—Smallpox and typhus fever are now raging in the island of Crete.
—The English Volunteer Rifles have captured the stronghold of Gamazap, Bechuanaland.
—Premier Canovas states that he will wait for confirmation of the news of Cuba's pacification before instituting the promised reforms.
—A despatch from Montevideo states that the Uruguayan rebels have again defeated the forces of the government under General Munez.
—The Brazilian Government is massing a strong body of troops, and intends soon to capture the position of the rebellious "fanatics," and put an end to the struggle.
—The Amur Gazette states that the Chinese Government has made it obligatory for all cadets in the military and naval schools in China to learn the Russian language.
—General Weyler has issued an order to the Spanish columns in Pinar del Rio to destroy all Cuban hospitals and kill all persons found inside. The troops are doing this.
—On April 20 a gang of laborers on the Red Mountain Railway, near Rossland, B. C., were overwhelmed by an avalanche, and six of the company were instantly killed.
—A union has finally been consummated between the Congregational Union and the Evangelical Union Churches of Scotland, under the title of the Congregational Union of Scotland.
—The Chinese Government has signified its intention of establishing a new set of treaties with other governments, which will enable her to adjust her revenues to the nation's needs.
—The rebellion in Honduras is assuming considerable strength. A provisional government has been established, with its capital at Puerto Cortez, and General Arturo Lopez as its supreme chief.
—The long-disputed question between England and Mexico over the boundary between Mexico and the colony of Belize, was settled on April 20 by the Mexican Senate ratifying the boundary treaty.
—A party of ninety-one Chinese have gone to Cuba to work the deserted sugar plantations, under guarantee of steady employment by the Spanish Government, and the paying of traveling expenses.
—The North Island of New Zealand is suffering from an extensive flood. The Napier district is almost entirely inundated; great damage is reported, and twelve persons have lost their lives in trying to rescue others.
—Patriarch John Joseph Nouri, who claims to have discovered the ark on Mount Ararat, April 23, 1892, is now reported to have been recently restored to the kingship of Chaldea, from which he had been unlawfully deposed.
—Twenty-five thousand natives of Gazaland, South Africa, are now reported to be in open revolt against the Portuguese Government. The location of the principal revolutionary center is only forty miles from the Transvaal.
—The president of Switzerland has been chosen as arbitrator of the boundary dispute between Brazil and French Guiana. The territory involved includes rich gold-mining districts, and exceeds in extent the in dispute between Venezuela and Great Britain.
—The famous Bazin roller ship, of which so much was expected in the matter of speed, has had her trial, and was not a success. The inventor expected the vessel would travel sixty miles an hour; but the report states that she made barely one-fifth of that speed.
—Protestantism is making considerable progress in Mexico. Where fifty years ago there was neither school nor church of the Protestant persuasion, there are now 441 churches, with 171 pastors, 164 evangelists, 244 teachers, and about 50,000 professing Protestants.
—Prince Hohenlohe, Germany's imperial chancellor, has tendered his resignation to the emperor, for political reasons. In view of the critical situation in Europe at the present time, the emperor refused to accept the resignation of his chancellor; but the prince seems determined, and has left for Paris.
—General Weyler has recently been investigating the administration of affairs in Santa Clara province, and sensational developments are reported. The governor, eluding the authorities, escaped with his stealings, amounting to about $250,000, and is now believed to be in the United States. The grossest corruption is reported in all departments of the government of that province. Extraordinary assessments were collected from merchants and property holders under threat of arrest as political suspects; appointments were sold to the highest bidder; and systematic blackmail to the extent of hundreds of thousands of dollars was levied upon gambling-houses run in defiance of law. General Luque, who has resigned his post, says that Cuba is lost to Spain through the mismanagement of General Weyler.
—A despatch from St. Petersburg states that the czar has issued an order providing for the transportation by rail of all convicts sentenced to imprisonment in Siberia. This will do away with the long and tedious journey by foot, which has caused so many deaths and so much suffering.
—The Spanish press campaign against dishonest military administration in Cuba, and reports of the suffering among the soldiers for lack of food, has caused the Spanish Government's last attempt at recruiting volunteers for the war to be a complete failure. Only 200 men enlisted. It is believed that when the rainy season sets in, Spain will begin to withdraw her troops from Cuba.
—England's expedition to the regions of the Upper Nile, which was ostensibly directed against the Dervishes, has turned out to be against the encroachments of the French in territory over which England claims suzerainty. The French expedition up the Mobangi River and the English expedition up the Nile, have both for objective points the country of the Dervishes and regions thereabout, and trouble is anticipated.
—On April 18, 200 Spanish guerrillas attacked a Cuban hospital near the village of Guanche, in which 100 sick and wounded soldiers were receiving treatment. The guard of ten men was soon cut down, and a horrible massacre began of defenseless men and innocent women. Only three, who were left for dead, escaped to tell of this cowardly crime, which, with hundreds of others of like nature, must live in the annals of history to shame the posterity of Spain.
—The English telegraph line to India passes through Persia, and recently, on account of a drought, the natives, headed by their priests, tore down all the telegraph poles and wires, believing them to be the cause of the lack of rain. Singularly enough, heavy rain fell immediately afterward; and, notwithstanding the heavy punishment inflicted by the Persian Government upon the ringleaders, the masses persist in their convictions that the telegraph is the invention of the devil.
—A band of Spanish guerrillas, which had been wantonly murdering "pacificos," was captured by a company of Cubans, placed in a small building, bound hand and foot, and the building set on fire. All were burned alive, there being fifty-five in the band. The despatch says, "The screams of the poor wretches were awful, but the Cubans stood by and taunted them with their recent murders, and refused to let one escape." Such is war, as it has been taught to the Cubans by the Spaniards themselves.
—English activity in military affairs in South Africa and in military preparations at home, coupled with the tone of the English press and the defiant attitude of the Transvaal Republic and Orange Free State, seem to indicate beyond a doubt that the "dogs of war" will soon be loosed in South Africa. One influential English paper says: "We are going to fight for gold mines and territory, if they can not be got without fighting. Every nation has to play pirate at times, and let us play boldly when we do."
—The American Board of Foreign Missions reports that not for years has the religious interest in all its various stations been so marked as at the present time. All the stations in the Zulu mission are said to be rejoicing in revivals. The mission in Gazaland reports great success since its recent establishment, and the natives of the West Central mission are energetically and devotedly proclaiming the good news of salvation to their friends and neighbors. The stations of the American Board in China are also reporting cheering success, and inquirers are increasing beyond the possibility of caring for them. In Armenia they report the breaking down of barriers between the Gregorians and Protestants, and thousands are said to be seeking the Gospel who have been wholly indifferent or absolutely opposed to it heretofore.
—On April 18 the sultan of Turkey declared all diplomatic relations with Greece broken off, and authorized the commencement of hostilities. The first regular battle of the war was fought for the possession of Milouna Pass. The Greeks fought with great courage, but were unable to withstand the slow but steady advance of the Turks. Hafiz Pasha, one of the most prominent Turkish generals, was killed in this battle. The war-cry of the Turks is, "All who love Allah must advance," and they are reported to be "fighting like demons." The Greeks are reported to have captured Prevesa, on the Gulf of Arta. The Turks, in an attempt to capture Reveni, on April 19, were repulsed, and Edhem Pasha, commander of the army, narrowly escaped capture. Two divisions of the Greek army entered Turkish territory on the 19th and captured Damasi. Two Greek steamers have been sunk by the Turks. Correspondents on the 20th reported the fortunes of war evenly divided, the Greeks having captured Vigilia and taken a considerable number of prisoners. Latest reports state that the Turks have captured Tyrnavo, the last outpost between them and the Greek headquarters at Larissa, and as we go to press an independent report from Salonica to the New York Herald states that Larissa also has fallen. No accurate account can be given of the numbers of dead and wounded on either side. The Turkish commander admits that his losses have been heavy, and it is known that the losses on the side of the Greeks have been equally severe. The Turks seem to have the advantage on the eastern border, and the Greeks are more successful in the west.
DOMESTIC
By Editor
News and Notes, Continued.
DOMESTIC.
