As long columns of figures have no interest to the great majority of people, and detailed accounts of receipts and expenses are never read, as it is of no possible importance what moneys were received at certain times, or what goods were purchased on specific days for the field work, or gold or drafts sent into the interior, we give our statement in as condensed a form as possible. The committees have received their respective reports, with all vouchers and other detail.
We believe the account of our stewardship will be approved by our countrymen; we know that the people whom we came to assist, are grateful and thoroughly appreciative, as numberless letters of gratitude, testimonials and personal statements abundantly prove.
To the $116,326.01, at least a third if not a half more should be added, as in all kinds of industrial business we have made the money do double duty. For instance: We purchased iron and steel and gave to the blacksmiths to make tools. That started their work. They paid us for the iron and steel in tools; these we gave to other artisans to start their various trades. In like manner spinning, weaving and garment-making avocations were commenced. Speaking of values, the consensus of opinion of our countrymen in the interior is, that putting a price on our work, the people of Anatolia have gained twice or thrice the actual money spent, and that the moral support given was far beyond any valuation. (At such a money valuation then, the aggregate value of the chief distribution will be nearly $350,000.) A few words of explanation in regard to the table of expenditures: “Cash sent to the Interior” includes all moneys sent by pony express or draft, and of this amount something over seven thousand liras are in the hands of W.W. Peet, Esq.; Rev. C.F. Gates, at Harpoot; C.M. Hallward, Esq., British Consul, at Diarbekir; Rev. E.H. Perry, at Sivas, and other equally responsible representatives, for an emergency fund, to be used, on order, as occasion requires.
“Relief Expeditions, General and Medical,” represents largely the goods purchased and shipped with the four expeditions from Constantinople and Beyrout for relief purposes. A portion of this supply is still held at different stations awaiting the proper time for its distribution to the best advantage.
“General Expense Account” represents freights, postage, bakshish, hammals, car fares, carriages, etc. “Donations for Relief of Orphan Children” represents sums of money given to the Armenian and German hospitals for Armenian refugee children. The other items we think explain themselves.
It will be observed that the special Red Cross fund, as noted in our tabulation of debits and credits, more than covers expenses of “Red Cross Headquarters, Field,” “Travel and Maintenance,” “General Expense and Wages Accounts,” and “General and Medical Relief Expeditions Accounts,” all of which items were of direct benefit to the field as all were necessary to the successful conduct of our work. We only mention this to show that, besides the work we have been able to successfully perform, the Red Cross has also materially contributed monetarily to the field. And it will not be out of place to note that in the total of cash expended ($116,326.01) there is shown to be an administrative cost amounting to $7,526.37, as covered by such items as “Telegrams and Cables,” “Wages Account,” “General Expense,” “Headquarters, Field,” “Stationery and Printing,” and “Travel and Maintenance.” This cost was but a fraction over 6 per cent on the cash total. If the estimated money value in field results be taken at three times the cash received and paid, for relief material, food, etc., as stated, it will be found that the cost of administration is only about 2 per cent. In either account or estimate the result is gratifying though not surprising to the officers of the Red Cross, since the methods pursued are the fruits of a wide experience that evaded no responsibility and learned only to spend wisely for the trust imposed and accepted. It is also satisfactory to know that such expenditures came direct from the “Special Funds” of the Red Cross itself. An examination of the balance sheets accompanying this report shows that of funds expended, the Red Cross is credited with $24,641.93, which leaves an excess for relief over the cost of administration of $17,115.56.
Perhaps this brief financial review of the work achieved may be properly closed by a reference to the sincere enthusiasm and earnestness with which the efforts to raise funds in the United States were animated. The incidents herein mentioned may also illustrate how the wisdom of experience accepts the earnestness and yet discounts without criticism the over confident calculations, to which a noble zeal may run. It would appear that the collection of funds for the purpose of relieving a Christian people in danger of starvation and violent death by knife or bullet—of aiding a historic race in the throes of dissolution from massacre, and dispersion in winter by storm and famine, would be a very easy thing to accomplish. A good many of our countrymen, unaccustomed to great relief work, found the collection of the means needed, a task more than difficult. A single illustration will prove how misleading is the conception. It must be borne in mind always that the Red Cross never solicits funds. It sees its field of benefit work and having fully examined the needs, states them through the press and all other public avenues, to the American people, leaving the response direct to their judgment and generosity. When it is asked to accept the administration of relief funds and material, in fields like this that awaited it in Asia Minor, the trust is surely met, but the Red Cross does not ask for the means and money. Others do that, stating that the work will be under its charge. When it is once accepted there is no retreat, no matter how far the exertions may fall short of reaching the hoped-for results.
Last November (1895), after many petitions had been received and carefully considered, representatives of the great Armenian Relief Committees came to Washington for the purpose of supplementing such earnest petitions by personal appeals. A conditional consent having been obtained, the subject of funds was brought up by the following question:
“Miss Barton, how much do you think it will cost to relieve the Armenians?”
The question was answered by another: “Gentlemen, you are connected with the various missionary boards, with banks and other great institutions and enterprises. What amount do you consider necessary?”