A Story of the Red Cross; Glimpses of Field WorkBarton, Clara
History
A Story of the Red Cross; Glimpses of Field Work
Barton, Clara
American National Red Cross
Of the amount of these funds no mention was made by us, and I remember a
feeling of good-natured amusement as I heard the officers of this
untried effort at raising funds speak of "millions." It was easy to
discern that they were more accustomed to the figures of a banking
establishment than a charity organization dependent on the raising of
funds. They were likely to be disappointed. In reality, the amount, so
there were something to go with, made very little difference to us, as
we were merely to place what was entrusted to us where most needed, and
when that was done we had but to return. We never named any amount as
preferable to us.
The means resorted to in raising the funds were unfortunate. In the
great public meetings called for that purpose the utmost indiscretion
prevailed in regard to language applied to Turkey and the Turkish
Government. This aroused the indignation of the Turkish officials, who
very reasonably took measures to have our entrance into Turkey
forbidden.
A date of sailing, however, had been given Mr. Trask, and his committee,
feeling that any change would be detrimental to their efforts, no change
was made, and we sailed on time, to find in England no permission, and
further efforts necessary. With time and patience the troublesome
effects of these mistakes were overcome, and Constantinople was reached,
and a heavenly welcome by the harassed missionaries awaited us.
The first step was to procure an introduction to the Turkish Government,
which had in one sense refused to see me. Accompanied by the American
Minister, Hon. A. W. Terrell, and his premier interpreter, Gargiulo, one
of the most experienced diplomatic officers in Constantinople, I called
by appointment upon Tewfik Pasha, the Turkish Minister of Foreign
Affairs, or Minister of State. To those conversant with the personages
connected with Turkish affairs, I need not say that Tewfik Pasha is
probably the foremost man of the government--a manly man, with a kind,
fine face, and genial, polished manners. Educated abroad, with advanced
views on general subjects, he impresses one as a man who would sanction
no wrong it was in his power to avert.
Mr. Terrell's introduction was most appropriate and well expressed,
bearing with strong emphasis upon the suffering condition of the people
of the interior, in consequence of the massacres, the great sympathy of
the people of America, and giving assurance that our objects were purely
humanitarian, having neither political, racial, nor religious
significance.
The Pasha listened most attentively to Mr. Terrell, thanked him, and
said that this was well understood, that they knew the Red Cross and its
president. Turning to me he repeated: "We know you, Miss Barton; have
long known you and your work. We would like to hear your plans for
relief and what you desire."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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