—New Orleans sustained a $400,000 fire on April 15. The block destroyed was one of the most picturesque structures in the city.
—The total number of business failures in the United States last week was 195, as compared with 244 during the corresponding week of last year.
—In accordance with a recent decision of the Attorney-General, a large portion of the Chinese who are on their way to the Nashville Exposition will be refused admission to the United States.
—The paymaster of the Pleasant Valley Coal Company, at Salt Lake City, Utah, was held up by bandits on April 21, and robbed of $7,800. The act was performed in the presence of a group of spectators.
—One of the latest and most wonderful inventions in electricity is the synchronograph, by means of which 3,000 words a minute can be transmitted over a telegraph line and be accurately received and recorded.
—Col. John Hay, U. S. Ambassador to England, arrived at Southampton on April 21, and was enthusiastically received by a delegation of prominent Englishmen, and by the officials of the American embassy.
—The revenue cutter Rush is now cruising along the Pacific Coast in search of the coal ship Samaria, which is believed to have been either sunk or disabled in the recent storms. Her owners consider that the vessel has gone down with all on board.
—Four railroad companies, including the Southern Pacific, have formed a special company to build a bridge across the Mississippi at New Orleans. It is estimated that the structure will cost $5,000,000, and it will lack but 400 feet of being three miles long.
—On April 20, while Joseph Ciscado, or Pincado, of Hollister, Cal., a suspected murderer, was under examination, he emphasized his denial of complicity in the crime by calling upon God to strike him dead if he was guilty of the deed. He died with the oath upon his lips.
—It has been decided to establish a government station at Circle City, Alaska, on the Yukon River, and also a military post, the commander of which will be vested with considerable discretionary power. There will also be a customs station between Canada and Circle City.
—There has been little if any general improvement in the condition of the flooded districts of the Mississippi Valley during the past week. In Nebraska heavy winds are churning the vast wastes of muddy water over what were once gardens and fertile fields. In the inundated districts of Louisiana 22,000 persons are eating the bread of charity. The crevasse at Biggs is a seething torrent, and people in the vicinity of the break are fleeing to Natchez, which is also in danger. Thirty-four townships in lower Mississippi are under water, and 19,000 persons in that section are receiving provisions from the government. Considerable loss of life is reported as a result of the overflow on Davis Island. The situation in Mississippi is growing worse, and the levees are said to be black with people waiting for relief. At Bayou Videl, Mississippi, the waters caught the people unawares and many were drowned. The relief committees are taxed to their utmost.
Terms of Subscription.
By Editor
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Vestibuled train service, Chicago to New York, via the famous St. Clair Tunnel, Niagara Falls and the beautiful Lehigh Valley. Through coaches, Pullman sleepers, and superior dining car service.
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L. R. MORROW, City Ticket Agt., 103 Clark St., Chicago.
Quotations From Other Letters
By Editor
From other letters we quote:—
Fiestas Carnivals AND Summer Outings
A grand round of merrymaking throughout the land . . .
La Fiesta de Los Angeles
Will take place in the Southern Metropolis April 20 and continue five days. Unique day parade of Spanish caballeros, Chinese with their Great Dragon, Mexican vaqueros, etc. Beautiful electric night parade of California flowers. Great Water Carnival. Floral Parade and Battle of Flowers. Novel street-carnival at night.
Golden Gate Carnival
To be held in San Francisco during the week commencing May 3, promises to be the most brilliant Festival ever witnessed in the West. Unique features never before introduced, and an unbroken succession of surprises and attractions. California's thrilling and romantic history since the days of '49 will be typified, and many novel creations will exemplify her marvelous industrial development. It is proposed to fix this event permanently in the Golden Gate Calendar.
The season for
Summer Outings
Will soon be here. If your plans are not matured, and you desire more information about the many attractive retreats all over the State, send to the General Passenger Agent of the Southern Pacific Company for circulars and folders describing the Camping and other Resorts of the grand Shasta Region, Castle Crags, Lake Tahoe, and neighboring attractions on the Sierra Summits, Yosemite and Big Trees, the Santa Cruz Mountains, Lake County, and Southern California. Reduced Rates in many directions. Inquire of Southern Pacific Co., agents.
BIBLE ELECTION. By M. C. Wilcox. A brief presentation of God's plan and purpose concerning man, showing that the doctrine of election, or predestination, according to the Bible, is full of comfort and instruction. It throws new light on old controversies. Bible Students' Library, No. 67; 24 pp.; price 3 cents. Address Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal.
Publications on the Sabbath
THE LORD'S DAY, THE TEST OF THE AGES
Presents in the briefest, simplest manner a part of the Bible evidence concerning both sides of the Sabbath question. The subject is treated in a new and interesting way. Fully illustrated with diagrams and original illustrations, 128 pages, paper covers, just out, price 15 cents.
ABIDING SABBATH AND LORD'S DAY
A pointed review of two of the best recent productions for the defense of the Sunday sabbath. The best arguments in support of Sunday are undoubtedly presented in this book. 173 pages, paper covers. Price 20 cents.
CHANGE OF THE SABBATH
A brief treatise answering the question so often asked, "Who Changed the Sabbath?" 218 pages, paper covers. Price 20 cents.
NATURE AND OBLIGATION OF THE SABBATH OF THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT
A candid and thoroughly scriptural treatise on this important question. 96 pages, paper covers. Price 10 cents.
THE SABBATH AND THE LAW
This work covers the Sabbath institution from Eden created to Eden restored, and its arguments are clear and forcible and convincing. 192 pages, paper covers. Price 20 cents.
THE HISTORY OF THE SABBATH
An exhaustive treatise on the Sabbath question, in which every passage in the Bible which has any connection with the Sabbath, either in the Old or New Testament, is examined at length. It is a veritable mine of information, both Biblical and Historical, on this subject. Three volumes, paper covers. Price $1.00 per set.
. . Send for Catalogue containing Price List of other . . Publications on this Subject.
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This is What They Say
By Editor
Remember the Offer of Our
Magnificent Self-Pronouncing Teachers' Bible
WITH THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES
Positively Closes April 30, 1897
Until that date, the SIGNS OF THE TIMES offers with each new yearly subscription a
Self-Pronouncing Teachers' Bible At a Remarkably Low Figure
Here are a few of the good words we are receiving about the Bible:—
PARIS, Ill.
"Dear Friends: I received my Bible in fine condition a few days ago. I am perfectly satisfied with it. I think it far superior to what I expected. The aids are the finest I have ever seen."
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From other letters we quote:—
"I think it one of the most complete I have ever seen in regard to helps."
"The maps alone are worth the price. . . . . . . The aids and word book are worth the price. The useful information to be derived therefrom is not to be estimated in coin. I thank you very much, and hope to better repay you."
This sample is an exact reproduction of a quarter page of our Premium Bible and shows of type:
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO
## SAINT MATTHEW.
CHAPTER 1.
1 The genealogy of Jesus Christ: 18 Mary's miraculous conception; Jesus is born: 21, 23 his names.
THE book of the ageneration of Je'sus Christ, ^b the son of Da'vid, the son of A'bra-ham.
2 A'bra-ham begat I'saac; and I'saac be-gat Ja'cob; and Ja'cob begat Ju'das and his brethren;
3 And Ju'das begat Pha'res and Za'ra of Tha'mar; and ^d Pha'res begat Es'rom; and Es'rom begat A'ram;
4 And A'ram begat A'min'a-dab; and Na'as-son begat Sal'mon;
M^a'ry was espoused to Jo'seph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Ho'ly Gho'st.
19 Then Jo'seph her husband, being a just man, ^o and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.
20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Jo'seph, thou son of Da'vid, fear not to take unto thee Ma'ry thy wife: for ^v that which is conceived in her is of the Ho'ly Gho'st.
21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name ^3 JE'SUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
This Bible is not a cheap reprint, but a copyrighted edition from new type-set plates. It contains a complete series of Helps with Illustrations, and a "Word Book" which embraces a Concordance, Subject Index, Gazetteer, Bible Dictionary, etc., all in one alphabetical arrangement. By consulting the Word Book you can find at once what you want, and do not need to look in half a dozen places for it. Every proper name is so marked as to indicate at a glance its proper pronunciation. It is thus absolutely Self-Pronouncing.
This new Bible has Minion type; is bound in American Morocco; has silk head bands, a silk marker, a silk-finish lining, and red under gold edges.
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An Excellent Instrument.
By Editor
There are any number of patent remedies for colds, influenza, grip, bronchitis, and other diseases of the mucous membrane of the nose, throat, and larynx, but the use of the majority generally results in filling the stomach with nauseous compounds which greatly interfere with digestion and nutrition. We wish to recommend, unsolicited, as in all probability the best thing in the world for making local applications, the “Globe Nebulizer,” patented by H. M. Dunlap, M.D., a physician of large and successful experience in the treatment of such diseases. It nebulizes, or vaporizes, all kinds of remedies and applies them to any part of the respiratory tract and middle ear, with an effectiveness never before obtainable. Face mask, and tubes for the throat, nose, and ear, accompany each one. We have used this nebulizer with profit, and gladly recommend it. Write The Globe Manufacturing Co., Battle Creek, Mich.
The Municipal League
By Editor
THE Municipal League is in the field as a political party. The aim of the League is to give to municipalities honest business administrations, and elect men to office irrespective of political party affiliations. The great danger thus far is, so far as our observation has gone, the League is playing into the hands of the leaders in the present day politico-religious movements. And it has been demonstrated that the reform city councils have proved to be as corrupt as the old party men. The fact is, true reform must begin in the heart, and neither law nor politics can transform the heart.
Regarding Unordered Papers
By Editor
We send no papers from this office to individuals without pay in advance.
When persons receive copies without ordering them, they are sent by other parties, and we can give no information in regard to them. Persons thus receiving copies of the “Signs” are not indebted to the office, and will not be called upon to pay for them. Please read the papers you may receive, and hand them to your friends to read.
CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER.
By Editor
Editorial.
The Importance of the Now (notes) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 2
Is Trine Immersion Necessary for Gospel Baptism? O. DAVIS . 6
Jewish Customs and Traditions (The Sanctuary and Its Services), F. C. GILBERT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Question Corner.—No. 540, “Reverend”—No. 541, “Repent,” Gen. 6:6; Acts 15:18—No. 542, Flesh and Blood, 1 Cor. 15:50—No. 543, Sanctuary and Church—No. 544, 1 Tim. 4:3—No. 545, Before or after Supper—No. 546, A Time for Everything—No. 547, Being with Christ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
The Outlook.—Another National Reform Scheme, W. N. G.—The Suffering in India, and an Alleged Cause—The War Spirit—A Difference—Politics and Religion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 9
The Fireside.—Daylight versus Artificial Light, JULIA H. DUFFIE—Why Birds Go to the Arctic Regions—How the Chinook Comes—A Woman’s Hour—Our Alarm Clock . . . . . . . . . . 9, 10
A TRUE conception of the death and resurrection of our blessed Lord would never for a moment permit us to connect it with the heathen name or nature-worship of Easter. Such a conception would forever settle the question of baptism, man’s nature and destiny, and many other questions. The resurrection is one of the notes, strains, or chords, in God’s great symphony of salvation. It perfectly blends with all the other strains in the great anthem. Like every other great truth, it contains within itself that which inseparably connects it with all other great truths. It is not a segment cut-off, it is a vital, essential part of the great whole.
Easter and Heathen Worship
It is well to remember the olden times in these fast days. How did God regard his holy name in past ages? How often he showed his abhorrence of the worship of Baal, Ashtoreth, Astarte, the Queen of Heaven, etc.! And yet the greater part of the Christian world are singing praises to Easter, the Saxon goddess of spring, with the pagan offerings of flowers, eggs, etc. What different was the false worship of departing Israel anciently? If it be expedient to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, why profane the worship with heathen names and customs?
The Old, Old Gospel
It is said that Spurgeon said, and whether he said it or not, it is true, that “a new Gospel is no Gospel; for what is true is not new, and what is new in theology is not true. ‘Tell me the old, old story.’”
