transportation of wounded men, 
bureaus of information, correspondence, etc. All that The Red Cross. 
11 
the most ingenious philanthropy could devise and ex- 
ecute has been attempted in this direction. 
In the Franco-Prussian war this was abundantly 
tested. That Prussia acknowledged its beneficence, is 
proven by the fact that the emperor affixed the Red 
Cross to the Iron Cross of Merit. 
Although the societies are not international, there 
is a tacit compact between them, arising from their 
common origin, identity of aim, and mutual relation to 
the treaty. This compact embraces four principles, viz : 
centralization, preparation, impartiality, and solidarity. 
ist-Centralization. The efficiency of relief in time 
of war depends on unity of direction, therefore in every 
country the relief societies have a common central head 
to which they send their supplies, and which commu- 
nicates for them with the seat of war or with the surgical 
military authorities, and it is through this central com- 
mission they have governmental recognition. 
2d-Preparation. It is understood that societies 
working under the Red Cross shall occupy themselves 
with preparatory work in times of peace. This gives 
them a permanence they could not otherwise have. 
3d-Impartiality. The societies of belligerent 
nations cannot always carry aid to their wounded coun- 
trymen who are captured by the enemy; this is coun- 12 
The Red Cross. 
terbalanced by the regulation that the aid of the Red 
Cross societies shall be extended alike to friend and foe. 
4th-Solidarity. This provides that the societies 
of nations not engaged in war may afford aid to the sick 
and wounded of belligerent nations without affecting any 
principle of non-interference to which their govern- 
ments may be pledged. This must be done through 
the Central Commission, and not through either of the 
belligerent parties ; this insures in.partiality of relief. 
That these principles are practical, has been thoroughly 
tested during the fifteen years the Red Cross has existed. 
The Convention of Geneva does not exist as a society, 
but is simply a Treaty under which all the relief socie- 
ties of the Red Cross are enabled to carry on their work 
effectually. In time of war, the members and agents of 
the societies who go to the seat of war are obliged to 
have their badges vised by the Central Commission, and 
by one of the belligerents-this is in order to prevent 
fraud. Thus the societies and the Treaty complement 
each other. The societies find and execute the relief, 
the Treaty affords them the immunities which enable 
them to execute. 
And it may be further made a part of the reason d'etre 
of these national relief societies to afford ready succor 
and assistance to sufferers in time of national or wide- The Red Cross. 
13 
spread calamities, such as plagues, cholera, yellow fever 
and the like, devastating fires or floods, railway disasters, 
mining catastrophies, etc. The readiness of organizations 
like those of the Red Cross to extend help at the instant 
of need, renders the aid of quadruple value and efficiency 
compared with that gathered hastily and irresponsibly, 
in the bewilderment and shock which always accom- 
panies such calamities. The trained nurses and attend- 
ants subject to the relief societies in such cases, would 
accompany the supplies sent and remain in action as 
long as needed. Organized in every state, the relief 
societies of the Red Cross would be ready with money, 
nurses and supplies, to go on call to the instant relief of 
all who were overwhelmed by any of those sudden calam- 
ities which occasionally visit us. In case of yellow fever, 
there being an organization in every state, the nurses 
and attendants would be first chosen from the nearest 
societies, and being acclimated would incur far less risk 
to life than if sent from distant localities. It is true 
that the government is always ready in these times of 
public need to furnish transportation, and often does 
much more. In the Mississippi flood, a few years ago, 
it ordered rations distributed under the direction of army 
officers ; in the case of the explosion at the navy-yard, 
it voted a relief fund, and in our recent affliction at the 14 
The Red Cross. 
South, a like course was pursued. But in such cases one 
of the greatest difficulties is that there is no organized 
method of administering the relief which the government 
or liberal citizens are willing to bestow, nor trained and 
acclimated nurses ready to give intelligent care to the 
sick; or if there be organization, it is hastily formed in 
the time of need, and is therefore comparatively ineffi- 
cient and wasteful. It would seem to be full time that, 
in consideration of the growth and rapidly accumulating 
necessities of our country, we should learn to economize 
our charities, and insure from them the greatest possible 
practical benevolence. Although we in the United States 
may fondly hope to be seldom visited by the calamities 
of war, yet the misfortunes of other nations with which 
we are on terms of amity appeal to our sympathies; our 
southern coasts are periodically visited by the scourge 
of yellow fever; the valleys of the Mississippi are subject 
to destructive inundations ; the plains of the West are 
devastated by insects and drouth, and our cities and 
country are swept by consuming fires. In all such 
cases, to gather and dispense the profuse liberality of 
our people without waste of time or material, requires 
the wisdom that comes of experience and permanent 
organization. Still more does it concern, if not our 
safety, at least our honor, to signify our approval of 
those principles of humanity acknowledged by every 
other civilized nation. p. ^Sketch of the pf istory of 
JhE J^ED ^ROSS. 
I. 
ORIGIN AND PROGRESS. 
This society had its inception in the minds of two 
noble men of Switzerland-M. Gustave Moynier and 
Dr. Louis Appia. The latter had served as an army 
surgeon at the battle of Solferino, and was deeply im- 
pressed with a conviction of the need of more extended 
and efficient means than any which yet existed for 
ameliorating conditions consequent on war. M. Moynier 
had entertained similar views and published a work 
entitled, "A Souvenir of Solferino," in which he strongly 
advocated more humane and extensive appliances of aid 
to wounded soldiers. As a result of their thoughts 
and consultations, Mr. Moynier, who was at that time 
president of the Society of Public Utility of Switzerland, 
called a meeting of this society to consider " A proposi- 16 
The Red Cross. 
tion relative to the formation of permanent societies for 
the relief of wounded soldiers." This meeting took 
place on the 9th of February, 1863. The matter was 
laid fully before the society, was heartily received and 
acted upon, and a committee appointed, with Mr. 
Moynier at its head, to examine into methods by which 
the desired results might be obtained. 
So fully did this committee realize its responsibility 
and the magnitude, grandeur, and labor of the undertak- 
ing that its first steps were made even with timidity. 
But, overcoming all obstacles, it decided upon a plan 
which seemed possible, and announced for the 26th of 
the following October a re-union, to which were invited, 
from all countries, men sympathizing with its views or 
able to assist in its discussions. This International Con- 
ference was held at the apppointed time, continuing four 
days. The resch'tions adopted contain the fundamental 
principles of the work since accomplished. Upon this 
basis was com., enced and wrought out the Geneva 
Treaty, and the plan of all the National Permanent 
Relief Societies. Upon this the Red Cross was founded. 
One of the first objects to be desired by the Interna- 
tional Committee as necessary for the successful prose- 
cution of its work was the endorsement, by the several 
states of Europe, of a Treaty which should recognize the The Red Cross. 
17 
neutrality of the hospitals established, of the wounded, 
and of all persons and effects connected with the sani- 
tary ; also the adoption of a uniform protective sign or 
badge. It inquired with care into the disposition of the 
several governments, and was met with active sympathy 
and moral support. 
First assuring itself of the co operation of the Swiss 
federal council, and the Emperor of France, it shortly 
after procured the signatures of ten other governments, 
which were given at its rooms in the City Hall of 
Geneva, August 22, 1864, and called the Convention 
of Geneva. 
Its sign or badge was also agreed upon, viz: a red 
cross on a white ground, which was to be worn on the 
arm by all persons acting with or in the service of 
the committees enrolled under the Convention. The 
number of governments adhering to " .e Treaty was 
shortly after increased to twenty two, ano at '' j present 
date numbers twenty-seven. 
The war of 1866, though not fully de» ping the 
advantages of this international law, was yet the means 
of discovering its imperfections. Consequently, in 1867, 
the relief societies of Paris considered it necessary that 
the Treaty should be revised, modified and completed. 
Requests were issued, the International Committee 18 
The Red Cross. 
transmitted them to the various governments, and in 
1868 a second diplomatic conference was convened at 
Geneva, at which were voted additional articles, improv- 
ing the Treaty by completing its design, and extending 
its beneficent action to maritime wars. 
During the war of 1866 no decisive trial of the new 
principles involved in the Treaty could be made, Austria 
not having at that time signed it. But in 1870-71 it was 
otherwise. The belligerents had accepted not only the 
first Treaty but likewise the additional articles. Thus 
it became possible to show to the world the immense 
service and beneficent results which the Treaty through 
the relief societies might accomplish. 
The dullest apprehension can partially appreciate the 
responsibilities incurred by relief societies in time of 
war; and the thoughtful mind will readily perceive that 
these responsibilities involve constant vigilance and effort 
during per is of peace. It is wise statesmanship which 
directs that "time of peace we must prepare for war," 
and it is . less a wise benevolence that makes prepar- 
ation in the hour of peace for assuaging the ills that 
are sure to accompany war. We do not wait till battles 
are upon us to provide munitions of war nor efficient 
soldiery. Everything that foresight and caution can 
devise to ensure success is made ready and kept ready The Red Cross. 
19 
against the time of need. It is equally necessary to 
hold ourselves in readiness for effectual service in the 
mitigation of evils consequent upon war, if humane 
work is to be undertaken in that direction. 
Permanent armies are organized, drilled and supported 
for the actual service of contest; it is no less incumbent, 
if we would do efficient work in alleviating the sufferings 
caused by the barbarisms of war, that we should organize 
philanthropic effort, and be ready, with whatever is nec- 
essary, to be on the field at the sound of the first gun. 
An understanding of this truth led the Conference of 
1863 to embody in its articles, as one of its first cardinal 
characteristics, the following : " In time of peace the 
committee will occupy itself with means to render genu- 
ine assistance in time of war." 
The committee assumed that there should be a relief 
association in every country which endorsed the Treaty, 
and so generally was the idea accepted that at the end 
of the year 1864, when only ten governments had been 
added to the Convention, twenty-five central committees 
had been formed, under each of which relief societies 
were organized. 
It was, however, after the wars of 1864, 1866, and 
1870 that the movement began really to be popular. 
These conflicts brought not only contestants, but neutral 20 
The Red Cross. 
powers, so to appreciate the horrors of war that they 
were quite ready to acknowledge the beneficence and 
wisdom of the Geneva Treaty. Many who approved 
the humane idea and expressed a hearty sympathy for the 
object to be attained had heretofore legarded it as 
Utopian, a thing desirable but not attainable, an amiable 
and fanatical illusion, which would ever elude the prac- 
tical grasp. Nevertheless, the work accomplished from 
time to time during the wars referred to won not only 
such, but those actually hostile, to regard it as a practical 
and most beneficent undertaking. The crowned heads of 
Europe were quick to perceive the benign uses of the 
associations, and bestowed upon the central committees 
of their countries money, credit and personal approbation. 
The families of sovereigns contributed their sympathy 
and material support. The list of princes and princesses 
who came forward with personal aid and- assumed direc- 
tion of the work was by no means small, thus proving 
correct the augury of the convention of 1863, viz : that, 
"The governments would accord their high protection to 
the committees in their organization." 
The whole of Europe is marshalled under the banner 
of the Red Cross. To its powerful and peaceful sign the 
committee hopes to bring all civilized nations of the 
earth. Wherever men fight and tear each other in The Red Cross. 
21 
pieces, wherever the glare and roar of war are heard, 
they aim to plant the white banner that bears the blessed 
sign of relief. Already they have carried it into Asia. 
Their ensign waves in Siberia, on the Chinese frontier, 
and in Turkistan ; through the African committee in 
Algeria and Egypt; and Oceanica has a committee at 
Batavia. Even the islands of the sea are learning the 
blessings of more humane customs in war. 
II. 
ORGANIZATION AND METHODS 
OF WORK. 
One of the things considered indispensable, and there- 
fore adopted as a resolution by the conference of 1863, 
was the centralization of the work in each country sepa- 
rately, by itself. While the Treaty must be universally 
acknowledged, and its badge accepted as a universal 
sign, it was equally essential that the societies of the 
different countries should be simply national and in no 
respect international. It was therefore ordained by the 
conference, that all local committees or organizations, 
desirous of working with the Red Cross, should do so 
under the auspices of a central committee of their own 22 
The Red Cross. 
nation, recognized by its government, and also recogn- 
ized by the International Committee from which the sign 
of the Red Cross emanates. Singularly enough, the In- 
ternational Committee has had considerable difficulty 
in making this fully understood, and frequently has 
been obliged to call local committees to order, for assum- 
ing centralization or nationality. Once in three months 
the International Committee publishes an official list of 
all committees recognized by it as central or national. 
In this way it is able to exercise a certain control and 
repress entanglements and abuses which would be conse- 
quent on irresponsible or counterfeit organizations. 
To recapitulate : The commission of Geneva, of which 
Monsieur Moynier is president, is the only International 
Committee. All other committees are simply national or 
local. The conference of 1863 foresaw that national 
differences would prevent a universal code of manage- 
ment, and that to make the societies international would 
destroy them so far as efficiency was concerned; they 
therefore adopted a resolution that "central committees 
should organize in such a manner as seemed the most 
useful and convenient to themselves." Every committee 
being its own judge has its own constitution and laws. 
To be efficient it must have government recognition, 
must bear the stamp of national individuality, and be The Red Cross. 
23 
constructed according to the spirit, habits, and needs of 
the country it represents. No hierarchy unites the 
societies; they are independent of each other; but have 
each an individual responsibility to the Treaty, under the 
ensign of which they work, and they labor in a common 
cause. It is desirable that they should all be known 
by one name-viz: The Society of the Red Cross. 
The functions of the International Committee whose 
headquarters are at Geneva were also determined by the 
conference of 1863. It is to serve provisionally as an 
intermediate agent between national committees and 
facilitate their communications with each other. It 
occupies itself with the general interests of the Red Cross, 
in correspondence, and the study of theoretical and 
practical methods of amelioration. 
