Earlier text: WHAT I BELIEVETO THE CLERKS OF THE MINNESOTA CHURCHES.
By D. P. Curtis
Our annual meeting again draws near. At that meeting we want to know the spiritual and numerical standing of every church in the Conference. It will devolve on you, by virtue of your office, to give the necessary information. Please write out, from the records in your hands, a brief and clear statement of the condition of your church, and of its members and present officers, giving the name and post-office address of the clerk and S. S. treasurer, and either send the same to me by mail, or by your delegate to the Conference. Blank credentials for delegates will be sent to every church-clerk whose name and address I have. You will fill these out, and forward them by mail or by your delegate. These things are important, and you are requested to give your attention to the matter. Last year, several churches failed to report themselves. Do not let it be so again. Brethren, do your duty, and God will bless you. Hutchinson, McLeod Co., Minn. TAKE CARE OF YOUR TENT.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
THIS season our people will have over $12,000 invested in tents for the preachers. By careful observation, I am satisfied that several thousand dollars are carelessly wasted, each season, for lack of proper care of these tents. A fair tent should last five years or more; yet many of them are useless after three seasons, some even after two, and indeed some are ruined the very first year. This is too bad. If they were properly pitched, and watched, and cared for, it never need be so. In a damp day, a drizzling rain, or a quick shower, a tent may be spoiled in a day. Great care should be taken to watch a tent with every change of the atmosphere, loosening it as it becomes damp, and letting it down a little every hour while it rains, till it will shrink no further. After a shower, it should be immediately opened all around, and the wall raised, in order to dry it out inside, and prevent molding. Would it not be well to let each minister have the same tent till it is worn out? Would he not be more solicitous about it? While we ask the brethren to buy the tents with their hard-earned money, we must take every reasonable precaution to make them go as far as possible. A tolerably good tent should not be condemned and thrown aside too soon, even if it does leak a good deal. By patching it, and using oil-cloths, you may make it go another year, and save $50. D. M. CANRIGHT. The situation in Russia is one of suspense. If the imperial government is content to count as a victory the present cessation of political assassinations, of the posting of disloyal placards and the circulation of the violent and seditious “Land and Liberty,” at St. Petersburg and the great provincial capitals, then its plan of repression has been a success. The streets of St. Petersburg, lined night and day with watchmen, the troops at all times under arms, the powers of arrest and punishment placed in the hands of a military commander, who has not hesitated to employ them upon the least suspicion, have proved to be barriers which the Nihilist conspirators could not well surmount, and hence for the moment there is peace. In one way, to the emperor, it must be satisfactory to know that a means exists by which the plotters against his government can be prevented from boldly carrying out their design, for the ease with which they outwitted his secret police led to the belief that they were superior to any form of repression. But, looked at from another point of view, this very absence of violence, in the face of extreme military despotism, is not an encouraging feature. With all their efforts, the police and the soldiers have not been able to uncover the slightest root of this mysterious conspiracy. The ramifications of its system lie buried out of sight and knowledge as effectually now as they did eight months ago, when the wide-spread agitation virtually began. The men who have been arrested and banished to Siberia were either innocent and could not tell, or cunning and would not. Certain it is, that the government is no nearer capturing the ringleaders now than it was before the military governors were appointed. If this was an ordinary revolt against oppression, the methods employed to suppress it would, in all probability, have been attended with different results. It is commonly the case that increased repression brings out increased resistance, and, in their determination not to be put down, the revolutionists grow fool-hardy and boldly take risks which lead to their easy discovery and arrest. In communistic outbreaks, all the world over, it has usually happened that the leaders and their followers have exposed themselves when the liability to seizure was greatest. They have been worked up to a pitch of excitement which could not be readily abated, and, hence, when vigorous opposition has been offered, they have surged up against it, as the water in a rapid river does when it encounters an unexpected obstacle. The Nihilists have shown that they possess a wonderfully well-disciplined organization, as well as shrewd and far-sighted leaders. A few weeks ago they were everywhere; their posters were in all of the main streets and squares, and their papers and pamphlets were in some way distributed in the restaurants, the barracks, the government offices, and even in the Emperor’s palace. Now, as if by some signal, all demonstrative action has ceased, and the Nihilists have sunk out of sight like the band of Roderick Dhu. The effacement has been complete, and the arrests that have been made during the past three weeks have been due to general suspicions rather than to any definite knowledge on the part of the authorities. But has the conspiracy been stamped out? The Emperor and his advisers must be unwisely sanguine if they venture to entertain such a thought. It is proverbial that it requires much less power to raise a storm than to abate it; but, in this instance, the leading Nihilists have shown that they possess the means of accomplishing both of these results. The inhabitants of the great Russian cities cannot live forever under military control, and in a few months hence, when a relaxation in watchfulness has taken place, in all probability there will be a renewal of Nihilist agitations. Michigan Church Meetings: Tuscola and Ravenna Reports
- Tuscola, May 22.—We closed our meetings in this place last night. Gave in all twenty-seven discourses. Thirteen signed the covenant, two of whom had been keeping the Sabbath. Some others have promised to obey the truth, and still others are almost persuaded. Obtained ten subscribers for the Signs. Eight joined the T. and M. society. We commence meetings to-night in Watertown. Pray for us. R. J. Lawrence. Wm. Ostrander.
Ravenna.—May 17, 18, I had the privilege of being with this people. They are among the first fruits of my labors in Michigan. I have been absent from them nearly two years, during which time, though they have passed through severe trials, none of them have given up the truth. On Sabbath our brethren came in from Wright, and the house was filled to overflowing. Two good souls took their stand for the truth while we were there. We see no reason why this church may not become one of the strongest in Michigan. A. O. Burrill. Eagle, Cass Co., May 23.—Our meetings here were blessed of the Lord. A church of twelve members was organized, eight of whom were baptized. All cheerfully pledged the tithe. One who was then struggling hard with the powers of darkness has since followed in the footsteps of her Saviour, and has come into full membership with the church. CHAS. L. BOYD. Syracuse, May 26.—A course of lectures was given in the tent last July, in Syracuse, by H. Shultz and M. Hackworth, with hopeful results. We have held meetings here during the past week as we were able to obtain a hearing. We were glad to find so many holding on to the truth and the Sabbath, and to find that time and its conflicts had served to confirm and establish them. Embarrassments had been met; but with the most, victories had been achieved, which had served to “add to their faith, Christian growth and the Christian graces”; and the “suffering awhile,” had served to “perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle.” On Sunday, after a discourse by Bro. Shultz, a church was organized. In the afternoon a brother and two sisters were immersed in joyful imitation of their Lord, and in significant commemoration of his death, burial, and resurrection, Bro. Shultz officiating. In the evening, after a discourse by Bro. Shultz upon the subject of Rev. 16 (by request), the organization of the church was further advanced by the election of officers. A. C. SPICER. H. SHULTZ. Lyndon.—I visited the Richmond church May 10, and 11. Found the brethren active, and ready to discharge duty. Last Sabbath was a good day for the brethren of the Lyndon church. May the Lord bless the Nebraska Conference. H. A. JENKINS. Lester’s Prairie, May 23.—We commenced meetings here May 13. Owing to the busy season of the year and rainy weather, our congregations have been rather small, ranging from fifteen to fifty. We have given ten discourses. Shall commence on the law and the Sabbath to-morrow evening. The people are friendly, and the interest seems to be rising. We ask the prayers of God’s people. E. A. CURTIS. L. A. CURTIS. Blue Earth City, May 23.—I have visited the Mankato, Mapleton, and Mansfield churches, and in each place the blessing of the Lord has been with us. The brethren are taking hold of the tithing system nobly, and enter heartily into the plan of giving $2.00 each to get our T. and M. society out of debt. If the brethren everywhere take hold as they have done in these churches, our T. and M. society will soon be out of debt once more. May the good work go forward. W. B. HILL. Litchfield, Meeker Co., May 27.—I came to this place the 14th of April, by invitation of the brethren. Found many in a lukewarm state, and have tried to cheer them up. There are only eight or nine members left of this once large church. The second Sabbath after coming here, I organized a Sabbath-school consisting of sixteen pupils. The membership has since increased to about twenty-five. They have voted to send for a club of ten Instructors. I have held seventeen meetings in two weeks with outsiders five miles south of Litchfield, at a place called Round Lake. The Lord has been present with his Spirit. Ten Swedes have embraced the truth, and many more are convinced. I have hope of some of these. I have sold ten Swedish hymn books, and some Swedish tracts, and have obtained six subscribers for the Herald. The infidel element is largely prevailing about here, and seems to be on the increase. I request the prayers of all the people of God for me and the Swedish mission in Minnesota. G. A. CARLSTEDT. Tomah and Mauston.—May 9-18, I spent with the church near Tomah. Bro. Decker’s visit there in February was timely, and his meetings produced a good effect. A good interest had since been maintained. During the time I was there I held eighteen meetings, and visited from house to house. The interest increased, and success attended our efforts to unitedly draw near to God. Sabbath, the 17th, four were baptized. It was an impressive occasion, and hard hearts were melted to tenderness and tears. We also attended the ordinances. Seven united with the church, and three others desired the prayers of God’s people, and declared their intentions to lead Christian lives henceforth. All these persons are heads of families, and seven of them are husbands whose wives were already in the truth. I spent four days, the following week, with the little church near Mauston. They have had no preaching for nearly two years. I found them all faithfully trying to carry out the truth, though surrounded by bitter opposition. Six members have been added to their number during this time, and others will soon unite with them. The blighting influence of days gone by still affects the cause there; but a few remain faithful, and others have joined them. We trust the truth will again rise in that vicinity. Gouverneur and Buck’s Bridge, May 28. —In connection with Eld. A. H. Hall, I spent Sabbath and first-day, May 17, 18, with the church in Gouverneur. The Lord came near by his Spirit, and we had a profitable meeting. We also succeeded in more fully organizing the Sabbath-school. Monday evening, Bro. H. H. Wilcox assisted in a meeting held near Hermon. Wednesday evening, held a meeting at West Pierrepont, in the interests of the Sabbath-school work. May 24, 25, we had a general meeting at Buck’s Bridge. West Pierrepont, South Pierrepont, Gouverneur, Rensselaer Falls, Chase’s Mills, and Norfolk were represented. The Spirit of the Lord attended the preaching of the word, and deep solemnity characterized the meeting. Hearty confessions were made, which brought the rich blessing of God. Five started in the service of God, three of whom were of Bro. Hall’s family. It was truly cheering to witness the signal manifestations of God’s Spirit at this meeting, and to see the young start out to serve the Lord. Two that had previously taken their stand were baptized by Bro. Hall. Lindley, Steuben Co.—I closed my labors with the people in this place, May 14. There are now fifteen Sabbath-keepers in the immediate vicinity, and others at a distance who will meet with them. They have regular Sabbath meetings, a weekly prayer-meeting, and a Sabbath-school. They have obtained Record Books for the school, and adopted the plan of the penny contribution. I desire to especially acknowledge the blessing of God which was experienced in our last meetings. By the aid of his good Spirit much progress was made. The brethren are generally poor; yet they bought the library of Sr. White’s writings, and added to it the “History of the Sabbath” by Bro. Andrews. Much doubt concerning the gifts was removed. A general move was made in giving up tobacco, and all expressed a determination to be faithful by the help of the Lord. There is a good outside interest, and I believe others will yet obey the truth. I would especially request Bro. Raymond and others laboring near here to remember these friends and help them. May the Lord bless and keep them. Windsor, North Bloomfield, and Parkman.—Thursday, May 22, visited Windsor. At this place found three sisters and a brother. They meet bitter opposition, but they are strong, united, and among the most faithful. They have a meeting and Bible-class every Sabbath. God will reward such faithfulness in due time. Spoke in the Universalist house in the evening. Came to North Bloomfield, Friday, May 23, and held meetings till Sunday evening. This church is greatly scattered, yet the most of them were there early Sabbath forenoon. About fifty were present. After Sabbath-school, I spoke for over an hour with much freedom. We then invited those who wanted to start in the Christian life, those who desired baptism, and those who wished to unite with the church, to come forward. All but one for whom we had any hope responded readily, numbering nineteen in all. All these then arose and spoke, several for the first time. I had conversed with most of these privately, before meeting. In the afternoon, these were examined, and one by one taken into the church. Six of the number had previously been baptized; one was received by letter, and eleven by baptism. A fanatic from another town was rejected. We repaired to the water but a few rods distant, and baptized these eleven souls, among whom were the son and two daughters of Bro. Chinnock. Returning to the house, the right hand of fellowship was given to those previously voted in. Then we all joined in the holy communion of the Lord’s supper. Thus closed a most precious day for us all. Sunday, all came again, and I spoke on the tithing system. Nearly all had subscribed to it six months ago, and God is already greatly blessing them for it, both spiritually and temporally. The others voted to do the same now. Then we called for pledges for their local tract society, to pay up its debt and raise a good fund to work with in the future. Over $150.00 was promptly pledged, quite a share of which was paid down. Their debt of $27 was paid. They have on hand $70 worth of books, and will now have a capital of about $130 besides, with which to work. This is the way we wish to do in every church in the State; then our tract work will move off with vigor. We spent most of the day Monday in