Earlier text: Progress in HaytiThe Burning of the Pacific Press Plant
By M. C. Wilcox
Editor Review and Herald, DEAR BROTHER: How can I write the sad news? Yesterday afternoon at the close of a week of hard labor, many of the employees in the Pacific Press left for the camp-meeting in Oakland, to remain over Sabbath, a few to stay through the meeting. Others went to their homes to rest. A number met together to study the Sabbath-school lesson. All retired to rest with no thought of danger or trouble. But at twelve o'clock the fire-alarm of our little town sounded a clamorous appeal. Little did any one think that it was the splendidly equipped Pacific Press plant that had been selected by the fire-fiend for destruction. Yet so it was. With merciless activity the fire demon wrought. Starting in the northeast corner, in or near the photo-engraving room, in an incredibly short space of time it had spread throughout the building. In two hours it was a mass of smoking embers. The fire department in the town did noble, faithful, energetic work, with their meager apparatus. No fire hydrant was nearer the office than two blocks, and with only seven hundred and fifty feet of hose, but one stream could be played on the fire. Our own tanks were useless, as the tank-house was afire, and the engine room burning fiercely. Pine floors and roof and paper fed the voracious element, and soon the whole building was a ruin, roof in, and paper and timbers burning fiercely. By brave, strenuous work seven typewriters were saved and several desks, and some books and files. The mailing lists (stencils) of The Signs of the Times and Our Little Friend are lost, but we hope that we have a tolerably late list in Brother Tait's desk, which was saved. Our vault, in which were stored many plates, collapsed or blew open from confined gases. What the damage is from fire and crush we do not know as yet, but we hope most of its contents are safe. The contents of our safe are, we believe, intact. Of the buildings, the lower part of our tank-house was saved and our boarding-house entire; the latter was badly blistered. For the safety of the boarding-house, which had not yet been insured, we are grateful. Here the firemen did heroic work. Our principal losses having immediate effect upon our work are as follows:— 1. Our machinery. The earthquake left our machinery almost uninjured. The fire destroyed it all, as well as the place of operation. 2. A large stock of our own books, tracts, and pamphlets, for which there is constant call. 3. We were just completing a twenty-thousand-edition of “Heralds of the Morning,” and the plates were still on the press. These are totally destroyed, as well as many copies in process of binding. 4. Our periodicals. I believe Our Little Friend, containing Sabbath-school lessons up to August 18, had been mailed. The last lesson but one in August was burned, but the last had not arrived. These we expect at once from Washington. Our Senior Lesson Quarterly for October to December was about ready for the press. Our Washington office will have to furnish us new copy at once. 5. All our Signs copy, much of which was of great worth, hundreds of valuable photos, gathered from all parts of the world, fine drawings, together with the drawings for “Desire of Ages,” “Story of Redemption,” “Mount of Blessing,” and others, worth many thousand dollars, hundreds of electro plates, and our valuable reference library, containing volumes we can by no means duplicate,—all, all were licked up by the red tongues of flame. We had some manuscripts in hand for books, some of which had not been passed upon, some in the process of making, which were consumed. We hope that the authors have copies of these. Notable in the list was the manuscript of Brother and Sister Palmer's new book, about half of which was in type, and a little book of Brother Sadler's, which was nearing completion. Excellent articles from our missions were all burned. Some of our outside customers suffered considerably. Among our employees the editor was the chief sufferer in valuable books, manuscript, etc. The entire loss of building, machinery, stock, etc., is estimated at $250,000. Our insurance amounts to $100,000. Pray that we may have no trouble in obtaining it. Little did I think when I placed the Bible inscription on our Earthquake and Fire Special: “And after the earthquake a fire,” that it would prove a prophecy of the Pacific Press; but so it has, and a prophecy so fearful that we are, humanly speaking, still under its garment of ashes. The awful fire has its lessons; we are trying to learn them. The first and most important is, Christ longs to be, must be if we are successful, all in all. He by living faith must be our author, our life-bond, our finisher. All our plans, all our facilities, are nothing without him. Secondly, he would have us learn that institutions are secondary, and principles personified in men are primary; that the thing he wants spread abroad is his mighty gospel message of living principles, not the fame of institutions; that institutions are of worth, and only of worth, as they are used to his glory, wholly subordinate to his principles of truth; that true gospel unity is not based in any way on compromise of truth or principles of righteousness, but on individual life-union with Jesus Christ. Thirdly, that the help we are to get from this world will not be obtained by seeking it in worldly ways and by worldly means, and supporting it by unconsecrated hearts and hands; but it will come when God and his righteousness are first, and then he will move upon hearts to give it in his own wiser way, a way which will bring worldly men to Christ, and not lead his children into the world. Fourthly, that the return of apostolic times means a return to apostolic power; and that apostolic power was primarily power over sin by the indwelling Spirit of God, whose glory he can not give to another. These are the lessons which in humility of soul some—most of us, I believe—are endeavoring to learn. As our chapel, in which the church held meeting, was destroyed, we met at 3 P. M. to-day in front of our boarding-house. It was a good season of worship. After singing “Jesus, lover of my soul,” and “The cross that he gave may be heavy,” prayer was offered by Brother Palmer. Remarks were made by C. H. Jones, A. O. Tait, E. R. Palmer, W. T. Knox, H. W. Cottrell, and the writer. There was a hearty response to the word spoken, and nearly all in the congregation signified their desire to consecrate themselves anew to God and his work. Just what steps will be taken, we do not know. Our periodicals will be issued. It is now hoped that our lists are preserved in our vault. A council meeting will be held to-night of the Pacific Press board and leading brethren. The results I will send later. This report is written on paper fished from the fire. We plead for the prayers of our brethren and sisters in this great and awful calamity. We are of good courage, but we long for the clear leading of God. L. D. SANTEE
By L. D. Santee
CHICAGO.—The Northern Illinois camp-meeting was held as appointed, on the North Side. The interest and attendance were good, and our brethren returned to their homes with renewed zeal and a stronger determination to work and sacrifice for the Master. On account of the interest, the meetings have been continued. The family tents were left standing, and about fifty are staying to assist in the work in any way possible. Elder Warren does the most of the preaching, though the personal work and the responsibilities are shared by Elders Covert and Williams, and the writer. Twenty have already been baptized, and there is to be baptism again next Sabbath. It is hard to say how many have taken their stand with us, as we hear of new ones every day. There is an attendance of several hundred through the week, and from a thousand to twelve hundred on Sunday evenings. We are in a good part of the17 city, and there is hardly any prejudice. The Swedish and Danish tents are pitched, and a good interest and well-filled tents are reported. There is much to be done here in this great city; may the Lord give wisdom and strength to the workers. PORT OF SPAIN.—While we have not accomplished all that we desired, we have, as a conference, made a good advance all along the line from St. Thomas on the north to the Guianas on the south. I spent four months of the year 1905 in St. Thomas, and while laboring hard with my hands on the building, held several services each week, and left a good interest. This has since been taken up by Brother Matthews, one of our native workers, who reports a growing interest, also some awaiting baptism. In December I baptized several. The tent-meetings in Antigua are progressing nicely. Antigua, we are sorry to say, has suffered much by the removal of several of its reliable members since I left the field, which leaves them somewhat crippled. Some went to Colon, but more to America. In Dominica, after months of labor, Brother Giddings begins to see some fruit of his labors. This gives us courage to continue the struggle at that place, where there was so little promise of result. In St. Lucia the little company in Castries is holding out, with but little to encourage them in the way of conference help. Recently one of our canvassers received a letter from persons in the interior of that island, requesting him to make them a visit. He did so, and organized a Sabbath-school of twelve members from the adult Sabbath-keepers he found there. This is a result of the circulation of our literature, which led them to study the Scriptures for themselves. They are calling for baptism, and some one must soon go to their help. In St. Vincent Brother Clark reports recent baptisms, and others keeping the Sabbath. Barbados is holding its own in all the churches and societies. Recently, through the earnest labors of Brother J. G. Dasent, a goodly number of believers have been raised up. These were organized into a Sabbath-school, April 26, with a membership of twenty-two. The interest is still good. This brother is one of the youngest of our family of workers. In Grenada the good work is going forward, and a harvest is at hand. Brother Sweany and his wife report a good interest throughout the island. A large number will be baptized before conference, and doubtless a church will be organized. These workers are of good courage. The work is moving steadily forward in Tobago, and Brother Spencer reports