Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1911-03-22

surely quite time that we opened this in
teresting subject in the column. I am
under deep obligations to F. c., who has
taken pains to write out so clearly and in
terestingly the history OF this order from
its beginning.
On June "a. 1859, Henri Dunant, a Swiss
philanthropist, Witnessed much needless sur
ferring and loss Of life resulting from days Of
neglect 10 care for the wounded after .
Hercely fought battle. He then and there con-
ceived the idea Of pledGing the nations Of the
earth to regard and respect rs neutral all
sick and wounded soldiers and all persons Civ
ing them aid.
with the help OF the Swiss federal council.
he brought about an international conference
ct &c ueva In October, Isss. in which sixteen
governments were represented. This WAS fol-
lowed BY the Geneva convention Of October O.
iss4, which adopted nine articles Of agreement
for the Improvement OF the condition OF the
wounded In armies Of the field. These articles
were then signed by twelve governments.
signatures.
An international committee, whose head
quarters At Geneva, was provided for by
the conference of 1858. It is to serve an in
termediate agent between national COM
mittees. and to lessen the labor Of their com
municatiops with each other. The national
committees have the direction and RESPONSE
bility of the work in their own countries;
they must provide resources to be used in
time OF need; take active measures to secure
followers, esta blish local societies. and have
plenty Of help always ready for action; and
in time of war send and distribute safely and
wisely all available supplies, nurses and
assistants to proper destinations.
The conference of 1853 also made it neces-
sary for societies to obtain and hold govern
ment recognition by which they might re-
ceive recogn milton from other nations in time
of war.
In 1854 q uniform flag made of red cross on
. white ground was adopted a compliment
to the Swiss confederation. whose national
flag is the reverse. badge or sign was also
agreed upon. This was a red cross on a white
ground, and was to be worn upon the arm Of
| all persons acting with or in the service of
the committees under the convention.
The whole Of Europe has long since been
marshsIled under the banner Of the Red
Cross; and, to its powerful and peaceful sign
the committee hopes to bring all civilized ma
tions. Already it has been carried into Asia,
Siberia, the Chinese frontier and in
Turkistan; through the African continent in
| Algeria and Egypt; and Oceanica has . COM
mittee At Batavia. Even the islands Of the sea
are learning the blessings Of more humane
customs in war.
As its first convention Was called during our
Civil war, no delegates were especially sent
by the United States, but our minister to
Switzerland, acting rs a delegate, sent copy
| Of the doings Of the convention to our govern
ment for recognition. This was not given.
The subject was again presented In 1865, and
. society Was formed by Rev. Henry Bellows,
which for some cause failed to be recognized.
After another season OF encouragement the
international committee decided to present
the subject through Mas Clara Barton, who
had worked with committees Of the Red Cross
during the Frauco-PrussiAn war, thus becom-
ing familiar with its methods.
On Miss Barton's return to this country the
| treaty Of Geneva was a third time presented
! to our government for consideration, and
ETY. was formed, known as the Association Of
the American Red Cross. Its formation was
largely due to the Efforts Of our second mar
tyred President and three Of his historic cabi-
net-James g. Blaine, W liam Window and
Robert T. Lincoln. BY desire and nomination
Of President Garfield. Miss Clara Barton was
| made its first president. and requested to
name her own officers.
The association was formed during the win.
ter OF 81, with the view on the part of
President GARFIELD Of making easy the adop-
ton u the treaty in his next message, which
message WAS never written. President Arthur
loyalty carried on the good work and the
treaty was adopted, endorsed by action of
the Senate, proclaimed by the President to
our people; later a.iHed by the international
powers in the congress Of Berne, with the
pledge to render relief to unfortunate victims
Of war, and the privilege. by Miss Barton's
request, Of rendering similar relief to the
victims Of great national calamities and dis
asters. &c.
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