The camp-meeting appointed for the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, was held June 11-21 on the old circus grounds in the central part of the city of Scranton. About forty tents were overcrowded with campers. Besides, there were many persons who occupied rooms in the city. We were pleased to comply with the request of a Presbyterian lady of Scranton who desired to pitch her personal tent on the grounds and to attend our meetings with her family. She is a lady of high standing, and is deeply interested, and intends to further investigate the truth. It was very gratifying to see so large a representation of our brethren and sisters from recently organized churches.
As the city of Scranton is practically undermined, our encampment was located over a coal-mine surrounded with mountains studded with collieries. Recently the residents of Scranton were greatly alarmed by the earth's settling several feet in certain sections of the city, which resulted in much damage to property. While we knew of the possibility of the recurrence of this experience, we were comforted by the word of the Lord, “As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people from henceforth even forever.” Ps. 125:2. The Lord favored us with good weather, favorable conditions, and with much of the Spirit's power and blessing, and we had no doubt, the best camp-meeting ever held in this conference.
On Sabbath mornings, June 13 and 20, revival services were held, and the Spirit of the Lord came in our meetings in great power. Scores of youth and adults went forward for prayers, some of whom were included in the twenty-four persons who followed their Lord in the ordinance of baptism Sunday afternoon. We earnestly pray that these may prove faithful, and become proficient workers in the message.
A very encouraging feature of this meeting was that the canvassing work was given special prominence. Brother J. D. Richardson, our union conference agent, was present and gave valuable counsel and encouragement to the workers in this department. Seventeen canvassers are planning to enter the field under the direction of our State agent, Brother George W. Holman. A number of these young men and women received a special impetus to work for a scholarship as a result of the encouraging talks of the brethren from our schools.
An interesting service was held Sunday morning, June 21, when each worker made a brief verbal report of his work for the past six months, which showed the steady growth and progress of this message in Eastern Pennsylvania. Following this meeting an earnest appeal was made for the tent fund, which was met with a hearty response, upward of six hundred dollars being contributed.
Elder K. C. Russell delivered an inspiring address upon the growth of our missionary enterprises, and stated that recently upward of forty new recruits had been sent to the mission fields beyond, and that at least one thousand dollars a week is required to support our faithful missionaries. It was also shown that no better plan could be devised to meet the obligation of the support of these workers, than the adoption of the ten-cent-a-week plan by each member of this denomination. If this were generally practised, it would result in more than three hundred fifty thousand dollars a year flowing into the mission treasury. The proposition met with the hearty approval of the brethren and sisters, and a large number signified their intention to adopt the proposed plan.
The medical work was made a special feature of the meetings. Dr. Wilburn H. Smith, resident physician of the Allegheny General Hospital, Allegheny, Pa., who has been called to the superintendency of the Pennsylvania Sanitarium, in Philadelphia, was present, and spoke of the design of our sanitariums. He maintained the high standard for these institutions as set forth in the Testimonies, and pledged loyalty to these principles. His remarks made a very favorable impression upon the people. Dr. Smith is a graduate of the American Medical Missionary College, Battle Creek, Mich., as well as of the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Pa. He is now completing his practise in one of the best hospitals in this country. He is, without doubt, well qualified to superintend our sanitarium in Philadelphia, and we are very thankful that we have been able to secure so valuable a man for this position.
The following resolution relative to this institution was passed after careful discussion:—
“Resolved, That three dollars per capita for our entire membership be raised in our conference during the ensuing year. That one half of the money raised be at the disposal of the conference committee to be used in charitable work. That the rate for all such charitable cases sent to the institution shall be twelve dollars a week for board, room, and medical attention.”
It was suggested that each member of the conference sell on an average four copies of “Ministry of Healing,” and in this way secure the three dollars mentioned in the above resolution. The brethren and sisters gladly co-operated with this resolution and subscribed for a large number of “Ministry of Healing” to be sold to meet the obligation.
The evening services were devoted to the consideration of the doctrinal phases of our message which were listened to by a good representation of the citizens of Scranton. Elder E. E. Andross, president of the Columbia Union Conference, spent a week with us and delivered some powerful and helpful sermons upon devotional and missionary lines. His counsel was opportune and was much appreciated by all who heard him. The workers were much benefited by his early morning talks. Elder K. C. Russell rendered valuable service, giving timely instruction upon the subjects of religious liberty, the spirit of prophecy, tithing, organization, and apostasy. Prof. B. G. Wilkinson's labors in behalf of the young people, and his stirring missionary addresses in the auditorium, will be remembered with appreciation and much profit. Elder S. M. Butler's talks to the young people should bear fruit in those privileged to listen to them.
