The Red Cross: Some Facts Concerning Clara Barton’s Work
Booklet
By Walter P. Phillips
Bridgeport, Conn.
1903

Page 6 of 8

Transcript:
“In providing that the officers shall be elected annually, except the president, who MAY be elected for life, it was clearly the thought to recognize Miss Barton as all the world has recognized her, as peculiarly the embodiment of the Red Cross idea and principles, and whose life-work fairly entitles her to such recognition.  Indeed, upon the resolution presented by Dr. A. Monae Lesser, as follows: -
‘Whereas, the members of the American National Red Cross are cognizant of the past unceasing and efficient labors of their President, Miss Clara Barton, and whereas they desire to express their appreciation and confidence in her as the president, be it resolved that Miss Clara Barton shall be the president of the American National Red Cross during her natural life, hoping that God may grant that she may be spared to hold this post for many years hence,’ the vote recorded included every one present in the affirmative and three excptions. 
To show the claims to priority of those present on the floor and voting, the following list is significant:
Dr. Julian B. Hubbell, - Present on every field excepting Galveston; Mrs. Enola L. Gardner, - Mississippi River floods, Mt. Vernon cyclone, Johnstown, Port Royal, Cuba, Santiago – by land and sea: Dr. Joseph Gardner, - Johnstown, Port Royal hurricane, Cuba; Dr. Monae Lesser, - Havana and Santiago, Cuba, both extremes of the island; Mrs. Harriet L. Reed, - Johnstown, Port Royal hurricane, also charge of headquarters during Cuban work; Maj. James A. McDowell, - Johnstown, Cuba and Galveston; Gen. Wm. H. Sears, - Galveston,…”

Clara Barton National Historic Site, CLBA 4497