Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1904-08-04
MANY
NATIONS
CLAIM
Interest in Tract of Land In
State of Indiana

In beautiful and romantic location
four miles south of the city of Bed
ford, Ind, there is tract of 7S2 acres
that is the only piece Of neutral ground
on the American continent, or, more
properly, the western hemisphere. II
is protected by international treaty
against the tread of hostile feet. It is
perpetual sanctuary against invad.
ing armies of AZ nations under the
sacred treaty of Geneva, says the New
York Herald
DR.. Joseph Gardner, of Bedford, Ind,
donated the tract of land to Clara
Barton for the Red Cross. The gift
was accepted by Miss Barton in the
name of the Red Cross society of the
World, and immediate steps were TAX
en- to secure the passage of proper
laws by congress to forever secure the
magnificent gift to the uses and pur
poses desired by the donor and Miss
Barton.
Forty-one nations besides the United
States joined in ratifying the aerms of
the treaty at Geneva, which forever
establishes the tract as exempt from
war and secures the institutions to
be founded there from any form of in
vasion whatever. In return for this
international action the Red Cross
true to its purpose will prepare the
place for such possible emergencies
as may arise in the future of nations
Primarily the place will never be set
over exclusively for the establishment
of hospitals to care for wounded sold.
iers, but will also embody large plan
to secure the Red Cross workers from
every quarter of the world perma-
nent home to which they may retire
to be cared for during the remainder
of their lives. out of the funds of the
Red Cross society of the World.
In donating the tract to the Red
Cross DIR. Gardner suggested that it
would make an admirable location for
the American store houses, invalid
homes, hospitals and nurse school
supply depot of the Red Cross in this
country. This suggestion has been
approved by the Red Cross officials.
1t is abundantly supplied with the
purest water, and numerous streams
ripple among the hills. Its perfect
drainage, high location and sufficient
transportation facilities make it an
ideal place for extensive public in
stitutions. Hospitals and homes for
infirm and unfortunate nurses will be
established by the Red Cross and the
officials Of the society who have view
ed the place declare that no better
site could be obtained anywhere for
such purposes.
The tract will contain many build
ings when the plans are carefully car
ried out, for, besides the hospitals,
cottage homes for nurses and store
houses, there will be fireproof build
ing, in which will be stored all the
trophies, keepsakes and souvenirs
presented TO the Red Cross in all parts
Of the worl
Dr. Gardner presented the tract of
land to the Red Cross as a thank
offering to humanity"
At present the tract is under the
charge and supenntendency OF DIR.
Gardner. who has been selected by the
Red Cross for that station There are
village, schoOlhouse, post ONCE and
railroad station on the farm, and DIR.
Gardner employs a large force of men
in beautlfying and improving the
place The large residence, which is |
on the highest hill, from which |
a magnificent view is spread is made
to express its acquired character OF
Red Cross home 1t bears upon many |
OF it's angles red crosses, embellished /
with a silver and gold background,
DR.. and Mrs. Gardner have earned
a reputation in Red Cross work, both
being officers in the American society.
Gen. Shafter witnesses that Mrs
Gardner was the only woman, except
Clara Barton, who was on the firing |
line before Santiago. and she is re-
by every soldier OF that
battle as the woman who furnished |
him with food and many comforts
while Miss Barton was journeying |
back to the coast for supplies. Mrs
Gardner nursed Gen. Harry L. Eg-
bert on the firing line at Santiago. He
was killed later in the Philippines.