DEAR MRS. SIMON: Through the President of the Pennsylvania Red Cross Branch I have learned of your brave and helpful action on July 15, at the time of the serious accident caused by the collapse of a building in the city of Philadelphia. As President of the American Red Cross permit me to express to you its sincere appreciation of the services you gave in the capacity of Red Cross nurse in rendering first aid to so many of the victims and at so much risk to your own life. The knowledge that the society has enrolled so courageous, faithful and valuable a nurse as yourself is a great satisfaction to its officers and an inspiration to its nursing corps. Sincerely yours, WM. H. TAFT. _Reunion Program._ Following is the program of the First Annual Reunion of the nurses enrolled in the Pennsylvania Branch of the American National Red Cross at Philadelphia, September 18 to September 25, 1909: Saturday, September 18—Reunion. Sunday, September 19—Attend service at Christ Church (11 a. m.). Monday, September 20—Call on the Hon. John E. Reyburn, mayor of Philadelphia, at the City Hall (12 noon). Afternoon, visit places of interest, institutions, etc. Tuesday, September 21—Visit Philadelphia hospitals. Afternoon, visit places of interest, institutions, etc. Evening, Keith’s Theatre, as the guests of Mr. B. F. Keith, through the courtesy of Mr. H. T. Jordan. Wednesday, September 22—Visit Philadelphia County Prison, Tenth and Reed streets (morning), and Eastern Penitentiary (afternoon). Evening, reception given to the nurses by the “Colonial,” at Logan, Pa. Thursday, September 23—Trip on the river. Assemble at Race street wharf at 2 p. m. (A boat has been placed at our disposal through the courtesy of the Hon. Henry Clay, director of public safety of the city of Philadelphia.) Friday, September 24—Call on Mrs. John S. Muckle, wife of the President of the Pennsylvania Branch, at her summer home “Windrush,” in Germantown. Train leaves North Philadelphia Station 12.26 p. m. for Queen Lane Station. Saturday, September 25—“Atlantic City.” Train leaves Broad Street Station at 9.40 a. m. FIRST AID DEPARTMENT CALIFORNIA _The Red Cross and the Dragon._ BY WILLIAM LATHROP MCCLURE.