The herald., 1894-12-19
THE INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS
The Part 1t Is Playing in the
Asiatic War.
The Japanese Emperor President of
That Country's Society.
The Origin, History and Methods OF the
Associntion-scopao of Its
Provisions.

4hO w sAAo " -rt
anese army was issued September I'D,
by the minister of war:
"Belligerent operations being prop
erly confined to the military and naval
forces actually engaged. and there being
no reason whatever for enmity between
individuals because their countries are
at war the common principles OF hu-
manity dictate that succor and rescue
should be extended even to the enemy's
forces who are disa bled either by wounds
or disease.
In obedience to these principles, CIV
ilized nations in times of peace enter
into conventions to mutually assist dis
abled persons in time of wsr without
distinction of friend or foe. This humane
union is called the Geneva convention,
or more commonly the Red Cross asso-
citation. Japan became party to it in
June, 1856, and her soldiers have al
ready been instructed that they are
bound to treat with kindness and help
fulness such of their enemies as may be
disabled by wounds or disease.
"Chins not having joined any such
convention, 1t ia possible that her col
diers, ignorant Of these enlightened
principles, may subject diseased or
wounded Japanese to merciless treat
msnt. Against such contingencies the
Japanese troops must be on their
guard. But at the same time they must
never forget that however cruel and
vindictive the foe may show himself. h Q
must nevertheless be treated in accord
ance with the acknowledged rules of
civilization; his disabled succored, his
captured kindly and oonsiderstely
treated.
ut is not alone to those disabled by
wounds or sickness that merciful and
gentle treatment should be extended.
Similar treatment is also due to those
who offer no resistance to our arms.
Even the body of dead enemy should
be treated with respect.
I'VE cannot too much admire the
course pursued by certain western
country, which, in handing over an enc.
my's general, complied with all the rites
and ceremonies suitable to the rank OF
the captive.
Japanese soldiers should always bear
in mind the gracious bepevolence OF
their august sovereign and should not be
more anxious to display courage than
charity. They have now an opportunity
to afford practical proof OF the value
they attach to these principles"
(Signcd) "OYAMA lwAo. COUNT,
Minister of State for War"
September %, 81 the year of Meij.
In writing of the Red Cross it is not
necessary at this day to go into detail as
to its origin and history, but it is neces-
sary to say something in that regard
because of the fact that numerous local
societies, vaguely realizing some great
and universal beneticsnce as pertaining
to the words Tor to the "order" as it is
often erroneously called), have organized
and are pursuing their we'll intentioned
alma at local first add and charity,
under the name OF Red Cross Socie-
ties"
A great deal of misinformation ia thus
disseminated; hence. it is not strange
perhaps that the question is asked :
why is not the Red Cross of the United
States taking some part in the relief
work in Cores and China ?"
In regard to the origin of the Red
Cross, it will suffice to cay that the ideas
which eliminated in the international
treaty now adhered to by A separate
nstionaities, were conceived by M.
Henri Dunant, Swiss gentleman, n
member of the Society of Public Utility
of Switzerland. Happening to witness
the battle of Solferino. in Italy. June
"a. 1859, he became horror-stricken by
the needless suffering OF the wounded
and dying, who lay upon the field for
days without medical aid. M. Dunant
described, in a souvenir book which he
wrote. the scenes which 80 profoundly
stirred him. He also set forth in his
book plans for joining the governments
OF the world in an International COM
pact which should sfford immunity and
protection to civil aid upon bsttlefelds,
thereby augmenting the military medi-
cal facilities and reducing the needless
suffering. His ideas were earnestly
taken up by his society, and with the
aid and cooperation of the Swiss federal
council, conference OF nations WAS
held in Geneva in October, 1868, and
that was followed by the Geneva con-
vention OF August, 1864, at which the
treaty which bears that name was cree
ated. This treaty was at once signed
by 16 leading nations, which number
has since been increased to 40, including
the United States. The latter gave it's
adhesion by act of congress, March l,
1892. The act was ratified by the con-
gress of Berne-the international ratity-
ing power-June 8, 1882, and proclama-
ton by President Arthur. June 26, 1882.
The incoming administration of 1881
was the first to awaken to the national
importance OF the Red Gross, and to the
lamented Garfield, Arthur, Blaine and
Window ie due the credit of grasping
the merits of the treaty with the utmost
fervor.
The Red Cross Ia red Greek cross on
white ground) is the universally
adopted emblem or insignia of that or
2anization which is known ga the Red
Cross Treaty of Genevs.
The resolutions of the Geneva confer
ence provide that there shall be. in every
treaty country. one committee, and only
one, whose duty il shall be to cooper
ate in time of war by all the means in
it's power with the medical and sanitary
service of the army, and this committee
shall placs itaelf in communication with
the government Of its own country in
order that its offers of assistance, in
case Of need. may be accepted. In the
event of war, the committees of belliger-
ent nations shall fnrnieh relief TO their
respective armies in proportion to their
respective resources and, if need be, they
shall solicit the assistance OF commit
toes OF neutrhl uationa within the
treaty.
With the c0ncuTTeoos OF the military
authorities, thay shall, upon requeat,
plscs nurssn upon the cattlefields. but
only undoy she directions of the mill
tary oommG QdeEs.
The interchange of communications
between the several national committees
-, 10 Ia G.-io 1,f,i