several awaiting baptism. Trinidad is more than holding her own, although she has received but little help, considering the number of churches. Since my return from Demerara I have been visiting the churches, baptizing and looking after their needs as closely as time would permit. I must visit others before conference. In two places we have several ready for baptism. In Guiana we can report progress. The cloud, in part at least, is clearing away; and although in several places there is to be seen the result of former years of trouble, matters are in better shape. Courage is taking possession of the believers, as well as the workers, and we are sure the coming year will see a marked advance step taken. In spite of all the hindering causes in that field, a goodly number have been baptized, and a number await that rite. I received word that Brother Davis and his wife passed through Barbados for that field a few days ago. This addition to the working force will fill a long-felt want. Our new press is installed, and we shall now do as good work as any in the West Indies. It is a fine machine, and we hope to do creditable work on it. My health is good, and I can stand about as much hard work as ever I did. The East Caribbean Conference
By Irwin H. Evans
The most of the delegates having arrived, the session of the East Caribbean Conference opened June 23, at 10 A. M., the day previous to the appointment. In harmony with the provisions of the constitution, all members in good and regular standing of any organized Seventh-day Adventist church within the territory of the conference, present at the meeting, were seated as delegates. Accordingly, about one hundred delegates responded to the roll-call by churches. The president, Elder D. E. Wellman, acted as chairman, and Elder G. F. Enoch as secretary. It was a pleasure to me to meet the brethren assembled in this conference, many of whom I had met before, and with several of whom it had been my privilege to labor in former years. God has greatly blessed these men in the work in this important field, and they have grown in strength and experience in a marked manner. Elder J. A. Strickland, of the Jamaica Conference, rendered most valuable help, both in preaching and in counsel, during the entire meeting. All were greatly disappointed that Elder I. G. Knight and his wife, of Central America and the Panama district, were unable to arrive until the last Sunday morning of the meeting; however, their visit was very important, as will be seen from the proceedings of the conference. One of the most important features of the conference was the preaching service in the evening. The largest hall in the city had been engaged for four nights, the Sunday and Monday evenings of the conference. The city had been thoroughly advertised, and the hall was crowded with interested listeners, each night. The last two nights, many could find neither seats nor standing room, and were compelled to leave. Aside from the four services mentioned above, the meetings were continued in the Adventist church every night during the session of the conference, with a crowded house, while scores stood outside the church building to listen to the plain truths of the Word of God. My heart was touched as I beheld the multitudes listening to the words of life, and my mind could think only of the days of the Master, when, wherever he taught, multitudes gathered to hear his words of life. It would seem that, with proper, efficient help, many of these sin-wrecked souls might be brought to a knowledge of the truth for these last days. At the beginning of the conference, much time was spent considering the work of the West Indian field as a whole. By the aid of maps and a careful study of the geographical outlines of the field, it could be clearly seen that the territory adjoining the Caribbean Sea could quite properly be set aside as a union conference. After careful consideration, it was unanimously voted by the delegates present that we should proceed to organize what should be called the West Indian Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The territory embraced in this union conference includes the Bahama Islands, the Greater and Lesser Antilles, the Guianas, Venezuela, Isthmus of Panama, Central America, Bay Islands, and all the islands embraced in the Caribbean Sea. A constitution was adopted in harmony with the constitutions of union conferences in other parts of the world, adapted to the needs of the field. Elder G. F. Enoch was elected president of the conference, Elder J. A. Strickland secretary, and Brother Norman Johnson treasurer. It was voted that the headquarters of the conference should be at Kingston, Jamaica. A strong executive committee was formed, consisting of the officers of the conference, the presidents of all local conferences, a representative from each organized mission field, and five other members that may be elected by the union conference committee, as heads of departmental work. The East Caribbean Conference considered the advisability of subdividing its territory into other conferences. A glance at the map indicates that its territory extends over fifteen hundred miles in length, and is composed quite largely of the groups of islands in the Lesser Antilles, and the Guianas in South America. The situation of the various units of the conference make it very laborious and wearing for any one man to superintend such a widely scattered territory, with so great difficulty and such a loss of time in passing from one part of the field to another as is the case with the East Caribbean Conference. It was finally agreed that the conference should be subdivided into three conferences: the East Caribbean Conference, to include the islands of Barbados and St. Vincent, extending north to take in the rest of the Lesser Antilles; the South Caribbean Conference, to consist of the islands of Trinidad, Tobago, and the Grenadines. British Guiana was organized into a conference by itself, embracing the territory of British Guiana, with Dutch and French Guiana as mission fields. Each of these conferences elected a full corps of officers, adopted a constitution and by-laws, and the property and workers were divided among them without any friction or misunderstanding. Numerically, they are quite equally divided, while the South Caribbean Conference is stronger financially, owing to the location of the publishing work in its territory. Elder W. G. Kneeland was elected president of the British Guiana Conference, Elder D. E. Wellman president of the South Caribbean Conference, and Elder I. G. Knight president of the East Caribbean Conference. The membership of each of these conferences is about18 four hundred, and includes a number of organized churches and companies. It was agreed after this meeting that the southern part of Central America and the Isthmus of Panama should be organized into a conference early in September, at a general meeting which is to be held September 7-17. This will give the West Indian Union Conference five organized conferences, with a large range of mission territory. There are in the West Indian Union Conference from thirty-two hundred to thirty-five hundred Sabbath-keepers, and the work is growing very rapidly. We have Porto Rico, Hayti, San Domingo, Cuba, Dutch and French Guiana, all of the Bahama Islands, most of Central America, and all of Venezuela as really unworked mission fields. The third angel's message takes a deep hold of the hearts of the people in this territory. They love the message, and are willing to sacrifice for its advancement, so far as they are financially able. There are between fifty and sixty organized churches in this territory, and fifty-six church buildings. Considerable time was given to the consideration of the publishing and school work. The East Caribbean Conference has already acquired a small publishing house, consisting of a cement building, sixteen by forty-five feet, and two stories high. They have one new cylinder press, one new job-press and an old one, besides a fair amount of type and other requisites for printing and binding small books. There is great need of a school for the training of workers in the West Indian field. Already the brethren have bought a sixty-five-acre farm on the island of Jamaica, upon which they intend to erect a school building. The ground is being cleared, and as fast as money is received they will proceed to erect suitable buildings for the accommodation of students. The site for the school is reported to be beautiful, and the scenery magnificent. Besides this they are in close proximity to good markets and railroad facilities, and have a rich, fertile soil. They need at least ten thousand dollars to properly equip and start the school. I believe that almost as many students can be obtained to attend the school as they will ever have accommodations for, if arrangements can be made so that the students can largely pay their way through school by labor. The brethren in the field are earnest in their desire to see this school made a success. It was, encouraging indeed to hear the sincere words from the brethren and sisters in the field in favor of the school. The meeting grew so enthusiastic that the brethren desired to suspend the regular business of the conference, and take up a donation in behalf of the school enterprise, which was done. It was suggested that Elder G. F. Enoch come to the States and arrange with local conferences to solicit funds, that the school may be prepared for receiving students at the earliest date possible. Only thirteen years ago the work was opened, in the West Indies. The workers that have been sent to that field have toiled unselfishly under many difficulties to establish the work in these many islands. Some have laid down their lives for the Master's cause, and are waiting for his return. They were true and faithful to their post, and “they loved not their lives unto the death.” They knew what it meant to hunger and thirst for Christ's sake. To save money they have gone steerage or as deck passengers from island to island, often exposed to the scorching sun of the tropics, or drenched with the rains and the heavy seas. Unable to supply themselves with horses with which to travel through the country, they have traveled many a weary league on foot or bicycle; fording streams and rivers, sleeping in huts on the hard floors, or in hammocks strung on trees in the open air. They have been mobbed, and crowds have jeered at them. Their meetings and baptismal services have been broken up, or sadly interfered with by disorderly elements. They have been commanded to leave the islands, or various parishes in the islands, by those in religious authority. They have been lied about, their motives maligned, and their objects misunderstood. Yet the truth has gained ground, and that rapidly. Our work is gaining the respect of those in public authority, and the clergy have learned that our brethren have come to stay, and that their lives are a rebuke to the corruption and sin of which the clergy generally approve, and in which they have often been participants. We know that our people throughout the world will bid the message in this island union conference Godspeed. Our hearts are knit with the workers who give so much for the cause which we all love. The rewarding day is coming on apace, and the sheaf gatherer will then realize the worth of the souls whom he has been the instrument in saving. It will be a glad day when we are all gathered home. Until then we must unite under the blood-stained banner of Prince Immanuel, and fight for the kingdom of our God. S. JESPERSSON
By S. Jespersson
ALGIERS.—This field is a difficult one, and the corruption is very, very great. But the message is to be preached to every nation, and we must not consider so much the difficulties themselves as how to overcome them. Our health is good, and we are glad to be here, and we praise the Lord that we have the blessed privilege of being laborers together with him. It is a great satisfaction to know that the brethren in America remember us at the throne of grace. The weather has been unusually cold this winter, so there have not been so many tourists as in previous years. The winter season is now practically past, and erelong it will be very warm. We shall probably have to go away from here for at least two months, on account of the heat. With the help of the Lord, we have been able to make a good beginning, and we feel encouraged in our work. We have labored quietly, so as not to arouse the spirit of prejudice before gaining a foothold. This is essential, as the Catholics have a very strong hold, and the Protestant missionaries are also against us. Several of the latter had heard of the truth before we came, and had rejected it, so they would certainly prefer not to see us here. Two Europeans are studying the truth very earnestly, and we hope they will soon take a firm stand on the Lord's side. They have been warned by the other missionaries. But as those who have warned them do not show from the Bible that we are wrong, our dear friends continue to come to us to learn more about the will of God, and we are having blessed seasons of prayer and study. Others are more or less interested. We have also made a beginning with the medical work. As we have no establishment, and no means to get one, we give only massage and such treatments as can be administered in an ordinary room and in the homes of the patients. During the past month Mrs. Jespersson and I gave one hundred and five massages, and this month it will perhaps be a little more. This, we would say, is good, considering the fact that there are twenty masseurs in this town of about one hundred and twenty thousand inhabitants, the greatest part of whom are uncivilized. As there is a good medical college here, the doctors are very numerous, and some of them have a hard time to make their living. We are thankful to our kind Heavenly Father for the humble beginning, and it is our earnest desire to serve him faithfully until the work is done, and Jesus comes. The Northern Union Conference Camp-Meetings
By R. A. Underwood
THE Alberta meeting was the last of the six camp-meetings held this season in the Northern Union Conference. Prof. P. T. Magan attended the Alberta meeting, and rendered valuable assistance. Elder C. A. Burman was with us, and entered heartily into the labors of the meeting. It had been expected for some time that a conference would be organized in Alberta. We are glad to report that this was done, six churches being received as charter members. The entire number of Sabbath-keepers in the province is about three hundred and thirty. Elder C. A. Burman was elected president, Elder J. W. Boynton vice-president, and Sister Stella Lowry secretary and treasurer of the conference. We now have in Northwest Canada, including British Columbia, three organized conferences, besides the large province of Saskatchewan, which is at present connected with the Manitoba Conference, but will doubtless soon be organized into a separate mission field. I believe this entire field should be organized into a union conference not far in the future. Others have reported the camp-meetings in the Northern Union Conference, and doubtless a full report of the Alberta meeting will be given by those on the field. I wish, however, to speak of the results of these meetings in a general way. When we consider the large expense incident to our camp-meetings, and the wearisome labor incumbent upon those who prepare for these meetings, as well as upon those who travel from meeting to meeting till often the physical man is nearly prostrated, the question arises, Do camp-meetings pay?
This question can be properly answered only in view of eternity. At the six meetings about one hundred and forty persons have been baptized. The most of these entered the Christian life at these meetings. A large number of our brethren and sisters have been greatly encouraged and strengthened spiritually. At all these meetings important steps were taken that are far-reaching in results, and a much broader view of the work at home and abroad has been received by many; but had the meetings not been held, the opportunity19 for such expansion of views would not have been given. Something over eleven thousand dollars was donated by our brethren at these meetings to help the work at home and abroad. The larger portion of this sum goes into the foreign field. India received over two thousand dollars. South America, Korea, and other foreign fields came in for their share. The work in the South was not overlooked. Prof. P. T. Magan’s labors were very helpful to our brethren in a general way, also his talks concerning the condition and needs in the South. While our efforts at the camp-meetings do not always bring the results hoped-for, on the whole these meetings are most profitable, and the faithful labor, in whatever capacity, rendered by all to make these meetings a success will not lose its reward. The spirit of prophecy has said, “The camp-meeting is one of the most important agencies in our work. It is one of the most effective methods of arresting the attention of the people, and reaching all classes with the gospel invitation.” This statement has been invariably fulfilled in the several meetings in the Northern Union Conference this season. Many people in the location of the camp-meeting have heard the message for the first time. Some of these gladly received the truth and were baptized. Others have received impressions that will continue with them. Our own brethren have been greatly encouraged. Their views of the work of God have been greatly enlarged. They have responded nobly to the calls for means, and as they have given of their substance, God has richly blessed them in so doing, and eternity alone can give the results of the labor and sacrifice made at all these gatherings. They are one of God’s agencies to accomplish the finishing of the gospel in this generation, and to prepare the people of God to join in the encampment in the city of God under the branches of the tree of life—not long to be deferred in its realization. R. A. UNDERWOOD. An Interesting Meeting
By K. C. Russell
The regular quarterly meeting of the constituency of the Evangelical Committee for the District of Columbia and Takoma Park, was held Sunday, July 15, in the Memorial church of Washington, D. C. The object of these meetings is to counsel together concerning the best interests of the work in the District of Columbia, and to lay plans for more thorough and aggressive work. Elder A. G. Daniells was present, and reported that wherever he and his co-laborers had attended the camp-meetings, they found the people firmly established upon the belief in the Testimonies, and manifesting a loyalty to the denomination heretofore unknown. He further said that the present controversy and temporary unrest had resulted in binding God’s people together, and was causing them to study more deeply into the merits of the Testimonies, and, in fact, was resulting in the fulfilment of the scripture which assures us “that all things work together for good to them that love God.” Brother D. W. Reavis, the secretary, corroborated Elder Daniells’s testimony concerning the loyalty that was taking possession of our people everywhere, and further said that he was in a position to know something of the pulse of our people, owing to the fact that his work in connection with the REVIEW brought him in touch with the subscribers of the REVIEW, who in the main represent the most substantial Seventh-day Adventists. Reports from the leaders of our tent-meetings were presented. Elder Wilkinson gave his experience in connection with locating his tent in Georgetown. Up to the time of this meeting, he had held services in his tent for four weeks, and had had a good attendance, though the weather had been very unfavorable, being rainy most of the time. He found the people friendly, and though he had not yet reached the Sabbath question, he reported two persons who had so early in the meetings accepted the Sabbath. The interest in the Bible workers’ part of the meeting was good, all of them having as much as they could attend to in giving readings. The prospect for Elder Wilkinson’s meeting was very favorable. He also made a brief report of the work of the M Street church, over which he had been placed during the summer as pastor. Elder Sheafe gave a very interesting report of the beginning of his tent-meetings in the southeast portion of the city. A large attendance and good progress in the first three weeks of the meetings was reported. He mentioned the fact that on Monday evenings their services were devoted to health and temperance topics. These were taken up on Monday evenings in order to hold his congregations on that usually dull evening of the week. He found that his plan was working well in holding his congregation. He also reported that previous to the preaching service each evening, Brother Connelly, his tent master and collaborator, conducted an inquiry meeting in which the people were permitted to ask questions and to receive answers. This service, he said, was a very strong feature of the meetings,—one in which the people took an active interest. The average congregations were reported to be about three hundred persons. Sunday evenings the attendance was much larger. The Bible workers present also gave encouraging reports of their work. Some of the methods which could be used to good effect in helping the interested ones in the tent effort, and establishing the believers in the truth, were emphasized by the chairman,—first, the importance of personal visits, and second, the securing of subscriptions for the REVIEW and the distribution of other literature. Sample copies of the REVIEW should be used in securing subscriptions for the paper. K. C. RUSSELL, Chairman District Evangelical Com. The Publishing Department
