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
I proceeded to state our plans for relief, which, if not carried out at
this time, the suffering in Armenia, unless we had been misinformed,
would shock the entire civilized world. None of us knew from personal
observation, as yet, the full need of assistance, but had reason to
believe it very great. If my agents were permitted to go, such need as
they found they would be prompt to relieve. On the other hand, if they
did not find the need existing there, none would leave the field so
gladly as they. There would be no respecting of persons--humanity alone
would be their guide. "We have," I added, "brought only ourselves; no
correspondent has accompanied us, and we shall have none, and shall not
go home to write a book on Turkey. We are not here for that. Nothing
shall be done in any concealed manner. All dispatches which we send will
go openly through your own telegraph, and I should be glad if all that
we shall write could be seen by your government. I can not, of course,
say what its character will be, but can vouch for its truth, fairness,
and integrity, and for the conduct of every leading man who shall be
sent. I shall never counsel or permit a sly or underhand action with
your government, and you will pardon me, Pasha, if I say I shall expect
the same treatment in return--such as I give I shall expect to receive."
Almost without a breath he replied: "And you shall have it. We honor
your position and your wishes shall be respected. Such aid and
protection as we are able, we shall render."
I then asked if it were necessary for me to see other officials. "No,"
he replied, "I speak for my government," and with cordial good wishes
our interview closed.
I never spoke personally with this gentleman again, all further business
being officially transacted through the officers of our legation. Yet I
can truly say, as I have said of my first meeting with our matchless
band of missionary workers, that here commenced an acquaintance which
proved invaluable, and here were given pledges of mutual faith, of which
not a word was ever broken on either side.
The Turkish Government, when once it came to understand American methods
and enthusiasm was forgiving and kind to us. No obstruction was ever
placed in our way. Our five expeditions passed through Armenian Turkey
from sea to sea, distributing whatever was needed, repairing the
destroyed machines, enabling the people to make tools to harvest their
grain, thus averting a famine; providing medical help and food as well
for thousands of sick; setting free the frightened inhabitants, and
returning them to the villages from which they had fled for their lives;
restoring all missionary freedom that had been interrupted; establishing
a more kindly feeling toward them on the part of the government; and
through all this, we had never one unpleasant transaction with any
person of whatever name or race.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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