THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR.

GROUP OF ARMENIAN TEACHERS AND PUPILS, HARPOOT AMERICAN MISSIONARY COLLEGE.

CLARA BARTON.Taken in 1897.

CLARA BARTON.

Taken in 1897.

THE RED CROSS FLAG.

â€œWhen the smoke of the cannon cleared away we saw the Red Cross flying over the hospital.â€

The shot sped out from our serried ships,Like the sob of a strong man crying;The sun was veiled as with sudden eclipse,When the shot sped out from our serried ships,And Englandâ€™s flag was flying.Up from the shore the answer came,The cry of the wounded and dying;A burst of thunder, a flash of flameâ€”Up from the shore an answer came,Where the Prophetâ€™s flag was flying.So we dealt destruction the livelong day,In warâ€™s wild pastime vying;Through the smoke and thunder and dashing spray,We dealt destruction the livelong day,And the hostile flags were flying.But far through the rolling battle smokeâ€”Ah, God! â€™mid the groans and the cryingâ€”A sudden gleam on our vision broke;Afar through the rolling battle smoke,And the Red Cross flag was flying.Oâ€™er the house of mercy with plain, white walls,Where they carried the wounded and dying,Unharmed by our cannon, unfearing our balls;Oâ€™er that house of mercy with plain, white walls,The Red Cross flag was flying.As the sign of the Son of Man in the heavenFor a world of warring and sighingWe hailed it; and cheered, for the promise givenBy the sign of the Son of Man in the heavenâ€”The Red Cross banner flying.For we know that wherever the battle was waged,With its wounded and dead and dyingâ€”Where the wrath of pagan or Christian ragedâ€”Like the mercy of God, where the battle was waged,The Red Cross flag was flying.*Â Â Â Â Â Â *Â Â Â Â Â Â *Â Â Â Â Â Â *Â Â Â Â Â Â *Â Â Â Â Â Â *Let the angry legions meet in the fight,With the noise of captains crying;Yet the arm of Christ outstretched in its might,Where the angry legions meet in the fight,Keeps the Red Cross banner flying.And it surely will come that war will cease,With its madness and pain in crying,Lo! the blood-red Cross is the prophet of peaceâ€”Of the blessed time when war will ceaseâ€”And the Red Cross flag is flying.John T. Napier, in the Moravian.

The shot sped out from our serried ships,

Like the sob of a strong man crying;

The sun was veiled as with sudden eclipse,

When the shot sped out from our serried ships,

And Englandâ€™s flag was flying.

Up from the shore the answer came,The cry of the wounded and dying;A burst of thunder, a flash of flameâ€”Up from the shore an answer came,Where the Prophetâ€™s flag was flying.

Up from the shore the answer came,

The cry of the wounded and dying;

A burst of thunder, a flash of flameâ€”

Up from the shore an answer came,

Where the Prophetâ€™s flag was flying.

So we dealt destruction the livelong day,In warâ€™s wild pastime vying;Through the smoke and thunder and dashing spray,We dealt destruction the livelong day,And the hostile flags were flying.

So we dealt destruction the livelong day,

In warâ€™s wild pastime vying;

Through the smoke and thunder and dashing spray,

We dealt destruction the livelong day,

And the hostile flags were flying.

But far through the rolling battle smokeâ€”Ah, God! â€™mid the groans and the cryingâ€”A sudden gleam on our vision broke;Afar through the rolling battle smoke,And the Red Cross flag was flying.

But far through the rolling battle smokeâ€”

Ah, God! â€™mid the groans and the cryingâ€”

A sudden gleam on our vision broke;

Afar through the rolling battle smoke,

And the Red Cross flag was flying.

Oâ€™er the house of mercy with plain, white walls,Where they carried the wounded and dying,Unharmed by our cannon, unfearing our balls;Oâ€™er that house of mercy with plain, white walls,The Red Cross flag was flying.

Oâ€™er the house of mercy with plain, white walls,

Where they carried the wounded and dying,

Unharmed by our cannon, unfearing our balls;

Oâ€™er that house of mercy with plain, white walls,

The Red Cross flag was flying.

As the sign of the Son of Man in the heavenFor a world of warring and sighingWe hailed it; and cheered, for the promise givenBy the sign of the Son of Man in the heavenâ€”The Red Cross banner flying.

As the sign of the Son of Man in the heaven

For a world of warring and sighing

We hailed it; and cheered, for the promise given

By the sign of the Son of Man in the heavenâ€”

The Red Cross banner flying.

For we know that wherever the battle was waged,With its wounded and dead and dyingâ€”Where the wrath of pagan or Christian ragedâ€”Like the mercy of God, where the battle was waged,The Red Cross flag was flying.

For we know that wherever the battle was waged,

With its wounded and dead and dyingâ€”

Where the wrath of pagan or Christian ragedâ€”

Like the mercy of God, where the battle was waged,

The Red Cross flag was flying.

*Â Â Â Â Â Â *Â Â Â Â Â Â *Â Â Â Â Â Â *Â Â Â Â Â Â *Â Â Â Â Â Â *

Let the angry legions meet in the fight,With the noise of captains crying;Yet the arm of Christ outstretched in its might,Where the angry legions meet in the fight,Keeps the Red Cross banner flying.

Let the angry legions meet in the fight,

With the noise of captains crying;

Yet the arm of Christ outstretched in its might,

Where the angry legions meet in the fight,

Keeps the Red Cross banner flying.

And it surely will come that war will cease,With its madness and pain in crying,Lo! the blood-red Cross is the prophet of peaceâ€”Of the blessed time when war will ceaseâ€”And the Red Cross flag is flying.

And it surely will come that war will cease,

With its madness and pain in crying,

Lo! the blood-red Cross is the prophet of peaceâ€”

Of the blessed time when war will ceaseâ€”

And the Red Cross flag is flying.

John T. Napier, in the Moravian.

In the subsequent chapters is traced the history of the operations of the American National Red Cross during the past year, including the distribution of relief among the â€œReconcentradosâ€ in Cuba, and the auxiliary field and hospital service in the Spanish-American war.

Being called away to Cuba in the midst of the preparations for war relief, with much of the preliminary work unfinished, it seemed proper to leave at home, for a time, a personal representative familiar with the obligations of the National Red Cross, to relieve the overburdened committee in New York of some of the details which fell more particularly within my own province, and to which I had planned to give personal attention.

Accordingly, Mr. D.L. Cobb, of my staff, was detached for this service. Being familiar with the work which was done in my absence, and in which he has faithfully and efficiently served with an interest second only to my own, I have asked him to tell the story of the relations of the National Committee with the Government, the formation of the committees and the auxiliary societies, through whose guidance and administrations all the great work of relief in the Camps and elsewhere was carried on. This he has done in the following chapter, under the title, â€œHome Camps and American Waters.â€

During the summer of 1897 there began to appear reports of great suffering among the unfortunate people of Cuba, since familiarly known as the â€œreconcentrados.â€ They were the non-combatants, men, women and children, ordered from their homes and plantations in the interior and concentrated in the seacoast towns under control of the Spanish arms. Thousands were dying, hundreds of thousands were in want; the terrible story of their misery and awful distress was re-echoed throughout the country, and everywhere the cries for relief and the appeals to humanity were heard. Congress, too, had taken the matter up and were discussing plans for Cuban relief. The time had arrived when something must be done. Finally the President opened the way by issuing the following appeal to the people on the twenty-fourth of December:

Department of State,Washington, D.C.By direction of the President the public is informed that, in deference to the earnest desire of the Government of the United States to contribute, by effective action, toward the relief of the suffering people in the island of Cuba, arrangements have been perfected by which charitable contributions, in money or in kind, can be sent to the island by the benevolently disposed people of the United States.Money, provisions, clothing and like articles of prime necessity can be forwarded to General Fitzhugh Lee, the Consul-General of the United States at Havana, and all articles now dutiable by law, so consigned, will be admitted into Cuba free of duty. The Consul-General has been instructed to receive the same and to co-operate with the local authorities and the charitable boards, for the distribution of such relief among the destitute and needy people of Cuba.The President is confident that the people of the United States, who have on many occasions in the past responded most generously to the cry for bread from peoples stricken by famine or sore calamity, and who have beheld no less generous action on the part of foreign communities when our own countrymen have suffered from fire or flood, will heed the appeal for aid that comes from the destitute at their own threshold, and especially at this season of good will and rejoicing give of their abundance to this humane end.John Sherman,Secretary.

Department of State,Washington, D.C.

By direction of the President the public is informed that, in deference to the earnest desire of the Government of the United States to contribute, by effective action, toward the relief of the suffering people in the island of Cuba, arrangements have been perfected by which charitable contributions, in money or in kind, can be sent to the island by the benevolently disposed people of the United States.

Money, provisions, clothing and like articles of prime necessity can be forwarded to General Fitzhugh Lee, the Consul-General of the United States at Havana, and all articles now dutiable by law, so consigned, will be admitted into Cuba free of duty. The Consul-General has been instructed to receive the same and to co-operate with the local authorities and the charitable boards, for the distribution of such relief among the destitute and needy people of Cuba.

The President is confident that the people of the United States, who have on many occasions in the past responded most generously to the cry for bread from peoples stricken by famine or sore calamity, and who have beheld no less generous action on the part of foreign communities when our own countrymen have suffered from fire or flood, will heed the appeal for aid that comes from the destitute at their own threshold, and especially at this season of good will and rejoicing give of their abundance to this humane end.

John Sherman,Secretary.

This appeal was sent out through the Associated Press and distributed through the mails, and met with a most generous response from the public. It soon became apparent, however, that to inaugurate a thorough system of relief, to concentrate and administer the varied contributions of the people, a central committee would be required who should be charged with the duties of organization, collection and shipment. A conference was held at Washington, between President McKinley, the Secretary of State and the American National Red Cross, the result of which appears in the following communications:

Department of State,January 1, 1898.Miss Clara Barton,President, American National Red Cross:Dear Madam: After my conference with you yesterday, I saw the President again, who expressed his great pleasure that the Red Cross will so cheerfully respond to the initiative which the President has taken toward the relief of the suffering people of Cuba. No less could have been expected by him in view of the good work which the Red Cross has done in the past when called upon to fulfill its humane mission of relieving suffering, either at home or in foreign countries, and acting as the medium for the effective application of the charitable gifts of our citizens.With the Presidentâ€™s approval, I have the pleasure to suggest to you the way in which it is deemed that the co-operation of the Red Cross in this humane endeavor can be most practically accomplished.The first necessity is the organization, in New York City as the most convenient centre of operations, of a committee whose functions it will be to appeal to the kindly sentiments of the American people in behalf of the sufferers in Cuba; to receive contributions in money or in kind, and to forward the same to Havana, consigned to the Consul-General of the United States, he having been placed by the President, in sole charge of the receipt and application of the relief in the island; the committee, as a whole, to act under the supervision and direction of the Secretary of State, with whom it may correspond on all matters of business arising and requiring direction in the name of the Government of the United States.In view of the generous and cordial offer of Mr. Louis Klopsch, of theChristian Herald, the President desires that, if agreeable to you, he shall be a member of the committee and, in concert with a third member to be designated by the Chamber of Commerce of New York, co-operating with the representative of the Red Cross to make effective the effort which is now being put forth.The representation of the Red Cross on the proposed relief committee, is left to you. While the President would be most gratified were you in person to act as the second member, he recognizes that the duties and labors of the office might more conveniently fall upon a representative of the Red Cross in New York City, and will cheerfully accept your suggestion that Mr. Stephen E. Barton, second vice-president of the American National Red Cross, serve in that capacity.Mr. Barton will be furnished with letters to Mr. Louis Klopsch and to Mr. Alexander E. Orr, president of the New York Chamber of Commerce, explaining the circumstances under which their co-operation toward the formation of the proposed committee is solicited. It is trusted that speedy action may be had, so that the organization of the Central Cuban Relief Committee may be announced to the people of the United States by the Secretary of State at the earliest possible day.I am, my dear madam,Very respectfully yours,Alvey A. Adee,Second Assistant Secretary.

Department of State,January 1, 1898.

Miss Clara Barton,President, American National Red Cross:

Dear Madam: After my conference with you yesterday, I saw the President again, who expressed his great pleasure that the Red Cross will so cheerfully respond to the initiative which the President has taken toward the relief of the suffering people of Cuba. No less could have been expected by him in view of the good work which the Red Cross has done in the past when called upon to fulfill its humane mission of relieving suffering, either at home or in foreign countries, and acting as the medium for the effective application of the charitable gifts of our citizens.

With the Presidentâ€™s approval, I have the pleasure to suggest to you the way in which it is deemed that the co-operation of the Red Cross in this humane endeavor can be most practically accomplished.

The first necessity is the organization, in New York City as the most convenient centre of operations, of a committee whose functions it will be to appeal to the kindly sentiments of the American people in behalf of the sufferers in Cuba; to receive contributions in money or in kind, and to forward the same to Havana, consigned to the Consul-General of the United States, he having been placed by the President, in sole charge of the receipt and application of the relief in the island; the committee, as a whole, to act under the supervision and direction of the Secretary of State, with whom it may correspond on all matters of business arising and requiring direction in the name of the Government of the United States.

In view of the generous and cordial offer of Mr. Louis Klopsch, of theChristian Herald, the President desires that, if agreeable to you, he shall be a member of the committee and, in concert with a third member to be designated by the Chamber of Commerce of New York, co-operating with the representative of the Red Cross to make effective the effort which is now being put forth.

The representation of the Red Cross on the proposed relief committee, is left to you. While the President would be most gratified were you in person to act as the second member, he recognizes that the duties and labors of the office might more conveniently fall upon a representative of the Red Cross in New York City, and will cheerfully accept your suggestion that Mr. Stephen E. Barton, second vice-president of the American National Red Cross, serve in that capacity.

Mr. Barton will be furnished with letters to Mr. Louis Klopsch and to Mr. Alexander E. Orr, president of the New York Chamber of Commerce, explaining the circumstances under which their co-operation toward the formation of the proposed committee is solicited. It is trusted that speedy action may be had, so that the organization of the Central Cuban Relief Committee may be announced to the people of the United States by the Secretary of State at the earliest possible day.

I am, my dear madam,Very respectfully yours,Alvey A. Adee,Second Assistant Secretary.

Letters of notification were then sent by the Secretary of State to Mr. Stephen E. Barton, Mr. Louis Klopsch and Mr. Alexander E. Orr. Mr. Barton being appointed, Mr. Klopsch having accepted the invitation to serve, Mr. Charles A. Schieren was selected to represent the New York Chamber of Commerce, and thus was formed what is still known as the Central Cuban Relief Committee. The committee met early in January of this year and organized, Mr. Barton being elected as chairman, Mr. Schieren treasurer. This committee began active work by sending a telegraphic appeal to the governors of all the States and Territories, announcing the object of the committeeâ€™s existence, and asking their co-operation and active support, in order to carry out the Presidentâ€™s policy in the administration of relief to the starving people in Cuba. All responses received were favorable, many committees were appointed, and the supplies and funds began to come in. It was at this point that the Secretary of State issued the second public appeal by the government, on January the eighth, again urging the people, the municipal authorities and the great corporations to assist in the work.

The first shipment of supplies to Cuba by the Central Cuban Relief Committee was made on January 4, and the second on January 12, the first consisting of 160 cases of condensed milk, and the second of about forty tons of food, clothing and medicines. These supplies were consigned to Consul-General Lee at Havana, and were transported by the Ward Line of steamships free of charge.

In the meantime the committee issued its own circular appeal to all local authorities, business houses, boards of trade, religious institutions, charitable corporations, social and business clubs, organizations and societies generally in every State of the Union.

The question of transportation and its cost now became one of vitalimportance. If full freight charges were to be paid on all consignments to the committee to the Atlantic coast, the expense of shipment might in many cases equal the value of the supplies, and in any event would be a serious burden upon the treasury. Accordingly, negotiations were carried on with the principal railway and steamship transportation lines, and with the Joint Traffic Association of New York, one result of which was that the association shortly afterward issued its general circular of instructions, the substance of which was:

That, responsive to the request of the Central Cuban Relief Committee, appointed by the President of the United States and acting under the direction of the Department of State, it shall be permissible for the railway companies, parties to the Joint Traffic Association, to forward free of transportation charges, from points subject to its jurisdiction to or from New York, New Orleans, Mobile, Montgomery and Tampa, shipments of food, clothing and medicines, and other necessary supplies intended for the use and relief of the inhabitants of the island of Cuba who are suffering from sickness and famine.

Through this generous action on the part of the Joint Traffic Association, comprising the principal railroads east of Chicago, with branch lines extending north and south, all contributions were carried to the Atlantic and Gulf ports free. The Ward Line from New York, and the Plant System of railways and steamships had already taken similar action, then the great trunk lines of the West, the New England companies, the Southern railways, and all the coastwise steamship companies and the Munson Line united in furnishing free transportation to the ports of Cuba. Of the steamship lines whose kind assistance did so much to further the work of relief, special mention is due to Messrs. James E. Ward & Co., of New York, owners of the Ward Line, whose steamers running to Havana, Santiago, Cienfuegos and ports along the southern shore of Cuba, not only carried the larger amount of provisions, but unloaded it and delivered it on shore without charge.

No single agency did greater service than the press. By the daily and widespread dissemination of news concerning the actual conditions in Cuba, by the reports of their own representatives in the famine-stricken districts, and by the persistent reiteration of appeals the great heart of the American people was reached, and the response was prompt and abundant.

Operating over such a large territory, communication by mail would have often been too slow to be effective, and it was constantlynecessary to resort to the telegraph, and the cost of such service would have ordinarily been very great. But the Postal Telegraph Company and the Western Union Telegraph and Cable Company, in order to assist the work, extended unusual privileges, the first company transmitting all messages free, and the second accepting messages at the government rates. The Central Cuban Relief Committee in their report to the President, extend their thanks to many other companies, and individuals, for whose kindly assistance they are indebted, and special mention is made of the valuable service rendered by the United States dispatch agent, Mr. I.P. Roosa, in the receipt and storage, the purchase and shipment of relief supplies.

In the latter part of March a conference was held at Washington, between the Secretary of State and the Central Cuban Relief Committee, which resulted in bringing the committee into relationship with the American National Red Cross, and the designation of the Red Cross as the distributing agent in Cuba, acting for the State Department and the committee. As told elsewhere, the work of distribution in Cuba was scarcely begun when friendly relations between the United States and Spain were suspended, and upon the advice of the Consul-General at Havana, the Red Cross retired when the President called all Americans home.

In the meantime the committee, upon the advice of the Department of State, had chartered the steamship â€œState of Texasâ€ of the Mallory Line, and, loading her with a general cargo of food, clothing, medicines and hospital supplies, dispatched her, under the flag of the Red Cross, to Key West.

The purpose for which this good ship was dispatched, and the conditions under which she was sent, are best explained by the correspondence exchanged at that time by the Departments of State and Navy, the American National Red Cross, the Central Cuban Relief Committee and the naval commanders:

The Central Cuban Relief Committee,

Appointed by the President of the United States and acting under the direction of the Department of State.

New York,April 20, 1898.Miss Clara Barton,President, American National Red Cross, Washington, D.C.:Dear Miss Barton: In confirmation of the verbal request by the chairman and treasurer of the Central Cuban Relief Committee, in conjunction with theHon. Wm. R. Day, Assistant Secretary of State, that you proceed to the island of Cuba, there to carry on the work of distribution and relief to the suffering people in behalf of this committee and in co-operation with the United States Consuls, I beg to inform you that at a special meeting of this committee, held on thirteenth of April, 1898, the following action was taken:Whereas, The Department of State having extended the authority of this committee to the supervision of the distribution of relief supplies, and the carrying out of all necessary relief measures, in co-operation with the American Consuls in Cuba; and this committee, having verbally joined with the Department of State in asking the American National Red Cross, Miss Clara Barton, president, to proceed at once to Cuba as the representative of this committee, and to perform, in behalf of the committee, all necessary work of relief; therefore be itResolved, That the chairman be authorized to write suitable letters to Miss Clara Barton, Consul-General Lee and the other American Consuls in Cuba, notifying them of this action.As you are aware, this committee at request of the Department of State, has determined to send the steamship â€œState of Texas,â€ with relief supplies from New York City to Key West, Florida, there to await orders and instructions from the United States Government. By instructions from the Department of State, the committee have to send the steamship under the Red Cross flag and the provisions of the Geneva Convention, turning the vessel over to the American National Red Cross upon leaving New York.I, therefore, beg to say to you that in all probability the vessel will be loaded and made ready to sail on Saturday the twenty-third inst., and you are expected to have such of your representativesâ€”as you desire shall accompany and take charge of the ship from New York to Key Westâ€”in readiness to go aboard Saturday forenoon. The arrival of the vessel at Key West should be reported to this committee by telegraph immediately, when instructions will be given by the Government at Washington for proceeding further. If hostilities shall have begun between the United States and Spain, it will be your duty to call upon the United States Government for the necessary naval consortâ€”as provided by the Geneva Convention.This program has been proposed by the Assistant Secretary of State, who will immediately issue the necessary orders upon hearing from us.Before your departure from Key West for Cuba, this committee will give you further information as to its desires and recommendation concerning the distribution of supplies from the different ports in Cuba.This committee stands ready to furnish you with the funds necessary to carry on this work of relief to the extent of its ability, and it is expected that you will render to the treasurer a detailed account of your expenditures in the work entrusted to your organization.You are requested to make requisition by letter or telegraph from time to time, as you need further funds.We will thank you for your official acknowledgment of this communication in writing.Very truly yours,Stephen E. Barton,Chairman.

New York,April 20, 1898.

Miss Clara Barton,President, American National Red Cross, Washington, D.C.:

Dear Miss Barton: In confirmation of the verbal request by the chairman and treasurer of the Central Cuban Relief Committee, in conjunction with theHon. Wm. R. Day, Assistant Secretary of State, that you proceed to the island of Cuba, there to carry on the work of distribution and relief to the suffering people in behalf of this committee and in co-operation with the United States Consuls, I beg to inform you that at a special meeting of this committee, held on thirteenth of April, 1898, the following action was taken:

Whereas, The Department of State having extended the authority of this committee to the supervision of the distribution of relief supplies, and the carrying out of all necessary relief measures, in co-operation with the American Consuls in Cuba; and this committee, having verbally joined with the Department of State in asking the American National Red Cross, Miss Clara Barton, president, to proceed at once to Cuba as the representative of this committee, and to perform, in behalf of the committee, all necessary work of relief; therefore be it

Resolved, That the chairman be authorized to write suitable letters to Miss Clara Barton, Consul-General Lee and the other American Consuls in Cuba, notifying them of this action.

As you are aware, this committee at request of the Department of State, has determined to send the steamship â€œState of Texas,â€ with relief supplies from New York City to Key West, Florida, there to await orders and instructions from the United States Government. By instructions from the Department of State, the committee have to send the steamship under the Red Cross flag and the provisions of the Geneva Convention, turning the vessel over to the American National Red Cross upon leaving New York.

I, therefore, beg to say to you that in all probability the vessel will be loaded and made ready to sail on Saturday the twenty-third inst., and you are expected to have such of your representativesâ€”as you desire shall accompany and take charge of the ship from New York to Key Westâ€”in readiness to go aboard Saturday forenoon. The arrival of the vessel at Key West should be reported to this committee by telegraph immediately, when instructions will be given by the Government at Washington for proceeding further. If hostilities shall have begun between the United States and Spain, it will be your duty to call upon the United States Government for the necessary naval consortâ€”as provided by the Geneva Convention.

This program has been proposed by the Assistant Secretary of State, who will immediately issue the necessary orders upon hearing from us.

Before your departure from Key West for Cuba, this committee will give you further information as to its desires and recommendation concerning the distribution of supplies from the different ports in Cuba.

This committee stands ready to furnish you with the funds necessary to carry on this work of relief to the extent of its ability, and it is expected that you will render to the treasurer a detailed account of your expenditures in the work entrusted to your organization.

You are requested to make requisition by letter or telegraph from time to time, as you need further funds.

We will thank you for your official acknowledgment of this communication in writing.

Very truly yours,Stephen E. Barton,Chairman.

Navy Department,Washington,April 25, 1898.Sir: Miss Clara Barton, the representative of the American National Red Cross Society, is about to proceed to Key West to take charge of the distribution of the supplies now aboard the steamship â€œState of Texas,â€ and which supplies it is proposed to distribute among the starving reconcentrados of Cuba. There are enclosed herewith copies of letters from the Department of State to the Department of the Navy and from the Secretary of the Navy to the Commander-in-Chief of the North Atlantic Station which contain the terms upon which this trust is undertaken, and the Departmentâ€™s instructions in relation thereto.The Department desires that you will afford every assistance within your power to Miss Barton and her associates, while they are in Key West.The departure of the â€œState of Texasâ€ from Key West and its destination are, of course, matters coming entirely under the jurisdiction of the Commander-in-Chief of the North Atlantic Station.Very respectfully,John D. Long,Secretary,Commandant,Naval Station, Key West, Fla.

Navy Department,Washington,April 25, 1898.

Sir: Miss Clara Barton, the representative of the American National Red Cross Society, is about to proceed to Key West to take charge of the distribution of the supplies now aboard the steamship â€œState of Texas,â€ and which supplies it is proposed to distribute among the starving reconcentrados of Cuba. There are enclosed herewith copies of letters from the Department of State to the Department of the Navy and from the Secretary of the Navy to the Commander-in-Chief of the North Atlantic Station which contain the terms upon which this trust is undertaken, and the Departmentâ€™s instructions in relation thereto.

The Department desires that you will afford every assistance within your power to Miss Barton and her associates, while they are in Key West.

The departure of the â€œState of Texasâ€ from Key West and its destination are, of course, matters coming entirely under the jurisdiction of the Commander-in-Chief of the North Atlantic Station.

Very respectfully,John D. Long,Secretary,

Commandant,Naval Station, Key West, Fla.

Navy Department,Washington,April 25, 1898.Sir: There is forwarded enclosed a copy of a letter received this day from the Department of State, which fully states the conditions under which Miss Clara Barton, as the representative of the American National Red Cross Society, proceeds to Key West. You will afford Miss Barton every facility that shall become feasible for the distribution of the supplies now on board the steamship â€œState of Texasâ€ to the starving reconcentrados, but it is, of course, necessary that none of these supplies shall come into the possession of the Spanish Army, as this would result in defeating the purposes for which the blockade has been established.It is believed that you will fully appreciate the wishes of the Departments of State and the Navy in this matter, and all the details are necessarily left to your discretion.Very respectfully,John D. Long,Secretary,Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Naval Force,North Atlantic Station.

Navy Department,Washington,April 25, 1898.

Sir: There is forwarded enclosed a copy of a letter received this day from the Department of State, which fully states the conditions under which Miss Clara Barton, as the representative of the American National Red Cross Society, proceeds to Key West. You will afford Miss Barton every facility that shall become feasible for the distribution of the supplies now on board the steamship â€œState of Texasâ€ to the starving reconcentrados, but it is, of course, necessary that none of these supplies shall come into the possession of the Spanish Army, as this would result in defeating the purposes for which the blockade has been established.

It is believed that you will fully appreciate the wishes of the Departments of State and the Navy in this matter, and all the details are necessarily left to your discretion.

Very respectfully,John D. Long,Secretary,

Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Naval Force,North Atlantic Station.

Department of State,Washington,April 25, 1898.The Honorable the Secretary of the Navy:Sir: The Central Cuban Relief Committee of New York, organized by direction and under the authority of the President, for the collection and transmission toCuba of supplies for the relief of the suffering and destitute in that island, has, after consultation with this Department and with full approval of its course, chartered and dispatched from New York the steamer â€œState of Texasâ€ laden with supplies and sailing under the ensign of the National Red Cross. The only passengers she carries are officers and employes of the Red Cross for the purpose of assisting in the distribution of this charitable relief.As at present contemplated, the destination of the â€œState of Texasâ€ is either Matanzas or Cardenas, or perhaps, if circumstances favor, both; but the point of landing will largely be determined by circumstances of which the Admiral commanding the blockading force on the north coast of Cuba will necessarily be the best judge.Miss Clara Barton, president of the American National Red Cross, is about to proceed to Tampa and Key West at which latter point she will go aboard the â€œState of Texasâ€ upon its arrival there.Upon reaching Key West Miss Barton, as the person in charge of the relief expedition, will report to such naval officer as you may designate and take from him directions as to the movements of the â€œState of Texasâ€ from that point on.I have the honor to commend Miss Barton to the kind attentions of your Department in order that she may receive, before leaving Washington, such instructions as you may deem it necessary and proper to give her.Respectfully yours,John Sherman,Secretary.

Department of State,Washington,April 25, 1898.

The Honorable the Secretary of the Navy:

Sir: The Central Cuban Relief Committee of New York, organized by direction and under the authority of the President, for the collection and transmission toCuba of supplies for the relief of the suffering and destitute in that island, has, after consultation with this Department and with full approval of its course, chartered and dispatched from New York the steamer â€œState of Texasâ€ laden with supplies and sailing under the ensign of the National Red Cross. The only passengers she carries are officers and employes of the Red Cross for the purpose of assisting in the distribution of this charitable relief.

As at present contemplated, the destination of the â€œState of Texasâ€ is either Matanzas or Cardenas, or perhaps, if circumstances favor, both; but the point of landing will largely be determined by circumstances of which the Admiral commanding the blockading force on the north coast of Cuba will necessarily be the best judge.

Miss Clara Barton, president of the American National Red Cross, is about to proceed to Tampa and Key West at which latter point she will go aboard the â€œState of Texasâ€ upon its arrival there.

Upon reaching Key West Miss Barton, as the person in charge of the relief expedition, will report to such naval officer as you may designate and take from him directions as to the movements of the â€œState of Texasâ€ from that point on.

I have the honor to commend Miss Barton to the kind attentions of your Department in order that she may receive, before leaving Washington, such instructions as you may deem it necessary and proper to give her.

Respectfully yours,John Sherman,Secretary.

With these credentials, the President and staff of the American National Red Cross immediately proceeded to Key West, and, after reporting to the commandant of the naval station and to the representative of Admiral Sampson, the party boarded the â€œState of Texasâ€ and awaited an opportunity to carry out the mission of the Red Cross.

During the year prior to the outbreak of hostilities between the United States and Spain, Cuban families were fleeing from the island, and this exodus continued until war began. The refugees, numbering several thousand, took up their abode at Tampa, Key West and other Atlantic and gulf ports. They had been obliged to leave their native country hastily, leaving nearly all their personal property behind them, and in a short time after their arrival in America were actually without food and with no means wherewith to purchase it.

Committees and agents of the Red Cross were established in both Tampa and Key West, and acting as the distributing agencies for the supplies forwarded by the Central Cuban Relief Committee, the refugees were cared for. In Key West the number supplied with food from the warehouse and kitchen of the Red Cross were over seventeen hundred people, and the distribution still continues. Key West has been one of the most important distributing stations, and from thebeginning has been under the efficient direction of Mr. George W. Hyatt, for whose continuous and faithful service the Red Cross is much indebted.

The distributing station was kept constantly supplied by the Central Cuban Relief Committee, and when the stock began to run low in the latter part of July, the committee dispatched the schooner â€œNokomisâ€ from New York with 125 tons of assorted provisions to replenish the storehouse.

Before the â€œState of Texasâ€ arrived at Key West, war had been declared between the United States and Spain, and soon after the prize ships, schooners, steamers and fishing smacks, captured off the Cuban coast began to come in, in tow, or in charge of prize crews. The navy worked rapidly and brought in their prizes so quickly that the government officials were not prepared to feed the prisoners of war. On the ninth of May the United States Marshal for the southern district of Florida made the following appeal:

Miss Clara Barton,President, American National Red Cross:Dear Miss Barton: On board the captured vessels we find quite a number of aliens among the crews, mostly Cubans, and some American citizens, and their detention here and inability to get away for want of funds has exhausted their supply of food, and some of them will soon be entirely out. As there is no appropriation available from which food could be purchased, would you kindly provide for them until I can get definite instructions from the Department at Washington?Very respectfully,John F. Horr,U.S. Marshal.

Miss Clara Barton,President, American National Red Cross:

Dear Miss Barton: On board the captured vessels we find quite a number of aliens among the crews, mostly Cubans, and some American citizens, and their detention here and inability to get away for want of funds has exhausted their supply of food, and some of them will soon be entirely out. As there is no appropriation available from which food could be purchased, would you kindly provide for them until I can get definite instructions from the Department at Washington?

Very respectfully,John F. Horr,U.S. Marshal.

Attached to this letter was an official list of the Spanish prizes whose crews were in need of food. The boats of the â€œState of Texasâ€ were quickly loaded with a supply of assorted provisions and, being taken in tow by the steam-launch of the transport â€œPanther,â€ the work of distribution began. All the ships in need were supplied with food and medicines for ten days, and their supply renewed every ten days for some weeks until government rations were regularly issued and auxiliary assistance was no longer necessary. The supplies on the â€œState of Texasâ€ being intended for the reconcentrados in Cuba, her cargo was drawn upon to the smallest possible extent. Many of the prizes had on board cargoes of bananas and plantains, and thewells of the â€œViverosâ€ were filled with live fish. After some negotiating, arrangements were made to secure these cargoes at a trifling cost, and they were distributed among the crews of the vessels that carried nothing eatable. Tasajo, or jerked meat, was also bought and given out in the same way, and from one of the prizes loaded with dried meat from the Argentine, which was afterward sold at auction in Key West, forty tons were purchased and stored in the warehouse to supply the refugees, and to replace that portion of the cargo of the â€œState of Texasâ€ which had been distributed to the prisoners of war.

A PART OF THE AMERICAN NATIONAL RED CROSS FLEET IN THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR OF 1898.Yacht â€œRed Cross.â€â€”Failed to reach Cuba in time for service, and was used for transporting sick between military camps and New York.S.S. â€œSan Antonio.â€â€”Carried assorted cargo and hospital supplies to Matanzas and Cardenas for distribution to the interior towns.S.S. â€œState of Texas.â€â€”Loaded before the declaration of war, with 1400 tons of food and hospital supplies and clothing for Cuban hungry. Carried Red Cross president and working staff and nurses. Used cargo for both U.S. Army and Cubans at Guantanamo, Siboney, the front and Santiago.Schooner â€œMary E Morse.â€â€”Carried 800 tons of ice to Santiago, used on transports carrying returned soldiers and sick men. Afterward carried transferred cargo of â€œPort Victorâ€ to Baracoa and Jibarra for distribution among Cuban hungry.Schooner â€œNocomis.â€â€” Carried 700 tons of ice to Porto Rico.

A PART OF THE AMERICAN NATIONAL RED CROSS FLEET IN THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR OF 1898.

Yacht â€œRed Cross.â€â€”Failed to reach Cuba in time for service, and was used for transporting sick between military camps and New York.S.S. â€œSan Antonio.â€â€”Carried assorted cargo and hospital supplies to Matanzas and Cardenas for distribution to the interior towns.S.S. â€œState of Texas.â€â€”Loaded before the declaration of war, with 1400 tons of food and hospital supplies and clothing for Cuban hungry. Carried Red Cross president and working staff and nurses. Used cargo for both U.S. Army and Cubans at Guantanamo, Siboney, the front and Santiago.Schooner â€œMary E Morse.â€â€”Carried 800 tons of ice to Santiago, used on transports carrying returned soldiers and sick men. Afterward carried transferred cargo of â€œPort Victorâ€ to Baracoa and Jibarra for distribution among Cuban hungry.Schooner â€œNocomis.â€â€” Carried 700 tons of ice to Porto Rico.

Yacht â€œRed Cross.â€â€”Failed to reach Cuba in time for service, and was used for transporting sick between military camps and New York.

S.S. â€œSan Antonio.â€â€”Carried assorted cargo and hospital supplies to Matanzas and Cardenas for distribution to the interior towns.

S.S. â€œState of Texas.â€â€”Loaded before the declaration of war, with 1400 tons of food and hospital supplies and clothing for Cuban hungry. Carried Red Cross president and working staff and nurses. Used cargo for both U.S. Army and Cubans at Guantanamo, Siboney, the front and Santiago.

Schooner â€œMary E Morse.â€â€”Carried 800 tons of ice to Santiago, used on transports carrying returned soldiers and sick men. Afterward carried transferred cargo of â€œPort Victorâ€ to Baracoa and Jibarra for distribution among Cuban hungry.

Schooner â€œNocomis.â€â€” Carried 700 tons of ice to Porto Rico.

OFFICERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AMERICAN NATIONAL RED CROSS.

While waiting for an opportunity to get into Cuba, the reports which reached us showed that the distress among the reconcentrados was daily increasing, and it was determined to make an attempt to land with the â€œState of Texas,â€ or at least to show the willingness of the Red Cross to do so, if permitted. As the ship was under the direction of the Navy Department, the following letter was addressed to the admiral in command of the blockading fleet:

S.S. â€œState of Texas,â€May 2, 1898.Admiral William T. Sampson, U.S.N.,Commanding fleet before Havana:Admiral: But for the introduction kindly proffered by our mutual acquaintance, Captain Harrington, I should scarcely presume to address you. He will have made known to you the subject which I desire to bring to your gracious consideration.Papers forwarded by direction of our government will have shown the charge entrusted to me, viz: To get food to the starving people of Cuba. I have with me a cargo of fourteen hundred tons, under the flag of the Red Cross, the one international emblem of neutrality and humanity known to civilization. Spain knows and regards it.Fourteen months ago, the entire Spanish Government at Madrid cabled me permission to take to, and distribute food to the suffering people in Cuba. This official permission was broadly published; if read by our people, no response was made, no action taken until two months ago, when under the humane and gracious call of our honored President, I did go, and distributed food unmolested anywhere on the island, until arrangements were made by our government for all American citizens to leave Cuba. Persons must now be dying there by the hundreds if not thousands daily, for the want of the food we are shutting out. Will not the world hold us accountable? Will history write us blameless? Will it not be said of us that we completed the scheme of extermination commenced by Weyler? I fear the mutterings are already in the air.Fortunately, I know the Spanish authorities in Cuba, Captain-General Blanco and his assistants. We parted with perfect friendliness. They do not regard me as an American merely, but as the national representative of an international treaty to which themselves are signatory and under which they act. I believe they would receive and confer with me, if such a thing were made possible.I would like to ask Spanish permission and protection to land and distribute the food now on the â€œState of Texas.â€ Could I be permitted to ask to see them under flag of truce? If we make the effort and are refused, the blame rests with them; if we fail to make it, it rests with us. I hold it good statesmanship to at least divide the responsibility. I am told that some days must elapse before our troops can be in position to reach and feed this starving people. Our food and our force are here, ready to commence at once.With assurances of highest regard, I am, Admiral,Very respectfully yours,Clara Barton.

S.S. â€œState of Texas,â€May 2, 1898.

Admiral William T. Sampson, U.S.N.,Commanding fleet before Havana:

Admiral: But for the introduction kindly proffered by our mutual acquaintance, Captain Harrington, I should scarcely presume to address you. He will have made known to you the subject which I desire to bring to your gracious consideration.

Papers forwarded by direction of our government will have shown the charge entrusted to me, viz: To get food to the starving people of Cuba. I have with me a cargo of fourteen hundred tons, under the flag of the Red Cross, the one international emblem of neutrality and humanity known to civilization. Spain knows and regards it.

Fourteen months ago, the entire Spanish Government at Madrid cabled me permission to take to, and distribute food to the suffering people in Cuba. This official permission was broadly published; if read by our people, no response was made, no action taken until two months ago, when under the humane and gracious call of our honored President, I did go, and distributed food unmolested anywhere on the island, until arrangements were made by our government for all American citizens to leave Cuba. Persons must now be dying there by the hundreds if not thousands daily, for the want of the food we are shutting out. Will not the world hold us accountable? Will history write us blameless? Will it not be said of us that we completed the scheme of extermination commenced by Weyler? I fear the mutterings are already in the air.

Fortunately, I know the Spanish authorities in Cuba, Captain-General Blanco and his assistants. We parted with perfect friendliness. They do not regard me as an American merely, but as the national representative of an international treaty to which themselves are signatory and under which they act. I believe they would receive and confer with me, if such a thing were made possible.

I would like to ask Spanish permission and protection to land and distribute the food now on the â€œState of Texas.â€ Could I be permitted to ask to see them under flag of truce? If we make the effort and are refused, the blame rests with them; if we fail to make it, it rests with us. I hold it good statesmanship to at least divide the responsibility. I am told that some days must elapse before our troops can be in position to reach and feed this starving people. Our food and our force are here, ready to commence at once.

With assurances of highest regard, I am, Admiral,

Very respectfully yours,Clara Barton.

On the same day, Admiral Sampson, in his reply, pointed out why, as commander of the blockading squadron, his instructions would not permit him to admit food into Cuba at that time.

U.S. Flagship â€œNew York,â€ First Rate.Key West, Florida,May 2, 1898.Miss Clara Barton,President, American National Red Cross, Key West, Fla.:Dear Madam: I have received, through the senior naval officer present, a copy of a letter from the State Department to the Secretary of the Navy, a copy of a letter of the Secretary of the Navy to the commander-in-chief of the naval force on this station, and also a copy of a letter from the Secretary of the Navy to the commandant of the naval station at Key West.2. From these communications it appears that the destination of the steamship â€œState of Texas,â€ loaded with supplies for the starving reconcentrados in Cuba, is left, in a measure, to my judgment.3. At present I am acting under instructions from the Navy Department to blockade the coast of Cuba for the purpose of preventing, among other things, any food supply from reaching the Spanish forces in Cuba. Under these circumstances it seems to me unwise to let a ship-load of such supplies be sent to the reconcentrados, for, in my opinion, they would be distributed to the Spanish army. Until some point be occupied in Cuba by our forces, from which such distribution may be made to those for whom the supplies are intended, I am unwilling that they should be landed on Cuban soil.Yours, very respectfully,W.T. Sampson,Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy,Commander-in-Chief U.S. Naval Force,North Atlantic Station.

U.S. Flagship â€œNew York,â€ First Rate.Key West, Florida,May 2, 1898.

Miss Clara Barton,President, American National Red Cross, Key West, Fla.:

Dear Madam: I have received, through the senior naval officer present, a copy of a letter from the State Department to the Secretary of the Navy, a copy of a letter of the Secretary of the Navy to the commander-in-chief of the naval force on this station, and also a copy of a letter from the Secretary of the Navy to the commandant of the naval station at Key West.

2. From these communications it appears that the destination of the steamship â€œState of Texas,â€ loaded with supplies for the starving reconcentrados in Cuba, is left, in a measure, to my judgment.

3. At present I am acting under instructions from the Navy Department to blockade the coast of Cuba for the purpose of preventing, among other things, any food supply from reaching the Spanish forces in Cuba. Under these circumstances it seems to me unwise to let a ship-load of such supplies be sent to the reconcentrados, for, in my opinion, they would be distributed to the Spanish army. Until some point be occupied in Cuba by our forces, from which such distribution may be made to those for whom the supplies are intended, I am unwilling that they should be landed on Cuban soil.

Yours, very respectfully,W.T. Sampson,Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy,Commander-in-Chief U.S. Naval Force,North Atlantic Station.

The Red Cross had been requested to hasten south to take food into Cuba, but the admiral had been instructed to keep it out. Nothing remained to do but to inform the government at Washington, and the committee in New York, regarding the situation as developed by this correspondence, and await farther instructions, which was done by cablegram addressed to the chairman of the Central Cuban Relief Committee in New York:

Key West, Fla.,May 3, 1898.Herewith I transmit copies of letters passed between Admiral Sampson and myself. I think it important that you should immediately present this correspondence personally to the government, as it will place before them the exact situation here. The utmost cordiality exists between Admiral Sampson and myself. The admiral feels it his duty, as chief of the blockading squadron to keep food out of Cuba, and recognizes that from my standpoint my duty is to try to get food into Cuba and this correspondence is transmitted with his cordial consent. If I insist, Admiral Sampson will try to open communication under a flag of truce, but his letter expresses his opinion regarding the best method. Advices from the government would enable us to reach a decision. Unless there is objection at Washington, you are at liberty to publish this correspondence if you wish.Clara Barton.

Key West, Fla.,May 3, 1898.

Herewith I transmit copies of letters passed between Admiral Sampson and myself. I think it important that you should immediately present this correspondence personally to the government, as it will place before them the exact situation here. The utmost cordiality exists between Admiral Sampson and myself. The admiral feels it his duty, as chief of the blockading squadron to keep food out of Cuba, and recognizes that from my standpoint my duty is to try to get food into Cuba and this correspondence is transmitted with his cordial consent. If I insist, Admiral Sampson will try to open communication under a flag of truce, but his letter expresses his opinion regarding the best method. Advices from the government would enable us to reach a decision. Unless there is objection at Washington, you are at liberty to publish this correspondence if you wish.

Clara Barton.

In a few days the following cablegram was received in reply:

Washington,May 6, 1898.Clara Barton,Key West:Submitted your message to President and cabinet, and it was read with moistened eyes. Considered serious and pathetic. Admiral Sampsonâ€™s views regarded as wisest at present. Hope to land you soon. President, Long and Moore send highest regards.Barton.(S.E.)

Washington,May 6, 1898.

Clara Barton,Key West:

Submitted your message to President and cabinet, and it was read with moistened eyes. Considered serious and pathetic. Admiral Sampsonâ€™s views regarded as wisest at present. Hope to land you soon. President, Long and Moore send highest regards.

Barton.(S.E.)

We too hoped to land soon, but the opportunity never came, and the â€œState of Texasâ€ whose finely assorted cargo was primarily intended for the starving reconcentrados, did not get to Cuba until she went with the transports conveying the invading army, and, after doing good service in the relief of the sick and wounded at El Caney and Siboney, she entered the harbor of Santiago, the first American ship to reach the city.

While these things were transpiring, preparations were being made by the Red Cross, in accordance with the provisions of the Treaty of Geneva, to render auxiliary medical and hospital service during the war. Upon the declaration of war, a special committee was appointed, composed of Dr. J.B. Hubbell, Mr. John Hitz and Mr.Stephen E. Barton, to wait upon the President of the United States, the Secretaries of State, War and Navy, and the Surgeon General, to give oral notice of the intention of the Red Cross to be ready to furnish any supplemental aid that might be required by the armies in the field.

Following the usual custom, the American National Red Cross was about to issue a statement to the American people for funds and materials to support its ministrations to the sick and wounded, when a resolution was passed by the board of directors of the New York Red Cross Hospital, of which institution Mr. William T. Wardwell is president, proposing the formation of a Relief Committee. The purpose of this committee was to raise funds and supplies, in the name of the Red Cross, and to act as a national auxiliary in the capacity of trustees and temporary custodians of the contributions of the people in support of the work to be done by the American National Red Cross.

The tender of the proposed Relief Committee, thus voluntarily formed, was provisionally accepted by Mr. Stephen E. Barton, subject to the official acceptance by the American National Red Cross. Upon this provisional acceptance the Relief Committee proceeded to organize, and its membership was enlarged by the addition of men well known in social and financial circles of the City and State of New York.

The name adopted by the committee: â€œThe American National Red Cross Relief Committee,â€ was perhaps unfortunate, in some respects, inasmuch as it created a certain confusion in the minds of the people, who were often unable to distinguish between the parent organization, the American National Red Cross, and the Relief Committee of New York. The committee having completed its organization, the tender of its services during the war was made and accepted in the following terms:

New York,May 3, 1898.Gentlemen: We have before us the official communication in which your secretary, Mr. John P. Faure, transmits to us for action thereon, the following resolution from your executive committee:Resolved, That the secretary be and he hereby is instructed to officially notify the American National Red Cross of the fact of the organization of this committee, requesting official acknowledgment and acceptance by the American National Red Cross, of the tender of financial co-operation and support offered by this committee.In reply we would say that it gives us great pleasure to accept your generous offer of financial co-operation and support. In carrying out the object of your offer, you are authorized to make such a public appeal, in the name of the American National Red Cross, as you may think best.For the purpose of unifying all effort, and concentrating all financial and material support to the American National Red Cross, we also confidently entrust to you, in consultation with our own executive committee, the work of inviting, through your committee, the co-operation of all Red Cross Relief Committees throughout the United States.Very truly yours,The American National Red Cross,Clara Barton, President,Geo. Kennan, Vice-President,Stephen E. Barton, Second Vice-President.

New York,May 3, 1898.

Gentlemen: We have before us the official communication in which your secretary, Mr. John P. Faure, transmits to us for action thereon, the following resolution from your executive committee:

Resolved, That the secretary be and he hereby is instructed to officially notify the American National Red Cross of the fact of the organization of this committee, requesting official acknowledgment and acceptance by the American National Red Cross, of the tender of financial co-operation and support offered by this committee.

In reply we would say that it gives us great pleasure to accept your generous offer of financial co-operation and support. In carrying out the object of your offer, you are authorized to make such a public appeal, in the name of the American National Red Cross, as you may think best.

For the purpose of unifying all effort, and concentrating all financial and material support to the American National Red Cross, we also confidently entrust to you, in consultation with our own executive committee, the work of inviting, through your committee, the co-operation of all Red Cross Relief Committees throughout the United States.

Very truly yours,The American National Red Cross,Clara Barton, President,Geo. Kennan, Vice-President,Stephen E. Barton, Second Vice-President.

Clara Barton, President,Geo. Kennan, Vice-President,Stephen E. Barton, Second Vice-President.

The acceptance of this offer made necessary the formation of an executive committee of the American National Red Cross, with headquarters in the city of New York, whose function it would be to represent the Red Cross in its official dealings with the government at Washington, the American people and the Relief Committee, and to devise ways and means for the administration of the contributions of the people, through the appointment and direction of official representatives of the Red Cross in the camps. The executive committee was at once appointed and consisted of the following members: Stephen E. Barton, Charles A. Schieren, Hon. Joseph Sheldon, George W. Boldt and William B. Howland, and organized with Mr. Barton as chairman and Mr. Schieren as treasurer.

On the fourteenth day of May the Relief Committee addressed the following letter to the President of the United States, reciting the formal offer of the American National Red Cross to supplement the field and hospital service of the army and navy, and reiterating their tender of co-operation and financial support:

Back to Index Next