CANAL ZONE BRANCH.

On representation of Major Carroll A. Devol, Quartermaster’s Department, now on duty at the Canal Zone, that in view of the bright prospects of organizing a Red Cross branch on the isthmus, it would be desirable to have Major Charles Lynch, Medical Corps, U. S. Army, sent there to start the work, the latter officer was detailed for this duty by the War Department on the request of the Central Committee of the Red Cross. He sailed from New York on December 26, 1908, reaching Colon on January 2, 1909. Major Devol and Mr. A. B. Minear, General Secretary Young Men’s Christian Association, Canal Zone, had already made arrangements for lectures by Major Lynch. These were fixed as follows:

Major Devol and Major Lynch appeared at all these meetings, the former explaining the special features of the Red Cross work on the Canal Zone, and the latter discussing the achievements of the Red Cross generally, with some special reference to first aid instruction. The various lectures were well attended and a considerable amount of interest was elicited in the Red Cross.

The Canal Zone Branch was organized on February 28th and on March 2d the President, Major C. A. Devol, reported a membership of 1,020.