New-York tribune., 1903-02-05

To the Editor ot The Tribune
Sir: The statement lately sent in TO Congress
by certain members OF the American National
Red Cross has brought that organization some
what prominently TO the public notice in time
q peace and freedom from calamity. AS this is
E national organization. in which the whole
people Of the United States has right to take
q careful interest, il is deemed advisable to
give - The public a brief account Of its origin
and O. the late difficulties that have arisen
within the organization
The Convention OF Geneva for the Relief Of
the Wounded IN War was signed by the United
States in 1SS2, and has been signed by more
than forty other countries By this treaty
properly authorized persons are guaranteed pro-
lection while caring for the sick and wounded in
va- and i is under this treaty that the national
societies II times Of war are enabled TO carry
On their work Of mercy. The medium OF COM
-runics-ion between the national societies is the
International Committee at Geneva II only
after receipt nf documents from the Secretary
of Stzse proving that by acts Of Congress and Of
the President the American National Red Cross
was the organization authorized by this govern
-nerr u act under the Geneva Treaty that the
International Committee was able 10 send out
n TIE national committees OF all the other sig
-zto-v powers the circular announcing the
status OF the American National Red Cross and
Us Official recognition by this government
The present organization was reincorporated
hv act q Congress in June. 1900 By its char
ter il Is authorized TO act under said treaty.
sn6 e further purpose is set forth 70 carry on
national and international relief in times Of
g-ea- czIarniries. on account Of its official
1horiry 70 act under the treaty questions Of in
-z-ra-turaI import may arise. as in the case Of
ne E-tv-Six men who volunteered 10 go 10 the
7ransvzal 10 nurse the BOer wounded, and who
re5uested the sanction OF our Red Cross They
secured t-ou The president Of this organization
s letter Of recognition, and were permitted 10
carry IFS flag. Because this organization was
authorized by our government 10 act under the
treaty. and because these men bore g letter OF
recognition from the president Of the ATleTi-
ozr National Red Cross. they were allowed TO
cross the British lines Once within the Trans
,sa1 rrev tore OF the Red Cross brassards and
5of-ed he Boer army. This caused great indig-
nation II England but the English Government
rrr---ac11sIv fo-aore 10 make Al interna tional
question Of The matter
This incident Is recalled 70 show the impor-
-s1t International responsibilities OF our Red
Cross. but the internal difficulties that have
grown I'D since The Incorporation have arisen
chiefly from questions regarding the admins
--s-ior Of its funds. The Galveston disaster oc-
cr--ee II September. 1900. three months after
The reincorporation OF the t.eo CIo0S- ->O me-
inE OF the board OF control the 1hen eo'e- Ing
ro5z mas called The president Of the organ1za-
.io- -roreeded 70 Galveston. and there appoint
a financial agent AL the funds contributed
- +ha Re6 Cross for Galveston relief were
-rs-ed IL the hands Of this agent, save those
-hzt we're sent directly 10 the Red Cross treas
1,-s- in Washington OF the s11.S41 given 10 the
Rea Cross $. .9T4 passed through the hands OF
rbe treasurer, the balance was sent 70 the Presi-