Earlier text: A Sabbath Among the Aymaras at Our Lake Titicaca MissionYielding Ourselves to God’s Will
By Tauler
MAY God grant us to be faithful and honest in doing the work he gives—doing it as his Spirit teaches us. Set to work in good earnest at the task God gives you, and let not your heart wander off after something higher. Then it will no longer be your work, but God's work, whatever it may be. And to those who thus give themselves restfully to God, he shows himself at all moments, and draws their hearts very near to himself. . . . His blessing comes not from our work and labor, but from yielding ourselves to his will. Thus to suffer and be still is the noblest work, for then it is not we who work, but God; and his work is high above our work, as the heaven is high above the earth.—Tauler. Maryland
By Gustavus P. Rodgers
BALTIMORE.—With an appropriate service the third Seventh-day Adventist church of Baltimore was dedicated to the Lord, Sabbath, October 17. This building has been used by the church for over a year, but they postponed the dedicatory service until the outlook should be brighter. Elder R. T. Baer preached the sermon, and Elder J. M. Campbell offered the dedicatory prayer. The church was beautifully decorated with plants and cut flowers, the members and friends bringing them by the basketful. This church greatly appreciates the blessings of the Lord, as a few years ago it was without any house of worship, except as it rented halls, and, having a small membership, could see no hope of ever securing a church of their own. Many were the dark hours that we experienced while struggling to get the present building, but through earnest prayer and constant work we at last secured the deed, and are indeed thankful for the brighter outlook. Sabbath, October 24, seven followed their Lord in baptism, making forty-nine, so far, from the summer's tent work. Sixty have already united with the church. We have a Bible school of nearly forty scholars, with a good, earnest band of men organized to reach the men in this city, and to help those that are in the church. The women also have their organization, besides the missionary society, and we hope to keep every member hard at work for the Master. We also hope to divide our time with the churches at Cheswold and Wilmington, Del., and assist the scattered companies of Sabbath keepers, in the hope of making this the banner year for our work. We solicit the prayers of our brethren and sisters that the work among the colored people may advance, and that the coming of the Lord may be hastened. The Massachusetts Conference
By I. H. EVANS
It was my privilege to attend the Massachusetts conference, held at South Lancaster, September 29 to October 4. A good representation from the various churches was in attendance, and from the beginning a spirit of unity and consecration characterized the meeting. Elder H. C. Hartwell, president of the conference, gave a very interesting report of the work done in his territory during the past year. He sounded the keynote of the meeting by declaring that he wished this conference to be a genuine missionary conference. This it proved to be in a very definite way, each meeting seeming to emphasize the importance of winning souls to Christ and finishing the work. The entire conference was surcharged with a spirit of missionary zeal and activity. Elder F. W. Paap, home missionary secretary of the North American Division Conference, and Elder W. W. Eastman, secretary of the North American Division Publishing Department, were in attendance, and rendered valuable help in preaching and in conference work. The Atlantic Union Executive Committee held a council during this conference, which gave the meeting the additional influence of these strong union men. The reports made by the heads of departments showed growth in every department of the work. The tithe had increased materially over that for the previous year; the book sales were most encouraging; and the conference is doing its best to secure the full twenty cents a week per member for missions. An encouraging growth in membership was also reported. Altogether, the conference seems to be in a prosperous condition, and the workers are of good courage. The Atlantic Union Executive Committee invited Elder H. W. Carr, president of the Western New York Conference, to take the presidency of the Maine Conference, and Elder H. C. Hartwell to take the presidency of the Western New York Conference. Elder Hartwell had already been elected president of the Massachusetts Conference, and it was with deep regret that the delegates received his resignation, and released him to answer the call of the union committee. Elder Hartwell had been president of the Massachusetts Conference for five years, and the conference had made splendid progress in all lines of work during his administration. Elder Allen Moon was elected by the conference to succeed Elder Hartwell as president. I was much pleased with the good spirit and courage which prevailed during the entire meeting. Every one seemed willing and anxious to make any necessary sacrifice for the advancement of the work. The council of the union conference committee was characterized by unity and a spirit of sacrifice that the cause of God might be built up and greatly strengthened in the Atlantic Union Conference. I. H. EVANS. Newspaper Publicity
By STEMPLE WHITE
THE greatest medium of communication today is the press. Everybody reads the newspaper. Even those who seldom read anything else look upon the newspaper as a daily necessity. In this “day of his preparation,” with the whole earth throbbing with intense activity amid the running to and fro of cosmopolitan man, the newspaper is to the world what the textbook is to the classroom. Here in Duluth, Minn., we have learned that newspaper advertising of tent meetings is more advantageous from every point of view than folders. Instead of having our brethren scatter several thousand folders each week over a part of the city, we inserted a neat cartooned display advertisement in the daily papers about three times a week, at about the same cost as folders, which went to homes throughout the city, as well as far beyond. And this, too, further paved the way for much free publicity, as daily reports of the meetings were read far and wide. In the Monday’s Herald we get in good reports of our Sunday night meetings at the church; and each week we see that the free church announcements in both dailies contain our full weekly program. All church elders should take advantage of this free publicity, even if no other meeting than the Sabbath school and the prayer meeting is to be announced. A lady in Virginia, Minn., sent a marked copy of the Duluth Herald to the Catholic editor of a paper in Ackley, Iowa, and the marked article on the Sabbath question was reprinted in his paper. By all means take advantage of this greatest medium of publicity and communication, but with it all be tactful, be conservative in all aggressiveness; don’t exaggerate, but be temperate in all things; exalt the Word of Truth; and if your articles are “cut” or “cut out,” keep sweet, and try again. The Profit of Labor
By Joseph Hall
THERE is nothing more troublesome to a good mind than to do nothing. For, besides the furtherance of our estate, the mind both delights and betters itself with exercise. There is but this difference, then, between labor and idleness: that labor is a profitable and pleasant trouble, idleness a trouble both unprofitable and comfortless. I will be ever doing something, that either God when he cometh or Satan when he tempteth may find me busied.—Joseph Hall. Young People and the Missionary Campaign
By M. E. K.
“ONCE in the dusk a passenger looked out from the windows of a trolley car and saw the locomotive of a freight drawing alongside. As the engine began to pass on ahead, the fire door was thrown open, and a transfiguring glory swept up over the smoke, making it a pillar of fire by night. Poised on the plate between tender and engine stood the young fireman, all aglow, proudly waving his greeting.” Here is a fit symbol of our youth. They stand there kindling furnaces of power. The old experienced engineers hold the throttle. The result is the movement of loads of help for a needy world. In the following resolution the North American Division Conference Committee has expressed its confidence in the young people of the denomination, and has recognized them as an important factor in the giving of the advent message:— “Whereas, Our young people constitute an important factor in the working force of this denomination, and should be in sympathetic accord with all lines of missionary work,— “Resolved, That special efforts be made to enlist, organize, and train all our children and youth, both the isolated and those in our churches, to take an active part in the great missionary campaign beginning this fall.” The only way that any resolution like this, passed by the representative men of the church, can become effective is by its being adopted and acted upon by our churches everywhere. It is for church officers to recognize the great value of the consecrated energies of the young people, and to take them into account in all their plans for the extension of the Lord’s work. They are ready for work, and hard work, too. Let us recognize their dignity and worth, and lay some special burdens upon them. A special effort is now being made to enlist all our people in a great missionary campaign which shall continue till the work is done. Our lay members everywhere are asked to do personal work and distribute literature. There are thousands of persons living in close proximity to our churches. Periodicals, tracts, and books have been prepared for them. “Agents are wanted,”—those who, for the love of souls and for the sake of Christ, who loved us and gave himself for us, will carry the message to the people. And so there is a special need just now in all our churches. “That which is needed now for the upbuilding of our churches is the nice work of wise laborers to discern and develop talent in the church,—talent that can be educated for the Master’s service. Those who shall labor in visiting the churches should give the brethren and sisters instruction in practical methods of doing missionary work. Let there be a class for the training of the youth as well. Young men and women should be educated to become workers at home, in their own neighborhoods and in the church.” So, as wise laborers, let us take hold of this work with new energy. Let the church elder and Missionary Volunteer Society leader plan together how to enlist all the young people in the great missionary campaign. Do not lecture. Do not scold. But in the spirit of Christ, seek to give “instruction in practical methods of doing missionary work.” Let the young people know that you are counting on them; and above all, that Jesus is counting on them. Let our motto be, “The whole gospel to the whole world by the whole church.” ONE of our Missionary Volunteer secretaries wrote: “We have a great Captain that has never lost a battle, to whisper words of encouragement in our ears; and if we pass the word on to others, I feel sure we shall reach the 1914 goal.” The purpose of this article is to “pass the word on” to church elders, society leaders, parents, and to all our young people, that we are now on the home stretch, and that our Captain surely desires us to win. What is the Missionary Volunteer goal for 1914? Lest some have forgotten, I will give it here:— - 1,500 young people added to the church and to our Missionary Volunteer organization.
- 500 new members of Attainment.
- 1,000 Reading Course certificates.
4. $25,000 for missions from our Missionary Volunteer Societies.We are very happy to report that item 2 has already been passed, and that item 3 has been nearly doubled. We do not yet know just how items 1 and 4 stand, but we fear that we are falling behind. The success of our efforts to reach the goal depends on these items. With ten or twelve thousand unconverted children and youth in the North American Division alone, is it not very important that a special effort be made for their salvation? Our young people are in the world, surrounded by worldly influences, and there is a tremendous tendency for them to leave the truth. At the same time, they believe the gospel message, and know in their hearts, as they see the things that are coming on the earth, that the Lord’s coming is near. But this belief and knowledge will not save them. Their lives must be surrendered to God. And how important that wise, earnest efforts be made in their behalf! During this present year, we had hoped to bring at least 1,500 of these dear souls into the fold of Christ. Is that too much to expect?—No; and it will be realized if all our conference, church, and society officers will give themselves to fervent prayer and earnest work during the remaining days of the old year. “We can do it if we will.” Surely there ought not to be any question about reaching our financial goal. The pitiable situation in which some of our missionaries are placed ought to appeal to our hearts to sacrifice and make special gifts. We have not yet been able to establish any line of communication with some of them. Letters sent have been returned. What their situation is we cannot tell. Surely we must have money at hand to send relief to all just as fast as the way is opened. The young people of America must not fail to reach this their first general financial goal, and especially in a time like this. Yet we know that some conferences, and indeed some whole unions, are behind on their share. The young people who are working with the Harvest Ingathering may turn that money in through the society and have it apply on the Missionary Volunteer goal. Then we have the annual offering to missions to be made December 19. Only a short while and the record of 1914 will be complete. We believe that Jesus our Lord is desirous that the young people of America shall accomplish, through prayer, personal work, and self-sacrifice, all that our faith one year ago led us to set down as our goal. We believe that the angels of God who are sent to minister to the members of the church militant are watching with deep interest the spirit of the Adventist youth and their leaders. And there will be joy in heaven when the goal is reached. Shall we win?—Yes, if the leaders take the lead. We can do it if we will. Missionary Volunteer Department
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| M. E. KERN |
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General Secretary |
| C. L. BENSON |
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Assistant Secretary |
| MATILDA ERICKSON |
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N. Am. Div. Secretary |
| MEADE MACGUIRE |
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N. Am. Div. Field Secretary |
A Special Effort for the Youth
By M. E. K.
The North American Division and General Conference Committees, recently in session at Washington, passed the following resolution:— “Whereas, Notwithstanding all our efforts, many of our young people are still drifting out of the truth annually,—
“Resolved, That a special effort be made in all our conferences for the salvation of the unconverted young people, both isolated and those in our churches, during the week of prayer, and that Friday, December 18, be set apart for earnest prayer and labor for this class.” This resolution, I am sure, will appeal to the heart of every one who is interested in our young people. “Very much has been lost to the cause of God,” we have been told, “by lack of attention to the young.” We must redeem the time. No labor is more productive of rich returns than earnest efforts for our youth. Will not all our ministers, church elders, Missionary Volunteer leaders, and other church officers begin at once to pray that the week of prayer this year shall bring great blessings to our young people? Let us pray that Friday, December 18, shall be a day long to be remembered among Seventh-day Adventists. Let us enlist a larger and larger circle in this petitioning God for special help just now, until on that day all God’s praying people shall send up such a volume of prayer as has never ascended before in behalf of the lambs of the flock. And God has promised that when we pray, he will work.