assisting the various officers to correctly arrange the books. This help was much needed. I greatly enjoyed my stay in Bro. Chinnock’s pleasant family. God be praised for the good meeting at North Bloomfield. Tuesday we came to Parkman. Found only six or eight sisters here. They have a Sabbath-school, but no other meeting. Only four of them make any profession of religion, or have sufficient interest to attend meetings. We preached to them the best we could, but with little encouragement. Such an example is only a reproach to the holy cause of God. But there are even here a few noble, energetic women. We hope the others will take hold with them, and that a good work may yet be done here. Had a full house in the evening. Bro. Underwood has been with me in all these meetings. Leverings, May 24.—We arrived here yesterday and found Bro. Heath engaged with other brethren in putting up the tent. We have held two evening meetings. Last night the tent was filled, and the prospect now seems fair for the accomplishment of a good work. Gilboa, Hamler, and Liberty Center.—May 16-22, we held meetings with the Gilboa church. We did not find that interest on the part of some of our brethren to attend their regular Sabbath-school and Sabbath meetings that we had hoped to see. Visited the members of the church, and tried to encourage all to faithfulness. We came to Hamler May 23. Here we found a much larger company of Sabbath-keepers than we had expected. Had a good attendance at all of our meetings. Re-organized a Sabbath-school of forty-eight members, made arrangements to build a meeting-house, and straightened up their book accounts and church records, which we found in much confusion. Tuesday, May 26, we came to Liberty Center. Here we pitched our tent, and commenced meetings last evening with a good interest. TO THE N. E. T. AND M. SOCIETY.
By M. Wood
Doubtless the missionary workers in the N. E. Conference are cognizant of the fact that owing to the departure of Eld. S. N. Haskell for the far West, we are much like a family of children deprived of parental care and instruction. Bro. Haskell has been a father to the Conference, and was the founder of the T. and M. society of S. D. Adventists. He has labored untiringly and perseveringly for the success of this enterprise, and the Judgment alone will reveal the result of the effort. Having been so long favored, at least occasionally, with the presence and counsel of Bro. H., we may be in danger of murmuring against the providence of God in consequence of his being called to labor in another field. But we should bear in mind the fact that the cause is one, whether in California or the remotest corners of Egypt, and in order to co-operate with the body and be successful in winning souls to Christ, we must heed the admonition of Paul: “Walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” In union there is strength. As a people, we have proved this to a demonstration. I thank God for the complete harmony and unity of action manifested by the workers in the various enterprises connected with the T. and M. society. Although our worthy president has for a time gone to a distant part of the field, we should not feel that the work here is going to dry up. It is God’s work. Had it been of men, it would have come to naught long ere this. Some who looked upon this branch of our work eight years ago deemed it an impracticable undertaking; but to-day it is one of the most effective weapons wielded by S. D. Adventists. Through this agency the precious seed of the kingdom is being distributed throughout the183 civilized world. The solemn message of Rev. 14:9-12 is going to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people. Scores of individuals are rejoicing in the knowledge of the truth, whose attention was first called to it by reading publications sent out from this Conference. Let these facts stimulate us to greater activity in the Master’s service. Slacken not your hand, nor become weary in well doing, until the work is done. Time is hastening; the rays of light must soon penetrate the gross darkness which shuts out the truth from many honest hearts. Who will be faithful stewards? is a question of vital importance. Who will show by their works that their faith is not in the arm of flesh, but in God; that they do not move from impulse, and are not swerved by circumstances. Let there be a general advance made by all the T. and M. workers in this Conference. It is evident from the success which has attended this branch of the work that God is leading. The work is moving forward, and it will triumph ere long. “THE DESERT SHALL REJOICE AND BLOSSOM AS THE ROSE.”
By E. L. Sands
There are flowers that never wither—
Never lose their sweet perfume,
But are blossoming forever.
In a land where all is bloom;
Where the skies are kissed with sunshine,
And their glories never fade.
Where the splendor knows no night time
’Neath the bowers of peaceful shade. Where the cedars on the mountains,
In their dress of evergreen,
Where bright bowers and flowing fountains
Through eternity are seen;
And the silver wavelets flowing,
With a lullaby of rest.
And the heavenly zephyrs blowing,
Fan the love-land of the blest. We are going to share the pleasures
Of that far-off land of bliss,
For we’re laying up our treasures
In a fairer world than this;
Though our footsteps often weary,
In the winding of the way,
And though all around is dreary,
O’er us beams a cheering ray; For our Father, who hath made us
Heirs in glory with his Son,
Knoweth how to kindly aid us,
When our work is almost done;
Knoweth how to send the Spirit,
With the promise he has given,
Of the home we shall inherit,
When we reach the gates of Heaven. There’s a voice in tones of pity,
Speaks to cheer this heart of mine,
Whispers to me of a city
Where the walls of jasper shine;
And with grand prophetic story,
Of the beauty of its King,
Of his dazzling throne of glory,
And the song the ransomed sing. This poor life with all its sorrows,
Is fast hastening away;
Just a few more brief to-morrows
Bring us to the promised day;
For our “Father’s house” is nearer,
Where the “many mansions” be,
And the hope of meeting dearer,
On the waveless crystal sea. There the saints with crowns immortal,
And the palms that victors bear,
Enter in the heavenly portal,
They have gained by faith and prayer;
While their harp-strings wake the chorus
Of the anthems of the blest,
With the glory ever o’er us,
Crowns, and palms, and robe, and rest. Sunday, May 25, we closed our meetings four miles west of Mt. Jackson, which had continued during one week. Eight are now keeping the Sabbath. Three were baptized to-day. Four have already signed the covenant, and the rest will when they are prepared to do so. We organized a Sabbath-school. They will send for the Instructor as soon as the money can be raised. They are to have prayer and social meetings hereafter. I have much hope for this company, that they will be faithful unto the end, and receive eternal life as the result. May all lovers of the truth pray for the cause in Virginia. NEBRASKA STATE QUARTERLY MEETING.
By A. C. Spicer; H. Shultz
This meeting convened May 16-18, with the church at Weeping Water. Bro. C. L. Boyd preached the introductory discourse on Friday evening, from Jer. 3:12. Sabbath morning, after an interesting session of the Sabbath-school, Bro. Henry Shultz preached a stirring discourse based on Matt. 5:14: “Ye are the light of the world.” In the afternoon, a sermon by A. C. Spicer, from the words in John 6:63,—“It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing,”—was followed by a good and encouraging social meeting. On Sunday morning, a session of the S. S. Association was called by Bro. Boyd, and A. C. Spicer was elected Secretary pro tem. Reports from five Sabbath-schools were read by Bro. Boyd. On invitation, Bro. Spicer spoke of the objects of our S. S. Association (General and State), the importance of its mission, and the necessity for efficient, inspiring S. S. work. But as none of the officers of this association were present, except Bro. Boyd, the president, and as reports from only five Sabbath-schools had been received, this session was neither as interesting nor as profitable as was desired, or as the great importance of the work demands. Following this was a session of the T. and M. society, and a report from its secretary. (This report having been previously forwarded for insertion in the Supplement, it is not here included.) In the afternoon, five recent converts to the truth followed their Lord into the waters of baptism; after which a deacon was chosen by the church at Weeping Water, and set apart by prayer and the imposition of hands by Bro. Boyd, Shultz, and Spicer. The ordinances of feet-washing and the Lord’s supper were then celebrated, and the session closed with a song of praise. —The German Reichstag has adjourned until June 9. —Railway travel in Italy is much interrupted by floods. —Decoration day was more generally observed this year than ever before. —Blanqui, the French communist, will be pardoned before June 5. —The Nihilists are reported as at work among the Russian troops in Roumelia. —President Hayes thinks the negro exodus from the South will do good. —Paul de Cassagnac will be prosecuted for his attacks upon the French government. —The British parliament has adjourned until June 9, over the Whitsuntide holidays. —There are 3,630 British soldiers and marines under orders to embark from England for Zululand. —An earthquake shock has been felt at Reggio, Italy, and cinders from burning Ætna have reached there. —During the year ending May 1, thirty-one brewers deluged New York City with 13,418,180 gallons of lager. —The expelled Dartmouth college (N. H.) students have made written apologies to the faculty and been reinstated. The pumped individuals are mad. —Germany is negotiating a commercial treaty with Japan, on the model of the Japanese treaty with the United States. —The abandonment of the proposed Mexican exposition is probable, in which case Senor Zamacona, minister to the United States, will resign. —T. DeWitt Talmage sailed for Europe, May 29. About 2000 of his Brooklyn admirers accompanied him in a steamboat down the bay. —New York, May 28.—Three seamen, of the schooner Mary A. Witham, arrived to-day from Miragoane, died of yellow fever on the passage. —Locusts are said to have made their appearance in innumerable myriads in the vicinity of Independence, Mo. The woods are resonant with their noise. —Wm. Lloyd Garrison, the great abolitionist, and one of the fathers of that movement, died in New York, May 24. He was born at Newburyport, Mass., Dec. 12, 1804. —The British India Steam Navigation Company's steamer, Ava, was sunk, May 26, in collision with another vessel, and sixty-six of the crew and four passengers were drowned. —The great Roman Catholic cathedral in N. Y. city was dedicated, May 25. The building will accommodate 17,000 persons. But only about 7,000 were present. The ceremonies however were very imposing. —The nomination of Chas. Foster for governor of Ohio, is considered a triumph for the administration at Washington. The election will be watched with great interest, as it will be taken as a strong indication of the result of the coming presidential contest. —A treaty has been signed between the Ameer of Afghanistan and Great Britain. The boundary is now supposed to be “rectified.” The treaty is said to be very favorable to the English. The Ameer is braced up against all ideas of starving by the allowance of three million dollars a year! —Hong Kong, China, April 9.—Li Hung Chung, Viceroy of the Province of Chili, and commander-in-chief of the army, is preparing for a grand review of all the troops at Tientsin for the enlightenment of General Grant. In Shanghai, Grant will be the guest of Vice Consul General Bailey. —A feat well characterized by the papers as “foolhardy,” was performed by H. P. Pera, a native of Ontario, May 21. He jumped from the new suspension bridge into Niagara River, a distance of 192 feet. This time he escaped uninjured, which may not be the case on July 4, when he is to repeat the act. —The new boundary line between Turkey and Greece suggested by Italy, gives to Greece about half of Thessaly, and about one-third of Epirus, or that lying east of the Arta River. This is put forward as a compromise, and gives to the belligerent Albanians the town of Janina, in regard to which they have exhibited so much sensitiveness. —Further inundations in Hungary and Austria. Nearly all the Austrian villages between Pesth and Basseias have water in the streets. The riverside inhabitants informed the correspondent that the water is already within two feet of the highest point recorded, and is still rising. The floods continuing so late in the season must cause great damage to the crops. —Archbishop Purcell of Cincinnati was present at the dedication of the N. Y. Cathedral. A meeting of the papal dignitaries was held at Cardinal McCloskey's house to devise some method to relieve Purcell from his present financial embarrassment. An address will be issued to the Catholic congregations in the U. S. to assist him. An easy way, if it succeeds, to straighten up such crookedness. —Nihilism in Russia, Socialism in Germany, Communism in France, and now comes the threat of insurrectionism and mutiny in India. Incendiary fires destroying public buildings are followed by manifestos demanding relief for the prevalent distress, under penalty of the assassination of the Governor, and the inciting of another mutiny of the native population against the British Government. —St. Louis, Mo., May 29.—A St. Joseph, Mo. dispatch says: “At 6 o'clock this evening a cyclone swept part of Holt and Nodaway counties, near Barnard and Bolickow, about twenty-five miles north of St. Joseph. It moved at a velocity of sixty miles an hour, demolishing houses, uprooting and twisting off trees, and destroying property of all descriptions. Its track was half a mile wide.” —The Congress which met in Paris to discuss the project of a canal across the Isthmus of Darien to connect the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, is drawing near the close of its labors. The estimates for the various routes are as follows: Wyse's Panama project, $213,000,000; Nicaragua, $123,600,000; the Atrato-Napipi route, $200,000,000; Menocal's Nicaragua plan, $168,400,000; the Tehuantepec route, cost not estimated. The question is narrowed down to the Nicaragua and Panama-Wyse routes. Later dispatches say that the Panama-Aspenwall route is adopted by a vote of 20 to 9.