Earlier text: Pernicious Effect of Tight LacingVALENCIA.—The Lord is working on hearts here. Were this not so, the enemy would not be engaged so actively as he is. Two weeks ago an intelligent lady, much interested in the study of God's Word, in company with her two daughters and a lady friend, was in attendance at our Sabbath-school. The mother a few days later stopped going to mass and the confessional. The daughters were very much against her. Last evening she called to tell us that the older daughter, who is nineteen years of age, has left home. She went away without letting her mother know she was going. The mother has a sister who is a nun in a convent in the town of Jativa, fifty kilometers from Valencia. About a week after the young lady's departure, her mother received a letter from this sister, stating that her daughter was in Jativa with her uncle and his family. Her reason for leaving home was that her mother wanted her to become a Protestant. This is a hard trial for this mother, and she needs our prayers. A number of interested listeners attend our Thursday afternoon meetings in another part of the city. One boy who attends is a student in a Catholic school, and he has told his teacher that from now on he can not attend school Thursday afternoons. This boy is about fifteen years of age. He takes great interest in the studies, and we have hopes of him. Our two colporteurs in Valencia are of good courage, though their sales here have not been nearly so large as in some other parts of the country. The principal reason for this falling off in sales is readily understood by one who is on the ground. If fifty per cent of the people of Cataluna are unable to read, I think I am justified in saying that sixty or sixty-five per cent of the Valencianos are ignorant in this respect. Our landlady, who is an intelligent17 Castilian, comes to our home every Wednesday for a Bible study. To-day since I began writing, she called for her study. We took up the Sabbath question, showing how Christ and the apostles regarded it. We also called attention to Jeremiah 6 and Isaiah 56 and 58, showing that in these last days God is calling out a people to keep the whole law. After ending our study, this lady informed me that she had already begun to keep the Sabbath. The study to-day has certainly strengthened her determination to walk in all the light. Our hearts are full of praise to our Heavenly Father for the evidences we have that he is leading us. It is, indeed, a privilege to be at the battle's front, where we are ever called upon to uphold the banner of truth. The time has surely come when this message should be quickly carried to every town and village of old Spain. Why should not some of our strong young workers in the more favored conferences of the home field decide on Spain as their future field of labor? The same money which supports them there would support them in Spain. There is plenty of territory for all who may decide to come. Here we do not have to search the records to find some town which has not been worked. The whole field is before us. If any one feels that the Lord calls him to prepare for this field, we shall be glad to give any desired information about the country and its needs. Who will come over and help us? FRANK S. BOND. I. G. KNIGHT
By I. G. Knight
BOCAS DEL TORO.—There has been the bitterest opposition to the message here in Bocas, since the meetings closed, that it has ever been my lot to experience. The Catholic priest attacked us with the most abusive language with which he could possibly find words to express himself. The next week the Anglican followed, copying the priest's words almost verbatim, with a few extras. Others have taken a hand in it, too. We have paid but little attention to them. They have done the best they knew how to defend a weak cause, quoting the “fathers,” etc. I believe that I have not seen the truth march right on through opposition more triumphantly than it has here. There has been baptism every Sabbath except one since the tent was first pitched, until twenty persons have received the rite. And more are to follow. We learn that the trouble with the opposers was that their members worried them with the Sabbath question till they were compelled to do something. Gold Coast, West Africa
By D. U. Hale
I PRESUME that those who used to watch for reports from the Gold Coast of West Africa would like to know how the work on the Gold Coast is progressing. I was obliged to return to America on account of my health and that of my family. My children and I seem to be fully recovered, but my wife has not yet fully regained her health. I do thank God for his wonderful blessings upon us. I am now at work in Texas. My family is located at Keene. I get letters from the Gold Coast continually. Brother J. D. Hayford, a native there, is still doing what he can in the work. He has gathered several bright young men, and they meet regularly to study their Bibles and pray. Brother Hayford says: “My work here at present, while waiting to hear from you, consists of going out at times into the streets in the early morning to tell people about the soon coming of Christ, the true Sabbath, etc. I have Bible readings with such persons as I can have access to, and distribute such useful tracts and papers as I have on hand. “The leader of the young men I left at Cape Coast Castle writes to tell me that they have regular meetings for Bible study, prayer, and learning songs during my absence, for which I thank God and take courage. No doubt it will interest you also to learn that my youngest son, Sydney, now fully come to the age of manhood, and who has been at Bonny, in southern Nigeria, as a government schoolmaster for one or two years, has been doing some earnest work as a Seventh-day Adventist. He is an earnest lad, that good boy of mine is, and I bless God for him.” Thus you see the work is not dead, and I hope that this seed, though struggling for existence, may yet spring up into a great plant for God’s kingdom, to build up his cause in that region. Brother Hayford has some gold-mining lands that he has been trying to dispose of to get money to establish a mission and school on the Gold Coast, but he has not succeeded yet. When I get these letters from him, it stirs my soul. Brethren, while we are praying for the advance of God’s message in the earth, let us remember the Gold Coast. WEBB CITY AND CARTERVILLE.—At the close of our State camp-meeting I came to Webb City in company with Brother F. F. Bliss, a recent convert to the third angel's message. This brother has had an experience of twenty-five years as a Methodist minister. We pitched our tent, and held meetings five weeks, and then closed the effort with a local camp-meeting, which was greatly enjoyed by the brethren in the southwestern part of the State. Thirteen have decided to obey God and keep all his commandments as the result of our meeting. At the close of the camp-meeting I baptized ten, who united with the Joplin and Carthage churches. Though the season was getting late, we pitched our tents anew, and began meeting in the adjoining town of Carterville, October 21. After continuing four weeks we closed the meeting November 17, and at present writing are storm-bound under some five inches of snow and sleet, which has broken down the large tent and damaged it considerably. Six have taken a firm stand for God here, and others are hopeful. I rejoice in the privilege of being a worker in this last great message. It never looked brighter to me than it does now.
D. E. SCOLES. Special Needs of the Huntsville (Ala.) Colored School
By George I. Butler
OUR brethren in all parts of the field who take the REVIEW AND HERALD have learned of the sad calamity which occurred at Huntsville, when our building, three or four stories in height, was consumed a few weeks since; one valuable life being lost. The insurance of two thousand dollars we have every reason to expect will be paid. Of the money that has been appropriated from the fifty thousand dollars coming to the South, the five thousand dollars for the Huntsville School will, we trust, in the immediate future be accessible for the erection of buildings to take the place of the one lost. A meeting of the Southern Union Conference Committee was held four days after the fire. Nearly all the members of that committee were present, and matters were very carefully considered. It was unanimously voted that five new buildings should be erected. None of these will be very large,—one building of two stories, for school purposes solely, with chapel, recitation rooms, office for president, etc.; another, a dormitory for the boys, about the same size; a one-story building for bath and treatment rooms, on a small scale; another for a workshop; and one for dining-room and kitchen. It was thought these could all be built for from five thousand to seven thousand dollars. Work on the school buildings has already begun. As none of these will be more than two stories high, the danger of death by fire will be obviated, and these being set some distance apart on the school grounds, will add to the beauty of the same, and thus avoid so much loss as one large building would cause, and be more convenient. The writer requested the business manager to write a list of things that were really needed to supply the wants caused by this calamity. The following list was sent: “A good neostyle, two desks, chairs, anything in the way of carpenter’s or plumber’s tools, a