While writing this I learn that the Portuguese Red Cross is already sending in stretchers and ambulances with the wounded from the villages to be taken care of in the Lisbon hospitals, and that doctors and nurses are now busily at work in the field. Thousands are still thronging the parks and wider avenues, but confidence is being gradually restored. Examination of this Consulate yesterday revealed that the heavy moulded ceiling in the main business office is very badly cracked and a portion several feet square is liable to fall at any moment. The whole ceiling will probably have to be taken down. One of the large windows is also somewhat sprung. These damages are examples of the results of the shock in this city. I do not believe that any foreign relief will be required and, should it be, our legation here would of course be the proper and natural channel by which such information would be forwarded. I have wished only to give a brief notice of the most salient features of the catastrophe, but could not refrain from saying an appreciative word regarding the splendid manner in which the calamity has been met, and I have had some experience in such things. As later information the press told of much distress in spite of all the work done by the Portuguese Government and the Red Cross. The American Red Cross, through its representative in the State Department, Mr. Huntington Wilson, requested information as to whether any assistance would be accepted by the Portuguese Red Cross. On May 17th the following reply was received from the American Minister at Lisbon: “Portuguese Red Cross accepts proffered assistance.” On receipt of this information the following message was sent to the Secretary of State: “Will the Secretary of State please telegraph to the American Minister in Lisbon for, the Red Cross, as follows: ‘Draw for one thousand dollars and pay to Portuguese Red Cross for earthquake relief, contribution of American Red Cross.’” Our American Red Cross has not forgotten the fact, not generally known, that during the Spanish-American war the Portuguese Red Cross sent to the then president of the American Red Cross $1,465.00 for the care of our sick and wounded. LISBON, May 25, 1909. THE AMERICAN NATIONAL RED CROSS, Washington, D. C. Gentlemen—I am directed by the Central Committee of the Portuguese Red Cross Society, Lisbon, to present to the American National Red Cross, Washington, our most earnest thanks for your kind and valuable contribution of $1,000.00 for our Earthquake Relief Fund, this sum having been forwarded in a draft signed by His Excellency Col. Charles Page Bryan, American Minister, Lisbon.