Clara Barton: A Centenary Tribute to the World's Greatest Humanitarian / Founder of the American Red Cross Society, Author of the American Amendment to the International Red Cross Convention of Geneva, Founder of the National First Aid Association of America

by Charles Sumner Young

Her “enemies,” shielded behind “charges,” made accusation against her,—without self-sacrifice; she exposed herself to attacks of every character known to womankind, and made self-sacrifices for the Red Cross and for country. What is inscribed over the portals of the cell, near Brussels, of Edith Cavell, must be inscribed on history’s tablets, of Clara Barton: “She sacrificed herself for the Red Cross; she sacrificed herself for the country.”

Slander

I saw it tread upon a lily fair—

A maid of whom the world could say no harm;

And when sunk beneath the mortal wound,

It broke into the sacred sepulchre

And dragged its victim from the hallowed grave

For public eyes to gaze upon.

Yea, I have seen this accursed child of envy

Breathe mildew on the sacred fame of her