In re a bill before Congress (1902) proposing an annuity of $5,000 for Clara Barton during life, in an official letter to Congress, she protested as follows: “Any grant of Government moneys, either in aid of this body (Red Cross) direct, or of myself as its President, would be subversive of its principles and methods, and not to be desired.” The Author.
If those now (1904) at variance with me on Red Cross matters will meet me in the same spirit by which I am animated, we cannot fail to adjust all difficulties to our mutual satisfaction, and to the advantage of the cause all should have at heart. Clara Barton.
Unless one is actually going down hill with a load, it is easier to stop than to go on. Clara Barton.
I have nothing to gain from the Red Cross, and never have had.
Clara Barton.
In Red Cross work I have no ambitions to serve, and certainly no purposes. Clara Barton.
I am glad that after thirty years our country has been awakened to the thought that it could confer an honor on the Red Cross; and I wish you could know how entirely indifferent I am to the personal “honors” conferred. Clara Barton.
No private individual in the world’s history has ever before been able to command through a long term of years, and a continuous succession of almost a score of great public disasters, the unlimited confidence of the whole people, so that the response to each successive call has been instant and in generous amount.
Contributions in money and supplies have been received for the relief of the sufferers by these national calamities of more than $1,900,000.
The Officers and Members of the American National Red Cross (in 1903)—in a Memorial to Congress—From House Document No. 552, Volume 49, 58th Congress.