At the close of this statement, I take great pleasure in adding that all foodstuffs purchased with your contributions have been distributed among the sufferers separately from others stating at each time to the effect that those articles were the gifts of American people, to whom the President Roosevelt and _Christian Herald_ appealed for the alleviation in behalf of the famine stricken districts. All the head men of counties, towns and villages whom I met while on my trip requested me to convey to you their heartfelt gratitude for all the kindness you have tendered them. Enclosed is one of the letters of thanks, which has been addressed and forwarded to our Count Matsukata from the representatives of the sufferers, asking him to convey to you their highest appreciation. Thanking you in anticipation for your kindness in reading this report, which I now have the honor to submit to you. I remain to be, dear sirs, Yours obediently, BARON T. OSAWA, _Vice-President, Red Cross Society of Japan_. * * * * * MEIJI 39th year, 4th month ....day. _The American Red Cross Society_, Your Society having felt pity at the distressed condition of the people occasioned by the famine last year in this district, has expressed deep sympathy and collected extensive contributions for the purpose of affording relief, to be distributed through the proper authorities. We immediately bought rice with the money and distributed it among the poor people of this village, fully explaining the philanthropic spirit in which you sent it. The people, who were in extreme poverty and could not follow their occupations, were deeply impressed by your kindness, and felt ashamed at their lazy habit, swearing that they would rise and exert themselves in future. They received the gift with tears of gratitude and bowed heads. I hereby have the honor to express the sentiments of gratitude on behalf of the people of this village. It is desired that your Society will kindly communicate the foregoing to the President. Village of Niita, Adachi county, Fukushima district, Japan. (Seal) SHOZO YENDO, _Village Magistrate_. THE VESUVIAN RELIEF FUND The reports contained in the press of the suffering, and privation caused by the eruption of Vesuvius determined the Executive Committee of the Red Cross to issue an appeal to the public for the unfortunate victims of this calamity. Therefore, on April 12th the Secretary of the National Red Cross sent to all the Secretaries of the State Branches the following telegram: