ed to tell the story of the events as they succeeded each
other, recording simply the facts connected with the work of the War
Relief, and refraining from criticism of men and methods. There were
unpleasant incidents to relate, and unfortunate conditions to describe,
but I have neither said nor written that any particular person, or
persons, were to blame. It is not my duty, nor is it within my power, to
analyze and criticise all the intricate workings of a government and its
armies in the field.

The conditions that existed during the campaign and the suffering that
had to be endured, were by no means peculiar to the Spanish-American
War. Suffering, sickness, confusion, and death--these are inseparable
from every armed conflict. They have always existed under such
circumstances; they are a part of war itself, against which no human
foresight can wholly provide.

Every civilized government is financially able to provide for its
armies, but the great and seemingly insuperable difficulty is, to always
have what is wanted at the place where it is most needed. It is a part
of the strategy of war, that an enemy seeks battle at a time and place
when his opponent is least prepared for it. Occasionally, too, an
attacking commander is deceived. Where he expects only slight
resistance, he encounters an overwhelming force and a battle of
unforeseen proportions, with unexpected casualties, occurs. This is the
universal testimony of nations. If it were not so, all needs could be
provided for and every move planned at the outset.

It was for these reasons that a body of gentlemen, now known as the
International Committee of Geneva, aided by National Associations in
each country, planned, urged and finally succeeded in securing the
adoption of the Treaty of the Red Cross. For these reasons the Treaty of
Geneva and the National Committees of the Red Cross exist to-day. It is
through the National Committees of the Red Cross in each treaty nation,
that the people seek to assist the government in times of great
emergency, in war or