As the general principle of the Red Cross is that money is most wisely expended as far as possible, near the scene of disaster so as to stimulate the somewhat paralyzed business-life, and expended by those, who—taking part in the actual relief work, best understand the needs, the Red Cross Executive Committee made no purchases save one carload of condensed milk and ten thousand blankets. In both cases these purchases were made with the kindly assistance of Army Officers who pronounced on the prices and inspected the articles before they were shipped, transportation having been given. The Commissary officers of the U. S. Army throughout the West kindly consented to act as Purchasing Agents for the Red Cross, and Dr. Devine who with Mr. Pollok of the Relief Committee was appointed on a purchasing committee, was notified of their names and addresses. On April 26th the following telegram was received from Judge Morrow, President of the California Branch: HON. W. H. TAFT, _President Red Cross, Washington, D. C._ Have arranged for full historical record of all matters connected with disaster for Red Cross purposes. WM. W. MORROW, _President_. The distinguished historian, Professor H. Morse Stephens, is on this historical committee and associated with him are some of the most capable young men who were intimately connected with the relief work from the first. This record will be published later and will not only prove of historical interest, but of great value in any future relief work of a like nature. The importance of having the accounts of the expenditures of Red Cross money contributions so kept as to render auditing by the War Department possible, as required by law, was fully realized, and General A. E. Bates, Retired Paymaster-General of the U. S. Army, kindly volunteered his services to proceed to San Francisco and arrange some simple plan for the keeping of these accounts. His offer was accepted, and at the request of the President of the Red Cross he left for San Francisco, and on May 9th the following telegram was received by the President of the Red Cross: _The Secretary of War, Washington, D. C._: