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.

IOWA.

The Iowa branch of the American Red Cross has been organized in Des Moines. J. B. Weaver, Jr., was elected President; W. W. Morrow, State Treasurer, was named Treasurer, and Charles Hutchinson was chosen for Secretary. An advisory board of seven influential men is made up as follows: Harvey Ingham, D. S. Chamberlain, W. O. Finkbine, Gov. Warren Garst, Lafayette Young, S. H. M. Byers and George F. Henry. All of these, and others, became members of the Society by paying the membership fee of $1.

MASSACHUSETTS BRANCH.

As a means of raising funds for the Italian earthquake relief the Massachusetts Branch, by authority of the Central Committee, issued a special stamp, a cut of which is shown here. The report of Mr. Walter E. Kruesi, the Stamp Secretary of the Branch, contains the following: