MARMORA
It was twenty and a hundred years, oh blue and rolling sea,
A thousand in the onward march of human liberty,
Since on its sunlit bosom, wind tossed and sails unfurled,
Atlantic’s mighty billows bore a message to the world.
And weary eyes grew brighter then, and fainting hearts grew strong,
And hope was mingled in the cry, “How long, oh Lord, how long?”
The seething millions turn and stir and struggle towards the light;
The free flag streams, and morning gleams where erst was hopeless night.
Four expeditions through Turkey, Armenia and other parts of Asia Minor were planned and successfully carried out. Coasting boats were used to reach the interior, as were caravans of camels over the deserts and other almost waste places—the expeditions supplying the destitute with food, medicine, clothing, seed and farming implements. For this, the greatest undertaking of its kind in history, she was decorated by the Sultan of Turkey, by the Prince of Armenia, and from each of these rulers also she received a Diploma of Merit.
She was then in the hey-day of her popularity. Abdul-Hamid was on the throne of Turkey. Twelve years later the Sultan was dethroned and by his people put into prison. Oh! the irony of fate! About that time she draws this picture: “The Sultan was locked in and I locked out, but my whole country seemed my prison and I struggled to free myself of it.” Unfair the comparison! The “Young Turks” (a political party), representing the people, had dethroned, then imprisoned, Abdul-Hamid. Not so Clara Barton, by her people.
She was dethroned by methods that would shame a Turkish brigand; her prison-keeper was not the people, but
Man, proud man!
Drest in a little brief authority.
On her return from Turkey Clara Barton was accorded a most wonderful reception at the nation’s Capital, and was acclaimed a world-heroine by the whole American people.