being
known to any one. The expedition, consisting of about four hundred men,
with a pack-train and a large quantity of arms and ammunition, sailed
for Guantanamo on the night of May 21st. The expedition was under
command of Colonel Lacret, with whom was Captain J. A. Dorst, of the
United States army. The men were equipped with canvas uniforms furnished
by the Government, and had rations sufficient for fifteen days after
landing; the pack-train consisted of seventy-five mules and twenty-five
horses; the expedition landed on the coast of Cuba, Thursday morning,
May 26th. The _Florida_, escorted by the gunboat _Osceola_, drew up
close to the shore, and first landed scouts to ascertain if all was
clear; these scouts were met by a band of 1,500 insurgents, under
Captains Vereira and Rojas. There was absolutely no interruption to the
unloading of the _Florida_, as no sign of a Spaniard was seen. This is
the largest expedition which has ever been landed in Cuba in aid of the
insurgents.

* * * * *

There is a very interesting account of the origin of the Red Cross
Society in _The Churchman_. About forty years ago, M. Henry Dimont, a
native of Switzerland, having witnessed the unnecessary suffering of the
wounded, from lack of care, at the battle of Solferino, was so much
impressed that he published a book, pointing out the necessity of
forming a corporation of nurses to work in the cause of humanity in time
of war, regardless of nationality of the injured, and who should be
permitted to aid the wounded on the battle-field, under the protection
of a flag which should be recognized as neutral.

So much interest was taken in the idea that the outcome was a convention
held at Geneva in 1864, which was attended by representatives from
sixteen of the great nations of the world, who signed an agreement that
they would protect members of the association when caring for the
wounded on the field of battle. The society adopted for its colors the
Swiss cross, as a compliment to its birthplace; they, however, reversed
the colors, and the flag is therefore a red cross on a white field, and
is the only military hospital flag of civilized warfare; it protects
persons from molestation who work under the emblem performing services
in aid of the wounded. Great care is used in granting permission to
persons to wear this emblem; and in order that it shall not be taken
advantage of to spy in the enemies' camp, pr