at no change could be truthfully made in it, advised
that it be not published, as no one would believe it possible to be
done, and we would get only distrust and discredit. Having now come to a
pass where distrust and discredit are no longer to be feared by the Red
Cross, we ourselves are free to make the statement. But back of the hard
facts there is compensation.

A half dozen years later, when our negro proteges of the Sea Islands
heard of the disaster that had fallen upon Galveston, they at once
gathered for aid and sent in their contributions.

"'Cause dey suffers like we did, and de Red Cross is dar," they said.

Of course I would not permit one dollar of this holy gift to Galveston
to go to other than the hands, hard, bony, and black--such as had raised
it in their penury. I also wanted it to do more. Searching for the most
reliable colored people in the city I found in the superintendent of the
colored schools a man who had occupied that place for many years, and
who had the respect and confidence of the people of Galveston. I asked
him to consult his foremost women teachers, and if it pleased them, to
form a society and fit themselves to receive a little money.

In about a week he appeared with his deputation. I informed them that I
had a little money from their own people of the Sea Islands for them;
that they had been chosen to receive it, because as teachers of the
children they would have access to the needs and conditions of the
families. I told them that I had desired to do more than merely make a
gift for distribution. I wished to plant a tree. I could have given them
their peach, which they would eat, enjoy, and throw the pit away. But I
wished them to plant the pit, and let it raise other fruit for them, and
for that reason I had asked the formation of this society.

They all sat quiet a few moments, the tears were on their faces. At
length their president, the school superintendent, spoke for them:

"Miss Barton," he said, "we all appreciate this, and in the name of all
I promise you that the pit shall be reverently planted, and I trust the
time will come when I can tell you that our tree is not only bearing
fruit for ourselves, but for all suffering brethren, as theirs have done
for us."

I then handed them the check for $397. The moment seemed sacred when
these poor dark figures, struggling toward the light, walked out of my
presence. The pit has been successfully planted in Galveston, and we