The Teton peak. [volume] (St. Anthony, Idaho) 1899-1904, 1904-08-04
Only Piece of Neutral
Ground in America

Bedford, Ind, there IS tract Of
7S2 acres that is the only piece OF
neutral ground OH the American
continent, or, more properly, the
Weston Hemisphere 1t is pro-
tected by the International treaty
against the. tread of hostile feet
It is a perpetual sanctuary against
the invading armies Of forty-two
nations under the sacred treaty Of
Geneva.
Dr. Joseph Gardner Of Bedford,
Ind, donated the tract Of land 10
Clara Barton for the Red Cross
The gift was accepted b Miss Bar
ton in the name Of the Red Cross
Society Of the World, and inine-
iiately steps were taken 10 secure
the passage OF proper laws Of Cou-
I gress 10 forever secure the magnif-
cent gin to the Use and purposes
desired by the donor and Miss Bar
ton Forty one nations besides the
United States joined ii ratify ing
the terms Of the treaty at Geneva,
which forever establishes the tract
as exempt from war and secures the
institution 10 be founded there from
any invasion whatever. In return
for this international action the
Red Cross, true to It's purpose, will
prepare the place for such possible
emergencies as may arise in the
future OF nations. Primarily the
place will not be set over exclus-
lively for the establishment of hos
pitfalls to care for wounded soldiers.
but will also e1nbody large plan
to secure to Red Cross workers
from every quarter of the world
permanent home to which they
may retire to be cared for during
the repainder Of their lives, out Of
the funds of the Red Cross Society
of the world
In donating the tract TO the Red
Cross DR.. Gardner suggested that
it would make an admirable loca-
tion for the American storehouses,
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 extern
slve public institutions Hospitals
and homes for infirm and I'M
fortunate nurses will be established
by the Red Cross and the officials
OF the society whohave viewed the
place declare that no better site
could be obtained anywhere for
such purposes.
The tract will contain many
buildings when the plans are
carried out, for, besides the
hospitals, cottage homes for nurses
and storehouscs, there will be
hreproof building, in which will be
stored all the trophies, keepsakes
and souvenirs presented to the Red /
Cross i'll all parts of the world.
Or. 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 superintendency of DR..
Gardner, who has been selected BIZ
the Red Cross for that purpose.
There is a village, schoolhouse, I
postofflce and railroad station on
the farm, and DR.. Gardner employs
a large force OF men in beautifying
and improving the place. The
large residence, which is situated /
on the highest hill, from which
magnificent view is spread, is
made to express its ACQUIRED I
character OF Red Gross Home. Ii i
bears upon MANY of It's angles red
cross, embellished with silver
and gold background Or. and
Mrs. Gardner have earned
reputation in Red Cross work, both
being officers in the American