M. E. K. The Sun Will Shine Tomorrow
“Each night is followed by its day,
Each storm by fairer weather,
While all the works of nature sing
Their songs of joy together.
Then learn, O heart, their songs of
hope!
Cease, soul, thy thankless sorrow;
For though the clouds be dark today,
The sun will shine tomorrow.” THE following quotations (the first from a geography in very common use, and the second from a book of nature myths in large use in schools) furnish one reason for the lack of simple faith in the creative power of God, which today is so manifest in the world. “When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” Such teaching as is found in these quotations surely undermines faith:— “If birds could talk, what stories we might hear! We might learn of a time, ever so long ago, when their grandfathers were not birds at all. Then they could not fly, for they had neither wings nor feathers. These grandfathers of our birds had four legs, a long tail, and jaws with teeth. After a time feathers grew upon their bodies, and their front legs became changed for flying. These were strange-looking creatures. There are none living like them now.” “Why There Is a Man in the Moon
“‘Goodman,’ said the goodwife, ‘You must go out into the forest and gather sticks for the fire. Tomorrow will be Sunday, and we have no wood to burn.’ “‘Yes, goodwife,’ answered the goodman, ‘I will go to the forest.’ “He did not go to the forest, but he sat on a mossy rock and fished till it was dark, and so he brought home no wood. ‘The goodwife shall not know it,’ he thought. ‘I will go to the forest tomorrow morning and gather sticks.’ “When morning came, he crept softly out of the house when it was hardly light, and went to the forest. Soon he had as many sticks as he could carry, and he was starting for home, when a voice called sternly, ‘Put those sticks down!’ He looked to the right, to the left, before him, behind him, and over his head. There was no one to be seen. “‘Put those sticks down!’ said the voice again. “‘Please, I do not dare to put them down,’ replied the goodman, trembling with fear. ‘They are to burn, and my wife cannot cook the dinner without them.’ “‘You will have no dinner today,’ said the voice. “‘The goodwife will not know that I did not gather them last night, and she will let me have some dinner. I am almost sure she will,’ the goodman replied. “‘You must not gather sticks today,’ said the voice more sternly than ever. ‘It is Sunday. Put them down.’ “‘Indeed, Mr. Voice, I dare not,’ whispered the goodman; and afar off he thought he heard his wife calling, ‘Goodman, where are you? There is no wood to burn.’ “‘Will you put them down, or will you carry them forever?’ cried the voice angrily. “‘Truly I cannot put them down, for I dare not go home without them,’ answered the goodman, shaking from head to foot. ‘The goodwife would not like it.’ “‘Then carry them forever,’ said the voice. ‘You care not for Sunday, and you shall never have another Sunday.’ “The goodman could not tell how it came about, but he felt himself being lifted, up, up, up, sticks and all, till he was in the moon. “‘Here you shall stay,’ said the voice sternly. ‘You will not keep Sunday, and here you need not. This is the moon, and so it is always the moon’s day, or Monday, and Monday it shall be with you always. Whenever any one looks up at the moon, he will say, “See the man with the sticks on his back. He was taken to the moon because he gathered wood on Sunday.”’ “‘O dear, O dear,’ cried the goodman, ‘what will the goodwife say?’” We cannot expect to have our children established in the saving faith of the gospel while they are being taught untruths concerning the origin of life and the fundamentals of Christian worship. “The work that lies next our church members is to become interested in their children and youth.” A mighty effort must be put forth to save them from the wave of unbelief and superstition which is sweeping the world. If there was ever a time when all, both parents and those who are not parents, should unite in an intense effort to provide ways and means by which the children of the church may be taught the simple faith of our God, that time is now. We are in the period of earth’s greatest moral darkness, and no means or effort should be spared to save them from the baleful influences of such teachings as are illustrated by these examples. F. G. Reports are coming in from our schools of experiences in the Harvest Ingathering campaign. These are very gratifying. This campaign may well be not for a day, but for a season; and that this is being recognized in some of our schools is evidenced by the reports below. The Harvest Ingathering work opens the way for Bible readings, cottage meetings, Christian Help work, canvassing, and, indeed, all lines of active Christian field service. There is a very commendable movement in our schools of taking a day each week in which the whole school may engage in active Christian work. The reports which we subjoin are of a very encouraging nature. From O. J. Graf, president of Emmanuel Missionary College:— “We closed school one day, and the students and teachers went out together in the interests of the Harvest Ingathering campaign. Companies were sent to the near-by cities, some to the smaller towns, and some to the country. A teacher was at the head of each company. We secured, as nearly as I can estimate, about $150, and about one hundred took part in the campaign. The experience was good for the school, and developed a real, earnest missionary spirit.” From H. A. Morrison, president of Union College:— “Tuesday, October 20, the Union College teachers and students assembled in the college chapel at 8:30 A. M. to receive a few instructions, and to ask God’s blessing upon the work of the day. This day had been set apart by the faculty as a day when all could engage in the Harvest Ingathering work. A goodly number took part in this campaign. All who did so were very enthusiastic in looking forward to next year’s Ingathering work. In the meeting held to relate the experiences of the day, such expressions as the following were very common: ‘I am glad I went out with the Harvest Ingathering REVIEW, because of the good experience I had. I am anxious to go again next year.’ Many had excellent experiences in explaining the truth to those on whom they called. The people seemed more friendly and more willing to listen than usual. Nearly all whom we visited were somewhat acquainted with our message because of the work done in past years, and in many of these homes we were gladly received. We were given more money than in past years. To date, reports have been received from eighty-five, with a collection of more than ninety-five dollars. Although this is not a large amount, we are glad to have a small part in helping the work in foreign lands. We pray that the seed sown by the distribution of these papers may spring forth and bear a rich harvest.” From L. H. Wood, principal of Southern Training School:— “With reference to the Harvest Ingathering work I will say that we expect to raise $350 before January 1. This is our plan: We have put the map of the world on the board in the chapel, and are going to send a missionary each way to the Pacific islands at the rate of two cents a mile. The Sabbath school is going to send the one going west, and will attempt to raise $150 to do it; the Harvest Ingathering will do the rest, or raise $350 to send one around the other way, the two to meet and shake hands on January 1. The two combined will make $500, or 25,000 miles at two cents a mile. The students are very enthusiastic over it, and I am hopeful that we shall get the full amount. We are planning on sending out a party every week to some of the near-by towns. Our first party consisted of nine girls and one man, chosen by the faculty, and sent to Chattanooga for the day. They came back with $62.72, sending the missionary 3,136 miles. Since then we have received $4.10 more, making a total of $66.82 to date, or 3,341 miles. Pray that we may make our goal.” From L. O. Machlan, principal of Williamsdale Academy:— “Yesterday was our Harvest Ingathering day. About fifteen of us went out, and in an average of four hours’ work took in about $75. My collection was about $20.” From F. W. Paap, secretary of Home Missionary Department of North American Division Conference:— “The students of the Washington Missionary College are taking a live interest in home missionary work. The experiences gained in connection with the Harvest Ingathering campaign were worth more than pen can tell. About $200 was collected the first day, and the inspiration gained from this blessed service has fired many hearts to continue their efforts. We hope and fully expect to see souls won to Christ by our students during this school year.” J. L. SHAW
General Secretary F. GRIGGS
N. Am. Div. Secretary W. E. HOWELL
N. Am. Div. Asst. Secretary Watching Thoughts, Temper, and Tongue
“THE good man watches his thoughts when he is alone, his temper when he is at home, and his tongue when he is in company.” Evangelistic Canvassing in the Cities
By W. W. E.
THE question of reaching our cities with the third angel’s message is one that may well be given consideration in all parts of the field. We are living in an age when city building is a part of the world’s program. And in these centers of congested humanity are to be found all classes of people. While it is true that they are centers of crime and corruption, yet it is also true that there are many of God’s humble children among all classes, who will accept the light of truth when it is properly presented to them. In the parable of the supper, in Luke 14: 16-24, the last call to be given, it is urged that the invitation be extended to the “highways and hedges.” It is said to the messenger, “Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city.” And the language of the parable indicates that the invitation is extended personally to individuals. There is no better way of doing this than in the sale and distribution of our literature in its various forms. It is becoming more and more evident that in order to reach the millions of our cities, we must of necessity use a large number of workers on a self-supporting plan. Our literature provides for this. During the past twenty years or more, considerable work of this kind has been done in our cities, but much more remains to be done than has yet been accomplished. There are many thousands of foreigners in these cities who must be reached with a cheaper class of literature, and there is another class who can be reached with magazines; but there is a field in these cities for the sale of our large subscription books. Occasionally we find here and there a worker who has ventured to enter the cities with our large books, and some remarkable records have been made in their sale. For the encouragement of others who may feel a burden upon their hearts for this work, I give below the figures showing the work done by a colporteur in one of our large cities. The record covers fifteen months’ work, and is as follows:—
Protestant Magazine sold ........ 2,300
Liberty sold .................... 300
“Daniel and the Revelation” and
“Great Controversy” actually delivered—
To police and county officials .. 101
To postmasters .................. 2
To business men ................. 49
To tradesmen, barbers, etc. .... 102
To women ......................... 29
Total large books ............... 283 While this is not a remarkably large record, yet it shows clearly that our large subscription books can be sold in the cities. If this brother could do it, there are others who can if they will only consecrate themselves to God and enter upon the work with faith and courage. While this brother was selling this amount of literature, he not only supported himself and family, but had the privilege of seeing a number accept the truth as a result of his labor. Now as the winter months are coming on, two or more workers could go into a city and rent comfortable rooms together, and thus live on an economical basis. They would in this way be able to do excellent work during the winter months. Are there not those who read these lines who feel that a responsibility rests upon them to go into the cities with our books, on a self-supporting basis, carrying the truth into hundreds of homes the coming winter? W. W. E. Notes and clippings from the daily and weekly press — The well-visioned man who carries his India paper Bible in his pocket may the better appreciate his privilege when he learns that the American Bible Society is quoting the complete Bible for the blind (American Braille) for $34, the same to be shipped in nineteen volumes and weighing 190 pounds. — The Canadian government has united with the provincial and city authorities in expending $50,000,000 for the improvement of the fortified port of Halifax, in Nova Scotia, which the Dominion leaders announce they will make the great national seaport of Canada. — A complete government under the auspices of Turkey was installed at Avlona, in Albania, following the flight of Prince William of Wied. Mehmed Burhan Eddine Effendi, son of Abdul Hamid, former sultan of Turkey, has been proclaimed king of Albania. Burhan Eddine is twenty-nine years old. Albania, it is said, will remain independent of Turkey. — By the terms of a treaty signed recently by the United States minister to Panama and the Panaman secretary of foreign relations, the United States acquires control of the waters of Colon and Ancon harbors and of two small islands lying in Ancon harbor, which are to be used for observation and light stations by the coast artillery. One of the islands will be fortified. The site of Battery Hancock, on the Colon water front, is given to the United States, as also is control of all the piers at the north entrance of the canal, costing approximately $2,500,000. Panama, on the other hand, will acquire a large tract of fertile land, called Las Sabanas, which will place the capital of the republic for the first time in direct physical connection with the remainder of the country, as it has hitherto been cut off by the Canal Zone. In Las Sabanas are many of the handsome country estates of wealthy Panamanos. It is stipulated, however, that no railway shall be built across this territory without the consent of the United States, and that the United States may retake and occupy a portion or all of these lands if needed for the protection and defense of the canal or its approaches. The treaty now awaits ratification by the Washington and Panaman senates. — Within the antarctic circle there has never been found a flowering plant. In the arctic regions there are 782 different species of flowers. — Shipping journals report that there is a revival of shipbuilding in the United States; that is, for the coastwise trade. Since the beginning of the year, orders have been placed with American builders for more than 100 steamships. Only one of these vessels is for transoceanic