carpet loom, broom-making machinery, charts and maps, a globe of the world, singing books, (both ‘Christ in Song’ and ‘Hymns and Tunes’), reference books (such as encyclopedias and concordances), a piano for the teaching of music. Furniture is much needed, but money had better be sent to supply such wants.” “Copies of any school-books recommended by the recent educational convention will also be appreciated, in fact, anything that will go to help equip offices, dormitories, recitation and study rooms will be thoroughly appreciated.” Knowing the interest of our people in this institution, we trust they will try to make up this loss, as far as possible. We feel sure that our people who are so much interested in the Southern work will do this without any urging. All can see that money will be greatly needed. Though we wish not to make any special appeals for the same in view of the great fund now being solicited, yet if those who feel that they would like to assist in this work of repairing the loss, can send some money, it would be greatly appreciated. We are happy to say that the school is going right on. Not a single student left. The classes are held in one of the rooms of the old mansion, and all are of good courage. When the new buildings are erected, which will take some little time, they will be far better accommodated and their wants better supplied than they ever have been in the past. Thanking all whose hearts are interested in this very important branch of the work for their kindness, we shall hope for assistance in this time of need. GEO. I. BUTLER, Pres. S. U. Conf. North Brazil Mission
By F. W. Spies
Since my last report the Lord has been with us, and the work has made steady progress. On the first Sabbath in October we celebrated the Lord's supper. On this occasion a Brazilian brother was received into the church. His wife could not at this time attend the meeting, but is waiting to be received at the first opportunity. About this same time a man, father of a large family, began the observance of the Sabbath with all his house. In a former report I mentioned an aged English lady, who has for years been engaged in missionary work in Rio de Janeiro, and who at that writing was already keeping the Sabbath. She with three other Brazilian sisters has now asked to be baptized. For some weeks we have also been having meetings each Sunday and Tuesday evenings in Nichteroy. These meetings are attended quite regularly by a number of interested listeners, and we have hope of seeing some of them soon walking in the Lord's commandments. Surely the work here is great, and we earnestly desire at least one more good worker for this field. Openings already inviting us are abundant. In addition there is the work among the scattered churches, companies, and isolated brethren throughout the Province of Espírito Santo, and the northern Minas Geraes. We are receiving invitations also from several places in Bahia, asking us to “come over and help” them get a good start in the way for the kingdom. Looking at the work here as it is, I often am at a loss to know just how to do all that ought to be done. But our refuge is the Lord of the harvest. To him we go and tell him all, for we know he hears and will send reapers into his harvest, so that the precious grain will not perish. F. W. SPIES. Rio de Janeiro. A Winter’s Campaign on Relief
By E. R. Palmer
THE Scripture tells us of a certain season of the year when kings went forth to battle. We as a people have again come to the season when it is customary to devote special energy to the circulation of our literature. The heaviest work of the season is over. The winter months are before us with longer evenings and pleasant opportunities for visiting friends and neighbors, and for carrying good cheer, and good books, tracts, and papers to their homes. The work of the missionary campaign has already been introduced, and is going forward. Our object in writing this brief article is to call your attention again to our excellent relief books,—“Christ’s Object Lessons,” dedicated to the schools, and “Ministry of Healing,” dedicated to the sanitariums. I wonder how many of our people really understand and appreciate the value of these two books as important entering wedges for the gospel in the homes of the people. They represent the two great phases of the gospel work of Christ. “Ministry of Healing” represents the work of Christ in touching the bodies of men, and in relieving them of their sufferings, while “Christ’s Object Lessons” presents more particularly his teaching by means of parables. The two books, together, cover the great work of his life as he “went about doing good,” and our brethren and sisters can take nothing better with them as they go from house to house on that same mission among the people. These books will not arouse prejudice. Even unbelievers admit the beauty of their teaching. They contain beautiful rays of light which will dispel darkness in many homes, and will prepare the people for the fulness of the third angel’s message. In planning our missionary work for the winter let us not forget these two books, nor the schools and sanitariums to which they are dedicated. A great work has been done with “Christ’s Object Lessons.” Thousands of homes have been enlightened by it, and hundreds of thousands of dollars have been paid off from the debts of these institutions which we love. Still there is more to be done. In some conferences there are quite a good many books on hand which ought to be sold. In some places the college debts are not wholly paid. Quite a good many conferences are planning to make special efforts during this season to close up the work with “Christ’s Object Lessons.” Let us plan and work and pray until the mission of this book has been fully accomplished. We are just beginning a world-wide effort for the sale of “Ministry of Healing” in behalf of our sanitariums. A little has been done in all the unions,18 and plans are being laid for more active work in many places. This is one of the grandest books for missionary work that has ever been written. Our leading men think it not second to anything that Sister White has ever produced. All our people should own a copy for their own reading, and should do all in their power to supply it to their neighbors. What a blessed thing it would be if God’s people, during the winter, would all take a personal responsibility upon themselves for seeing that their proportion of the work is done. Much would be saved in the organization of expensive campaigns, the truth would be given to many homes, and our sanitariums would be greatly encouraged and blessed. Knowing the value of these books, and the earnest efforts put forth for them in the past, we would bespeak for them a large circulation during the next three months. Supplies may be obtained from the State tract society office or from the librarian of the church. Sec. Gen. Conf. Relief Bureau. Atlantic Union Conference
By I. H. EVANS
Received on the $150,000 Fund up to Dec. 11, 1906
Atlantic Union Conference
Central N. E. Conference ........$ 36.70
Chesapeake Conference .......... 1.00
Eastern Pennsylvania Conf. .... 45.78
Greater New York Conf. ........ 76.50
Maine Conference .............. 1.22
New Jersey Conference ......... 145.00
New York Conference ........... 256.25
Southern N. E. Conference..... 18.33
Vermont Conference ............ 95.33
Virginia Conference ........... 51.00
Western Pennsylvania Conf.... 27.74
West Virginia Conference ..... 4.25
Total ........................$ 759.10 Canadian Union Conference Quebec Conference ............$ 3.00 Conference not specified ......$ 219.80
Colorado Conference ........... 6.00
Iowa Conference ............... 12.50
Kansas Conference ............. 29.03
Missouri Conference ........... 9.25
Nebraska Conference ........... 18.80
Wyoming Conference ............ 3.50
Total ........................$ 298.88 Washington churches ..........$ 306.35 East Michigan Conference .....$ 14.05
Indiana Conference ............ 469.67
Northern Illinois Conference .. 1.00
Ohio Conference ............... 56.73
Southern Illinois Conference .. 88.16
West Michigan Conference ...... 303.27
Wisconsin Conference .......... 89.07
Total ........................$1,021.95 North Pacific Union Conference Conference not specified ......$ 202.25
British Columbia Conference .. 10.00
Montana Conference ............ 3.00
Western Washington Conf. ...... 68.00
Upper Columbia Conference ..... 8.75
Idaho Conference .............. 12.00
Total ........................$ 304.00 Northern Union Conference Manitoba Conference ...........$ 10.00
Minnesota Conference .......... 211.25
South Dakota Conference ...... 12.00
North Dakota Conference ...... 285.82
Total ........................$ 519.07 California-Nevada Conf. ......$ 6.50
Southern California Conference 34.80
Utah Conference ............... 10.00
Total ........................$ 51.30 Southern Union Conference Tennessee Conference .........$ 12.00
Florida Conference ............ 8.75
North Carolina Conference ..... 6.25
Kentucky Conference ........... 2.35
Total ........................$ 29.35 Southwestern Union Conference Arkansas Conference ...........$ 65.20
Oklahoma Conference ........... 18.67
Texas Conference .............. 1.00
Total ........................$ 84.87 Unknown ......................$ 34.00 Australia ....................$ 5.00
China ......................... 3.00
South Africa .................. 120.73
Jamaica ....................... 3.17
Yukon Territory ............... 10.00
England ....................... 245.51
Gold Coast, West Africa ....... 10.00
Mexico ........................ 1.50
Costa Rica .................... 1.00
India ......................... 9.60
South America ................. 23.35
Total ........................$ 432.86 Grand Total ...................$3,844.73 S. C. COLTRIN
By S. C. COLTRIN
HATTIESBURG.—Nearly two years ago I left my home and friends in California to come to this very needy and much-neglected field, and settled here at Hattiesburg, in the southeastern part of the State. I began the work by introducing our books, and when an interest was awakened, I set about developing it by teaching publicly and from house to house. The dear Lord added his blessing, and gave me souls for my hire. One year ago this month we organized a church of eighteen members. We have quite a number of bright children to be educated, but we had no teacher, and could not get one, so our children had no schooling last year. But, thanks be to the dear Lord, he has sent us two teachers for this year, and we have started two schools—one for white children, and the other for the colored. But we have no schoolhouses, and are obliged to use private houses for our schools. We expect to organize a church of colored people here in the near future, and neither whites nor colored have a house in which to worship. Our children must be educated so they can help finish the work in this generation. Who will help us? We are all of good courage, and are fighting the good fight of faith, and hope to win the prize. Porto Rico, West Indies
By Mrs. J. C. Brower
The weather is delightful,—fresh, exhilarating sea breezes all day long, and enough sunshine to keep everything disinfected. Some of our goods have not yet reached us. When our organ came, it seemed to be wrecked, but we find we can use it to good advantage. Mr. Brower took the splintered boards of the organ box and made us some “mission” furniture. We have a dining table, a study table, a dresser, and similar articles, valuable now for the use we obtain from them; and we shall not dread to leave them behind in the time of trouble. As we call upon some of the people, we find we can use a few words. This encourages us. As we see the many, many children and youth “as sheep having no shepherd,” our hearts yearn for them. What can one do to afford them permanent benefit unless they be gathered into rural schools and instructed in practical things? Our health is good. The Lord’s blessings are daily evident. The Maroons 'of Jamaica
By W. J. Tanner
THE Maroons are the historic people of Jamaica. They are the pure Africans, who were captured by Arabs, held as slaves, and liberated by the English government, and found their way to Jamaica. Some of these have learned to read and write the English. Some settled in the recesses of the mountains, where they formed towns. These people still retain their ancient fearlessness. The English government seems to stand in awe of them still, and levies no tax whatever upon them. They are permitted to govern themselves, and are granted great liberty. Every once in a while they make disturbance. They may nominally be members of the English Church, but they are followers of Obedism. This is a sort of African fetish worship. As I have seen them advance to their music, working themselves into a frenzy, and lying for hours on the ground, I have had recalled to my mind some things which I have read about the African fetish worshipers. J. W. DANCER
By J. W. DANCER.
LITTLE ROCK.—A little over a year ago I came to this city and began self-supporting missionary work. The people seemed quite indifferent toward the message, but after much labor one woman began to keep the Sabbath. With her and her four children and my family of four we organized a Sabbath-school. In a short time she became discouraged and gave up keeping the Sabbath. This left us with a Sabbath-school composed of only my own family. We continued to pray and labor, and about two months ago two took a stand for the truth and began to meet with us on the Sabbath. Since then two others have begun to keep the Sabbath. Although there had been a church here among the white people for several years, no effort had been made for the colored people previous to my coming here. I am indeed glad that the Lord put it into my mind to come to this city, and that a nucleus for a church has already developed. Brethren, remember the work for the colored people here in your prayers. I might mention that I am now laboring under the direction and support of the Southwestern Union Conference, and that the members of the church here have assisted me in many ways in my work. The Department Appreciated
By W. A. R.
“LOGANSPORT, IND., Dec. 1, 1906. “For one I am glad for the department in the Review devoted specially to bringing to our knowledge reports of work being done by those engaged in the medical missionary cause. I am sure that this will be not only a source of pleasure, but an inspiration to more and better work. When we know of the leadings of the Lord with some other worker, it may help us to hold the light higher in our own work. It has been the sad experience of many an earnest worker in medical lines that little by little he loses interest through lack of a knowledge of the general work and of how his little part should fit in the grand whole. Our institutions have a mighty mission for the truth, but there are thousands perishing spiritually and physically who can not be reached by an institution. “After more than eight years’ work in the medical missionary cause, I am glad to say that I find that God will fulfil the new covenant promise to lead us individually. Joseph in Egypt and Daniel in Babylon are examples of what God would have his workers be in the world in its closing act. I am glad for this department. I believe it will help me. Many letters, like the preceding, expressing appreciation for reports from our medical missionaries throughout the world are coming in each mail. This department desires the name and address of every medical missionary in the denomination. In writing, please state year and place of graduation, if a nurse, and give some idea of Christian and professional experience in any case. We want a complete directory of our medical workers. Medical students are also requested to write this department, giving address as well as name of school in which studying, and year’s work being pursued. We would also appreciate intimation regarding plans and desires for future work. The department does not assume the responsibility of locating workers or of furnishing helpers for institutions or needy fields. It does desire to be in possession of such facts regarding individuals and institutions and needy fields as will enable it to suggest faithful, competent workers to institutions and mission fields, and to cite openings to those desiring the same. Each person is individually responsible to God. Any suggestion from this department or any other earthly source must be corroborated by a God-given conviction to the individual. Dr. Oberholtzer Becomes a Medical Missionary
The Journal of the American Medical Association in its issue of Nov. 10, 1906, in its medical news from Arkansas, makes the following note: “Dr. Ollie Oberholtzer, of Little Rock, has decided to become a medical missionary, and will sail for India about the first of December.” Dr. Oberholtzer made the office a short call as she passed through Washington to take the steamer, November 21. She related many interesting experiences which she has had in her work in Little Rock. One of her converts, a lady who has always been paralyzed so that she has never walked, goes out in her wheelchair and sells our periodicals on the street corner. From her savings from this work, she presented to Dr. Oberholtzer20 upon parting with her, a considerable sum of money to help her in her missionary efforts. She also insisted upon sending the doctor a yearly allowance from her earnings. Dr. Oberholtzer is enthusiastic in the belief that the religious aspect of our work is not only that of which the sick are most in need, but also that keeping this prominent gives the physician a better standing, and adds to his influence. The Health Work in Australia
In his opening address before the Australasian Union Conference, held September 13-23, the president, Elder O. A. Olsen, stated: “The sanitarium at Wahroonga, as well as the smaller health institutions at Christchurch, New Zealand, and Adelaide, and the vegetarian café in Sydney, are all enjoying a steadily increasing patronage and consequent prosperity; and through these agencies, many precious souls are receiving great spiritual as well as physical blessings.” Dr. D. H. Kress, medical secretary of the Australasian Union Conference, in his report at a recent meeting of that conference, among other encouraging items, gave the following: “Three years have passed since we presented a report of the medical work before this representative body. At that time our sanitarium had been in operation but a short time, and our financial report was not very promising. The work at the sanitarium was taken up in fear and trembling. From a human point of view, it seemed that it could be nothing but a financial failure. We are thankful to report that in spite of our unbelief, God has blessed our institution and its work beyond all our expectations. “The sanitarium, through the past two years especially, has had a steady patronage. There has also been a steady increase in the number of patients. The last year there was an increase over the preceding year, and this year there has been quite an increase over last year. All this indicates healthy growth. “We have had during the present year an average of forty-nine patients monthly. Although we have not urged our doctrines upon them, about thirty have thus far begun to keep the Sabbath as the result of our sanitarium work. We have at present connected with the sanitarium more than forty workers. Over thirty of these have satisfactorily completed their two years of study. Of this number, none are lost to the work. Some are engaged in conference work; others have been called to mission fields. What we need above everything else is promising men and women who are mature, and who possess some refinement and education, to take a course of instruction with a view to fitting themselves for sanitarium work. Calls are also coming from many places for medical missionary workers, most of which we are at present unable to fill.” THREE new members were added to the church at Joplin, Mo., November 17. TEN new members were recently added to the church at Moline, Ill., eight of these by baptism. BROTHER C. M. BABCOCK reports the addition of four members to the church at Duluth, Minn. A SERIES of meetings held at Spencer, Va., has resulted in six taking their stand for the truth. THE result of some months' work of Brethren A. G. Christiansen and H. G. Gjording at Brigham, Utah, is that six or eight have accepted present truth. BROTHER F. M. ROBERTS reports about twenty-five keeping the Sabbath at Huntingburg, Ind., as the result of labor in that place by himself and Brother J. F. Steele. ELDER H. MEYER, at work among the Germans of Philadelphia, Pa., is having good success, although in a neighborhood where nearly every one is in some way connected with the brewery. About fifteen have accepted the message. A CHURCH of eight members has been recently organized at Lucky, Ark., where Brother H. Clay Griffin has been laboring. While but two of these are new converts, there are seven or eight more keeping the Sabbath, whom he hopes to see unite with the church later. BEGINNING October 25, Brother W. S. Lowry held a three weeks' tent-meeting at New Providence, Ky.; and, although the Campbellites preached two sermons against the Sabbath, the result is that five decided to obey the message, and many warm friends were won to the cause of present truth. BRETHREN A. R. OGDEN and J. A. Minner continued meetings in the tent at Holton, Kan., until December 2, with a good interest, and some new ones decided to obey. The people of the town are friendly, and are contributing toward building a church. The attendance at Sabbath-school is over fifty. BROTHER N. J. ETHEREDGE, reporting a short series of meetings in western Texas, says: “I was away from home two weeks and two days. During this time, by the help of the Lord, I preached eleven times, sold thirty-two books, and persuaded two honest souls (a man and his wife) to keep the Sabbath.” FROM a letter written by Brother F. E. Gibson we quote: “The Lord blessed in the series of meetings which we held at Williamsdale, East, Nova Scotia; and as a result one family of five took their stand for the truth, and are rejoicing in it. Another family are very much interested, and are almost persuaded to be Christians and obey the truth. We have moved to Moncton, New Brunswick, where we expect to labor this winter. The people are very sociable and friendly, and our Sabbath-school and Sunday evening services are well attended.” Medical Missionary Department
Conducted by the Medical Department of the General Conference W. A. GEORGE, M. D., — — — Chairman W. A. RUBLE, M. D., — — — Secretary “As the medical missionary work becomes more extended, there will be a temptation to make it independent of our conferences. But it has been presented to me that this plan is not right. The different lines of our work are but parts of one great whole.” Read on in “Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VI, pages 235-242. — A flood caused by the giving away of a dam, destroyed half the town of Clifton, Ariz., and fifty persons are reported drowned. — The report of the Census Bureau on insane inmates of hospitals shows that insanity is on the increase in the United States. The number had nearly doubled from 1890 to 1903. — A fire at Cornell University, December 7, caused the death of four students and three volunteer firemen, as well as the destruction of the finest fraternity building in the world, valued at $200,000. — The Interstate Commerce Commission is planning a thorough investigation into practically every railroad of the country known to be working in combination with competing roads. The interstate-commerce act passed last winter gives the commission authority to examine all books and records of railroad companies. — The United States Circuit Court, December 12, imposed fines of $150,000 upon the American Sugar Refining Company and the Brooklyn Cooperage Company for accepting rebates from railroads. — The receipts of the Post-office Department of the government the past year amounted to $167,932,782.95, with expenditures of $178,449,778.89. But this deficit was $4,055,588 less than that of the previous year. — A severe rain- and wind-storm swept over San Francisco December 10, killing one person and injuring several. Many of the tents occupied by refugees were blown away and temporary structures demolished. Property loss is estimated at $500,000. — December 12 the Senate confirmed the appointment by the President of Attorney-General Moody to take his seat as a member of the Supreme Court of the United States on December 24. Similar action was taken on the nominations of Charles J. Bonaparte, to be Attorney General; Victor H. Metcalf, to be Secretary of the Navy; and Oscar S. Strauss, to be Secretary of Commerce and Labor. They will assume their new duties immediately upon the retirement from the cabinet of Mr. Moody. — The report of Commissioner of Corporations Garfield says that investigation of the oil industry reveals that a very wide-spread system of railway discriminations has for years existed in favor of the Standard Oil Company. One result of the investigation is that during the fiscal year indictments containing 8,193 counts have been returned by various grand juries. Another is that other shippers of oil report that for the first time in many years they are rapidly obtaining equality of treatment from the transportation companies. Investigations are well advanced in other industries, such as sugar, coal, steel, and tobacco. — For years reports have been circulated of terrible cruelties to the natives in the Kongo Free State, permitted by King Leopold of Belgium, to advance his own financial interests. Protestant missionaries and travelers have sought to arouse the nations to a sense of their duty in the matter, that these terrible atrocities might be brought to an end. Even the Belgian government recently investigated the matter, and Belgians themselves admitted the truth of many of these excesses. The British government has indicated its willingness to join in an effort to bring about the cessation of these cruelties. A resolution was introduced in the United States Senate on December 10 by Senator Lodge, declaring that in the opinion of the Senate the time has come when the affairs of the Kongo Free State should be made the subject of international inquiry. The resolution also advises the President that he will be supported by the Senate in any steps he may deem it advisable to take in co-operation with the other powers. Progress in the Health Work
BROTHER J. KLOSS, of St. Peter, Minn., writes: “We will be ready to open a small sanitarium in this city about Jan. 1, 1907. We have an eighteen-room building equipped in first-class order, with separate treatment rooms for ladies and gentlemen, large dining-room, and good operating room. We are in need of a consecrated doctor, also lady and gentleman head nurse. Many patients are waiting for us to open up.” THE following is an excerpt from a letter from Dr. O. C. Godsmark, of Chattanooga, Tenn.: “My health became so impaired over a year ago that I was obliged to give up conference work. Since then I have devoted my time to private practise in Chattanooga. I am thankful to God for the return of my health and strength. I feel more and more an anxious desire to connect directly with some branch of the closing message.” DR. A. B. OLSEN writes, November 8, regarding the health work in the Caterham (England) Sanitarium: “Our health and sanitarium work is prospering. The Christmas number of our Good Health is out. We are printing seventy-five thousand copies of this issue, the largest we have ever put out. The November number is already disposed of, and we have orders for eight hundred copies that we can not supply. There was also a shortage of the October number, so we think we are justified in enlarging the edition. The past spring and summer have been the most favorable for our sanitarium work we have ever experienced. We have been so crowded in the sanitarium at Caterham that we have been pressed at times for accommodation for patients.” Manitoba, Notice!
By W. M. Adams
The second annual meeting of the members of the corporation known as “The Manitoba Conference of Seventh-day Adventists” will be held at Winnipeg, Manitoba, beginning Friday morning, Dec. 28, 1906, at nine o’clock, central time, for the purpose of hearing reports, electing a board of trustees for the coming year, and transacting any other business that may properly come before the meeting. This meeting will be our regular conference session. The next issue of this journal will have an improved dress, be illustrated, and will contain twenty-four pages. Its good points must be seen to be appreciated. Just the thing for temperance crusades. There should be many such this winter. Price, single copy, 5 cents; in lots of not less than 10, 2½ cents each. Profits offered to agents who will order in lots of 1,000, and engage for a long and strong pull. Enclose stamp for particulars. Will sell at sight. Price, per year, a volume of 192 pages, 40 cents. A fine gift for the holidays. Samples free to those who will secure a club. Address Save the Boys, Washburn Park, Minneapolis, Minn.