Among other visiting brethren who rendered efficient service were Elder B. F. Kneeland, president of the New Jersey Conference; Elder O. E. Reinke, who represented the German work; Elder W. G. Kneeland from the West Indies, who spoke of the work in that field. Elder Morris Lukens, was present several days in behalf of the canvassing work. Prof. Thos. D. Rowe, spoke of his school work in Hazel, Ky., and was given a substantial offering to aid the same. Prof. B. F. Machlan represented the South Lancaster Academy, Mass., while Prof. C. P. Crager assisted Professor Butler in looking after the interests of Mount Vernon College.
At the close of the camp-meeting it was arranged for Elder Charles Baierle and Brother Fred Lee to conduct a series of tent-meetings in Scranton. Elder O. O. Bernstein, assisted by Brother J. M. Martin and other workers, will conduct a tent effort in West Philadelphia. Elder A. R. Bell and Brother Robert A. Beckner will hold tent services in York. Brethren Chas. S. Weist and B. M. Heald are planning to hold an effort in Wellsboro. Elder Henri Meyer will conduct a tent effort among the Germans in the city of Philadelphia.
We appreciated the very courteous treatment received from the Scranton newspapers. While controlled to some degree by Catholic influence, they gave fair reports of our meetings, even giving some strong statements quoted from Catholic works bearing upon the change of the Sabbath. Taking it all in all, it was a most profitable occasion; one which will be long remembered by all who were so fortunate as to be present.17
W. H. HECKMAN.
The Lodi (Cal.) Camp-Meeting
By A. J. S. Bourdeau
This camp-meeting (May 1-10) proved to be one of the best that has ever been held in this conference. Although the attendance was not large, the interest was good, and a splendid missionary spirit was manifested by all present.
Besides Elder and Mrs. S. N. Haskell, the following laborers assisted in the meetings: Mrs. E. G. White, Elders J. N. Loughborough, W. C. White, J. O. Corliss, H. Shultz, G. F. Haffner, W. T. Knox, A. O. Tait, and Luther Warren; Prof. E. A. Sutherland, Drs. Howard F. Rand, Maria L. Edwards, and Lillis Wood-Starr; Mrs. A. C. Bainbridge, Mrs. Carrie R. King, and the writer. We were glad, indeed, to have with us Sister White and Elders Loughborough and Haskell, the three oldest, active pioneers in this cause.
Elder Haskell's early morning Bible studies on “The Inspiration of the Scriptures,” and “The Spirit of Prophecy,” were a daily feast of good things, and were well attended. Another interesting feature was the carrying on of simultaneous meetings in the English, German, and Scandinavian languages.
Generosity of Citizens
The generosity of the Lodi citizens was remarkable. The traction company gave us the free use of the grounds, free electric lights, and wiring, besides granting half rates to and from Stockton over their line. A citizen across the street furnished water to the camp at the actual cost of pumping the same, while a hardware dealer furnished the large galvanized water-tank and did the necessary plumbing for the kitchen and dining-tent free of charge. Another firm also furnished free ice to the dining-tent. The lumber company generously furnished free lumber, charging only for that which was damaged or destroyed. The various local firms seemed to vie with one another in favoring the camp in every way possible.
Key-Note of the Meeting
Home missionary work was the real key-note of the meeting. The brethren and sisters present bought large quantities of tracts in packages valued at from $1 to $5, wholesale, thus securing liberal discounts on the same. They also purchased nearly one hundred copies of “Great Controversy,” one hundred copies of “The Seer of Patmos,” twenty-nine hundred copies of Life and Health, and quantities of other literature, at agents' rates, to sell again to their neighbors and friends.
A Good Supply of Literature
The California Bible House had a good display of all our literature in their 20 x 30 foot book-tent, which was tastily decorated. The Pacific Press Publishing Association stated in a letter that they had shipped four thousand pounds of literature to the camp,—the largest shipment ever made by them to any camp-meeting. In addition to this, the Bible House shipped two thousand pounds more, and ten thousand copies of Life and Health and Liberty also came by mail from the East, weighing about eight hundred pounds more. Another shipment (Bibles) also came from New York City. Thus, all told, about seven thousand pounds of literature were shipped to the camp. The sales were remarkable indeed for so small a meeting. The total retail value of the books, papers, and tracts sold amounted to $1,109.20, the actual amount realized being $705.55.
