The action of the South Carolina and Georgia Branches in returning unexpended balances of their relief funds is most heartily to be commended. Nothing will do more for our American Red Cross than such illustrations of careful administration of the funds entrusted to it, and the desire of the State Branches to turn back into the General Emergency Fund of the National Red Cross all balances given for Emergency Relief that such balances may be immediately available for future disasters. The Central Committee desires to express its appreciation of this act and the good work done by the South Carolina and Georgia Red Cross Branches. CALIFORNIA. Los Angeles organized a division of the State Branch on February 18, 1909. The following officers were elected: Dr. Rose Burcham, Chairman; Rev. Robert J. Burdette, First Vice-Chairman; Joseph Scott, Second Vice-Chairman; Mrs. Berthold Baruch, Third Vice-Chairman; Mrs. George H. Kress, Secretary; Perry W. Weidner, Treasurer. Committee members will be named by Dr. Burcham next week, when an earnest campaign to make the organization a substantial one will be commenced. Bishop Thomas J. Conaty and Rabbi S. Hecht were the leading speakers at the organization meeting. In addition to the committees for routine work several of special importance will be appointed by Dr. Burcham on the enrollment of physicians, nurses and a first aid legion. CANAL ZONE BRANCH. 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: Monday, January 4th, Tivol Hotel, Ancon. Tuesday, January 5th, Club House, Gorgona. Wednesday, January 6th, Club House, Culebra. Thursday, January 7th, Colon. 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.