The National Committees are charged with the 
direction and responsibility of the work in their own 
countries; they must provide resources to be utilized 
in time of need; take active measures to secure adher- 
ents, establish local societies, and have efficient working 
force always in readiness for action; and in time of war 
dispatch and distribute safely and wisely all accumula- 
tions of material and supplies, nurses and assistants, to 
their proper destinations; and, in short, whatever may 
be gathered from the patriotism and philanthropy of 24 
The Red Cross. 
the country, always remembering that central commit- 
tees without abundance of sectional branches would be 
of little use. 
In most countries the co-operation of women has 
been eagerly sought. It is needless to say it has been 
as eagerly given. In some countries the central com- 
mittees are mixed, both sexes working together ; in 
others, sub-committees are formed by women; and in 
others, as in the Grand Duchy of Baden, woman leads. 
As a last detail of organization the conference of 
1863 recommended to the central committees to put 
themselves en rapport with their respective governments 
in order that their offers of service should be accepted 
when required. This makes it incumbent upon societies 
to obtain and hold government recognition, by which 
they are endowed with the immunities and privileges of 
legally instituted bodies, and with recognition from other 
nations in time of war not otherwise possible to them. 
Finally the committees are advised to put themselves, 
through the medium of the central committee recog- 
nized by the government, into relations with the war 
departments of their respective countries in order to 
have their services most perfectly utilized in time of war. The Red Cross. 
25 
III. 
OCCUPATION OF RELIEF SOCIETIES 
IN TIMES OF PEACE. 
Recognition, organization, and communication are 
by no means all that is necessary to insure the fulfill- 
ment of the objects of these associations. A thing most 
important to be borne in mind is, that if money be nec- 
essary for war it is also an indispensable agent in relief 
of the miseries occasioned by war. Self-devotion alone 
will not anwer. The relief societies need funds and other 
resources to carry on their work. They not only require 
means for current expenses but, most of all, for possible 
emergencies. To obtain and prudently conserve these 
resources is an important work. The Russian society 
set a good example of activity in this direction. From 
the beginning of its organization in 1867 it systematically 
collected money over the whole empire, and neglected 
nothing that tended to success. It put boxes in 
churches, convents, armories, railroad depots, steam- 
boats-in every place frequented by the public. 
Besides the collection of funds, the conference of 
1863 recommended that peace periods should be occu- 
pied in gathering necessary material for sanitary service. 
In 1868 there were in Geneva alone five depots where 26 
The Red Cross. 
were accumulated one thousand two hundred and twenty- 
eight dozen shirts, besides hosiery, bandages, lint, etc., 
for over six thousand wounded. There were also large 
collections in the provinces. 
In other countries, the supplies remaining after wars 
were gathered into depots and added to abundantly. 
Thus in 1868 the Berlin committee was in possession of 
supplies worth over $25,000. Especial care is taken to 
acquire familiarity with all sanitary material used ; to 
eliminate as far as possible whatever may be prejudicial 
to sick or wounded men, to improve both the sanitary 
system and all supplies used under it; to have every- 
thing of the very best, as surgical instruments, medicine 
chests, bandages, stretchers, wagons, and tents. 
We would refer to the efforts made in the national 
exhibitions of various countries, where the societies of 
the Red Cross have displayed their practical improve- 
ments and inventions, in competitive zeal, taxing to their 
utmost human ingenuity and skill. Some countries 
have taken grand prizes. Hague held an exposition in 
1867, exclusively for the works of the Red Cross. Per- 
manent museums have been established where all sorts 
of sanitary material for relief are exhibited, as in Stock- 
holm, Carlsruhe, St. Petersburg, Moscow, and Paris; 
this last is the most important, and is international, The Red Cross. 
27 
other countries having participated in its foundation. 
Another method is the publication of works bearing 
upon this subject, some of which are very valuable and 
scientific. 
Not less important is attention to the sanitary personnel. 
Of all aid, efficient nurses are the most difficult to obtain. 
There are numbers of men and women who have the 
will and devotion necessary to lead them into hospitals, 
or to the battle-field, but very few of them are capable 
of performing well the duties of nurses. Therefore but 
a small portion of the volunteers are available. The 
relief societies soon found that women were, by nature, 
much better fitted for this duty than men can be; and 
to enable them to fulfil to the best advantage the mission 
for which they are so well adapted it was decided to 
afford them the best possible professional instruction. 
For this purpose, during peace, training-schools were 
established, from which were graduated great numbers 
of women who are ready, at a moment's notice, to go 
upon the battle-field or into hospitals. These profes- 
sional nurses find no difficulty during times of peace in 
securing remunerative employment; indeed, they are 
eagerly sought for by the community, and easily arrange 
to take positions at the bedside of the sick, with the 
proviso that they are to be allowed to obey the pledge to 28 
The Red Cross. 
their society at the first tocsin of war. There are 
schools for this purpose in Germany, England, Sweden, 
Holland, Russia, and other European countries, and 
nothing has been neglected toward making them 
thorough, and placing them on a strong and solid basis. 
IV. 
SERVICES IN TIME OF WAR. 
Notwithstanding the readiness with which most 
persons will perceive the beneficent uses of relief socie- 
ties in war, it may not be amiss to particularize some 
of the work accomplished by the societies of the Red 
Cross. Not to mention civil disturbances and lesser 
conflicts, they participated in not less than five great 
wars in the first ten years, commencing with Schleswig- 
Holstein, and ending with the Franco-German. Russia 
and Turkey have followed, with many others since that 
time, in all of which these societies have signally proved 
their power to ameliorate the horrors of war. The earlier 
of these, while affording great opportunity for the benefi- 
cent work of the societies, were also grand fields of 
instruction and discipline to the committee, enabling The Red Cross. 
29 
them to store up vast funds of practical knowledge which 
were to be of great service. 
The Sanitary Commission of the United States also 
served as an excellent example in many respects to the 
relief societies of Europe, and from it they took many 
valuable lessons. Thus in 1866 Europe was much better 
prepared than ever before for the care of those who suf- 
fered from the barbarisms of war. She was now ready 
with some degree of ability to oppose the arms of 
charity to the arms of violence, and make a kind of war 
on war itself. Still however there was a lack of central- 
ization. The provincial committees worked separately, 
and consequently lost force. Notwithstanding these 
drawbacks, large amounts of money were gathered, 
and munificent supplies of material brought into store. 
The Austrian committee alone collected 2,170,000 
francs, and a great supply of all things needed in hospital 
service. The central committee was of great use in 
facilitating correspondence between the different peoples 
comprising the Austrian Empire, the bureau maintain- 
ing correspondence in eleven different languages. 
Italy was not backward in the performance of her 
duty. She used her abundant resources in the most 
effectual way. Not only were her provincial societies 
of relief united for common action, but they received 30 
The Red Cross. 
external aid from France and Switzerland. Here was 
exhibited the first beautiful example of neutral powers 
interfering in the cause of charity in time of war-instead 
of joining in the work of destruction, lending their aid 
to repair its damages. The provincial committees 
banded together under the central committee of Milan. 
Four squads, comprising well-trained nurses and assist- 
ants, were organized and furnished with all necessary 
material to follow the military ambulances or field hos- 
pitals, whose wagons were placed at their disposal. Thus 
the committee not only reinforced the sanitary personnel 
of the army, but greatly increased its supplies. It 
provided entirely the sanitary material for the Tyrolese 
volunteers, and afforded relief to the navy, and when 
the war was over it remained among the wounded. In 
addition to the supplies this committee afforded, it ex- 
pended in money not less than 199,064 francs. 
But after all it was Germany standing between the 
two armies which distinguished herself. Since the con- 
ference of 1863 she had been acting on the rule of prep- 
aration, and now found herself in readiness for all 
emergencies. The central committee of Berlin was 
flooded with contributions from the provincial commit- 
tees. In the eight provinces of Prussia 4,000,000 of 
thalers were collected, and the other states of Germany The Red Cross. 
31 
were not behind. So munificently did the people bestow 
their aid, that large store-houses'were provided in Berlin 
and in the provinces for its reception, and at the central 
depot in Berlin two hundred paid persons, besides a 
large number of volunteers, and nearly three hundred 
ladies and misses were employed in classifying, parcel- 
ling, packing up, and dispatching the goods. Special 
railroad trains carried material to the points of need. 
In one train were twenty-six cars laden with 1,800 to 
2,000 cwt. of supplies. Never had private charity, 
however carefully directed, been able to accomplish such 
prodigies of benevolence. It was now that the benefi- 
cence of the Treaty and the excellence of the organization 
were manifested. But the committee did not confine 
itself to sending supplies for the wounded to the seat of 
war. It established and provisioned refreshment stations 
for the trains, to which those unable to proceed on the 
trains to the great hospitals without danger to life, were 
admitted, nursed and cared for with the tenderest solici- 
tude until they were sufficiently recovered to be re- 
moved, or death took them. At the station of Pardubitz 
from six hundred to eight hundred were cared for daily 
for two months, and lodging provided for three hun- 
dred at night. This example suffices to show the extra- 
ordinary results of well-organized plans and concerted 32 
The Red Cross. 
action. During the war, the relief societies had also 
to contend with the terrible scourge of cholera. There 
can be no estimate of the misery assuaged and deaths 
prevented by the unselfish zeal and devotion of the 
wearers of the Red Cross. 
In the interval between the wars of 1866 and 1867, 
and that of 1870-71 the time had been improved by the 
societies existing under the Geneva treaty, in adding to 
their resources in every possible manner. Improve- 
ments were made in all articles of sanitary service; 
excellent treatises regarding the hygiene of the camp 
and hospital were widely circulated; the press had 
greatly interested itself in the promulgation of infor- 
mation regarding all matters of interest or instruction 
pertaining to sanitary effort, and almost universally lent 
its powerful influence to build up the societies. Ten 
new societies were formed during this time. In Germany 
the work of the Red Cross was so thoroughly organized, 
that at the first signal from Berlin, committees arrived 
as if by magic at all required points, forming a chain 
which extended over the whole country, and numbered 
over two thousand persons. This is more remarkable 
since Germany was a neutral power. Constant commu- 
nication was kept up between these committees and the 
central bureau, and the most perfect order and discipline The Red Cross. 
33 
were maintained. Relief was sent from one or another 
of these stations as was needed. The state afforded free 
transport, and the voluntary contributions of the people 
kept up the supplies of sanitary material, so that there 
was never any lack or danger of failure. With the 
government transports, whether by land or water, there 
went always the agents of the Red Cross, protected by 
their badges and flag, to wait on the invoices, hasten 
their progress, see to their being kept in good order, 
and properly delivered at their destination. Depots of 
supplies were moved from place to place as exigencies 
demanded. The greatest care was taken to prevent 
disorder or confusion, and the best military circumspec- 
tion and regularity prevailed. The great central depot 
at Berlin comprised seven sections, viz : camp material; 
clothing; dressing, for wounds; surgical apparatus; 
medicines and disinfectants ; food and tobacco; and 
hospital furnishings. Did space allow, it would be desir- 
able to give statistics of the contributions in money and 
supplies to this service. Suffice it to say, the humanity 
of peoples is far beyond that of governments. Govern- 
ments appropriate immense sums to carry on destructive 
conflicts, but the work of relief societies the world over, 
and especially during the war of 1870-71, has shown 
that the philanthropy of the people equals their patri- 34 
The Red Cross. 
otism. The sums given to assuage the miseries of the 
Franco-Prussian war were simply fabulous. In 1863, 
fears were expressed that there would be difficulty in 
collecting needful funds and supplies to carry out the 
designs of the Treaty. These misgivings proved ground- 
less. After the war of 1870-71, notwithstanding nothing 
had been withheld in the way of relief, the societies 
settled their accounts with large balances in their 
treasuries. 
In France not nearly so much had been previously 
done to provide for the exigencies which fell upon them, 
but the committee worked with such vigor and so 
wrought upon the philanthropy of individuals, that active 
measures of relief were instantly taken. Gold and sup- 
plies poured into the hands of the committee at Paris. 
One month sufficed to organize and provide seventeen 
campaign ambulances or field hospitals which imme- 
diately joined the army and accompanied it through 
the first period of the war, or until the battle of Sedan. 
In Paris ambulances were stationed at the railroad 
depots to pick up the wounded, and a bureau of informa- 
tion was created for soldiers' families. When the siege 
of Paris was about to take place the committee threw, 
without delay, a commission into Brussels charged with 
the direction and help of flying hospitals. Nine com- The Red Cross. 
35 
mittees were established in the provinces, with power to 
act for the central committee and to invite the people to 
help. Meanwhile the committee in Paris did its utmost 
to mitigate the distress that reigned there, and to prepare 
for the result of the siege. History has recorded the 
sufferings, the horrors of misery that accompanied and 
followed that siege; but history can never relate what 
wretchedness was averted, what agonies were alleviated, 
what multitudes of lives were saved, by the presence and 
effort of the relief societies ! What the state of France 
must have been without the merciful help of the Red 
Cross societies the imagination dare not picture. After 
the armistice was signed there were removed from 
Paris, under the auspices of the relief societies, ten thou- 
sand wounded men, who otherwise must have lingered 
in agony, or died from want of care; and there were 
brought back by them to French soil nine thousand men 
who had been cared for in German hospitals. 36 
The Red Cross. 
V. 
ACTION OF NEUTRAL COUNTRIES IN 
TIME OF WAR. 
Neutral countries also during this war were ready 
and bountiful with help; and those working under the 
Treaty did most effectual service. England contributed 
7,500,000 francs, beside large gifts of sanitary supplies ; 
in one hundred and eighty-eight days' time, she sent to 
the seat of war twelve thousand boxes of supplies 
through the agents of the Red Cross. 
To give an idea of the readiness and efficacy with 
which the committees worked even in neutral countries, 
one instance will suffice. From Pont-a Mousson a tele- 
gram was sent to London for two hundred and fifty iron 
beds for the wounded, and in forty-eight hours they 
arrived in answer to the request. England kept also at 
the seat of war, agents to inform the committee at home 
of whatever was most needed in supplies. The neutral 
countries sent also surgeons, physicians and nurses, and 
in many other ways gave practical testimony to the be- 
nign efficacy of the Geneva Treaty. 
As will be seen by the foregoing pages, the objects 
and provisions of the Geneva Convention and the Socie- 
ties acting under it, are designed for, and applicable to, The Red Cross. 
37 
the exigences of war only. The close contact of the 
nations hitherto signing this treaty, renders them far 
more liable to the recurrence of war in their midst than 
our own, which by its geographical position, and dis 
tance from neighboring nations, entertains a feeling of 
security which justifies the hope that we may seldom if 
ever again have occasion to provide for the exigencies 
of war in our land. 
This leads the American Association to perceive the 
great wisdom, foresight and breadth of the resolution 
adopted by the convention of 1863, which provides that 
" Committees shall organize in the manner which shall 
seem most useful and convenient to themselves;" also 
in their article on the organization of societies in these 
pages occurs the following: " To be efficient, soci- 
eties must have government recognition, must bear 
the stamp of their national individuality, and be con- 
structed according to the spirit, habits, and needs of the 
country they represent. This is essential to success." 
As no work can retain its vitality without constant 
action, so in a country like ours, with a people of so 
active a temperament, an essential element in endearing 
to them a work, is to keep constantly before them its 
usefulness. With this view the question of meeting the 
want heretofore felt on all occasions of public calamity, 38 
The Red Cross. 
of sufficient extent to be deemed of national importance, 
has received attention at the hands of this association. 
For this purpose the necessary steps have been inaugu- 
rated to organize auxiliary societies, prepared to co-ope- 
rate with the central Association in all plans for prompt 
relief; whilst the volunteers who shall render personal 
aid will be expected to hold themselves in the same 
readiness as in the case of an international call. 
It must, however, be distinctly understood that these 
additional functions for local purposes shall in no man- 
ner impair the international obligation of the associa- 
tion ; but on the contrary it is believed will render them 
more effective in time of need. 
It may appear singular that a movement so humane 
in its purposes, so wise and well considered in its regu- 
lations, so universal in its application, and every way so 
unexceptional, should have been so long in finding its 
way to the knowledge and consideration of the people 
of the United States. This fact appears to have been 
the result of circumstances rather than intention. 
While eminently a reading people, we are almost ex- 
clusively confined to the English language. The litera- 
ture of the Red Cross is entirely in other languages, 
largely French, and thus has failed to meet the eye of 
the reading public. The Red Cross. 
39 
It will be observed that the first convention was called 
duringour war; no delegates were especially sent by 
the United States, but our Minister Plenipotentiary to 
Switzerland, acting as delegate, sent a copy of the do- 
ings of the Convention to our government for recogni- 
tion. In the midst of civil war as we were at the time 
the subject was very naturally and properly declined. 
It was again most fittingly presented in 1866 through 
Rev. Dr. Henry Bellows, and by this eminent gentleman 
and philanthropist a society of the Red Cross was actu- 
ally formed ; but for some cause it failed, and the Con- 
vention was not recognized. The International Com- 
mittee became in a manner discouraged in its efforts 
with the United States, but finally it was decided to 
present it again through Miss Clara Barton, and accord- 
ingly the following letter was addressed to President 
Hayes dming the first year of his admistration: 
Geneva, 19th.August, 1877. 
International Committee for the Relief of Wounded Soldiers. 
To the President of the United States at Washington : 
Mr. PresidentThe International Committee of the Red Cross de- 
sires most earnestly that the United States should be associated with 
them in their work, and they take the liberty of addressing themselves 
to you, with the hope that you will second their efforts, In order that 
the functions of the National Society of the Red Cross be faithfully per- 
formed, it is indispensable that it should have the sympathy and protec- 
tion of the government. 
It would be irrational to establish an association upon the principles of 
the Convention of Geneva, without the association having the assurance 40 
The Red Cross. 
that the army of its own country, of which it should be an auxiliary, 
would be guided, should the case occur, by the same principles. It would 
consequently be useless for us to appeal to the people of the country, in- 
asmuch as the United States, as a government, has made no declaration 
of adhering officially to the principles laid down by the Convention of 
the 22d August, 1864. 
Such is, then, Mr, President, the principal object of the present request. 
We do not doubt but this will meet with a favorable reception from you, 
for the United States is in advance of Europe upon the subject of war, 
and the celebrated "Instructions of the American army,", are a monu- 
ment which does honor to the United States. 
You are aware, Mr. President, that the government of the United States 
wa< officially represented at the Conference of Geneva, in 1861. by two 
delegates; and this mark of approbation given to the work which was 
being accomplished was then considered by every one as a precursor of 
a legal ratification. Until the present time, however, this confirmation 
has not taken place, and we think that this formality which would have 
no other bearing than to express publicly the acquiescence of the United 
States in those humanitarian principles now admitted by all civilized 
people, has only been retarded because the occasion has not offered itself. 
We flatter ourselves with the hope that appealing directly to your gener- 
ous sentiments will determine you to take the necessary measures to put 
an end to a situation so much to be regretted. We only wait such good 
news, Mr. President, in order to urge the founding of an American socie- 
ty of the Red Cross. 
We have already an able and devoted assistant in Miss Clara Barton to 
whom we confide the care of handing to you this present request. 
It would be very desirable that the projected asseveration should be 
underyour distinguished patronage and we hope that you will not refuse 
us this favor. 
Receive, Mr. President, the assurance of our highest consideration. 
For the International Committee, 
G. Moyniek, President. 
This letter was sent to Miss Barton, who, having la- 
bored with committees of the Red Cross during the 
Franco-Prussian war, thus becoming familiar with its The Red Cross. 
41 
methods, was very naturally selected as the bearer of 
the letter, and the exponent of the cause. Moreover, 
foreign nations had secured her promise to present it to 
the government on her return to her country and en- 
deavor to make its principles understood among the 
people. 
Accordingly the letter was presented by Miss Barton 
to President Hayes and by him referred to his secretary 
of state, but as no action was taken, and no promise of 
any action given, it was not deemed advisable to proceed 
to the organization of societies formed with special ref- 
erence to acting under the regulations of a government- 
al treaty having no present existence, and no guaranty of 
any in the future. 
Thus it remained until the incoming of the present 
Administration, when a copy of the letter of Mr. Moy- 
nier was presented by Miss Barton to President Garfield, 
very cordially received by him, and endorsed to Secre- 
tary Blaine ; from whom after full consideration of the 
subject the following letter was received : 
Department of State, 
Washington, May 20, 1881, 
Miss Clara Barton, 
American Representative of the Red Cross, etc., Washington. 
Dear Madam;-I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the 
letter addressed by Mr. Moynier, President of the Red Cross Internation- 
al Convention, to the President of the United States, bearing the date of 42 
The Red Cross. 
the 19th August, 1877, and referred by President Garfield on the 30th 
March, 1881, to this Department. 
It appears from a careful perusal of the letter that Mr. Moynier is 
anxious that the government of the United States should join with other 
governments of the world in this International Convention. 
Will you be pleased to say to Mr. Moynier, In reply to his Tetter, that 
the President of the United States, and the officers of this government 
are in full sympathy with any wise measures tending toward the ameli- 
oration of the suffering incident to warfare. The constitution of the 
United States has, however, lodged the entire war making power in the 
congress of the United States; and as the participation of the United States 
in an international convention of this character Is consequent upon and 
auxiliary to the war making power of the nation, legislation by congress 
Is needful to accomplish the humane end that your society has in view. 
It gives me, however, great pleasure to state that I shall be happy to give 
any measures which you may propose careful attention and considera- 
tion, and should the President, as I doubt not he will, approve of the 
matter, the administration will recommend to congress the adoption of 
the international treaty which you desire. 
I am, Madam, with very great respect, 
Your Obedient Servant, 
James G. Blaine. 
On the 25th of June the following letter from Mr. 
Moynier, President of the International Committee of 
Geneva, in reply to the preceding letter of Secretary 
Blaine, was received by Miss Barton, and duly presented 
at the State Department: 
Geneva, June 13,1881. 
To the Hon. the Secretary of State, 
James G. Blaine, Washington : 
Sir:-Miss Clara Barton has just communicated to me the letter which 
she has had the honor to receive from you, bearing date of May 23, 1881, 
and I hasten to express to you how much satisfaction I have experienced 
from it. I do not doubt now, thanks to your favorable consideration and 
that of President Garfield, that the United States may soon be counted The Red Cross. 
43 
among the number of signers of the Geneva Conveniion, since you have 
been kind enough to allow me to hope that the proposition for it will be 
made to congress by the administration. 
I thank you as well as President Garfield, for having been willing to 
take into serious consideration the wish contained in my letter of Au- 
gust 19, 1877, assuredly a very natural wish, since it tended to unite your 
country with a work of charity and civilization for which it is one of the 
best qualified. 
Since my letter of 1877 was written, several new governmental adhe- 
sions have been given to the Geneva Convention, and I think that these 
precedents will be much more encouraging to the United States from the 
fact that they have been given by America. It was under the influence 
of events of the recent war of the Pacific that Bolivia signed the treaty 
the 16th of Oct., 1879, Chili on the 15th Nov., 1879, Argentine Republic on 
the 25th of Nov., 1879, and Peru on the 22d of April, 1881. This argument 
in favor of the adhesion of your country is the only one I can add to my 
request, and to the printed documents that Miss Barton has placed in 
your hands, to aid your judgment and that of congress. 
I now await with full confidence the final result of your sympathetic 
efforts, and I beg you to accept, Sir, the assurance of my high considera- 
tion. Signed, G. Moynier, President. 
The very cordial and frank expressions of sympathy 
contained in Secretary Blaine's letter gave assurance of 
the acceptance of the terms of the treaty by the govern- 
ment at no distant day, and warranted the formation of 
societies. Accordingly a meeting was held in Wash- 
ington, D. C., May 21, 1881, which resulted in the for- 
mation of an association to be known as the American 
[National] Association of the Red Cross. A constitu- 
tion was adopted, a copy of which follows : 44 
The Red Cross. 
Constztutzon of the American Association 
of the Red Cross. 
PREAMBLE. 
Whereas, On the 22d day of August, 1864, at Geneva, Switzerland, plen- 
ipotentiaries, respectively representing Italy, Baden, Belgium, Denmark, 
Holland, Spain, Portugal, France, Prussia, Saxony, Wunemberg, and 
the Federal Council of Switzerland, agreed upon ten articles of a Treaty 
orConvention for the purpose of mitigating the evils inseparable from 
war; of suppressing needless severities, and ameliorating the condition 
of soldiers wounded on the field of battle; and particularly providing, 
among other things, in effect that persons employed In hospitals and in 
affording relief to the sick and wounded, and supplies for this purpose 
shall be deemed neutral and entitled to protection; and that a distinct- 
ive and uniform flag shall be adopted for hospitals, ambulances and con- 
voys of sick and wounded, and an arm badge for individuals neutralized, 
and, 
Whereas, Said Treaty has been ratified by all said nations above named, 
and others, but not by the United States of America, and, 
Whereas, A permanent society is an agency needed in every nation, to 
carry out the purposes of said Treaty, an3 especially to secure supplies 
for relief, and persons to execute the humane objects contemplated by 
said Treaty in a form somewhat similar to that adopted by the Sanitary 
Commission and the Christian Commission during the war of the Rebel- 
lion in the United States; and while sincerely hoping for the dawn of 
perpetual and universal peace among the nations of the earth, and ear- 
nestly deprecating war, we cannot shut our eyes to Its existence, nor to 
the liability of Its recurrence, nor to the fact that it is the part of true 
wisdom to prepare to assuage the sufferings caused by an evil which we 
cannot avert; 
Now, therefore, for the purpose of securing the assent of the United 
States to said Treaty, of securing a perpetual act of incorporation from 
congress for a national society, with power to organize auxiliary societies 
to carry out the humane objects of said Treaty, and with authority to 
adopt a distinctive flag and arm badge, as contemplated by said Treaty, 
on which shall be the sign of the Red Cross, and for the purpose of co- The Red Cross. 
45 
operating with the " Comite International de Secours aux Militaires Blasts," 
[International Committee of Relief for the Wounded in War] of Geneva, 
an organization in aid of the purposes of said treaty and with similar 
associations in other nations, an association is hereby organized with a 
constitution as follows: 
CONSTITUTION. 
NAME, LOCATION, COMPOSED OE. 
Article 1. This Association shall be known as the American Associa- 
tion of the Red Cross, with its office located at Washington, D. C., and 
shall consist of tiie subscribers hereunto, and such other persons as shall 
hereafter be elected to membership; and it shall constitute a Central Na- 
tional Association with power to organize state and territorial associa- 
tions auxiliary to itself. 
OBJECTS OF ASSOCIATION. 
Article 2. The objects of the National Association are. 
First, To secure the adoption by the government of the United States 
of the Treaty of August 22,1864. 
Second, To obtain recognition by the government of the United States, 
and to hold itself in readiness for communicating therewith at all times, 
to the end that its purposes may be more widely and effectually carried 
out. 
Third, To organize a system of national relief and apply the same in 
mitigating the sufferings caused by war, pestilence, famine and other 
calamities. 
Fourth, To collect and diffuse information touching the progress of 
mercy, the organization of national relief, the advancement of sanitary 
science and hospital service, and their application. 
Fifth, To co-operate with all other national societies, for the further- 
ance of the articles herein set forth, in such ways as are provided by the 
regulations governing such co-operation. 
DUTIES. 
Article 3. This association shall hold Itself in readiness in the event 
of war or any calamity great enough to be considered national, to inaug- 
urate such practical measures, in mitigation of the suffering and for the 
protection and relief of sick and wounded, as may be consistent with the 
objects of the association as indicated in Article 2. 46 
The Red Cross. 
OFFICERS. 
Article 4. The officers of this association shall consist of a president; 
first vice president; other vice presidents, not to exceed one from each 
state, territory, and the District of Columbia; a secretary; treasurer; 
an executive board; a board for consultation, which shall consist of the 
following officers of the United States government, viz: the President 
and his cabinet; General of the Army; Surgeon General; AdjutantGen- 
eral ; and Judge Advocate General; and such other officers as may here- 
after be deemed necessary. 
MEETINGS AND ELECTIONS. 
Article 5. The annual meeting of the association, to hear the reports 
of the various officers and act thereon, to act upon any changes in the con- 
stitution and by-iaws and to transact such other business as may legally 
come before it, shall meet on the third Monday of January. 
At the first general meeting after the formation of the society, the fol- 
lowing officers shall be elected by ballot, viz: president; first vice presi- 
dents ; members of the executive board and board for consultation ; sec- 
retary, and treasurer; and thereafter these officers shall be elected for one 
year beginning on the third Monday in January, 1882. 
Elections to fill vacancies may be had at any regular meeting or at any 
meeting duly called for that purpose. 
Each member shall be entitled to one vote, in person or by proxy. 
The candidate for any office receiving the largest number of votes shall 
be declared elected, although the same may not be a majority of all the 
votes cast. 
The president with the concurrence of the executive board, may at any 
time convene a meeting of the association and shall do so upon request of 
the executive board. 
EXECUTIVE BOARD. 
Article 6. The executive board shall consist of eleven members nine 
of whom shall be chosen by ballot. This board shall organize and pro- 
ceed to appoint a secretary, who may also act as corresponding secretary 
of the national association. The president and first vice presldent'shall 
be members ex officio of the executive board; the first vice president to be 
chairman of the executive board. 
DUTIES OF OFFICERS. 
Article 7. The president shall preside at all meetings of the associa- 
tion, and perform such other duties as usually pertaJn to the office. The Red Cross. 
47 
The executive board shall arrange the time for holding its meetings, 
and shall convene at the call of its chairman. 
Five members thereof shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of 
business. 
It shall take into consideration and act upon all questions concerning 
the objects sought by the association, and shall devise and adopt such 
ways and means as may be deemed necessary for the fullest possible at- 
tainment of said objects. It shall confer with the board of consultation 
whenever its counsel and advice may seem desirable. It shall prepare 
and submit to each annual mee ing of the association a report of its 
transactions during the year. 
The treasurer shall receive, invest and disburse the funds of the associ- 
ation under direction of the executive board ; and shall provide and fur- 
nish such bonds for the faithful performance of the duties as may be pre- 
scribed by the executive board. 
The secretary shall keep a true and accurate record of the transaction 
of business at all meetings of the association, and shall attend to such 
other duties as may be assigned to the office by the president. 
At a subsequent meeting, held on the 9th-of June, 
1881, the following officers were elected : 
MISS CLARA BARTON, President; 
Judge Wm. Lawrence, First Vice President; 
Dr. Alex. Y. P. Garnette, Vice President of the District of Columbia; 
A. S. Solomons, Treasurer; 
George Kennan, Secretary. 
Judge Wm. Lawrence, Chairman, 
Dr. George B. Loring, 
Gen. 8. D. Sturgis, 
Mrs. S. A. Martha Canfield, 
Mr. Walter P. Phillips, 
EXECUTIVE BOARD. 
Miss Clara Barton, 
Mr. Walker Blaine, 
Col. Richard J. Hinton, 
Mrs. F. B. Taylor, 
Mr. John R. VanWormer, 
Mr. Wm. F. Sliney. 
Gen. R. D. Mussey, Consulting Council of the association. 
Miss Clara Barton, Corresponding Secretary. 
This society has been duly incorporated under the laws of the District 
of Columbia. 48 
The Red Cross. 
Resolutions of the International Conference of Ge- 
neva. Assembled at Geneva on the 26th-29th of Oct. 
1863. 
The International Conference, desirous of aiding the 
wounded, in cases where the military hospital service is 
insufficient, adopts the following resolutions : 
Art. 1. That there exist In each country a committee whose mission 
consists in co-operating in tlmas of war with the hospital service of the 
armies, by all means in its power; 
That this committee be organized in the manner which seems the most 
useful and convenient. 
Art. 2. Sections, to an unlimited number, can be formed to aid this 
committee, to which belongs the general direction. 
Art. 3. Each committee should put Itself in relation with the govern- 
ment of its country in order that its services shall be accepted. 
Art. 4. In time of peace committees can be occupied in rendering 
themselves truly useful in time of war; especially in preparing materials 
of all kinds and in selecting and training volunteer nurses. 
Art. 5. In case of war, the committees of the belligerent nations will 
furnish, according to their resources, aid to their respective armies; par- 
ticularly in organizing and putting Into active service the volunteer 
nurses, and arranging the localities for the wounded in accordance with 
the military authorities; they can solicit the assistance of the commit- 
tees belonging to neutral nations. Convention of Jjeneva. 
FORjTHE AMELIORATION OF THE CONDITION OF THE WOUND- 
ED" IN ARMIES AT THE FIELD. AUGUST 22, 1864. 
The sovereigns of the following countries, to wit: 
Baden, Belgium, Denmark, Holland, Spain, Portugal, 
France, Prussia, Saxony, Wurtemberg, and the Federal 
Council of Switzerland, animated with a common desire 
of mitigating as far as in their power the evils insepar- 
able from war, of suppressing needless severities and of 
ameliorating the condition of soldiers wounded on fields 
of battle, having concluded to determine a treaty for this 
purpose; and having named plenipotentiaries to sign 
such a'convention, these plenipotentiaries after the due 
interchange of their powers, found to be in good and 
proper form, have agreed upon the following articles, to 
wit: 
Article 1. Ambulances [field hospitals] and military hospitals shall 
be acknowledged to be neutral, and as such shall be protected and re- 
spected by belligerents so long as any sick or wounded may be therein 
Such neutrality shall cease, if the ambulances or hospitals should be held 
by a military]force. 50 
The'Red Cross. 
Article 2. Persons employed In hospitals and ambulances, compris- 
ing the staff for superintendence, medical service, administration, trans- 
port of wounded, as well as chaplains, shall participate in the benefit of 
neutrality whilst so employed, and so long as there remain any to bring 
in or to succor. 
Article 3. The persons designated in the preceding article may, even 
after occupation by the enemy, continue to fulfil their duties in the hos- 
pital or ambulance which they may have, or may withdraw in order to 
regain the corps to which they belong. Under such circumstances, when 
the persons shall cease f om their functions, they shall be delivered by 
the occupying army to the outposts of the enemy. They shall have 
specially the right o sending a representative to the headquarters of 
their respective armies. 
Article 4. As the equipment of military hospitals remains subject to 
the laws of war persons attached to such hospitals cannot on withdraw- 
ing carry away any articles but such as are their private property. Un- 
der the same circumstances an ambulance shall, on the contrary, retain 
its equipment. 
Article 5. Inhabitants of the country who may bring help to the 
wounded shall be respected and shall remain free. The generals of the 
belligerent powers shall make it their care to Inform the inhabitants of 
the appeal addressed to their humanity, and of the neutrality which will 
be the consequence of it. Any wounded man entertained and taken care 
of in a house shall be considered as a protection thereto. Any inhabitant 
who shall have entertained wounded men in his house, shall be exempted 
from the quartering of troops as well as from a part of the contribu- 
tions of war which may be imposed. 
Article 6. Wounded or sick soldiers shall be entertained and taken 
care of to whatever nation they may belong. Commanders in-chlef shall 
have the power to deliver immediately to the outposts of the enemy, 
soldiers who have been wounded In an engagement, when circumstances 
permit this to be done, and with the consent of both parties. Those who 
are recognized after they are healed as incapable of serving, shall be sent 
back to their country. The others may also be sent back on condition of 
not again bearing arms during the continuance of the wa Evacuations, 
together with the persons under whose directions they take place, shall 
be protected by' an absolute neutrality. The Red Cross. 
51 
Article 7, a distinctive and uniform flag shall be adopted for hospi- 
tals, ambulances and evacuations. It must on every occasion be accom- 
panied by the national flag. An arm badge [brassard] shall also be allow- 
ed for Individuals neutralized, but the delivery thereof shall be left to 
military authority. The flag and arm badge shall bear a red cross on a 
white ground. 
Article 8. The details of execution of the present convention shall be 
regulated by the commanders-in-chief of belligerent armies, according 
to the instructions of their respective governments, and in conformity 
with the general principles laid down in this convention. 
Article 9. The high contracting powers have agreed to communicate 
the present convention to those governments which have not found it 
convenient to send plenipotentiaries to the international Convention at 
Geneva, with an invitation to accede thereto; the protocol is, for that 
purpose, left open. 
Article 10. The present convention shall be ratified and the ratifica- 
tion shall be exchanged at Berne, in four months, or sooner if possible. 
In witness whereof the respective plenipotentiaries have signed the 
same, and have affixed thereto the seal of their arms. 
Done at Geneva, the 23d day of August, 1864. pOVERNMENTS ^.DOPTING THE 
J" REATY. 
List in chronological order of the governments which 
have adopted the articles of the Convention of Geneva, 
of the 22d of August, 1864: 
♦France, Sept. 22, 1864. 
•Belgium, Oct. 14.1864. 
♦Italy, Dec. 4, 1864. 
♦Sweden and Norway. Dec. 13, 1864. 
♦Baden, Dec. 16, 1864. 
Great Britain, Feb. 18,1865. 
♦Prussia, June 22, 1865. 
♦Wurtemberg, June 2, 1866. 
Bavaria, June 30. 1866. 
♦Portugal, Aug. 9, 1866. 
Russia, May 22, 1867. 
Roumania, Nov. 30, 1874. 
San Salvador, Dec. 30, 1874. 
Servia, March 24, 1876. 
Chili, Nov. 15, 1879. 
Peru, April 22,1880. 
♦Switzerland, Oct. 1, 1864. 
♦Netherlands, Nov. 29, 1864. 
'Spain, Dec. 5,1864. 
'Denmark, Dec. 15,1864. 
Greece, Jan. 17, 1865. 
Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Mar. 9, '6-5. 
Turkey, July 5,1865. 
♦Hesse Darmstadt, June 22, 1866. 
Austria, July 21, 1866. 
Saxony, Oct. 25, 1866. 
Pontifical States, May 9, 1868. 
Persia, Dec. 5, 1874. 
Montenegro, Nov. 29, 1875. 
Bolivia, Oct. 16, 1879. 
Argentine Republic, Nov. 25,1879. 
These countries have formed societies to co operate 
with the Treaty. 
The Convention of Geveva was signed the 22d of 
August, 1804, by the twelve countries of which the 
name is preceded by an *. Jo the President, Pongress, and People 
of the United States. 
y^DDRESS 
B Y 
yVIiss pLARA Parton. INTRODUCTORY. 
'The Red Cross of Geneva is attracting so much at- 
tention among influential persons, and among foreign 
nations, and the interest of the people of the United 
States is so certain to be ultimately and deeply aroused 
by the humane, peaceful and practical charities which it 
symbolizes, that it seems desirable at once to explain as 
fully as may be, its true character, its principles and its 
methods of work, its history and development, especially 
the American modification of it. 
For this explanation no one appeared so competent as 
the President* of the American branch of this Interna- 
tional Association. No one so prepared by practical 
work on battle fields and by thorough comprehension of 
everything relating to the subject. The committee of 
direction has accordingly requested her to prepare some 
further and more adequate statement of all that the Red 
Cross of Geneva means, and is. With that request she 
has complied and we recommend this statement with 
great confidence to the Congress and people of the 
United States. 
Washington, D. C., Nov., 1881. 
*Miss Barton was nominated for President of the American (National) 
Association of the Red Cross by President Garfield on the 9th of June, 
1881. ^.DDRESS 
yVIissf lara JBarton. 
To the President, Congress, and People of the United States: 
A brief statement of how I became acquainted with 
the society of the Red Cross may serve to explain at 
once its principles and methods, as well as the present 
attitude of our government in regard to that society. 
The practical beneficence of the sanitary and Christian 
commissions of the United States attracted the attention 
of the civilized world. I had borne some part in the 
operations of field hospitals in actual service in the 
battles of the Rebellion, and some public notice had 
been taken of that work. But, broken in health, I was 
directed by my physicians to go to Europe prepared to 
remain three years. 
In September, 1869, I arrived at Geneva, Switzer- 
land. In October I was visited by the President and 
members of the ''International Committee for the relief 56 
The Red Cross. 
of the wounded in war." They wished to learn if pos- 
sible why the United States had declined to sign the 
Treaty. Our position was incomprehensible to them. 
If the Treaty had originated with a monarchial govern- 
ment they could see some ground for hesitancy. But it 
originated in a Republic older than our own. To what 
did America object, and how could these objections be 
overcome ? They had twice formally presented it to 
the government at Washington, once in 1864 through 
our Minister Plenipotentiary at Berne, who was present 
at the convention, again in 1868 through Rev. Dr. Henry 
W. Bellows, the great head of war relief in America. 
They had failed in both instances. No satisfactory nor 
adequate reason had ever been given by the nation for 
the course pursued. They had thought the people of 
America, with their grand sanitary record, would be the 
first to appreciate and accept it. I listened in silent won- 
der to all this recital, and when I did reply it was to say 
that I had never in America heard of the Convention of 
Geneva nor of the Treaty, and was sure that as a country 
America did not know she had declined ; that she 
would be the last to withhold recognition of a humane 
movement; that it had doubtless been referred to and 
declined by some one department of the government, 
or some one official, and had never been submitted to The Red Cross. 
57 
the people ; and as its literature was in languages for- 
eign to our English speaking population, it had no way 
of reaching us. 
You will naturally infer that I examined it. I became 
all the time more deeply impressed with the wisdom of 
its principles, the good practical sense of its details, and 
its extreme usefulness in practice. Humane intelligence 
had devised its provisions and peculiarly adapted it to 
win popular favor. The absurdity of our own position 
in relation to it was simply marvellous. As I counted 
up its roll of twenty-two nations-not a civilized people 
in the world but ourselves missing, and saw Greece, 
Spain, and Turkey there, I began to fear that in the eyes 
of the "rest of mankind'' we could not be far from bar- 
barians. This reflection did not furnish a stimulating 
food for national pride. I grew more and more ashamed. 
But the winter wore on as winters do with invalids 
abroad. The summer found me at Berne in quest of 
strength among its mountain views and baths. 
On the 15th of July, 1870, France declared war 
against Prussia. Within three days a band of agents 
from the "International Committee of Geneva," headed 
by Dr. Louis Appia, (one of the prime movers of the 
Convention) equipped for work and en route for the seat 
of war, stood at the door of my villa inviting me to go 58 
Thc Red Cross. 
with them and take such part as I had taken in our own 
war. I had not strength to trust for that and declined 
with thanks, promising to follow in my own time and 
way, and I did follow within a week. No shot had then 
been fired-no man had fallen; yet this organized, pow- 
erful commission was on its way, with its skilled agents, 
ready to receive, direct and dispense the charities and 
accumulations which the generous sympathies of twenty- 
two nations, if applied to, might place at its disposal. 
These men had Treaty power to go directly on to any 
field, and work unmolested in full co-operation with the 
military and commanders-in chief; their supplies held 
sacred and their efforts recognized and seconded in every 
direction by either belligerent army. Not a man could 
lie uncared for nor unfed. I thought of the Peninsula 
in McClellan's campaign,-of Pittsburg Landing,-Cedar 
Mountain and second Bull Run,-Antietam,-Old Fred- 
ericksburg with its acres of snow-covered and gun-cov- 
ered glacee, and its fourth day flag of truce; of its dead 
and starving wounded, frozen to the ground, and our 
commissions and their supplies in Washington with no 
effective organization or power to go beyond ; of the 
Petersburgh mine with its four thousand dead and 
wounded and no flag of truce, the wounded broiling in a 
July sun,-died and rotted where they fell. I remem- The Red Cross. 
59 
bered our prisons, crowded with starving men whom all 
the powers and pities of the world could not reach even 
with a bit of bread. I thought of the widows' weeds 
still fresh and dark through all the land, north and 
south, from the pine to the palm ; the shadows on the 
hearths and hearts over all my country. Sore, broken 
hearts, ruined, desolate homes! Was this people to de- 
cline a humanity in war ? Was this a country to reject 
a Treaty for the help of wounded soldiers? Were these 
the women and men to stand aloof and consider? I be- 
lieved if these people knew that the last cloud of war 
had forever passed from their horizon, the tender, pain- 
ful, deathless memories of what had been would bring 
them in with a force no power could resist. They 
needed only to know. 
As I journeyed on and saw the work of these Red 
Cross societies in the field, accomplishing in four months 
under their systematic organization what we failed to ac- 
complish in four years without it-no mistakes, no need- 
less suffering, no starving, no lack of care, no waste, 
no confusion, but order, plenty, cleanliness and comfort 
wherever that little flag made its way-a whole conti- 
nent marshaled under the.banner of the Red Cross-as 
I saw all this, and joined and worked in it, you will not 
wonder that I said to myself "If I live to return to my 60 
The Red Cross. 
country I will try to make my people understand the 
Red Cross and that Treaty." But I did more than re- 
solve, I promised other nations I would do it, and othet 
reasons pressed me to remember my promise. The 
Franco Prussian war and the war of the commune were 
both enormous in the extent of their operations and in 
the suffering of individuals. This great modern inter- 
national impulse of charity went out everywhere to meet 
and alleviate its miseries. The small, poor countries 
gave of their poverty and the rich nations poured out 
abundantly of their vast resources. The contributions 
of those under the Red Cross went quietly, promptly 
through international responsible channels, were thought- 
fully and carefully distributed through well known 
agents, returns, accurate to a franc, were made and duly 
published to the credit of the contributing nations, and 
the object aimed at zvas accomplished. America, filled 
with German and French people, with people humane 
and universal in their instincts of citizenship and. broth- 
erhood, freighted ships with supplies and contributions 
in money prodigal and vast. They arrived in Europe 
but they were not under the Treaty regulations. No 
sign of the Red Cross authorized anyone to receive and 
distribute them. The poor baffled agents, honest, well 
meaning and indefatigable, did all that individuals with- The Red Cross. 
61 
out system or organization could do. But for the most 
part the magnificent charity of America was misapplied 
and went as unsystematized charity always tends to go, 
to ruin and to utter waste. The object aimed at was not 
accomplished, and at the end of the report of the Red 
Cross organization occurs something like this ; It is said 
that the United States of America also contributed 
something for the sick and wounded, but what, or how 
much, or to whom, or when or where, it is impossible to 
tell. 
In the autumn of 1873 I returned to America more 
broken in health than when I left in '69. Then followed 
years of suffering in which I forgot how to walk, but I 
remembered my resolve and my promise. After almost 
five years I was able to go to Washington with a letter 
from Monsieur Moynier, President of the International 
Committee of Geneva, to the President of the United 
States, asking once more that our government accede to 
the articles of the Convention. Having been made the 
official bearer of this letter, I presented it in 1877 to 
President Hayes, who received it kindly, referring it to 
his Secretary of State, Mr. Evarts, who in his turn refer- 
red it to his assistant secretary as the person who would 
know all about it, examine and report for decision. I 
then saw how it was made to depend not alone upon one 62 
The Red Cross. 
department, but one man, who had been the assistant 
secretary of state in 1864 and also in 1868 when the 
Tieaty had been on the two previous occasions presented 
to our government. It was a settled thing. There was 
nothing to hope for from that administration. The mat- 
ter had been officially referred and would be decided ac- 
cordingly. It would be declined* because it had been 
declined. If I pressed it to a decision, it would only 
weigh it down with a third refusal. I waited. My next 
thought was to refer it to Congress. That step would 
be irregular, and discourteous to the administration. I 
did not like to take it, still I attempted it but could not 
get it considered, for it promised neither political influ- 
ence, patronage, nor votes. 
The next year I returned to Washington to try Con- 
gress again. I published a little pamphlet of two leaves 
addressed to the members and senators, to be laid 
upon their desks in the hope they would take the 
trouble to read so little as that, and be by so much the 
better prepared to consider and act upon a bill if I 
could get one before them. My strength failed before I 
could get that bill presented, and I went home again in 
midwinter. There then remained but a portion of the 
term of that administration, and I determined, if possi- 
ble, to outlive it, hoping another would be more respons- The Red Cioss. 
63 
ive. Meanwhile I wrote, talked, and did whatever I 
could to spread the idea among the people, and last 
March, when the administration of President Garfield 
came in, I went again to Washington. The subject was 
very cordially received by the President and care- 
fully referred by him to Secretary Blaine, who considered 
it himself, conferred fully with me, and finally laid it 
before the President and the Cabinet. Perhaps the most 
satisfactory account of that transaction will be found in 
the letter of Mr. Blaine addressed to me, (see page 41), 
which gives the assurance that President Garfield would 
recommend the adoption of the Treaty in his message to 
Congress. 
What were the provisions of that Treaty which had 
been so conspicuously and persistently neglected and 
apparently rejected by this whole government, whose 
people are as humane as any people in the world, and 
as ready to adopt plain and common sense provisions 
against evils sure to come upon themselves and those 
whom they hold most dear ? It was merely the pro- 
posed adoption of a treaty by this government with 
other nations for the purpose of ameliorating the condi- 
tions incident to warfare, humanizing its regulations, 
softening its barbarities, and so far as possible, lessening 
the sufferings of the wounded and sick who fall by it. 64 
The Red Cross. 
This Treaty consists of a code of ten articles (see page 49) 
formed and adopted by the International Convention of 
Geneva, Switzerland, held August 22d, 1864, which 
convention was composed of delegates, two or more from 
each of the civilized nations of the world, and was called 
at the instance of the members of the Society of Public 
Utility of the country of Switzerland. The sittings of 
the convention occupied four days, and resulted as before 
stated in a code of ten articles, to be taken by the dele- 
gates there present back to the governments of their re- 
spective countries for ratification. Four months were 
allowed for consideration and decision by the govern- 
ments, and all acceding within that time were held as 
having signed at the convention. At the close of this 
period, it was found that twelve nations had endorsed 
the terms of the Treaty and signed its articles. The 
protocol was left open for such as should follow. The 
articles of this Treaty provide, as its first and most im- 
portant feature, for the entire and strict neutrality of all 
material and supplies contributed by any nation for the 
use of the sick and wounded in war; also that per- 
sons engaged in the distribution of them, shall not be 
subject to capture ; that all hospitals, general or field, 
shall be neutral, respected and protected by all belliger- 
ents ; that all persons comprising the medical service, The Red Cross. 
65 
surgeons, chaplains, superintendents, shall be neutral, 
continuing their work after the occupation of a field or 
post the same as before, and when no longer needed be 
free to retire; that they may send a representative to 
their own headquarters if needful; that field hospitals 
shall retain their own equipments ; that inhabitants of a 
country who entertain and care for the wounded of 
either side, in their houses, shall be protected ; that the 
generals of an army shall so inform the people; that 
commanders-in-chief shall have the power to deliver 
immediately to the outposts of the enemy sol'diers who 
have been wounded in an engagement, both partiescon 
senting to the same ; that the wounded, incapable of 
serving, shall be returned when healed ; that all trans- 
ports of wounded and all evacuations of posts or towns 
shall be protected by absolute neutrality. That the sick 
and wounded shall be entertained regardless of national- 
ity ; and that commanders-in chief shall act in accordance 
with the instructions of their respective governments, 
and in conformity to the Treaty. In order that all may 
understand, and no mistake be possible, it also provides 
that one uniform international flag shall mark all 
hospitals, all posts of sick and wounded, and one uni- 
form badge or sign shall mark all hospital material, and 
be worn by all persons properly engaged in the hospi- 66 
The Red Cross. 
tai service of any nation included within the Treaty ; 
that this international flag and sign shall be a red cross 
on a white ground, and that the nations within the com- 
pact shall not cease their endeavors until every other 
nation capable of making war shall have signed this 
Treaty, and thus acceded to the general principles of 
humanity in warfare recognized by other peoples. 
Thirty-one governments have already signed this 
Treaty, thirty-one nations are in this humane compact. 
The United States of America is not in it, and the work 
to which your attention is called, and which has occu- 
pied me for the last several years, is to induce her to 
place herself there. 
This is what the Red Cross means, not an order of 
knighthood, not a commandery, not a secret society, not 
a society at all by itself, but the powerful, peaceful sign 
and the reducing to practical usefulness of one of the 
broadest and most needed humanities the world has ever 
known. 
These articles, it will be observed, constitute at once 
a treaty governing our relations with foreign nations, 
and additional articles of war governing the conduct of 
our military forces in the*field. As a treaty under the 
constitution, the President and Senate are competent to 
deal with them ; as additional articles of war, Congress The Red Cross. 
67 
must sanction and adopt them before they can become 
effective and binding upon the government and the peo- 
ple. For this reason I have appealed to Congress as 
well as to the Executive Department. 
On the breaking up of the original convention at 
Geneva, the practical work of organizing its principles 
into form and making them understood and adopted by 
the people, devolved upon seven men, mainly those who 
had been instrumental in calling it. These men were pe- 
culiarly fitted for this work by special training, enlarged 
views, and a comprehensive charity, no less than by 
practical insight, knowledge of the facts and needs of 
the situation, and a brave trust in the humane instincts 
of human nature. They are known to-day the world 
over as "The International Committee of Geneva for the 
relief of the sick and wounded in war." This commit- 
tee is international, and is the one medium through 
which all nations within the Treaty transact business 
and carry on correspondence. 
The first act of each nation subsequent to the Treaty 
has been to establish a central society of its own, which 
of course is national, and which has general charge and 
direction of the work of its own country. Under'these 
comes the establishment of state, and local soci- 
eties. It will be perceived that their system, aside from 68 
The Red Cross. 
its international feature is very nearly what our own war 
relief societies would have been had they retained per- 
manent organization. Indeed, it is believed that we fur 
nished for their admirable system some very valuable 
ideas. The success of the Red Cross associations con- 
sists in their making their societies permanent, holding 
their organizations firm and intact, guarding their sup- 
plies, saving their property from waste, destruction and 
pillage, and making the persons in charge of the gifts of 
the people as strictly responsible for straight-forward 
conduct and honest returns, as they would be for the 
personal property of an individual, a business firm, or a 
bank. 
In attempting to present to the people of this country 
the plan of the Red Cross societies, it is proper to ex- 
p'ain that originally and as operating in other countries 
they recognize only the miseries arising from war. 
Their humanities, although immense, are confined to 
this war center. The Treaty does not cover more than 
this, but the resolutions for the establishment of socie- 
ties under the Treaty, permit them to organize in ac- 
cordance with the spirit and needs of their nationalities. 
By our geographical position and isolation we are far 
less liable to the disturbances of war than the nations of 
Europe, which are so frequently called upon that they do The Red Cross. 
69 
well to keep in readiness for the exigences of war alone. 
But no country is more liable than our own to great 
overmastering calamities, various, wide-spread and ter- 
rible. Seldom a year passes that the nation from sea to 
sea is not by the shock of some sudden, unforeseen dis- 
aster brought to utter consternation, and stands shiver- 
ing like a ship in a gale, powerless, horrified and de- 
spairing. Plagues, cholera, fires, flood, famine all bear 
upon us with terrible force. Like war these events are 
entirely out of the common course of woes and necessi- 
ties. Like death they are sure to come in some form 
and at some time, and like it no mortal knows where, 
how or when. What have we in readiness to meet these 
emergencies save the good heart of our people and their 
impulsive, generous gifts? Certainly no organized sys- 
tem for collection, reception nor distribution ; no agents, 
nurses nor material, and worst of all no funds; no- 
where any resources in reserve for use in such an hour 
of peril and national woe; every movement crude, con- 
fused and unsystematized, everything as unprepared as 
if we had never known a calamity before and had nq 
reason to expect one again. Meanwhile the suffering 
victims wait! True, in the shock we bestow most gen- 
erously, lavishly even. Men "on 'Change" plunge their 
hands into their pockets and throw their gold to strang- 70 
The Red Cross. 
ers, who may have neither preparation nor fitness for 
the work they undertake, and often no guaranty for 
honesty. Women, in the terror and excitement of the 
moment and in their eagerness to aid, beg in the streets 
and rush into fairs, working day and night, to the neg- 
lect of other duties in the present, and at the peril of all 
health in the future-often an enormous outlay for very 
meagre returns. Thus our gifts fall far short of their 
best, being hastily bestowed, irresponsibly received and 
wastefully applied. We should not, even if to some 
degree we might, depend upon our ordinary charitable 
and church societies to meet these great catastrophies ; 
they are always overtaxed. Our communities abound in 
charitable societies, but each has its specific object to 
which its resources are and must be applied ; conse- 
quently they cannot be relied upon for prompt and 
abundant aid in a great and sudden emergency. This 
must necessarily be the case with all societies which or- 
ganize to work for a specific charity. And this is as it 
should be ; it is enough that they do constantly bestow. 
Charity bearsan open palm, to give is her mission. But 
I have never classed these Red Cross societies with 
charities, I have rather considered them as a wise nation- 
al provision which seeks to garner and store up some- 
thing against an hour of sudden need. In all our land The Red Cross. 
71 
we have not one organization of this nature and which 
acts upon the system of conserved resources. Our 
people have been more wise and thoughtful in the 
establishment of means for preventing and arresting the 
destruction of property than the destruction of human 
life and the lessening of consequent suffering. They 
have provided and maintain at an immense cost, in the 
aggregate, a system of fire departments with their expen- 
sive buildings and apparatus, with their fine horses 
and strong men kept constantly in readiness to dash to 
the rescue at the first dread clang of the fire bell. Still, 
while the electric current may flash upon us at any mo- 
ment its ill tidings of some great human distress, we 
have no means of relief in readiness such as these Red 
Cross societies would furnish. 
I beg you will not feel that in the presentation of this 
plan of action I seek to add to the labors of the people. 
On the contrary I am striving to lessen them by making 
previous, calm preparation do away with the strain and 
confusion of unexpected necessities and haste. I am 
providing not weariness but rest. 
And again, I would not be understood as suggesting 
the raising of more monies for charitable purposes ; 
rather I am trying to save the people's means, to econo- 
mize their charities, to make their gifts do more by the 72 
The Red Cross. 
prevention of needless waste and extravagance. If I 
thought that the formation of these societies would add 
a burden to our people I would be the last to advocate 
it. I would not, however, yield the fact of the Treaty. 
For patriotism, for national honor, I would stand by 
that at all cost. My first and greatest endeavor has 
been to wipe from the scroll of my country's fame the 
stain of imputed lack of common humanity, to take her 
out of the roll of barbarians. I said that in 1869 
there were twenty two nations in the compact. There 
are now thirty-one, for since that date have been 
added Roumania, Persia, San Salvador, Montenegro, 
Servia, Bolivia, Chili, Argentine Republic and Peru. If 
the United States of America is fortunate and dilligent, 
she may, perhaps, come to stand No. 32 in the roll of 
civilization and humanity. If not, she will remain 
where she at present stands, among the barbarians and 
the heathen. 
In considering this condition of things it seemed de- 
sirable to so extend the original design of the Red 
Cross societies operating in other lands, as to include 
not only suffering by war but by pestilence, famine, fires 
or floods,-in short any unlooked-for calamity so great 
as to place it beyond the means of ordinary local charity, 
and which by public opinion would be pronounced The Red Cross. 
73 
a national calamity; but that this addition should in no 
way impair the original functions of the society, and that 
for their own well being they should be held firm by 
the distinguishing feature of the international constitu- 
tion which provides that local societies shall not act 
except upon orders from the National Association which 
is charged with the duty of being so fully informed upon 
all such subjects, both at home and abroad, as to consti- 
tute it the most competent judge of the magnitude and 
gravity of any catastrophe. 
During all these years no societies under the true 
banner of the Red Cross of Geneva were or could be 
organized, for the government had not yet ratified the 
Treaty and no department of the government had then 
intimated that it ever would be ratified. It could not be 
a responsible or quite an honest movement on my part 
to proceed to the formation of societies to 'act under 
and in conformity to a treaty of special character so 
long as our government recognized no such treaty and I 
could get no assurance that it ever would or indeed 
could recognize it. 
But this delay in the formation of societies, however 
embarrassing, was in no manner able to interfere with 
the general plan, or the working details for its operations, 
which had been arranged and decided upon before the 74 
The Red Cross. 
presentation of the subject to the government in 1877, 
and published in pamphlet form in 1878, making it to 
cover, as it now does, the entire field of national relief 
for great national woes and calamities in time of peace, 
no less than in war. The wise provisions, careful pre- 
parations, and thorough system which had been found 
so efficient in the permanent societies of the Red Cross 
in other countries, could not fail, I thought, to consti- 
tute both a useful and powerful system of relief in any 
class of disasters. I therefore ventured so far upon the 
generous spirit of their original resolutions, in the plan 
of our societies as, mechanically speaking, to attach to 
this vast motor power the extra, and hitherto dead 
weight of our great national calamities, in order that the 
same force should apply to all, and serve to lighten, I 
hoped, so far as possible, not only the woes of those, 
directly called to suffer, but the burdens on the hearts 
and hands of those called to sympathize with their suffer- 
ings. The time allowed for the practical test of this 
experiment has been short. Scarcely three months in 
which to organize and act; but the brave societies of the 
Red Cress of Western New York, at this moment stand- 
ing so nobly among their flame-stricken neighbors of 
Michigan-so generously responding to their calls for 
help, are quite sufficient, I believe, to show what the The Red Cross. 
75 
action and results of this combined system will be, when 
recognized and inaugurated. 
It may be said that this Treaty jeopardizes our tradi- 
tional policy which jealously guards against entangling 
alliances abroad, that as we are exempt by our geograph- 
ical position from occasions for war this Treaty must 
bring us not benefits but only burdens from other peo 
pie's calamities and wars-calamities and wars which 
we do not create and of which we may properly reap 
the incidental advantages. But this Treaty binds none 
to bear burdens but only to refrain from cruelties; it 
binds not to give but to allow others to give wisely and 
to work humanely if they will, while all shall guarantee 
to them undisturbed activity in deeds of charity. Three 
is then in the Red Cross no "entangling alliance'' that 
any but a barbarian at war can feel as a restraint. This 
inculcated wariness of foreign influences wonderfully 
freshened.by the conduit of foreign rulers and writers 
during the Rebellion and deepened by the crimes and 
the craft directed primarily at Mexico, and ultimately at 
us, made the people of America in 1864 and 1868 de- 
voutly thankful for the friendly and stormy sea that 
rolled between them and the European states. And it 
is not perhaps altogether strange that American states- 
men, inspired by such a public opinion, should then have 76 
The Red Cross. 
been but little inclined to look with favor upon any new 
international obligations however specious in appearance 
or humane in fact. But the award of Geneva surely 
opened the way for the Red Cross of Geneva. Time 
and success have made plain the nation's path. The 
postal treaty since made among all nations and entered 
into heartily by this has proved salutary to all. It has 
removed every valid state reason for opposition to the 
harmless, humane and peaceful provisions of the Treaty 
of the Red Cross. 
But in the midst of the rugged facts of war come sen- 
timental objections and objectors. For, deplore it as we 
may, war is the great fact of all history and its most pit- 
iable feature is not after all so much the great numbers 
slain, wounded and captured in battle, as their cruel 
after treatment as wounded and prisoners, no adequate 
provision being made for their necessities, no humane 
care even permitted, except at the risk of death or im- 
prisonment as spies, of those moved by wise pity or a 
simple religious zeal. Among these hard facts appears 
a conscientious theorist and asks, Is not war a great sin 
and wrong ? Ought we to provide for it, to make it 
easy, to lessen its horrors, to mitigate its sufferings ? 
Shall we not in this way encourage rulers and peoples 
to engage in war for slight and fancied grievances ? We The Red Cross. 
77 
provide for the victims of the great wrong and sin of 
intemperance. These are for the most part voluntary 
victims, each in a measure the arbiter of his own fate. 
The soldier has generally no part, no voice in creating 
the war in which he fights. He simply obeys as he 
must his superiors and the laws of his country. Yes, it 
is a great wrong and sin and for that reason I would 
provide not only for, but against it. 
But here comes the speculative theorist! Isn't it 
encouraging a bad principle; wouldn't it be better to do 
away with all war? Wouldn't peace societies be bet- 
ter? Oh yes, my friend, as much better as the millen- 
nium would be better than this, but it is not here. Hard 
facts are here ; war is here ; war is the outgrowth, indi- 
cator and relic of barbarism. Civilization alone will do 
away with it, and scarcely a quarter of the earth is yet 
civilized, and that quarter not beyond the possibilities 
of war. It is a long step yet to permanent peace. We 
cannot cross a stream until we reach it. The sober 
truth is, we are called to deal with facts, not theories, 
we must practice if we would teach. And be assured, 
my friends, there is not a peace society on the face of 
the earth to-day nor ever will be, so potent, so effectual 
against war as the Red Cross of Geneva. 
The sooner the world learns that the halo of glory 78 
The Red Cross. 
which surrounds a field of battle and its tortured, thirst- 
ing, starving, pain racked, dying victims exists only in 
imagination; that it is all sentiment, delusion, falsehood, 
given for effect; that soldiers do not die painless deaths, 
that the sum of all human agony finds its equivalent on 
the battle field, in the hospital, by the weary wayside 
and in the prison ; that deck it as you will it is agony ; 
the sooner and more thoroughly the people of the earth 
are brought to realize and appreciate these facts, the more 
slow and considerate they will be about rushing into hasty 
and needless wars, and the less popular war will become. 
Death by the bullet painless! What did this nation do 
during eighty agonizing and memorable days but to 
watch the effects of one bullet wound ? Was it painless ? 
Painless either to the victim or the nation ? Though 
canopied by a fortitude, patience, faith and courage 
scarce exceeded in the annals of history, still was it agony. 
And when in his delirious dreams the dying president 
murmured, "The great heart of the nation will not let 
the soldier die," I prayed God to hasten the time when 
every wounded soldier would be sustained by this 
sweet assurance ; that in the combined sympathies, 
wisdom, enlightenment and power of the nations he 
should indeed feel that the great heart of the people 
would not let the soldier die. The Red Cross. 
79 
Friends, was it accident, or was it providence which 
made it one of the last acts of'James A. Garfield in 
health to pledge himself to urge upon the representa- 
tives of his people in Congress assembled, this great 
national step for the relief and care of wounded men ? 
Living or dying it was his act and his wish, and n-o 
member in that honored, considerate and humane body 
but will feel himself in some manner holden to see it 
carried out. y^PPENDIX. 
REPORT OF THE RED CROSS SOCIETY OF DANSVILLE. 
To the American Association of the Red Cross, Washington, D. C.: 
In reply to your request, given through the Secretarj' of your Associa- 
tion, that we make report to you concerning the inauguration of our 
Society, its subsequent proceedings, and present condition, the committee 
has the honor to submit the following statement: 
Dansville, Livingston Co., N. Y., being the country residence'of Miss 
Clara barton, President of the American Association of the Red Cross, 
Its citizens desirous of paying a compliment to her, and at the same time 
doing an honor to themselves, conceived the idea of organizing in their, 
town the first local society of the Red Cross in the United States. To this 
end a general preliminary meeting was held in the Presbyterian church, 
when the principles of the Treaty of Geneva, and the nature of its socie- 
ties were defined in a clear and practical manner by Miss Barton, who 
had been Invited to address the meeting. Shortly after, on the 22d of 
August, 1881, a second meeting, for the purpose of organization, held in 
the Lutheran church and presided over by the pastor, Rev. Dr. Strobel, 
was attended by the citizens generally, including nearly all the religious 
denominations of the town with their respective pastors. The purpose of 
the meeting was explained by your President, a constitution presented 
and very largely signed, and officers elected. 
Thus we are able to announce, that on the eighteenth anniversary of the 
Treaty of Geneva in Switzerland, Au<ru«t. 22d, 1864, was formed the first 
local society of the Red Cross in the United States of America We most 
respectfully submit for your inspection the following copy of its 
CONSTITUTION. 
Article i.-name-location.-This Association shall be known as the 
"Dansville Society of the Red Cross," located at Dansville, Livingston 
Co., New York, which society shall be auxiliary to the New York state 
society of the Red Cross, and shall constitute Local Society No. 1. 82 
The Red Cross. 
Article ii.-objects and ditties.-The objects of this society are: 
First, To procure the adoption by the government of the United States of 
the Treaty of the Convention of Geneva, Aug. 22, 1864, the object of such 
Treaty being the prevention of unnecessary barbarities in war, the alle- 
viation of suffering on the field of battle, and in connection with the 
conflicts of war. Second, To cultivate a broad spirit of philanthropy, to 
obtain, translate and circu ate the literature of the Red Cross of foreign 
Bociet ies, and to keep advised ot the progress of the movement in our 
own country. Third, To accumulate funds and material; to provide 
nur.-es and assistants, if netd be, and bold these for use or service in war, 
and also in case of oilier calamities, as famine, pestilence or fire, so great 
as to be considered national; such accumulations and service to be ren- 
dered up only on call of the National Association of the Red Cross, at 
Washington. D. C., through the State Association of New Yora. 
Article in.-membership.-New members can be admitted to this 
society by ballot ol a majority of the members present at any regular 
meeting, by signing the constitution, and paying the regular fee in ad- 
vance Each member shall pay a yearly fee of 3- which shall become 
due at, the annual meeting; arrears of annual fee tor the period of eleven 
months, shall lorfeit membership. 
Article iv.-officers and committees-The officers of this associa- 
tion sbaii coma* of a President, First Vice President, other Vice Presi- 
dents mn to exceed one lor each religious society in town, a Secretary, a 
Treasurer, a Consulting Counsel, an Executive Board, a Board for Con- 
sultation, a Committee on Foreign Literature, and a Committee on Work. 
Article v-meetings and elections.-The annual meeting of the 
society, lo hear the reports of the various officers, and act I hereon, and to 
transact such other business as may legally come before it, shall be held 
on the first Tuesday in October. At the first annual meeting after the 
formation of the society the following officers shall be elected by ballot, 
viz: President, and First Vice President, members of the Ex< cut ive Board, 
Secretary, and Treasurer. Elections to fill vacancies may be had at any 
regular meeting, or any meeting duly called for that purpose. Each 
member present shall be entitled to one vote. The candidate lor any 
office receiving the largest number of votes shall be declared elected. 
The President with the concurrence of the Executive Board may at any 
time convene a meeting of the society, and shall do so upon request of The Red Cioss. 
83 
the Executive Board. Nt ne members shall constitute a quorum for the 
transaction of business. 
Article vi-executive board.-The Executive Board shall consist of 
thirteen members, eleven of whom shall be chosen by ballot. This 
Board shall organize and proceed to appoint for the society a Consult- 
ing Counsel, a Board of Consultation, a Committee on Work, and 
such other committees or officers as shall be deemed necessary. The 
President and First Vice President, shall be members ex officio of the 
Executive Board ; the President to be chairman of the Executive Board 
Article vii -duties oe officers -The President shall preside at all 
meetings of the society, and perform such other duties ns usually pertain 
to the office. The Executive Board shall arrange the time for holding i's 
meetings and shall con vene at the call of its chairman. Five members 
shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. It stall take 
into consideration and act upon all questions concerning the objects 
sought, by the society, and stall devise and adopt measure* for the at- 
tainment of said objects. It shall confer with the Board of Consultation 
whenever its counsel and advice may seem desirable It shall prepare 
and submit to each annual meeting of the society a report of its trans- 
actions during the year. The treasurer shall receive, invest and dis- 
burse the funds of the society, but only upon written order signed by the 
President and Secretary of the Executive Board, and he shall provide 
and furni-h such bonds for the faithful performance of the doties as may 
be prescribed by the Executive Board. The Secretary shall keep a true 
ami accurate record of the transactions of business at all meetings of the 
society, and shall attend to such other duties as may be assigned to the 
office by the President. The Committee on Foreign Literature shall pro- 
cure and translate the published works of Red Cross societies in other 
countries, and prepare the same tor reading before the society or for pub- 
lication, whenever requested. 
Article viii.-amendments.-This constitution may lie altered or 
amended at any regular meeting by a two-thirds vote of members 
present, one month's previo is notice in writing specifying the intended 
amendment, having been given at a meeting of this society, provided 
such amendment does not in any way conflict wi'h the spirit, and re- 
strictions of Article IT of this constitution. 
The following officers were chosen: President.. Mr. George A Sweet; 
First Vice President., Mrs. Fanny B Johnson ; Secretary, Mrs. Mary Noyes 84 
The Red, Cross. 
Colvin; Treasurer, Hon. James Faulkner, Jr.; Executive Board, Miss 
Clara Barton, Maj. Mark J. Bunnell, Dr. G. Bastian, Maj. E H. Pratt, Mrs. 
George Hartman, Mr. T. E. Gallagher, Mr. William Kramer, Mr. Oscar 
Woodruff, Mrs. Reuben Whiteman, Mrs. (Rev.) L. Q. Galpln; Consulting 
Counsel, Judge John A. VanDerlip. 
Before a month had passed, before a thought of practical application 
to business had arisen, we were forcibly and sadly taught again the old 
lesson, that we need but to build the altar, God will himself provide the 
sacrifice. If we did not hear the crackling of the flames, our skies grew 
murky and dark, and our atmosphere bitter with the drifting smoke that 
rolled over from the blazing fields of our neighbors of Michigan ; whose 
living thousands fled in terror, whose dying hundreds writhed in the 
embers, and whose dead blackened in the ashes of their hxrd-earned 
homes. Instantly we felt the help and strength of our organization, 
young and untried as it was. We were grateful that in this first ordeal 
your sympathetic President was with us. We were deeply grateful for 
your prompt call to action, given through her. which rallied us to our 
work. Our Relief Rooms were instantly secured and our white banner 
with its bright scarlet cross, which has never been furled since that hour, 
was thrown to the breeze, telling to every looker on what we were there 
to do, and pointing to every generous heart an outlet for its sympathy. 
We had not mistaken the spirit of our people; our scarce-opened door- 
way was filled with men women and children, bearing their gifts of pity 
and love. Tables and shelves were piled, our working committee of 
ladies took every article under inspection, their faithful hands made all 
garments whole and strong; lastly,each article received the stamp of the 
society and of the Red Cross, and all were carefully and quickly consigned 
to the firm packing cases awaiting them. Eight large boxes were shipped 
at first, others followed directly, and so continued until notified by the 
Relief Committee of Michigan that no more were needed. Meanwhile 
the hands of our Treasurer were not left empty, some hundreds of dollars 
were deposited with him. A most competent agent, our esteemed 
townsman and County Clerk of Livingston, Major Mark J. Bunnell, was 
dispatched with the first Invoice of funds, and charged with the duty of 
the reception of the supplies, their proper distribution, and of making 
direct report of the condition and needs of the sufferers. 
THE RED CROSS A T WORK The Red Cross. 
85 
The good practical judgment of the people and society led them to con- 
sider the near approach of winter and the unsheltered condition of the 
victims, bereft of every earthly possession, and warm clothing and bed- 
ding were sent in great abundance. Our cases were all marked with the 
Red Cross and consigned to Senator Omar D. Conger ot Port Huron who 
led the call of the Michigan committee, and to whom, as well as his kind- 
hearted and practical wife, we are indebted for many timely suggestions, 
and words of grateful appreciation. 
In a spirit of gratitude and hope, we submit this partial report of our 
first work under the Red Cross, which can be but partial, as our rooms are 
still open and our work in progress awaiting such further calls as may 
come to us. We are grateful that we were called, grateful that your 
honored President, witli the acquired skill of the humane labors of many 
years in many lands, was with us to counsel and instruct. We are glad to 
have learned from this early object lesson the value of organized effort, and 
the value of our own organization. 
We hope our report may be satisfactory to you and that our beautiful 
little valley town, quietly nestling among the green slopes of Genesee, 
after having offered the first fruits of the Red Cross to its own country- 
men, may always be as prompt and generous in any call of yours for 
suffering humanity. 
SOCIETY OF THE RED CROSS OF MONROE COUNTY. 
Influential citizens of Rochester, Monroe County, New York, having 
become interested in the subject of the Treaty of Geneva and the Red 
Cross work going on in Dansville, sent a request through the Mayor 
of the city to Miss Clara Barton to address them in a public meeting. 
Miss Barton met an audience of thinking, philanthropic men and women 
to whom it was a pleasure to unfold her theme. The result was a propo- 
sition to organize a society before adjournment. Accordingly names were 
pledged, and the second evening after, a constitution was adopted and the 
following officers elected: President, Edward M. Moore, M. D.; First 
Vice President, Mrs. Sarah Nichols; Secretary, Rev. H. C. Riggs; Treas- 
urer, J. E Pierpont. Executive Committee-John S. Morgan, Edwin O. 
Sage, Mrs. Chas. Fitz Simons, Rev. Chas, Siebenpfeiffer, A. B. Hone, Mrs. 
William Alling, Rev. N. M. Mann, Miss Susan B. Anthony , Alexander B. 
Hows, Dr. B. L. Hovey, Dr. A. Mandeville, Henry Michaels, Dr. Sarah R. 86 
The Red Cross. 
A. Dolley, John W. Deuel. Rev. T Edwin Brown; and sixteen Vice Presi- 
dents for the various wards. 
Steps were immediately taken for reducing to practice the theory of 
their newly-formed society, and in th ee days from its existence, its 
agent. Professor J. B. Hubbell, was on the burnt fields of Michigan with 
instructions to examine into the condition of the people and report their 
necessities to the society from actual observation. These duties were 
faithfully and judiciously performed and the day following his report of 
the special need of money, the sum of $2,500 in cash was forwarded as a 
first installment. At last reports the sum raised amounted to $3.807.28and 
the society numbered 250 members. It is evident that no full report can 
be made concerning a movement of which only the first steps are taken, 
and which is still in active operation, but it is believed that the instances 
are rare, when wiih no distress of its own as an incentive, but from the 
simple motive of benevolence, a people has accomplished so much, both 
in organization and practical results, in so brief a space of time. 
SOCIETY OF THE RED CROSS OF ONONDAGA COUNTY. 
Following close on the organization in Rochester, the citizens of the 
sister city of Syracuse and vicinity, in Onondaga Co., New York, met at 
the Board of Trade rooms and perfected their organization under the 
above name. Rev. Dr. Richmond Fiske, a widely known philanthropist, 
prominently connected with the principal charities of the city, assisted 
by Professor G. F. Comfort of the Syracuse University, led the movement. 
The constitution embracing in admirable form the principles of the 
Geneva Convention, was signed by a large number present, and officers 
appointed representing the names of the leading people of the city, 
among them, Hon. Irving G. Vann, President., Miss Eliza Lawrence, 
First Vice President, and other Vice Presidents from Presbyterian. Uni- 
tarian, Methodist, Catholic, Episcopal, Congregational, Universalist. 
Baptist, Israelite, Reformed Lutheran, Christian and vVesleyan churches. 
Like the other societies, this pr tceeded to immediate and effective work 
for the sufferers from fire< in Michigan Only partial accounts ot this last- 
firmed society have reached us, but these bear the impress of marked 
enthusiasm and spirit among the people. The Red Cross. 
87 
ACTION OF THE DANSVILLE POST. 
Headquarters Barton Post, No. 216, 1 
Department of New York, G. A. R, Dansville, N. Y. J 
At a regular meeting of this post, held Tuesday evening, June 7th, 1881, 
the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted : 
Wherecs, The International Convention at Geneva, Switzerland, for the 
amelioration of the condition of wounded soldiers in time of war, and tor 
furnishing relief in cases of great national calami'y,-whose symbol is 
the Red Cross-is the grandest of human charities, and 
Whereos, The treaty of this convention has been signed by every civi- 
lized nation except the United States, and is now presented to this gov- 
ernment by Miss Clara Barton, its distinguished representative in this 
country, and. 
Whereas, The purpose of this convention,-the relief of suffering sol- 
diers,-is identical with the object of I he Grand Army of 111 e Republic 
Rrxo!ved, That personally, and as an organization, we will do till that 
in our power lies, for the promotion of this grand scheme of benevolence, 
and tlie establishment, of societies of the Red Cross in this country. 
Resolved, Thal, in our judgment, it is ihe duty and should be the high 
purpose ot the Grand Army ol the Republic, to agitate this subject 
throughout its jurisdiction, and in proper manner, to urge its considera- 
tion upon congress, to the end that the United States, by its official ac- 
tion. may aid in the promotion of this great charity. 
Resolved, That a copy of these proceedings be immediately forwarded 
to Miss Clara Barton, at Washington, D. C. 
Resolved., That the Commander of this Post be requested to communi- 
cate at once with such of the posts of the Department of the Potomac, as 
he may be able, urging their consideration ol this subject, and inviting 
their co-operation. 
/ncr-r.w . < i Signed, SsruX Hedues. Post. Commander, 
(UFFiciAL ) Chas. Sutein, Post Adjutant. 
ACTION OF THE NATIONAL ENCA MTMENT G. A. R , 
INDIANAPOLIS, IND. 
At the fifteenth annual ene impment of the Grand Army, at, Indianap- 
olis. June 15, 1881, Comrades. S. Burdette of Washington, presented the 
following resolutions, winch were adopted: 
Where'is, Tile articles of the convention for the amelioration of the 
condition of the wounded in armies in the field, signed at Geneva, Au- 88 
The Red Cross. 
gust 22, 1864, are intended to introduce and make universal the law of 
kindness and brotherhood in times of war, and so to palliate its horrors 
among the sick and fallen ; and, 
Whereas, The principles formulated by the Geneva Convention have 
been adopted by treaty, by nearly all civilized nations of the earth, and 
are now presented for the sanction and adoption of the government of 
the United States, by Clara Barton, the delegate of the central commis- 
sion having the matter in charge ; and, 
Whereas, The beneficent purposes of the convention commend them- 
selves with peculiar force to the remnants of the Grand Army of the Re- 
public, who remember the battle-fields and hospitals where their com- 
rades fell and suffered ; therefore, 
Resolved, By the Grand Army in national encampment assembled, 
that the purposes of the Geneva Convention m^et our hearty approval, 
and that its work is commended to the earnest attention of the treaty- 
making power, to the end that our own country, saved by the Grand Ar- 
my, may be placed in the column of nations who recognize that the love 
of mercy may survive and conquer the evil passions engendered by war. 
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to Miss Clara Barton, 
and that a copy be forwarded to the Secretary of State at Washington. 
CONCERNING THE RED CROSS IN RUSSIA. 