Much of this literature was sold from the pulpit in the large pavilion, during the home missionary and the health and temperance meetings. Elder and Mrs. Haskell, Elder Corliss, Drs. Rand, Edwards, the writer and others took a leading part in selling the literature to the people in the large tent. It was a common sight to see the brethren and sisters surrounded by large five-dollar packages of tracts, piles of “Great Controversy,” “The Seer of Patmos,” etc. I recall one early morning meeting during which over forty dollars' worth of tracts were purchased by the small number that were present.
Health and Temperance Work
In harmony with special instruction received years ago through the spirit of prophecy, and also recently, special prominence was given to the health and temperance work, services being held in the large tent at 5 P. M. daily. In addition, other lectures were given on healthful dress, physical culture, the education of our children, etc. Among the temperance and prohibition speakers were Mrs. Bridelle C. Washburn, national lecturer of the W. C. T. U., who delivered a forceful address on the liquor traffic, entitled “Who's To Blame?” Drs. Howard F. Rand, Maria L. Edwards, and Lillis Wood-Starr, Mrs. S. N. Haskell, Mrs. Augusta C. Bainbridge, Elder J. O. Corliss, and others connected with our newly-organized California Temperance Association.
Prohibition Mass-Meetings
Elder Luther Warren, Mrs. Bainbridge, and Elder Corliss rendered valuable assistance to the Lodi W. C. T. U. in the prohibition campaign that was then in progress in that city, addressing mass-meetings on the street and elsewhere, in behalf of straight prohibition. This attitude on the part of Seventh-day Adventists, and our postponing an evening meeting in order that we might help to swell an enthusiastic prohibition mass-meeting downtown, created a warm friendship and spirit of co-operation on the part of temperance advocates not of our faith.
The Vegetarian Restaurant
The St. Helena Sanitarium Food Company conducted the food store, also the vegetarian restaurant in the dining-tent. The ladies of the W. C. T. U. and other Lodi citizens availed themselves of this opportunity to secure “a meal without meat.” Cooked foods were supplied from the store to those desiring to eat in the living tents. The dining-tent was closed each Sabbath, thus encouraging a proper observance of the day, and allowing the cooks and waiters to partake of Sabbath blessings. To make this possible the campers purchased each Friday afternoon sufficient food for the next day.
Fund for Huntsville School
Sunday forenoon, May 10, Elder Haskell made a strong appeal for funds to assist the Huntsville, Ala., Training-school for the colored people. The brethren and sisters responded generously, about $1,122 being raised. In addition to this they also raised about $250 camp-meeting expenses, and gave about $75 as a Sabbath-school donation.
Press Reports of the Meeting
The Lodi Daily Herald, Lodi Sentinel, and other newspapers in Stockton kindly printed notices and abstracts of sermons and lectures delivered. Daily reports of the meetings were furnished by our press committee to five Lodi and Stockton newspapers.
Sister White spoke several times, her remarks in each case being followed by a social meeting, in which many renewed their first love and consecration to the Master's service. One touching incident at one of the meetings was the testimony borne by a Swiss brother, who testified to the uplifting influence and power of Sister White's message to him many years ago in Switzerland, when he was a little bootblack. He had not seen her for many years, and with tears in his eyes, he witnessed to the truth of her message, imploring all the youth present to heed it, even as he had done when a boy. He is now a consecrated Christian, the father of a large family, and lives in this State.
Other Features
The children's meetings were in charge of Mrs. Carrie R. King, the conference secretary of Sabbath-school and Young People's Work.18She was assisted by Miss Edith Barnes, Mrs. P. L. Hansen, and Mrs. W. S. Holbrook. About sixty children were in daily attendance, being divided into three divisions, according to age. The kindergarten and primary children employed a portion of each morning's meeting in busy work, illustrating the lesson that had been taught them the previous afternoon. Mrs. Bainbridge also assisted in the meetings by giving the older children a brief temperance lesson each morning.
Young People's Meetings
Elder Luther Warren had charge of the Young People's meetings, which were held in a separate tent simultaneously with the meetings in the large pavilion. His straight and forceful presentation of the subjects of repentance and conversion, and the necessity of attaining a much higher standard, had a powerful effect upon the children, the youth, and those of mature years. I recall especially one Sabbath afternoon service in which those not of our faith testified to the evident presence of the Spirit of God in the meeting. The work among the young people culminated in the baptism of thirty-one candidates, mostly young people, on Monday morning, May 11, in the Mokelumne River near by.
The conference officers having promised to continue the tent-meetings in Lodi, the Lodi church officers added to their already large supply of tracts by purchasing four more five-dollar wholesale packages, and a quantity of temperance tracts. The meetings were continued for some time, being in charge of Elders J. O. Corliss, H. Shultz, W. S. Holbrook, and others. A good interest was manifested by the townspeople, and the seed sown will doubtless bear fruit. The moving of the normal department of our Pacific Union College to Lodi this year (to be known as the Western Normal Institute) and, possibly, of our college itself, will serve further to call the attention of the people of that city to the great truths of our message.
A. J. S. BOURDEAU,
Missionary Sec. California Conference.
General Meeting in the Sao Paulo (Brazil) Mission
By J. W. WESTPHAL
THE first general meeting in the Sao Paulo mission was held at Rio Claro, May 16, 17. While short and small, only a few more than the Rio Claro church being present, it was an excellent meeting, and was a strength to the believers. Elder Emilio Hoelzle, Elder F. W. Spies, and the writer were present. One person who had been interested for some time decided that he would now obey.
It is two years since this mission was separated from the other fields, with Brother Hoelzle as superintendent. He had no other laborer to assist him in the work. Up to the close of last year he had been editor of the missionary paper, Arauto da Verdade, and had done other translating work, so that he had not been able to devote much of his time to aggressive field work. Yet the report showed some growth. Soon after taking charge of the field, he organized the first church. Since then the Sao Bernardo church has been organized, composed largely of the brethren who came there to be connected with the publishing and tract society work. The Itarare church, and another company, although within Sao Paulo territory, belonged to the Santa Catharina-Parana Conference until recently. The mission now has four churches and one company, with a membership of over ninety. Up to the close of last year ten were baptized. Since the beginning of 1908 eleven were baptized, and twelve others have begun to keep the Sabbath. Through the efforts of Brother Stauffer while canvassing, and of some others, there appears to be an interest in various places that calls for help.
Sao Paulo is one of the most important states in Brazil, and it is important that our work become firmly established in that field.
J. W. WESTPHAL.
Manila
By R. A. CALDWELL
At this time of writing, almost two months have elapsed since our arrival. It naturally required some little time to become settled, so that the canvassing work did not begin at once. After some months’ vacation, one is not quite free to work successfully at first, especially with a new book, and in a new language. However, by the Lord’s help, many orders have been taken for the Spanish “Patriarchs and Prophets;” in fact, far more than for the English edition of the same book. Of course it will not be known until the delivery how successful the work has been, as many orders are from Catholics. It is surprising what work has been accomplished and done by our great allies, the Bible societies. I find many Bibles, both in Tagalog and Spanish, among the people.
It has been encouraging to receive orders from several native preachers who are not conversant with English. The people are very fond of literature, especially relating to religion. This is the leaven that is to move this mass of light-seekers.
While the people have an inquiring mind, let us take advantage of this opportunity to supply them with their soul’s need—the everlasting gospel.
R. A. CALDWELL.
The Institute at Holly, Mich.
By Morris Lukens
It was my privilege to be present at an exceedingly interesting institute held in Holly, Mich. About twenty-five persons were in attendance, and the earnestness which they manifested in the instruction and class drill was a good indication of their determination to be of service in the Lord’s work.
THE CANVASSERS’ CLASS AT HOLLY, MICH.
Prof. R. B. Thurber, the principal of the Adelphian Academy, should feel very grateful for the exceptionally bright class of young people whom the Lord has intrusted to him, and who have been led to enter this work.
Daily classes were conducted for the study of “Great Controversy,” “Daniel and Revelation,” “Coming King,” and “Heralds of the Morning,” Elder E. K. Slade, the president of the conference, leading out in the Bible instruction. The attendance of the conference president was a great help, and Elder Slade’s active interest in the circulation of our literature will surely bear fruit. We look for some excellent reports from East Michigan this summer.
The accompanying illustration shows the class. The instructors are standing in the back row, and from left to right are as follows: J. H. McEachern, Elder E. K. Slade, Elder A. R. Sandborn, J. B. Blosser, Elder Morris Lukens, and Professor Thurber.
Since the appointment of Brother McEachern as field missionary agent, the East Michigan Conference has made rapid strides in the book work. The sales from our Battle Creek office to this conference show an increase of 267 percent over the same month of last year. Constant effort, prayer, and co-operation are the essentials for success, and when each conference is “enthusiastic enough to set the pace, and persevering enough to win the race,” we shall not be counting the monthly report of the canvassers in two or three small figures and a decimal fraction. MORRIS LUKENS.
The North Dakota Camp-Meeting
By G. B. Thompson
The annual camp-meeting of the North Dakota Conference was held at Velva, June 22-29. The meeting being free from business, was devoted entirely to spiritual work. The attendance was large, considering the membership of the conference. There were over a hundred tents pitched, and more than six hundred were encamped on the ground. The majority of those present were Germans, who filled the large pavilion at each good service. Quite a number of Scandinavians were also in attendance, and services were held daily in this language. There were also present about one hundred twenty-five Russians, and daily services were held for them by Brother A. Boettcher, who speaks the Russian.
Unity and brotherly love characterized this meeting throughout. From the beginning it was evident that the meeting was on a high spiritual plane. The great blessing received on the Sabbath will not soon be forgotten by those present. [In the REVIEW of July 9 was printed a portion of a personal letter from Elder Thompson, in which he spoke of the remarkable experience at this meeting, beginning on Friday evening and closing with the meetings on Sunday, when the people donated in cash and pledges about twenty-five thousand dollars for foreign mission work. The part of this report dealing with this experience is, therefore, omitted.—Ed.] It was indeed a genuine revival, wrought by the Spirit of God. There were about eighty-five candidates for baptism. On Sunday about forty of these were baptized in the Moose River, which flowed through the park where the meeting was held. The baptism of the others was postponed to be administered in the home churches.
The meetings when the donations were made were among the most spiritual19meetings of the camp-meeting. We were reminded of the days following Pentecost, when, under the administration of the Holy Spirit, possessions were sold, and the proceeds placed in the treasury to extend the gospel. We believe it will be so again under the latter rain. Instead of adding house to house and farm to farm, those who move under the guidance of the Holy Spirit will dispose of some of their possessions to carry the message to the end of the earth. It is time that this was done, and that we showed by our works that we really believe that the Lord is coming in this generation. This same work which was wrought in the hearts of God’s people on this camp-ground, should be accomplished to a greater or less extent in every conference. Then the message might be quickly finished. The Lord has blessed others in this part of the field with a liberal amount of this world’s goods, and in sacrificing to advance the message they will be greatly blessed of God.
In addition to the amount given for missions over a thousand dollars was raised for the Cheyenne Academy and other local enterprises. The Sabbath-school offering for missions amounted to $121.67.
Nearly all the conference laborers were present to assist in the meeting, Elder R. A. Underwood, president of the Northern Union Conference, Elders G. F. Haffner, C. L. Benson, S. Mortensen, Prof. A. Anderson of Union College, A. Boettcher, W. L. Manful, Dr. C. P. Farnsworth, and the writer also attended the meeting and shared in its labors and blessings.
Youth’s meetings were conducted in the German and English languages and an excellent work was accomplished among the young people and the children. Many gave their hearts to God, and enlisted in the blessed service of Christ.
Considerable interest was manifested by the citizens in the truths presented each evening, and a tent effort will follow the meeting to develop the interest. We hope a strong church may be established.
The blessing of this meeting will be felt throughout the conferences, and the liberal donations made will bring joy to our missionaries toiling in foreign lands, and will materially aid in sending needed reinforcements. The brethren and sisters left for their homes filled with courage and joy.
G. B. Thompson.
Ecuador
By Thos. H. Davis.
THREE months ago the bubonic plague started in Guayaquil, causing quite a scare among the people in the interior. The authorities have given orders to kill all hogs and guinea-pigs, and have placed a bounty on rats and mice. By this means they expect to reduce the spread of this disease.
A few days ago I was surprised by a call from Brother Buckner, lately graduated from the California University. He has taken the English work in earnest here in Ambato, and says he thinks Ecuador is the coming republic of South America. I hope others will come and do as he is doing, gaining a livelihood by teaching, and doing missionary work. When people step out and fill the calls, the Lord attends to the difficulties.
The other day, while out distributing some of our literature, I found a young business man from Cuenca, the third city of Ecuador. Cuenca has a population of fifty thousand, and has the name of being the most fanatical city in Ecuador. This young man offers to take subscriptions for the Señales.
Ambato is getting to be a great health resort of late. It is estimated that fifteen thousand persons have left Guayaquil during the last fever season. We hope some day to see some kind of sanitarium started here.
THOS. H. DAVIS.
Received on the $150,000 Fund up to July 7, 1908
By I. H. Evans
[ ^1]Atlantic Union Conference
[ ^1]Central New England ........ $ 2,786.02
[ ^1]Greater New York .......... 1,677.41
Maine ......................... 865.39
[ ^1]New York ................... 2,326.50
[ ^1]Southern New England ....... 1,210.50
[ ^1]Vermont ..................... 1,404.74
[ ^1]Western New York ............ 2,085.61
Total ......................... 12,356.17
Canadian Union Conference
Maritime ....................... 566.49
Quebec ......................... 181.64
Ontario ........................ 813.78
Newfoundland ................... 20.80
Total ......................... 1,582.71
Central Union Conference
Colorado ....................... 4,674.04
Kansas ......................... 3,954.02
Missouri ....................... 2,009.50
[ ^1]Nebraska ................... 6,114.63
[ ^1]Wyoming ..................... 872.81
Total ......................... 17,625.00
[ ^1]Columbia Union Conference
Chesapeake ..................... 804.01
[ ^1]Eastern Pennsylvania ........ 2,560.01
[ ^1]New Jersey .................. 1,246.98
[ ^1]Ohio ........................ 6,402.43
[ ^1]Virginia .................... 1,034.77
[ ^1]West Pennsylvania ........... 1,976.56
[ ^1]West Virginia ............... 558.86
Total ......................... 14,583.62
[ ^1]District of Columbia
[ ^1]Washington churches ......... 1,401.54
Lake Union Conference
East Michigan .................. 3,185.48
[ ^1]Indiana ..................... 5,249.02
North Michigan ................. 1,780.22
[ ^1]Northern Illinois ........... 2,971.56
[ ^1]Southern Illinois ........... 1,642.00
[ ^1]West Michigan ............... 8,774.70
Wisconsin ...................... 6,276.23
Total ......................... 29,879.71
North Pacific Union Conference
Montana ........................ 886.64
[ ^1]Upper Columbia .............. 3,036.43
[ ^1]Western Washington .......... 3,364.53
Idaho ........................ 1,037.65
Western Oregon ................. 2,997.35
Hawaii ......................... 21.05
Alaska ......................... 20.00
Total ......................... 11,363.65
[ ^1]Northern Union Conference
[ ^1]Iowa ........................ 9,661.86
[ ^1]Minnesota ................... 5,804.98
[ ^1]South Dakota ................ 2,672.47
[ ^1]North Dakota ................ 2,156.63
Conference not specified ....... 73.82
Total ......................... 20,369.76
[ ^1]Pacific Union Conference
[ ^1]Southern California ......... 4,925.38
[ ^1]Arizona ..................... 466.79
[ ^1]California-Nevada ........... 10,258.53
[ ^1]Utah ........................ 440.58
Total ......................... 16,091.28
Southwestern Union Conference
[ ^1]Arkansas .................... 938.93
Oklahoma ....................... 4,181.78
Texas .......................... 2,617.14
Conference not specified ....... 22.82
New Mexico ..................... 2.00
Total ......................... 7,762.67
Western Canadian Union Conference
[ ^1]Alberta ..................... 1,211.35
British Columbia ............... 303.60
Manitoba ....................... 350.76
Saskatchewan Mission Field ..... 63.10
Total ......................... 1,928.81
Unknown
Unknown ....................... 161.70
Foreign
[ ^1]Algeria ..................... 13.33
Australia ...................... 188.48
Bermuda ......................... 36.00
China .......................... 165.60
South Africa ................... 439.02
Jamaica ........................ 73.86
Yukon Territory ................ 20.00
England ........................ 282.77
[ ^1]West Africa ................. 50.00
Mexico ......................... 65.97
India .......................... 418.25
South America .................. 82.81
Switzerland ..................... 9.69
Central American Mission ....... 26.00
Trinidad ....................... 28.69
Norway ......................... 25.00
Japan .......................... 17.50
Haiti ........................... 5.00
[ ^1]Egypt ....................... 51.55
Palestine ....................... 2.00
Tobago, W. I. ................... 1.22
Cuba ............................ 8.00
Hungary ......................... 3.00
Tahiti ......................... 14.88
France .......................... 6.80
Philippine Islands .............. 1.00
Samoa ........................... 8.00
Barbados ........................ 5.00
Portugal ........................ 6.00
Straits Settlements ............ 10.98
Pitcairn Island ................ 20.00
New Zealand ..................... 1.52
Fiji ............................ 4.87
St. Kitts ........................ 7.51
Ireland ........................ 25.56
Russia .......................... 5.00
Denmark ......................... 14.59
Santo Domingo .................... 2.50
West Caribbean .................. 96.35
Total ......................... 2,243.40
Grand Total ................... $144,545.78
I. H. EVANS, Treasurer.
A State-Wide Tour of Missouri
By John S. Wightman
On account of the great amount of agitation over the Sunday closing law in Missouri, it was decided to carry out the plan of general education as to religious rights and privileges by mass-meetings, public lectures, personal work, and the wholesale circulation of religious liberty literature during the summer months. The urgent need of this work has, I believe, been fully recognized by all.
On the last day of May, Mrs. Wightman and the writer left Kansas City, and began a tour of the State. We have reached Joplin. Our first stop was at Sedalia. In the midst of a hotly contested local option campaign, we succeeded in getting a fair-sized audience in the opera-house. Both daily papers gave a column review of our position. Ten thousand and more readers were reached. Then on to Clinton, the county-seat of Henry County. In the court-house a small though very appreciative audience listened to the message.
Our next stop was at El Dorado Springs. Here the court-house was literally packed full of people—the largest of all the audiences so far. Judge Wallace had been here, and lectured in the same court-room for strict compulsory Sunday closing. It is a little singular that our audience was larger than his, and what we said was received with much applause.
Then back to Appleton City, where a public lecture was given in the opera-house to a small but interested audience. The next stop was at Nevada. Here every seat of the court-room was filled, and the audience was very appreciative. Seeing conditions at Iola, Kan., a city of fifteen thousand, we ran in for a strenuous three-days' campaign there. Was religious liberty work ever more needed than at Iola? I found the business men worked up to a great pitch of excitement; and it has been said that no such strict Sunday closing ordinance has been enforced since the blue-laws days of the Puritans. Our public meeting here was conducted in the A. O. U. W. hall, and despite the intense heat of the night, a good-sized audience was present. Here Congressman Scott's paper (the Register) gave excellent reports of our meeting and work, and published an open letter from me. He also granted me an hour's interview upon the question.
Now we return to Missouri. A good-sized audience turned out to hear us in the G. A. R. hall at Liberal. Next, a strenuous two days of labor at Lamar, the county-seat of Barton County, ending with a mass-meeting at the court-house. Now at Joplin for ten days. During this time, mass-meetings will be held in the court-houses of Joplin and Carthage, and public halls at Webb City and Carterville. These near-by places are connected by trolley lines, and we are making every effort to give these meetings prominence before the people by extensive advertising and newspaper work.
In all the towns we have visited, with one exception, the press has extended us all the courtesies of their profession, and given our work an extended notice, in most cases a column or more in length. All—with the exception of the single instance of a church-and-state man—have spoken in the highest terms of commendation of our work and its purpose. I have noted that the press editors in general do not understand the nature of the work of the church federations, and the intent of the same to invade the precincts of the civil power in the interest of the religious institutions of the church. Almost to a man, they do not seem to understand about the work and the aim of national reform, inter-church conference, American Sabbath Union, etc., and appear to be glad to get accurate information upon the subject.
Most encouraging of all, perhaps, is the class of people who come out to hear us. Several judges have appeared, many lawyers, doctors, professional and business men, preachers and laymen as well, and editors. I am aiming to make our printing fit the situation of every town reached; and Liberty and religious liberty tracts are being judiciously circulated. We are making it a point to call upon prominent citizens and business men.
I must not forget to say that we had profitable meetings with the churches at Sedalia, Appleton City, Iola (Kan.), and Joplin over Sabbath, and we much appreciated the privilege of meeting with them. A short stop at Windsor was enjoyed.
