Clara Barton’s services in the Franco-Prussian War brought her recognition from the German Emperor in the shape of an iron cross, Germany’s most prized decoration.
Bridgeport (Conn.) Post.
The “little woman” accomplished what crowned heads failed in.
Unity—Chicago.
Germany, which was in the vanguard of treaty nations was thoroughly organized and equipped. She was the first to demonstrate the true idea of the Red Cross—people’s aid for national, for military, necessity. Clara Barton.
His Majesty, in the name of humanity, was glad to meet and welcome those who labored for it. Clara Barton.
CLARA BARTON AND THE EMPEROR
The royalty of Germany had assembled to speed the parting guest, to pay tribute of respect to the “little lady” who had sacrificed herself for the sick and wounded in the Franco-Prussian war. William the First was there. The Emperor observed, among her many decorations, two decorations worn on that occasion by the “little lady.” One of these had been presented to her by His Majesty on his 75th birthday; the other, the “Warrior Brothers in Arms” of Milwaukee, he had not seen. It was the “Iron Cross of Germany,” on an American shield. The “American Eagle” surmounted the arms for defence; and the colors of Germany—the Red, White, and Black, of the Empire,—united the two.
The Emperor, with much curiosity, turned to his daughter, the Grand Duchess, as if to ask “does my daughter understand this?” His daughter’s explanation was satisfactory, whereupon the Emperor expressed the wish to know whether or not the Germans make good American citizens. “The best that could be desired,” responded the “little lady,”—“industrious, honest, and prosperous.”
The Emperor then commented on the high compliment thus paid the German-Americans; “I am glad to hear this; they were good soldiers and, thank God, they are true men everywhere.”