By William C. White
RECENTLY there has been a great increase of interest throughout the United States, and especially on the Pacific Coast, in the study of religious literature. And from foreign lands there come many demands for new books on various phases of present truth. In Spanish-speaking countries especially there has been a great awakening. One of the results of these encouraging conditions at home and abroad, is an ever-increasing demand upon the officers of the Publishing Department for help in the way of suggestions, criticisms, and counsel regarding plans to be developed in our numerous publishing houses. The twenty-one members of the departmental committee are widely separated. Six are union conference canvassing agents; eight are managers of publishing houses; five members are located in Washington, D. C.; and four are in California; the others are scattered throughout the field. Meetings of the full committee are held not oftener than once a year, and for this reason much responsibility devolves upon the chairman and the secretaries. During the past year or two, the greater burden of the work has been borne by the secretaries, Brethren E. R. Palmer and H. H. Hall. Recently, I found that the work was increasing rapidly, and that Brethren Palmer and Hall needed the help that Brother C. H. Jones could give them. Therefore I resigned, and C. H. Jones has been chosen by the General Conference Committee, at its recent meeting in Washington, to be chairman of this departmental committee. Brother C. H. Jones brings to this work ability and knowledge gained during thirty-five years of successful experience as printer and publisher, and manager of denominational enterprises, and he takes up this work with a deep sense of its importance. His location in Mountain View, Cal., makes it possible for the officers of the department to meet often for counsel. At recent meetings of the departmental officers, far-reaching plans for the strengthening of the publishing work in the Orient and in South American countries, were considered; and, with the concurrence of Elders Irwin and Cottrell, it was proposed that a meeting of the Publishing Department be held in Washington, D. C., in October. F. A. ALLUM
By F. A. Allum
SHANGHAI.—We had a very pleasant trip from Australia. At Hongkong we were met by Brother Robert Caldwell, who took us to Canton, where we were much pleased to meet Brother Anderson and the other workers. They are all well, and of good courage in the Lord. We stayed but six hours at Canton, as Dr. Miller was anxious for us to reach our station before the hot weather begins. We are now at Shanghai, waiting for the arrival of Dr. Miller, whom we expect in two or three days, as we have just received a telegram from him to that effect. We are of good courage, and are glad of the privilege of being here. SYDNEY.—Last week I returned from Queensland, where a camp-meeting has recently been held. Our children and young people are responding well to our efforts to interest them in the island mission work. South Australia is going to support a native worker, West Australia will support one, Tasmania one or two. New South Wales will support a teacher in Singapore, and the brethren in Victoria are asking for some workers to be assigned to their State, for them to support. Queensland will help, and also New Zealand. E. M. GRAHAM. Seven persons at Chester, Ark., have signified their intention to keep the commandments of God. Brother W. F. Talburt reports six converts to the faith at Allen, I. T., with several others interested. A new church, consisting of about twenty-five members, was recently organized by Elder A. O. Burrill at Petrolia, Ontario. Up to July 13 there had been printed of the earthquake specials of The Signs of the Times 740,000, of which 674,886 had been sold. Brother J. E. Bond reports that five have taken their stand for the truth as a result of a series of meetings in a school-house near Phoenix, Ariz. The members of the Mountain View, Cal., Young People's Society have started a movement for the support of a missionary in some foreign field. The meetings conducted by Elders Shultz and Basney at Colony Centre, Cal., have resulted in the organization of a church of nine members at that place. Brethren Lake and St. John, who are laboring at Eureka and Arcata, Cal., report five new Sabbath-keepers at the former place, and three at least at the latter. Elder J. W. Christian reports the baptism of five persons at Swan Lake, S. D., and on the Sabbath following four others were buried with their Lord at Elk Point, S. D. The tent-meetings by Elder W. S. Lowry at Paducah, Ky., are arousing much interest on the part of the people. A number have taken their stand, and others have promised to obey. Twelve were baptized at Lodi, Cal., on July 14, at the close of a tent effort by Brethren C. M. Gardner and B. B. Davis. Four other adults have promised to serve God by obeying all his commandments. The church at Farmington, N. M., recently increased its membership by the addition of six names to its church roll. The young people there are being aroused, and five have been baptized. The church at Milwaukee, Wis., has purchased a tent costing one hundred and seventy dollars, and in this tent a strong corps of workers are now giving the message to the inhabitants of that great city. Friends of Elder S. G. Huntington, who has been in California recently for his health, will be glad to know that he has so far recovered as to be ready for active field service again. He will labor in the Utah Conference. On July 7 three persons were baptized at San Jose, Cal., who received their first impression of the truth through the earthquake specials of The Signs of the Times. Would not this indicate that the world is now ripe for that quick work which the Lord has promised to do in the earth? Brother C. S. Longacre states that as a result of the circulation of religious liberty literature in Pittsburg, Pa., some friends of religious liberty were raised up who successfully resisted the Sunday-law crusade in that city the past spring. He says: “I wish our people realized how many friends of liberty they could raise up by circulating our new magazine, Liberty.”