them while at the
field--make report directly to each and all contributors, so far as in
our power, and proceed to carry out any directions and apply the relief
at hand, in the wisest manner possible, among a dazed and afflicted
community.

To inaugurate this method, I, as president, placed a sum of three
thousand dollars, free of bank or interest, upon momentary call, at the
service of the association. On more than one occasion it has been taken
on Sunday, when every bank in the country was closed and charitable
bodies were at their prayers. Even the relief of Johnstown was thus
commenced. This provision has never for a day been broken. It is as good
at this moment as it was in 1883, and from the same source. It may not
have been a "business-like" method nor one to be approved by stated
boards of directors nor squared by bank regulations. But the foes we had
to meet were not thus regulated, and had to be met as they came; and so
they always must be if any good is to be accomplished.

Until the Government and society can control the elements, and regulate
a spring freshet, a whirlwind or a cyclone, they will find that red
tape is not strong enough to hold their ravages in check.

It was well that these regulations had been formulated and their
provisions acted upon, as the state of our treasury and the conditions
immediately following will show.

I returned to Washington upon my retirement from the superintendence of
the State Prison at Sherborn, accompanied by Dr. Hubbell, who, having
completed his university course, had come to the Red Cross for permanent
service. Before we had even time to unpack our trunks, the news of the
fearful rise of the Ohio River, of 1884, began to shock the country with
its loss of life and property.

I had never been present at a disaster in civil life. It had never
occurred to me that they recurred so frequently. But if by virtue of my
office as president I was liable to be called every year to preside over
and provide for them, it was essential that I learn my duties
experimentally. I accordingly joined Dr. Hubbell, who had been appointed
general field agent, and proceeded to Pittsburg, the headwaters of the
rise.

Telegraphing from there to our agents of the Associated Press, we
proceeded to Cincinnati, to find the city afloat. Its inhabitants were
being fed from boats, through the second-story windows. These conditions
were telegraphed. Supplies commenced to flow in, not only fr