key was one of the
signatory powers to the Red Cross Treaty. Thus it was hoped and believed
that she would the more readily accept its presence.

These are mere examples of the reasons urged by the ardent advocates of
the proposed committee, until at length we came to consider its
acceptance, on conditions which must be clearly understood. First, we
must not be expected to take any part in, or to be made use of, in the
raising of funds--one of our fundamental rules being never to ask for
funds--we did not do it for ourselves.

Second, there must be perfect unanimity between themselves. We must be
assured that every one wanted us to go. Our part would be hard enough
then; and finally we must be sure they had some funds to distribute.

Of the amount of these funds no mention was made by us, and I remember a
feeling of good-natured amusement as I heard the officers of this
untried effort at raising funds speak of "millions." It was easy to
discern that they were more accustomed to the figures of a banking
establishment than a charity organization dependent on the raising of
funds. They were likely to be disappointed. In reality, the amount, so
there were something to go with, made very little difference to us, as
we were merely to place what was entrusted to us where most needed, and
when that was done we had but to return. We never named any amount as
preferable to us.

The means resorted to in raising the funds were unfortunate. In the
great public meetings called for that purpose the utmost indiscretion
prevailed in regard to language applied to Turkey and the Turkish
Government. This aroused the indignation of the Turkish officials, who
very reasonably took measures to have our entrance into Turkey
forbidden.

A date of sailing, however, had been given Mr. Trask, and his committee,
feeling that any change would be detrimental to their efforts, no change
was made, and we sailed on time, to find in England no permission, and
further efforts necessary. With time and patience the troublesome
effects of these mistakes were overcome, and Constantinople was reached,
and a heavenly welcome by the harassed missionaries awaited us.

The first step was to procure an introduction to the Turkish Government,
which had in one sense refused to see me. Accompanied by the American
Minister, Hon. A. W. Terrell, and his premier interpreter, Gargiulo, one
of the most experienced diplomatic officers in Constantinople, I called
by app