The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-03-10
THE RED CROSS.
Selfish Interests that Prevent PrOtec-
ton of the SOciety's symbol.

j. ID. Davis, in the independent
The treaty was adopted by the United
ing given their adhesion before this country.
True. the treaty was made, ratified and pro-
movement had been made by the government
to carry it into effect. The Red Cross in
sigma had not been placed upon an ambu-
lance, a tent, hospital flag, or upon the
uniform of a hospital attendant. The Ma
ona ~ s sfodd aane pr M
tolSome work; and even now, twelve years
after the treaty was adopted. the United
States has made no effort to protect and
prevent the abuse of this sacred sign; for
upon the formation OF the treaty, in 1864, it
was found that some symbol must be adopt
ed by the organization by which it should
be recognized at glance on the battlefield.
1t must be universal, distinct, original and
The convention finally asked the privilege
of adopting the national flag of Switzerland,
where the idea had originated, and where
the convention was sitting-namely, white
Greek cross on a red ground, only revers-
White VIII 'e gound. ' Switzerland compiled with
this request. 1t was formally adopted by
the nations, and became the one only and
the treaty every military hospital, all sup
plies for their use. should be known and
pital flag in all the forty nations; that little
Greek red cross alone protects from moles-
tation every disabled soldier and every field
for every suffering inmate the chance to re-
cover to die in peace.
ures to prevent the lawless use of this
symbol; for its efficiency in time of war
it their
wares it's use will become so common, spur
ious and degraded that the whole thing
of well-organized army in time of war.
In the United States the users of this
e ana sonsb aTs Gross o
matoes' Red Cross whisky ds yross Red Cross
Pad
During the last session of Congress
bill for its protection was introduced and
1T passed the House unanimously. It's sim
pie statement carried conviction to all.
But when the press had announced the
DAYS had not elapsed before the Senate
was besieged with circumstances against
its passage.
speak of this first, as an American citi-
zen who loves his country for which he gave
his young strength and blood with loyal
loving pride, and sedona,y t as an an adopted
barbarous'' nation that to-day in her great
conflict finds her every " pr rn Y e. OF hui
obligations. put to the strongest test. and
sustains every one. to the wonaer and adj
and peculiar Circumstances feel not only
privileged but called to speak to my country
people, and ask them 70 pause s AN ana con,
view it from a universal standpoint and ask
themselves how it must look to the rest of
eyes are upon us. how do they regard IT,
for believe me. they viii know and meas
ure us accordingly: ana, g come nearer
that thinking silent woman. who has
thought it all out-hrought i all to US,
feels IT. as no one else can. sees L and
unpaid labor of her life 10 the up
building of humanity and honor
every land7 How must this look to her,
strong busy, business men. millionaires,
patriotic Christian women. philanthropists
one and air I ask how must this state OF
THINGS look to her? PICTURE her you can.
calmly guarding that bill IN The Senate of