The following extract from Edward Fairfax Taylor's, "Russia Before 
and After the War," may serve to show the strong contrast between the 
regular military service and that of the Red Cross societies. The writer 
says: 
The same want of foresight and order so conspicuous in most of the 
administrative departments of the state was felt in the management of 
the hospitals and all the medical arrangements for the war. Doctors 
only can be the proper judges of what, during a bloody war, is possible 
and attainable in the way of arrangements for mitigating the miseries of 
its victims. But it is just the doctors who are most severe in their strict- 
ures on the Medical Department for the degr°e of disorder and want of 
organization which surpass belief. ♦ * ♦ He quotes from a Doctor who 
had worked at Sistova: "The hospitals at Sistova consisted of what could 
hardly be called houses; they were rather holes or dens, bearing every 
mark of destruction, In which the Turks, their former inhabitants, had The Red Cross. 
89 
left behind them the traces of their in tolerable tilth. The interiors were 
still more loathsome, and bore no appearance of ever having been in- 
tended for the reception of sick and wounded. The food was carried 
about in pails, which were taken straight, when emptied, to the wells to 
receive the water for preparing more victuals. It was distributed by dirty 
attendants, whose hands had not been washed for weeks, and whose 
appearance was enough to till the most hardened with horror and dis- 
gust. The utensils for the food were smeared with fat, dirt, and all 
manner of unsavory garbage. 'Why am I here at all?' remarked one of 
the doctors at Sistova; 'there is not a single thing to be had-no servants, 
no medicines, no provisions.' More than a score of wounded wretches 
were lying in hospital No. 50 at, the beginning of August, who, after 
having been jolted about for three hours in springless carts, remained 
for forty hours without food and without a doctor; and this happened, 
not in suddenly improvised hospitals near the scene of action, but at 
regular hospitals in a large town, where arrangements had previously 
been made, or were supposed to have been made, for the reception of 
wounded men brought thither from a distance! The Medical Depart- 
ment had simply been incapable of calculating beforehand the require- 
ments of a Held hospital, and even of providing the bare necessaries of the 
case. Arrangements had been made at Sistova, (we say nothing of their 
miserable character) for from 400 to 600 wounded, and, yet from 1,000 to 
1,500 men were allowed to be penned together there, with only about ten 
doctors, badly provided with assistants to look after this mass of unfortu- 
nate creatures 
At Simnitza things were even worse than at Sistova. Here there was a 
hospital (No57) with "arrangements" for 630 sick and wounded, which, 
on September 5th, 1877, contained no less that 2,886 Inmates, and was ac- 
cordingly in a state of dirt, stench, and disorder that baffles all descrip- 
tion. The doctors, attendants, and sisters of mercy, from their Incessant 
overwork and exertions, found themselves in the same terrible condition 
as the wounded, who were so closely herded together that they literally 
pushed against and trod upon each other. Happy indeed was the man 
who possessed a bed, however filthy and uncomfortable. Many of the 
wounded lay uncovered in their blood-stained clothes upon the floor, and 
often lay there for twelve or fifteen hours together without the taste of 
food or water. At Frajeschty, early in September, a hospital intended 
for 630 men was packed with 3,000 sick and wounded. Dr. Iljinski, who 90 
The Red Cross. 
was employed here, reports that around the barracks about 300 wounded 
lay along the railway on straw caked and stiff with mud and exposed to 
the open air. These poor creatures remanded for four and twenty hours 
without seeing a doctor or receiving a morsel of bread. 
And all this occurred at one of the central places which were said to 
have been arranged for the reception of the wounded. No wonder that 
the complaints heaped upon the Medical Department by the doctors, the 
voluntary nurses and the soldiers and officers who were wounded, were 
loud, severe and bitter, and that the report just alluded to declares the 
whole organization of this department to be ''beneath all criticism." No 
wonder that the report of Professor Sklifassowskl concludes as follows: 
"The selections of the placesand buildings intended for hospitals, the 
composition of the staff, the arrangementof the hospitals and the organ- 
ization of the service-all and everything was in Incapable hands." 
The means of transportation for the wounded were in keeping with the 
condition of the hospitals. The unfortunate victims to their bravery lay 
heaped one on another by dozens in miserable small carts without 
springs. The mere sight of these crazy vehicles betrayed that they had 
been hastily scraped together, without the least regard to their fitness or 
convenience. The Medical Department had evidently not given a 
thought to providing for the conveyance of the wounded, and had left 
them entirely to chance. Cases could be given of 300 or 400 wounded 
being dragged for days along the road under the escort of a single physi- 
cian and a couple of army surgeons, to find, when they reached at length 
their destination, that no preparation whatever had been made for their 
reception, and that nothing was left to the leaders of this miserable 
caravan but to continue their journey. Sometimes no conveyance at all 
was to be had. After the third assault on Plevna 574 wounded men had 
tomarchon foot for five days to Simnitza, without receiving on their 
way any regular food. And among these "lightly wounded" as they were 
called there were men with broken bones. 
"One would have supposed," says an eye witness, "that this war, ex- 
pected for so many years, had been a surprise, which had rendered prep- 
arations impossible. That preparations would certainly have been 
possible-that with some intelligence and care they might have been 
made with satisfactory results, is shown by the enormous difference that 
existed between the official medical organization and that of the Red 
Cross Society." The Red Cross. 
91 
The hospital arrangements which were under the control of this society 
are a theme of grateful admiration to this day among all who were fortu- 
nate to come under their nursing. Officers and soldiers who were removed 
from the other hospitals to those of the Red Cross describe the change as 
one from hell to heaven. Wherever this sign appeared, there reigned, in 
spite of the same difficulties, order, cleanliness, and a system of treatment 
as humane as it was methodical. 
One more extract illustrative of the marvellous increase of the practice 
of humanity in war, in countries where, until the introduction of the 
Treaty of Geneva and the Red Cross societies the worst of barbarities had 
been the custom and the rule, will perhaps not be out of place. It will be 
remembered that Russia signed the Treaty in May, 1867, and no nation has 
surpassed her in the attention, protection and patronage she has given 
to her societies of the Red Cross ; to this mainly maybe attributed the 
noble action which'so enriches her record and so justly elevates her In 
the scale of civilization and humanity in these later years. In the Pall 
Mall Gazette a few months since appeared the following facts relating to 
the Turkoman prisoners of the late Russian-Turko war: 
"Under the double-headed eagle, as under the British flag, no slavery 
is permitted, and the hoisting of the Russian standard on the ruined 
ramparts of the Turkoman fortress was the signal for the emancipation 
of 700 wretched Persian slaves; half naked, starving, and covered with 
bruises, after being compelled to work all day they were being chained at 
night, hand and foot to stakes and guarded by dogs. No words could 
describe the rapture of these unfortunate men when the Russians told 
them they were free to return to the Province of Khorossan, from whence 
most of them had been carried off by the Turks. Within the fortress the 
Russians found about 4,000 Turkoman families, or about 18,000 individuals 
whose astonishment knew no bounds when, instead of being butchered 
or enslaved, they were treated with scrupulous kindness and confided to 
the care of the Russian Red Cross Society."-Newspaper Article. 
THE TURKOMAN PRISONERS. 92 
The Red Cross. 
THE RED CROSS IN THE RUSSO-TURKISH WAR. 
A report has been published by the Russian Red Cross Society, showing 
the part played by this Society during the Russo-Turkish war of 1877-78. 
It appears that the Society established 13,120 beds, and that a total of no 
less than 24,973 were founded by voluntary agencies in conjunction with 
the Red Cross Society. The Society, moreover, gave succor to 116,296 pa- 
tients, among whom were 1,238 officers. The deaths of patients under 
their care amounted to 2,863. The Society's staff consisted of 300 medical 
men, including sub-surgeons, and 1,214 attendants.-Newspaper Article. 
ENDORSEMENT BY PRESIDENT WOOLSEY 
AND OTHERS. 
We append the approving words of Dr. Woolsey, Ex-President of Yale 
College, and leading authority on International Law in the United 
States; of Prof. Wayland, Dean of the Faculty of the Yale Law School, 
and President of the American Social Science Association ; and of other 
gentlemen eminent as Lawyers and Doctors of Divinity, recommending 
to the President of the United States the adoption by the government of 
the United States of the principles of the International Convention of 
Geneva: 
To the President of the United States The undersigned would respectfully 
recommend to your favorable consideration the adoption by the govern- 
ment of the United States of the provisions of the International Treaty 
of Geneva for the care of the sick and wounded in war. 
Theodore D. Woolsey, 
H. B. Harrison, 
John e. Todd, 
Edwin Harwood, 
Francis Wayland, 
Joseph Sheldon. 
New Haven, Connecticut, Oct. 20, 1881. 
Headquarters Mid. Div. of the Missouri, 
Chicago, March 31,1881. 
Miss Clara Barton. Washington, D. C. 
My dear Miss Barton * * * I fully agree with you that an asso- 
ciation for the amelioration of the sufferings of the sick and wounded in 
armies in time of war should have an official status in our country. In 
case of war in the future we should derive the greatest benefit had we an 
LETTER FROM GENERAL SHERIDAN. The Red Cross. 
93 
organization officially charged with dispensing the charities of the 
humane, and I hope you will be able to lay this matter before the govern- 
ment in such a way as to insure some favorable action at an early day. * 
Very Truly Yours, 
P. H. Sheridan, 
Lieutenant General U. S. Army. 
LETTER FROM M. EDOUARD SEVE. CONSUL- 
O EE ERA L OF BEL UI UM. 
[Translated from the French.] 
Philadelphia, Nov, 15th, 1881. 
Miss Clara Barton, Washington, D. C. 
Mademoiselle:-I should be infinitely obliged to you if you would 
send me the statutes of the American Association of the Red Cross which 
you founded during my recent sojourn in Europe, as I wish to annex 
them to my annual report to the International Committee of Geneva. 
Alt the societies of the Red Cross take a deep interest in the results of 
your persevering and generous efforts in regard to this great humani- 
tarian work, and it will afford them great happiness when they shall hear 
of the success of your powerful associations of Washington, and of the 
State of New York, and of their work for Michigan, etc., etc. I had the 
honor to give a statement in person to the illustrious General Garfield, 
so cruelly removed from the United States and the civilized world, con- 
cerning the extension of the Red Cross on the Continent of South 
America, where I exercised for a long time the functions of the Consul 
General Charge d' Affaires for Belgium. He received favorably the recital 
of my efforts (crowned with success in the States of the Pacific during 
the last war), and he then assured me of his generous and well-meaning 
interest for the admirable institution of which you are one of the most 
efficient protectors. 
I went to Geneva last June in order to communicate to the Internation- 
al Committee your generous efforts and the good dispositions of Presi- 
dent Garfield. I send you. here enclosed, divers documents, and I beg 
you, Mademioselle, to accept the homage of my profound respect. 
Edouard Seve de Bar, 
Representative of the International Committee of Geneva. 94 
The Red Cross. 
LETTER FROM THE REV. HENRY W. BELLOWS, D. D. 
New York, Nov. 21, 1881. 
My Dear Miss Barton:-It has been a sore disappointment and mor- 
tification to those who inaugurated the plan of organized relief by 
private contributions for sick and wounded soldiers, in our late war, 
since so largely followed by other nations, that they should still find the 
United States the only great government that refuses to Join in the 
Treaty framed by the International Convention of Geneva, for neutral- 
izing battle fields, after the battle, and making the persons of surgeons 
and nurses flying to the relief of the wounded and dying, free from arrest. 
This great international agreement for mitigating the horrors of war, 
finds its chief defect in the conspicuous refusal of the United States gov- 
ernment to join in the Treaty! The importance of our national concur- 
rence with other governments In this noble Treaty, has been urged upon 
every administration since the war, but has thus far met only the reply 
that our national policy did not allow ustoenterintoentanglingalliances 
with other powers. I rejoice to hear from you, that our late President, 
and his chief official advisers were of a different opinion, and encouraged 
the hope that in the interests of mercy and humanity, it might be safe 
to agree by treaty with all the civilized world, that we would soften to 
non-combatants, the hateful conditions that made relief on battle fields 
a peril or a forbidden act. I trust you will press this matter upon our 
present administration with all the weight of your well-earned influence. 
Having myself somewhat ignominiously failed toget any encouragement 
for this measure from two administrations, I leave it in your more for- 
tunate hands, hoping that the time is ripe for a less jealous policy than 
American self isolation In international movements for extending and 
universalizing mercy towards the victims of war. 
Yours Truly, 
H. W. Bellows. pONTENTS. 
Page. 
What the Red Cross Is 9 
A Sketch of the History of the Red dross 15 
Origin and Progress 15 
Organization and Methods of Work 21 
Occupation of Relief Societies in Time of Peace 25 
Services in Time of War 28 
Action of Neutral Countries in Time of War 36 
Letter from the International Committee of Geneva to the President of 
the United States 39 
Let ter from Secretary Blaine 41 
Letter from Mons. G. Moynler 42 
Constitution of the American Association of the Red Cross 44 
Resolutions of the National Conference of Geneva, 1863 48 
Convention of Geneva, Aug. 22, 1861 (Articles of Convention) 49 
Governments Adopting the Treaty 52 
Address by Miss Clara Barton 55 
APPENDIX. 
Report ot the Red Cross Society of Dansville.. 81 
Constitution 81 
Red Cross at Work 84 
Society of the Red Cross of Monroe County 85 
Society of the Red Cross of Onondaga County 86 
Action of the Dansville Post, G. A. R 87 
Action of the National Encampment, G. A. R., Indianapolis, Ind 87 
Concerning the Red Cross in Russia 88 
The Turkoman Prisoners 91 
The Red Cross in the Russo-Turkish War 92 
Endorsement by President Woolsey and Others 92 
Letter from General Sheridan 92 
Letter from M. Edouard Seve, Consul General of Belgium 93 
Letter from the Rev. Henry W. Bellows, D. D 9* THE RED CROSS 
OF THE 
GENEVA CONVENTION. 
Copies of this work can be procured by addressing Secre- 
tary Red Cross Society, P. O. Box 23, Washington, D. C.; or 
Secretary Red Cross Society, P. O. Box 338, Dansville, Liv- 
ingston Co., N. Y. 
Price by mail, single copy 12cts 
" " per dozen 1.00 
" " " hundred 6.00