Entered at the Post Office, Washington, D. C., as second-class matter. [Illustration: MESSINA—VIEW SHOWING DESTRUCTION ALONG WATER FRONT. (By courtesy of the New York World.)] [Illustration: HIS EXCELLENCY, LLOYD C. GRISCOM, AMERICAN AMBASSADOR AT ROME.] [Illustration: WILLIAM H. TAFT Copyright, Harris-Ewing, ’08.] PREFACE The April BULLETIN appears with a new cover, on the front page of which is a symbolical figure representing the Red Cross—a strong, womanly form, with arms outstretched over the victims of battle and disaster. What it means to any community devastated by some terrible calamity, and what it means to the sick and wounded in time of war to know that a great, strong, sympathetic organization stands ready and prepared to bring them instant help, only those who have taken part in active relief work can fully understand, but everyone can have some realization of the uplift and encouragements the Red Cross can bring in the terrible days of suffering and depression that follow disaster. Something of what our American Red Cross has been able to do in Italy for the victims of the most terrible catastrophe of modern times is told in this BULLETIN. We are glad to have been able to give our sympathy practical form, and let the deeds of our Red Cross prove the solidarity of international brotherhood. The report of the Red Cross Christmas Stamp is given in this number, showing how this little stamp of good cheer has accomplished a very good and widespread mission. [Illustration: MISS MABEL T. BOARDMAN Copyright, Clinedinst, ’08.] From China has come a report of the relief work, after the flood, near Canton, last year, with illustrations forwarded by the American Vice-Consul there. A report of the Red Cross work at the time of the Inauguration will be given in the July BULLETIN. Our people give so liberally when disaster arouses their sympathy, but may we not hope that the time will soon come when, by gifts and legacies to its Endowment Fund, our American Red Cross may be possessed of such a certain income that it can “continue and carry on a system of national and international relief in time of peace, and apply the same in mitigating the sufferings caused by pestilence, famine, fire, floods and other great national calamities, and to devise and carry on measures for preventing the same.” according to its charter, and have always funds on hand with which to render first aid when disasters occur, without having to wait until contributions are received. The patriotic men and women of other countries have given millions of dollars in small and large donations and legacies to the permanent funds of their Red Cross societies. Will not our men and women show an equally patriotic and humane spirit by doing the same for the American Red Cross? [Illustration: HON. BEEKMAN WINTHROP Copyright, Harris-Ewing, ’08.] THE SICILIAN AND CALABRIAN EARTHQUAKE