r
properly. They died by the hundreds, because there were not enough
nurses and surgeons and food.

"It moved him to write a book which was translated into several
languages. People of many countries became interested and were aroused
to a desire to do something to relieve the deadly consequences of war.
Then he called a meeting of all the nations of Europe. That was over
thirty years ago. Sixteen of the great powers sent men to represent
them. They met here in Geneva and signed a treaty. One by one other
countries followed their example, until now forty governments are
pledged to keep the promises of the Red Cross.

"They chose that as their flag in compliment to Switzerland, where the
movement was started. You see they are the same except that the colors
are reversed.

"Now, according to that treaty, wherever the Red Cross goes, on sea or
on land, it means peace and safety for the wounded soldiers. In the
midst of the bloodiest battle, no matter who is hurt, Turk or Russian,
Japanese or Spaniard, Armenian or Arab, he is bound to be protected and
cared for. No nurse, surgeon, or ambulance bearing that Red Cross can be
fired upon. They are allowed to pass wherever they are needed.

"Before the nations joined in that treaty, the worst horror of war was
the fate of a wounded soldier, falling into the hands of the enemy.
Better a thousand times to be killed in battle, than to be taken
prisoner. Think of being left, bleeding and faint, on an enemy's field
till your clothes _froze to the ground_, and no one merciful enough to
give you a crust of bread or a drop of water. Think of the dying piled
with the dead and left to the pitiless rays of a scorching, tropic sun.
That can never happen again, thank Heaven!

"In time of peace, money and supplies are gathered and stored by each
country, ready for use at the first signal of war. The empress became
the head of the branch in Germany. Soon after, the Franco-Prussian war
began, and then her only daughter, the Grand Duchess Louise of Baden,
turned all her beautiful castles into military hospitals, and went
herself to superintend the work of relief.

"Your country did not join with us at first. You were having your
terrible Civil War at home; the one in which your grandfather fought.
All this time Clara Barton was with the soldiers on their bloodiest
battle-fields. When you go home, ask your grandfather about the battles
of Bull Run and Antietam, Fredericksburg, and the Wild