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Story
April 27, 1905
The Arrow
Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
What is this article about?
The Red Cross Society originated from the Christian Commission during the US Civil War. A 1864 international convention in Berne established a treaty for protecting wounded soldiers in war, signed by major powers and later extended to peacetime relief efforts.
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ORIGIN OF THE RED CROSS
SOCIETY.
BY GEORGE B. GRIFFITH.
The Red Cross Society, which is attracting much attention by its labors in alleviating suffering in the most cruel and protracted war between Russia and Japan, was suggested by the work of the "Christian Commission" in our Civil War. The Switzers, who were interested in the idea, called a meeting in Berne in August, 1864, and subsequently a convention, at which every civilized power in the world was represented.
This convention formulated an international treaty of ten articles which are thus summarized:
The flag of the society-a red cross in a white field-was to be respected wherever unfurled. It was to have care of the wounded and dead of both combatants in any battle. It had the right to secure the discharge and return to their homes of soldiers incapacitated by wounds or disease. It was to be the custodian of any aid given by either party. Its relief trains were to pass freely across hostile frontiers. All the provisions of the treaty related to conditions of war.
Within four months after the convention twelve European powers signed the articles and now every power in the world, with the possible exception of Mexico and Brazil, is a party to the treaty. The United States suggested that the society should extend its work to the relief of suffering in time of peace as well as in the time of war. All the powers accepted this amendment, and now wherever the red cross in the white field is unfurled there is behind it the sympathy and support of Christendom.
SOCIETY.
BY GEORGE B. GRIFFITH.
The Red Cross Society, which is attracting much attention by its labors in alleviating suffering in the most cruel and protracted war between Russia and Japan, was suggested by the work of the "Christian Commission" in our Civil War. The Switzers, who were interested in the idea, called a meeting in Berne in August, 1864, and subsequently a convention, at which every civilized power in the world was represented.
This convention formulated an international treaty of ten articles which are thus summarized:
The flag of the society-a red cross in a white field-was to be respected wherever unfurled. It was to have care of the wounded and dead of both combatants in any battle. It had the right to secure the discharge and return to their homes of soldiers incapacitated by wounds or disease. It was to be the custodian of any aid given by either party. Its relief trains were to pass freely across hostile frontiers. All the provisions of the treaty related to conditions of war.
Within four months after the convention twelve European powers signed the articles and now every power in the world, with the possible exception of Mexico and Brazil, is a party to the treaty. The United States suggested that the society should extend its work to the relief of suffering in time of peace as well as in the time of war. All the powers accepted this amendment, and now wherever the red cross in the white field is unfurled there is behind it the sympathy and support of Christendom.
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
What themes does it cover?
Moral Virtue
What keywords are associated?
Red Cross Origin
International Treaty
Civil War Inspiration
War Relief
Peacetime Extension
What entities or persons were involved?
George B. Griffith
Where did it happen?
Berne
Story Details
Key Persons
George B. Griffith
Location
Berne
Event Date
August 1864
Story Details
The Red Cross Society was inspired by the Christian Commission during the US Civil War. Swiss organizers held a meeting and convention in Berne in 1864, leading to an international treaty for protecting the wounded in war. The treaty was signed by major powers and amended by the US to include peacetime relief.