service. — Flies are so few in Bavaria that they cannot be regarded as a pest. This is said to be due to the extreme cleanliness of Bavarian cities. Courtyards, alleys, and vacant lots are all kept clean, and the hallways and entrances to the houses are as fresh as soap and water can make them. — According to Eastern Engineering, screws are still made in India just as they were made hundreds of years ago; that is, by winding two soft wires side by side around a mandrel. The wires are then carefully separated, and one of them is soldered to the inside of a tube, which then will form the nut, while the other is soldered to a mandrel or rod. All the screws are left-handed, because they are wound over and over by the right hand. — The malevolent aspect of nature, as it appears from man's standpoint at least, is seen in the extraordinary rapidity with which the bacillus of the bubonic plague, perhaps the most dreaded scourge of history, multiplies. Dr. Anderson Stuart, of Sydney, Australia, in speaking of these germs, says: “The rapidity of growth is shown by the demonstration that at the end of the twelfth hour one germ had multiplied into 17,000,000. They are so small that 625,000,000 of them will cover one square inch.” — Because of the increasing price of timber in Europe, much interest is shown in a French invention for preparing a substitute for this article. The process is very simple and inexpensive, being carried out by a single machine. Straw is the material used. In general appearance the product resembles whitewood, the compressed straw imparting a straight, grain-like effect. It works fairly easily, and when sawed leaves a clean cut. It is as strong as the ordinary whitewood, and it can be applied to all the purposes for which the latter is fitted. — France promises again to demonstrate its lead in the science of aviation by a practical solution of a centuries-old problem—the crossing of the desert of Sahara. At present a caravan sometimes requires as long as four months to traverse the desert from the southern frontier of Algeria. Water is lacking except at a few widely separated oases, and the whirling sand storms occasionally encountered are a deadly peril. The French propose to establish an aerial mail service that will cross the desert in two days, high above the sand storm belt, for a total distance of not quite 1,000 miles. An expedition is soon to set out with a military escort to set up markers along the route, ten miles apart, with depots for water and provisions every sixty kilometers (thirty-seven miles). These depots are to be placed in the hands of friendly tribes indorsed by the French troops of the Sahara.21 — America’s jewelry bill for 1913 was approximately $570,000,000, according to statistics of jewelry importations made public by the Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce. This is declared to be more than thirty per cent in excess of the highest record yet established. The bureau declares that the value of all the diamonds in this country has reached the enormous sum of nearly $1,000,000,000. — An illustration of the command man has over matter and her laws, within a limited scope, was recently made when engineers for the Lehigh Valley Railroad in five minutes removed a steel railroad bridge and put a new one in its place. It took a minute and three quarters to roll away the old bridge. The new bridge, previously completed, was substituted in three minutes. There was no delay in traffic. — Seventy-five thousand claimed by cancer each year in the United States, and the scourge is steadily increasing! A nation-wide fight against cancer is being organized by the recently formed American Society for the Control of Cancer. The cancer death rate increased from 65.8 per 100,000 of the population in 1901 to 83.9 in 1911. The estimate of 75,000 deaths for 1913 is made by the well-known statistician, Frederick L. Hoffman. — The latest development in building architecture is a no-window all-window twelve-story structure now being erected in New York City at the corner of Tenth Avenue and Thirty-sixth Street, to be known as the Hill Engineering Building. This skyscraper will receive its light through solid glass walls, get its ventilation by an artificial current of filtered air circulated through ducts from basement to roof, and will be as nearly dust-proof as science and ingenuity can make. — On account of the war it has been decreed that there shall be no more beer for German soldiers, there shall be no absinth for French soldiers, and Lord Kitchener has urged total abstinence upon British soldiers. Yet it is not long since all patients in British public hospitals had their regular allowance of alcoholic drink; it is not long since beer and manliness were inextricably bound together in the German mind; and every attack on alcohol consumption in France was regarded as a blow at a great national industry. — Automatons may replace soldiers in the next war if an invention just patented by a Danish engineer named Aeson does what is claimed for it. Aeson says he has invented a cylinder which may be buried in the ground for years in the same fashion as submarine mines are placed in harbors. The cylinder is operated by electricity from a distant station. When a button is pressed, the cylinder jumps two feet from the ground and fires 400 shots horizontally, the shots being effective at a range of 3,000 yards. Any number of cylinders may be placed around the places to be defended in one or several lines, and the inventor says they would mow down ninety per cent of the attacking forces. He asserts, moreover, that crops may be grown over the automatons in time of peace, and they would be completely hidden. — King George of England rules 11,475,054 square miles of the earth's territory, and 378,725,857 of its population. N. Z. TOWN General Secretary W. W. EASTMAN N. Am. Div. Secretary