Our esteemed contemporary the New York Sun, in its issue of August 31, published the following despatch from its correspondent in Milwaukee:—
“It is developed to-day that the conference of Archbishops Messmer of Milwaukee, Ireland of St. Paul, and Glennon of St. Louis, was intended to discuss a recent decision of President Taft with regard to the Catholic census of the country.”
“The recent official census reports were criticized by Catholics as giving far too small figures for the Catholic families of the country. The protests reached the President, and he has finally authorized the taking of a special census of Catholics by church dignitaries, and the archbishops were in conference with a view to studying how to make the census correct and sufficiently inclusive.
“Archbishops Ireland and Glennon were here as two who had led in the agitation against the government figures.”
Apart from the fact that the foregoing may be regarded as further convincing evidence of the truth of the charge that the Roman Church is in politics, it will be asked, Why is the Catholic hierarchy dissatisfied with the figures of the census? They were compiled, as we are assured, with the same scrupulous care to ascertain the status of all the religious bodies in this country, and it is somewhat significant that at this late date their accuracy should be questioned by the Catholics alone. Why should there be so much solicitude about taking a “special census” of Catholics, in advance of a presidential election? President Taft has stated that he has treated all religious denominations with equal fairness. Assuming this to be the case, and that the census figures are the results of such uniform treatment, why should he have suddenly come to the conclusion that “a special Catholic census by church dignitaries” is now necessary? Is such a census to supersede that taken by the officials in the government service, according to “uniformly fair methods,” which the census officials applied to all denominations? These are questions which will naturally be asked by the American people, who are interested in so strange a proceeding. According to the census, there were 12,321,746 Catholics in the United States, or about one eighth of our entire population. Are the rank and file of that church dissatisfied with these figures? or is it only the hierarchy that is agitating for this new census to be taken under their own auspices, in the hope of producing a more formidable showing, and thus placing the Catholic voting power in a better position to demand respect and consideration? Surely the public is not to be blamed if it detects in this affair all the earmarks of a strategic political move—another step forward in the great papal political campaign.
We shall watch with interest for developments in this strange proceeding, which is something startlingly novel in administrative methods, being, so far as we know, wholly without a precedent.—The Christian Herald, Sept. 18, 1912.
News and Miscellany
Notes and clippings from the daily
and weekly press
— This year’s cotton crop, according to statistics of the New Orleans Cotton Exchange, is the largest in quantity and poorest in quality ever raised in this country.
— Cotton is being largely used in the manufacture of automobile tires. One million yards of high-grade duck were recently sold by a Georgia cotton-mill to one tire manufacturer.
— If all the trespassers who have lost their lives upon railway tracks in the United States in ten years ending June 30, 1911, could be called back to existence, they would form a city of 51,083 inhabitants.
— Chicago is now the leading post-office center in the United States. A comparative statement prepared in Washington in the office of Postmaster-General Hitchcock shows that the Chicago post-office excelled in business the New York office, its only rival, by $29,274.30 for the month of August.
— A force of 750 American marines under Col. F. J. Moses sailed from Philadelphia September 27, on the transport “Prairie,” for Santo Domingo, to compel the reopening of Dominican custom-houses along the border of Haiti, closed by revolutionists.
— The English war-office authorities are so impressed with the valuable work of the aeroplanes in the army maneuvers that they have decided, according to the Daily Mirror (London), to build and organize two fleets of aeroplanes. One fleet will consist of powerful squadrons of fast aeroplanes carrying quick-firing guns, the other of scout aeroplanes, to be used solely for scouting purposes. The guns of the new fighting fleet will be placed in front of the aeroplanes, with the propellers at the rear. Before the scouts take the air, the heavier class will be sent up in squadrons, with the object of attacking and sending the enemy’s air craft to earth.
— Floating flats for millionaires are the latest luxury in transatlantic travel, and the vessel on which, it is understood, the provision will be made is the new Cunarder “Aquitania,” which will be launched on the Clyde (Scotland), about December, and put in commission in the spring or early summer of next year. Fashion in ocean travel changes periodically, and the decision to build flats on the “Aquitania” is said to be the outcome of a growing tendency among families, especially English families, to live on board exactly as they would at home. Already there are in some of the Cunarders a series of walled-off recesses where it is possible for families to take their meals by themselves. “Flatland afloat” is simply an elaboration of this system of private suites.22
— A letter written on stone in Babylon 4,000 years ago by a young man who complained of the high cost of living has just been translated by Dr. F. C. Eislen, of the University of Chicago.
— One hundred thirty-six women and children were killed or wounded September 29, when the Nicaraguan revolutionists bombarded Managua, according to mail advices just received from that city.
— The cruiser “Cincinnati,” commanded by Commodore Samuel S. Robinson, has been ordered to Foochow, China, to protect the lives and property of nearly 200 Americans from the ravages of a faction which it is reported has revolted against the government.
— Arrangements have been made by Postmaster-General Hitchcock for the engraving and manufacture of a series of twelve stamps, novel in size and design, for exclusive use in the forwarding of packages by the new parcel-post. Under the law recently enacted by Congress, ordinary stamps can not be used.
— It is a fact, perhaps not generally known, that the seigniorage, or profit, which has accrued to the government from the coinage of silver, nickel, and bronze pieces during the last forty years has amounted to $205,385,272. This is approximately four fifths of the entire cost of the construction of the Panama Canal to date.
— Lieut. L. C. Rockwell and Corporal Frank S. Scott, both stationed at the Army Aviation School, were plunged to their death on the afternoon of September 27, at the aviation field at College Park, Md., and thus two more victims were added to the long list of fatalities which have already occurred in the conquest of the air.
— Twelve thousand of the 22,000 railroad employees ordered to strike at Barcelona, Spain, quit work September 25. As fast as they left their positions, these were taken by government soldiers. Attempts were made to wreck three trains, but only one was successful. The government has ordered martial law along all divisions run by these troops.
— The Atlantic fleet, which is to mobilize for review in New York harbor, October 12-15, will comprise a grim, gray line extending from Fifty-third Street almost to Yonkers, and, including the unassigned vessels which will lie at anchor beginning opposite Twenty-fourth Street, the entire column will be more than fifteen miles long. There will be five miles of first-class battle-ships alone, drawn up in formidable double-column array.
— Hundreds are dead, tens of thousands homeless, and $20,000,000 worth of property destroyed as a result of the terrific typhoon that swept Japan from end to end on Sunday, September 22. Wires have been down, cities isolated, and communication by rail and road interrupted, so that news of the casualties is just beginning to come in. The storm, which was the worst in half a century, did the greatest damage to the cities of Nagoya, Osaka, and Nara, on Hon-shu Island, and in Gifu. A tidal wave demolished the harbor of Nagoya, while wind and rain and lightning worked havoc on shore.
— The commercial growth of Porto Rico is reflected in the annual report of Gov. George R. Colton, which shows the external commerce of the island increased approximately $14,000,000 during the past year. The aggregate for the year was about $92,500,000, or five times as much as in 1901. Eighty per cent of this trade was with the United States.
— The greatest slaughter of animals in the history of Siberia took place last year, being caused by the increased demand for furs. Con.-Gen. John H. Snodgrass reports from Moscow that 4,525,000 gray squirrels, 1,500,000 white hares, 12,250 sables, 200,000 ermines, 1,500 brown bears, 180,000 kolonki (a species of skunk), and 16,500 gray wolves were killed, besides about 100 arctic foxes.
— It is claimed by telegram that eighty Americans, six of whom are women, have been captured by Mexican rebels, and are being held for a ransom of $100,000. Madero is reported as having concentrated his forces at the city of Mexico to defend the capital from threatened assault. This leaves outlying districts much exposed. United States troops in Texas have captured Colonel Orozco, father of the rebel leader, who crossed the lines, and who is now held a prisoner.
— England has notified China that she will not recognize the new republic unless China abandons her proposed expedition into Tibet for the purpose of re-establishing Chinese sovereignty over her southwestern territory. Tibet had declared her independence, and while it does not appear that Great Britain means to govern Tibet, still it is clear that she does not mean that China shall. This move is creating some excitement among the powers, because it seems to establish a precedent of which Russia may take advantage in regard to Mongolia.
— With hundreds of soldiers held in instant readiness for an outbreak, the people of Ulster province, on September 28, registered formal protest against home rule for Ireland by signing a solemn covenant in which they declare they will not submit to political separation from the British union. By some it was regarded as the first step toward civil war, which has been threatened by the unionists of north Ireland if the liberal government at London carries out its program of granting autonomy to Ireland. At least 500,000 persons took part in the great antihome rule demonstration which marked the celebration of Ulster day.
— A London despatch for September 30 says: “The Balkan difficulties have developed with alarming rapidity to a point where only a spark is needed to set the whole of southeastern Europe aflame. Three of the Balkan States by common consent have ordered the simultaneous mobilization of their armies, and are making every preparation for immediate hostilities. Everything now seems to depend on whether the great powers will be able to bring sufficient pressure to bear to prevent the outbreak of hostilities and preserve the status quo in the Balkans. To-day’s developments appear fully to confirm the existence of a military undertaking between Bulgaria, Servia, Greece, and Montenegro, directed against Turkey.”
Business Notices
WANTED.— An experienced clerk, man or woman, for general merchandise and grocery country store. Must be Seventh-day Adventist. Send reference in first letter. Wm. Middaugh, Ames, Nebr.
MOVE South before winter. Buy my pleasant Memphis home. Seven rooms. Gas, electric lights, all modern conveniences. Fruit-trees, shade-trees, vines, and roses. Finely fitted for poultry. Illustrated booklet, prices, terms, etc., sent free. J. S. Washburn, 665 Decatur St., Memphis, Tenn.
Address Wanted
MRS. MARY LOUISE BENJAMAN (colored) desires to know the whereabouts of her son, Joseph C. Bruly. Any one who can give this information should address the same to her at Bayamon, Porto Rico, West Indies, Box 24.
Publications Wanted
THE following-named persons desire late, clean copies of our publications sent post-paid:—
Elsie M. Evans, 400 Lincoln St., Sayre, Pa., requests English tracts, periodicals, and any of our magazines, for free distribution.
Copies of the Signs of the Times (monthly and weekly), Watchman, Liberty, and the Protestant Magazine are requested by Ray E. Hendricks, Weiss, La.
Clean copies of Little Friend, Youth’s Instructor, magazines, and tracts are desired by Mrs. T. B. Kirby, Box 35, Eastport, Mich., for free distribution. She can not use the REVIEW.
A continuous supply of late, clean copies of Signs of the Times (monthly and weekly), Watchman, Bible Training School, and tracts will be thankfully received by Allen Walker, Box 12, Fort Myers, Fla.
Charles Downey, Box 35, Rock Hall, Md., would appreciate copies of the Signs of the Times, REVIEW AND HERALD, Youth’s Instructor, Little Friend, Life and Health, Life Boat, Liberty, Gospel Herald, and tracts for free distribution.
A supply of Watchman, Signs of the Times, Little Friend, Life and Health, and Youth’s Instructor is desired by Pearl E. Oppy, Siloam Springs, Ark. She wishes to express her appreciation of the papers which have been sent her in the past.
Mary C. Wilson, 470 Jefferson St., Eugene, Oregon, requests copies of Signs of the Times, Watchman, Liberty, Protestant Magazine, Youth’s Instructor, Little Friend, and such literature containing present truth as would be suitable for a public reading-room.
The “Watchman,” the Present Truth Evangelizer
By Editor
A UNIQUE conception appears on our Thanksgiving cover design. It illustrates the proper spirit that should enter into this occasion. Among the many articles that will appear are “The Blessing of Liberty,” in which will be set forth the God-given principles of self-government and freedom of thought; “The Origin of Evil,” in which will be clearly shown by the editor the true nature of the controversy going on in this world. Those who do not understand why wicked men prosper will see more clearly after reading this article.
Camp-Meetings for 1912
PACIFIC UNION CONFERENCE
Arizona, Phoenix ............ Oct. 24 to Nov. 3
SOUTHEASTERN UNION
Florida, Ocala .................... Oct. 3-14
NOTICES AND APPOINTMENTS
Articles in This Issue
By Editor
“God’s Eternal Purpose,” by H. C. Hartwell. This article will endeavor to set forth the reason for all things, outlining the great fact that God’s original purpose for man, while being temporarily thwarted by the evil one, will ultimately be resumed and carried out.
“The Christian Powers and Turkey,” by Prof. P. T. Magan. This article will be one of the most interesting of the Eastern Question Series and should be read by every one.
“The Preexistence of Man,” by A. L. Manous. This writer will show, in his interesting way, the fallacy of some of the many ideas so prevalent in the world to-day concerning the origin of man.
“Taoism,” by J. H. Evans, a missionary of large experience in Oriental fields.
“Congress Yields at Last,” by S. B. Horton. This article will show how the image to the beast is being slowly but surely formed in this country.
Altogether we believe, in view of the growing Catholic aggression in this country, that this number should be circulated far and wide. Can you not assist in this by ordering twenty-five to be circulated among your neighbors?
Rates in quantities: Five to forty copies, 3 cents each; fifty or more copies, 4 cents each. Yearly subscription price, $1.
Order through your local tract society.
Obituaries
YORK.—Henry W. York was born at Underhill, Vt., Sept. 16, 1837, and died in Cambridge, Vt., Sept. 13, 1912. He embraced the truths of the third angel's message in 1907, and fell asleep rejoicing in the hope of a soon-coming Saviour. The funeral service was conducted by Elder Sturges, pastor of the Methodist Church of West Bolton (Text, Matt. 24: 44). FANNIE SILLOWAY.
OBERHOLTZER.—Samuel W. Oberholtzer was born in Snyder County, Pennsylvania, Nov. 15, 1899, and was drowned while bathing in Red River, near Doddridge, Ark., Sept. 8, 1912. He was laid to rest beside a baby brother near McBrides, Mich. Sammy was a bright boy, and loved his Saviour. His parents sorrow, but in hope. The services were conducted by the writer. J. M. HOYT.
STANSELL.—Loretta May Stansell was born in San Diego, Cal., Dec. 25, 1890, and died at the home of her parents, in that city, Aug. 29, 1912. She had known this truth for a number of years, but did not make a profession of Christianity until a short time before her death, when she was baptized by Elder W. M. Healey, and united with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The writer spoke words of comfort at the funeral service from 1 Cor. 15: 26. J. ERNEST BOND.
MORRISON.—Mrs. Mary Morrison was born in Buffalo, N. Y., March 6, 1829, and died at her home in Albion, Pa., Sept. 9, 1912. Sister Morrison was converted in early youth, and in 1892 accepted the truths of the third angel's message. She was a faithful worker, and scattered many pages of truth-filled literature. We believe that she sleeps in Jesus. A son and a daughter, together with many other relatives and friends, are left to mourn. The funeral services were conducted by the writer. G. L. WEST.
GRAY.—Andrew J. Gray died Aug. 14, 1912, at his home near Loup City, Nebr., aged 62 years, 1 month, and 26 days. Brother Gray was converted about three years ago, and united with the Loup City Seventh-day Adventist Church. He dearly loved the truth, and faithfully walked in the light of the third angel's message. He was held in high esteem by all who knew him. A wife and twelve children and other relatives are left to mourn. Words of comfort were spoken by the writer from Rev. 14: 13. O. E. JONES.
ENGLE.—Amanda E. Engle, daughter of Brother and Sister Peter Paulson, of Carleton, Nebr., was born at Bruning, Nebr., April 28, 1894, and died at the home of her parents, Sept. 16, 1912. She was united in marriage to D. J. Engle about a year before her death. She was brought up a Sabbath-keeper, beloved by all who knew her. A short time before her illness she expressed a desire to be baptized. She leaves a young babe, a husband, a father, a mother, and one sister to mourn their loss. Words of comfort were spoken by the writer from Rev. 14: 13. O. E. JONES.
LANGDON.—Martin G. Langdon was born in St. Joseph County, Michigan, April 15, 1861. When twenty-one years of age he went to Boulder, Colo., where he was married to Miss Isabell Chapman. Soon after his marriage he united with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, of which he remained a faithful member until his death, which occurred Sept. 1, 1912. His companion, one son, an aged mother, and one sister, besides a large circle of relatives, are left to mourn, but they sorrow not as those who have no hope. Funeral services were conducted by the writer, assisted by Elder S. B. Horton. W. C. HEBNER.
BELL.—Ruth, daughter of Elder and Mrs. A. R. Bell, was born in Jersey City, N. J., April 18, 1892, and died in Harrisburg, Pa., Sept. 18, 1912. Ruth had been connected as a nurse with the tent effort in New York City, conducted by Elders Wheeler and Nicola, this past summer. Failing in health, she was brought to her home in Harrisburg by her father, September 6. Her case had been diagnosed in New York as tuberculosis of the intestines. Suffering intensely, an operation was resorted to as the last chance of saving her life, but pneumonia setting in, the results were fatal, her heart having been weakened. While young, Ruth was baptized into our faith, and we therefore do not mourn as do those who have no hope, but look forward to the life beyond the grave, where broken ties will be reunited. Funeral services were conducted by the writer, who chose as his text 1 Thess. 4: 13. W. H. HECKMAN.
McCOON.—Lloyd Alvin McCoon, only child of Brother and Sister O. H. McCoon, was born May 13, 1912, and died in Oakland, Cal., at the tender age of 3 months and 29 days. These dear parents feel their loss very keenly. May the Lord comfort them in this hour of trial. B. E. BEDDOE.
EMMERSON.—Jared Emmerson was born in New Brunswick, Canada, Sept. 16, 1824, and died Aug. 12, 1912, aged almost eighty-eight years. When a young man he emigrated to the West, and settled on a homestead at Grove Lake, Minn., where he resided for about thirty-five years. In 1901 he removed to Oregon. In 1856 Brother Emmerson was united in marriage to Mary J. Munger, of Waterloo, Iowa. To this union were born six sons and two daughters, of whom five sons are living. After the death of his wife, he made his home with his son, John E. Emmerson, at Hopewell, Oregon. During the last year of his life he was confined to his bed with the decrepitude of old age. Brother Emmerson was long a firm believer in the third angel's message, and during the last years of his life he spent much time in prayer and the study of the Word. We believe that he sleeps in Jesus. He leaves a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn their loss. T. H. STARRUCK.
SQUIRE.—Franklin Squire was born Feb. 15, 1827, and spent his early life on his father's farm in Ohio. When twenty-four years of age, he moved to Michigan, and Feb. 23, 1851, was united in marriage with Eliza Ann Herrington. The family lived for some time in Lenawee County, Michigan, but later settled in Gratiot County. Mrs. Squire died in 1867, leaving six children. Mr. Squire was married to Susan Conkin in the fall of the same year, and to them one daughter was born. His second wife dying in 1869, the following year he was united in marriage with Cordelia Tripp. One daughter was born to this union. In the spring of 1902 the family moved to Bloomer township, Montcalm County, where the husband and father died Aug. 30, 1912. Our brother was a firm believer in present truth, being an earnest and active Christian, ever ready to help the cause he loved. For many years he was elder of the Ithaca (Mich.) Seventh-day Adventist Church, and for fourteen years was a director of the Michigan Conference. He is survived by his wife, six children, twenty grandchildren, twenty-three great-grandchildren, and one great great-grandchild. The funeral services were conducted by the writer. J. M. HOYT.
Nashville Agricultural and Normal Institute
THE fall term of the Nashville Agricultural and Normal Institute will open Oct. 16, 1912. Those who desire to prepare themselves for teaching, general Bible work, or medical missionary work in the Southern field, should take advantage of the coming school year.
There is opportunity for several more students to earn practically all their school expenses. The Madison school will help those who desire to become soldiers for Christ who can endure hardness. About twenty-five schools are now being operated in the South by those who have had this training. Those who desire this training and wish to know more about the school are invited to correspond with E. A. Sutherland, Madison, Tenn.
Progress of the Work in China
By Editor
From a letter recently received from Elder I. H. Evans, of China, we are sorry to learn that it has become necessary for Dr. M. M. Kay and wife, of that mission field, to return home on account of the doctor's health. It was a source of great regret for these workers to leave the field, as they have come greatly to love their work, and were anxious to continue its prosecution. Of the general work in China, Elder Evans says: “The workers in Shanghai are all in good health. The new printing-office and mission homes, and homes for the Chinese workers, are under process of erection. The brickwork is nearly or quite completed, and next week the roofs will probably be finished, then the scaffolding will be taken down, and the finish of the interior proceed. The contract calls for the work to be completed by the first of December, but the contractor assures us that he will have it done at least one month before that time. We greatly appreciate the new quarters for the printing-office, as well as the mission homes, and feel deeply grateful for the sacrifice that has made possible the establishment of a suitable headquarters in this interesting and fast-developing field.”
We have in hand the first number of an excellent series of articles from Dr. A. B. Olsen, of Caterham, England. The following subjects will be considered: The Problem of Nutrition; Fuel Foods — Their Selection, Composition, and Preparation; Building and Repair Foods — Their Selection, Composition, and Preparation; The Common-Sense Diet; Some Objections to Flesh Food; Dietetic Accessories; Tea, Coffee, and Cocoa; Patent Foods. We shall begin the publication of these articles soon in our Home and Health department, and we believe they will be read with interest and profit by our readers.
Sanitarium Graduations and Illinois Conference Meeting
By Editor
We are in receipt of the announcements of the graduating exercises of the New England Sanitarium Training-school for Nurses, which were held September 28, and of the Glendale Sanitarium Training-school for Nurses, which were held October 1. The Melrose sanitarium graduated this year a class of twelve young men and women. Eight finished the nurses' course at the Glendale Sanitarium. We trust that these young men and women may help swell the army of laborers for the speedy finishing of this work.
The camp-meeting of the Northern Illinois Conference was postponed some weeks ago on account of its coming in the midst of the tent-effort season. It has now been decided to hold a conference meeting in the South Side Church in Chicago from November 1 to 9. Rooms and board will be provided at a reasonable rate. The full announcement of this meeting will be made in our next number.
“Recreation”
We have received a copy of a forty-page pamphlet entitled “Recreation,” by Mrs. E. G. White. This contains “A Study for the Young,” “An Appeal to Students and Teachers in Our Schools, and Employees in Our Sanitariums.” The table of contents will give a very good idea of the character of this excellent publication:—
As Lights in the World
Dangerous Amusements for the Young
Worldly Amusements
Innocent Pleasures for the Youth
Holidays Unto God
Firmness in Resisting Temptation
How to Spend Holidays
Symmetrical Education
Christian Recreation
Manual Training
Manual Labor
Manual Labor Not Degrading
The True Dignity of Labor
Duties and Dangers of the Youth
Joy in Christianity
Entertainments and Amusements in Our Sanitariums
A Recent Experience
Employment for Patients
Physical Exercise as a Remedial Agency
Physical Labor an Aid to Recovery
Substitutes for Amusements
Separate From the World
The price of this pamphlet is five cents, and it may be obtained from our publishing houses. The excellent instruction it contains should be read by every young person and by fathers and mothers.
Articles by A. W. Spaulding
By Editor
SOME excellent suggestions will be found in the series of articles now being printed in our Home department from A. W. Spaulding. They are well worth reading.
The Present Truth in Tamil
WE have received from India a copy of a new quarterly magazine, printed in the Tamil language, a tongue spoken by millions of people in south India. The name of the journal, translated, is The Present Truth. It is the organ of the Tamil Mission, of which Elder J. S. James is superintendent.
Bible Distribution in Guadaloupe
The American Bible Society Record reports that many persons in the French island of Guadaloupe, West Indies, fairly ran after their agent to secure copies of the Bible. The agent adds: “The Rev. Mr. Giddings also took some books to sell in another section that I could not visit.” We recognize the reference to our Elder Philip Giddings, and are glad that our West Indian brethren are in long-neglected Guadaloupe.
Supporting Denominational Finance
By Editor
The report of the General Conference Committee Council, given in our Editorial department, will be read with deep interest by all, particularly that relating to denominational finance. The effort to clear our institutions from indebtedness should receive the hearty support and cooperation of every Seventh-day Adventist. Seventh-day Adventists have been a loyal, benevolent people. Again and again they have responded to the calls which have been made for the carrying forward of the work. Nor has this liberal giving brought them to penury and want. Our people, on the whole, are prosperous. While not a large number may be considered wealthy, yet through the blessing of the Lord they are made stewards of a large amount of means from year to year. In these days of prosperity we should remember the Giver of all blessings, by generous offerings to his work in the earth.
Help for the Haitian Mission
Last week Elder U. Bender, president of the West Indian Union, left Washington for the West, planning to sail in a few weeks from New Orleans for Cuba, en route to Haiti. It has been arranged for Brother and Sister A. F. Prieger, of Alabama, to accompany Elder Bender to Haiti, Brother Prieger having accepted a call to the superintendency of the Haitian Mission. Haiti has waited long for a leader, and we are thankful that help is going forward.
Crisis in the Balkan Peninsula
The usual unsettled condition of affairs in the Balkan Peninsula has assumed an alarming outlook by the events of the last few days. For some weeks trouble has been brewing between the states of Bulgaria, Servia, Greece, and Montenegro on one side and Turkey on the other. Mobilization of troops on both sides has gone steadily forward, till now the delicate condition exists of nearly one million armed men face to face on the frontier lines. Already, before the presentation of any ultimatum, open hostilities have begun, resulting in a battle near Adrianople, with a casualty list of four hundred. The Balkan States have presented a collective note to Turkey demanding the autonomy of Macedonia, old Servia, and Albania, equal to that enjoyed by Crete. The Porte has officially notified the powers of the situation, reserving to itself full liberty of action. The several ministries of Europe are seriously concerned over the situation, and are considering means by which the conflict may be localized, and, if possible, further bloodshed averted.
