Second Indorsement. War Department, Office of the Surgeon General, Oct. 24, 1908. Respectfully returned to The Adjutant General of the Army. The study of Esperanto in the military service should be encouraged as it is believed that the proposed international language is destined to play an important role in international intercourse. It is recommended that the attention of the American National Red Cross Association be called to the subject, and that authority be given to furnish it a copy of this report. R. M. O’REILLY, Surgeon General, U. S. A. Fourth Indorsement. War Department, The Adjutant-General’s Office, Washington, November 17, 1908. Respectfully returned to the Surgeon-General, approved by the Secretary of War as recommended in the second indorsement. The return of this paper is desired. By order of the Secretary of War. HENRY P. McCAIN, Adjutant-General. NOTES EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. On Saturday, December 12th, there was a telegraphic report that a hundred men had been killed by a dynamite explosion at Panama. Mr. Taft, being at that time in Washington, on his suggestion an inquiry as to the need of assistance was sent to Colonel Goethals. Fortunately the report was exaggerated and as will be seen by the following dispatches, aid was not required. Col. Goethals, Chairman Panama Canal Commission, Panama. Deeply concerned to hear of accident. The Red Cross Society expresses much sympathy, and is prepared to furnish financial assistance for relief if you deem it necessary. Answer. TAFT. To which Col. Goethals replied: We greatly appreciate your kind message and offer of the Red Cross Society. No financial assistance necessary, and Commission hospitals fully equipped to care for wounded. GOETHALS. Bailey, Banks & Biddle, of Philadelphia, who have provided the insignia badge for Red Cross officers, have been asked to prepare a design for special medals to be awarded to those persons who have rendered special volunteer and unremunerated services to the Red Cross at times of war or disaster.