I AM glad to be able to say that workers have entered the field here. The Lord has blessed my prayers and efforts with a genuine interest. I have received several letters from brethren who have become interested. From among these, two—Brother A. M. Fischer and wife—came to San Juan in May last. They have definitely proved that this field is ready for the message.
It may interest my readers if I recite briefly some few items of Brother Fischer’s work to show what can be done. Though studying Spanish faithfully, he has not yet mastered it, and so has been somewhat hampered. Still, he has done considerable canvassing work successfully, having sold quite a goodly number of our books, tracts, and Spanish Bibles. He stated to me that he finds it as easy to sell these for cash as to take orders for them. The people are willing to read, and some have shown signs of conviction, or at least prove that they are thinking deeply. He has done personal work with excellent results among both Spanish- and English-speaking people. Indeed, though I always felt confident of the future here, I am happily surprised with the way the work is unfolding.
Above all, these servants of the Lord are living the message. This is doubly important in such a country as this, where few live pure lives. They are enthusiastic over the bright prospects for the work here, and well they may be.
But what are they among so many?—more than nine hundred and fifty thousand souls, with only two workers! What Brother and Sister Fischer are doing, others can do also,—nay, ought to do. The harvest is ripe. Who will enter the field?
I have received a great many letters from brethren in the States who have become interested in this field. Most of these letters practically ask me to call their writers here. Brethren, I cannot do that, and will not do it. I cannot do it in a commercial line, because I do not know their means or capacity. I will not call them in a missionary sense, because that is the Lord’s prerogative, so I dare not usurp it. I can only lay before my brethren and sisters the pressing spiritual needs and glorious opportunities of this field. If the Lord wants you here, He will call you. If you are deeply impressed that it is your duty, write me by all means, asking what you want to know, in concise form, and I will try to answer you.
I would not advise any one to come with the idea of starting business, or as day laborers. What we need here are workers,—God-chosen, consecrated, trained or experienced workers. These can go to work immediately.
The medical work should be started in Mayaguez right away. A lady doctor, with one or two nurses, would soon have her hands full. In San Juan a lady doctor, medical missionary for one of the popular churches, has all she can do. Will none of our medical missionary sisters come here?
Several canvassers and colporteurs are needed immediately. These should be persons who know how to do personal work. There is no country, I believe, where personal work could be made more effectual if properly done.
Brethren in the ministerial work may be glad to know that the conditions are such here that they also might do a good work. Though nominally a Catholic country, the great majority of people are not genuine Catholics. Many, very many, will see and rejoice in the light. Brother Fischer says that the lack of a good knowledge of the language is the only drawback that prevents him from holding successful meetings, and I say that he is right. The Lord is at work here.
If there are any young people of good education among our churches who are waiting and longing for an opportunity to use their talents in the Master’s service, I will give them a suggestion. Every summer there is a demand for English teachers in the public schools. Come as a teacher, study the language, the people, and then you can become really useful workers, either here or in any other Spanish-speaking land. As a teacher here, one has many opportunities to work for the Master.
For years the work in Spanish countries has dragged for lack of workers and means. This is not as it should be. But to-day we have more than ever before to do with these lands. They are not as “foreign,” as they were. The duty comes home to us with more force than before. The world—the commercial world—recognizes this fact. The colleges and schools of the United States are seeking teachers of Spanish. I recently received an offer of one hundred dollars a month to teach Spanish in a city high school in a Northern State. I refused it, because I believe I can serve the Master better otherwise. If the world recognizes these facts, should we close our eyes? Can we do so and be justified? It is not Central Africa or Thibet that cries loudest, but an American territory where the stars and stripes float,—a lovely land where nature’s God has placed a docile people,—a land where, I believe, the work can be made self-supporting in a brief space of time.
The Lord’s hand is with us. Do you want to be co-laborers with Him? What a glorious privilege! Let us unitedly pray and labor for the advancement of this work. DAVID M. TRAILL.
Las Marías, Porto Rico.
THE WORK IN GREATER NEW YORK.
By Stephen N. Haskell
Since our former report of the work in New York, many changes have taken place, and the providences of God have been more and more marked. It is evident that God is not working merely in one locality in Greater New York, but opportunities for doing good are presenting themselves in different grades of society; calls are coming from the highways and byways as well as from the hedges of this wicked city.
Some of our workers who were sent from different State Conferences for a six months’ training, have returned to their States, and others have come here. We enter upon the work at the beginning of this new year with a larger force of workers than we have had at any previous time. During the changes, we pleaded with the Lord to send those who had a burden for souls, and would not be satisfied unless they saw fruit developing from their labors. At present our company of workers consists of two ordained ministers, two doctors, including Dr. Bryant, of Brooklyn, who comes over one day each week, five experienced Bible workers, four inexperienced Bible workers, one canvasser, two nurses, and two who do colporteur work. We expect two others to join our family soon. These will enter the Bible work.
There is no limit to the opportunities for consecrated and energetic workers. Two halls are now occupied by laborers,—one by Elder Franke,—besides the one that we have on Fifty-ninth Street. Several have made a start in the service of God from our efforts on Fifty-ninth Street, in the hall which we believe came to us in answer to prayer. We have also opened a work on Sixty-second Street among the colored people, in one of the most disreputable44portions of the city. This is in charge of a brother who has accepted the message since we came here last July, and who was formerly a Baptist minister. He is now in the employ of this Conference. So there are omens of good in all directions, and a blending of Jew and Gentile, bond and free, in Christ Jesus. Besides all these, we have self-supporting missionaries on the plan of the Waldenses.
The health and temperance movement has truly proved to be as the right hand to the body, and has received more attention of late, with marked success. It has opened the door for us to reach many people. Through this means an open door has also presented itself among the Jewish people in New York City. At the first meeting, about five hundred Jews were present, and an unusual interest was taken in the subject presented. We trust that it will prove a great blessing to the Hebrew race. Dr. Geisel will give a series of six lectures to these people. She has been working to educate our own people of Greater New York in health and temperance principles, besides doing other work in various parts of the city.
Sister Evora Perkins has been holding a cooking class two days in each week, in the Metropolitan Lyceum, which is the hall we occupy, and Dr. Geisel has spoken to the class and to those who could attend Sunday afternoons.
During the week of prayer, meetings were held every afternoon with the company that meets at the New York church (No. 3), while others held meetings in different parts of the city. The Spirit of God was manifested, and the meetings were full of interest. The collection in this church for foreign missions was one hundred and ninety-two dollars, besides jewelry, which has since been sold for one hundred and five dollars.
A VEGETARIAN DINNER.
It was thought advisable to demonstrate the error of the objection so often made, that it is too expensive for poor people to use health-reform foods. So on New Year’s day a union meeting was held in our hall, and a vegetarian dinner was served to over two hundred of our people. It was a simple meal of three courses, such as may be prepared in any home by one who understands vegetarian cooking. Donations of flowers were received from several florists in the city, and the tables were tastefully decorated with them. The whole cost of the dinner averaged only ten cents for each person, which proved conclusively that God’s bill of fare is cheaper as well as better than a flesh diet. The expense of the dinner was met by donations.
The services of the day consisted of a brief statement, in the morning at ten o’clock, of our work, its rise, and the importance of a reconsideration for the new year, which was followed by several short talks on appropriate themes; then came the dinner. In the afternoon there was a spirited address by Dr. Geisel, in which she mentioned the moderate expense of the dinner, showing how certain animals have lived more in harmony with God’s original diet for them than man has, and that while God so cared for animals, we ought not to take their lives for food. A testimony which had just been received from Sister White, concerning the work in New York City, was read, and the services closed with a social meeting. All returned to their homes feeling that it had been a pleasant, profitable day.
GREATER NEW YORK CONFERENCE.
What was formerly known as the Atlantic Conference has been divided, and Greater New York made a separate Conference. This was an important change. It is designed that the Greater New York Conference shall be more of a training-school to prepare workers to go out and do practical missionary work in all parts of the world,—that it shall be more of an educational mission field than Conferences usually are. Its interest will be a general interest,—and we now have in contemplation many other changes. A school is already called for; and when a proper teacher can be found, we hope to open a school in this city for the children of our brethren and sisters. Steps will also be taken to start a school outside of the congested center.
It is needless to add that the visit of Sister White to Greater New York has not only contributed largely to the increasing interest of the work in all its branches in this city, and assisted greatly in bringing about the various changes, but it has given a permanency to the work which the visit of no other person could have done. Truly the Spirit of God was with the testimonies borne, and the word accomplished the purpose for which it was sent; victories were gained, and plans laid, which will result in a far greater development of the work than could have been secured by the united efforts of our brethren and sisters without the living testimony from God’s servant.
There are opportunities at the present time to present the message to the ministers of the various denominations in New York City, and also to the Young Men’s Christian Association, in which Elder Warren has been working. We trust the seed thus sown will bear a bountiful harvest.
Making the Greater New York Conference more of a training-school, will call for workers and donations of means from all parts of the field, as heretofore. There is no reason why the Scandinavian element should not largely sustain the Scandinavian work, and the German element the German work, on the principle of self-supporting work, voluntary donations, sales of publications, and the increase in this field, and the donations coming in from various parts of the country to the different nationalities. The field is one, the general interests of the work are one, and the people should be heart and soul united for the development of laborers. Nearly one half of the population of Greater New York, including Jersey City, is German and Scandinavian. Brother and Sister Reinke are working among the Germans, and the providence of God has enabled them to secure a hall in Brooklyn. We hope soon to have some one devoting his whole time to the Scandinavian work.
The printing of a paper is contemplated—The New York Training School, giving a synopsis of the Bible studies that are given to the workers, for the benefit of our brethren elsewhere, and also giving items of general interest concerning our work. We ask for the special prayers of our people that God may prosper the work, and that His purpose may be accomplished in this great metropolis.
S. N. Haskell.
AUSTRALIA
By W. Woodford
SINGLETON, N. S. W.—We had a good camp-meeting at this place last October, and the interest is still good. Several have begun to obey the Lord, and are expecting baptism soon. People living from ten to thirty miles from the city are calling for help. Pray the Lord to raise up more laborers to enter His vineyard. The enemy is working hard. This calls for earnest effort and entire consecration on our part. I pray that our brethren in America will remember this needy field. W. WOODFORD.
SELF-SUPPORT IN CENTRAL AMERICA.
By A. S. Rust
From Mission Board Correspondence.
[BROTHER RUST, the writer of this letter, has gone with his family to Central America, where his wife's people live, to engage in business, and to let the light shine in that needy field.]
We have reached our field of future labor, having left home in Kansas, November 10, sailing via New Orleans. It was night when we passed the coast of Cuba. The first land was sighted Sabbath morning, when we passed between the mainland of Mexico and the island of Cozumel. The foliage looked very green and pretty on the island. The coast of Mexico was sighted next morning, and gradually grew plainer until the darkness cut it off from our view.
Monday morning, November 18, we cast anchor in the harbor of Belize, British Honduras. Here we landed to take a small sailing vessel in which to make the remainder of the journey of eighty miles. We remained two days in Belize, which gave me ample time to look up our workers in that place.
From a native brother I learned that Elder Goodrich and family had gone to Ulilla, Bay Islands, not to return for several weeks. I had a good visit with this brother, whose earnestness was refreshing. I also talked to some of the people in their homes. They seemed to be eager to receive the light of the gospel.
We reached our final stopping place, November 22. We are now located about seventeen miles in the interior. It is not so desirable a place in which to live as along the coast. There are several different languages spoken here. We believe that there are many precious souls to save among these people, and we must become acquainted with their ways in order to benefit them. The papacy has a strong hold on nearly all.
We now have on our place a Hindu and a Mohammedan. The latter is a cooly preacher, and is very zealous. He spends hours every day in his devotions.
We request the prayers of the brethren, that we may be light-bearers in this dark land.
A. S. RUST.
Monkey River, British Honduras.
THE MISSOURI CONFERENCE.
By C. McReynolds
The annual Conference of Missouri was held at Utica, Mo., Dec. 26–30, 1901. The first meeting began at 10 A. M. Owing to a storm and excessive mud, many failed to reach the meeting place who expected to attend; but the Lord met with those who did come. It was a precious meeting. Harmony prevailed. But few changes were made in the officers of the Conference. The tract society work was made a department of the Conference, and will not hereafter be recognized as a separate organization. The same plan was adopted with the Sabbath-school State Association. The Conference Constitution was so changed as to embrace these departments.
The president, Elder Rees, in his opening address spoke of some very encouraging results of the work during the time since their last Conference meeting. We especially noted the following: Members added 210; churches added, 3; churches erected, 7, four of which have been dedicated; church-school houses erected, 3; church schools being conducted, 6; amount of tithes received from July 1, 1900, to Dec. 22, 1901, $14,049.29, which shows an increase over the preceding like period of $2,410.68. The book sales amounted to $13,693.75, an increase of nearly $5,000.
With these reports the delegates were much encouraged. The preaching, which was of a searching and spiritual character, was participated in by most45of the Conference laborers, as well as by Elder Shultz and the writer. Plans were laid for three or four canvassers’ institutes during the winter, and all the workers and delegates returned to their homes full of courage and with a mind to work.
C. McREYNOLDS,
Pres. S. W. Union Conf.
ONTARIO
By Wm. Simpson
On account of the shortness of funds, our ministers have been thrown on their own resources for the past two months. During this time I have found much real satisfaction in disseminating the truth by canvassing.
I expect to start a series of meetings in the village of Scotland, next Sunday evening, leaving a company of about eighteen rejoicing in the message in Lynden. Although the little company are struggling hard to erect a church building, still they are willing to be left alone, that I may go and tell others the blessed truths that have rejoiced their hearts.
Wm. Simpson.
UPPER COLUMBIA.
By W. F. Martin
My work since the camp-meeting last spring has mostly been among the churches. During the summer I visited nearly all the companies in our Conference, working in the interest of the Walla Walla College, and looking after the Sabbath-school work. It was my privilege at the opening of the school to see a goodly number present with whom I had labored during the summer. September 19-29 I attended the local camp-meeting at Weiser, Idaho. The Lord gave His blessing. Elders Knox and Loughborough were the laborers from abroad.
From Weiser I went to Elgin, Ore. A strong company was raised up here last spring, and a new church organized. I found that the enemy had sowed tares among them; a few honest souls, however, have proved faithful, and the Sabbath-school has been kept alive. The Christian people were holding a revival meeting at the time I was there, so the attendance at our services was not large. The little company was strengthened, and felt to take fresh courage.
Sabbath, November 16, I spent with the church at Cove, Ore. A number of the brethren and sisters had come from the Union church, and a very pleasant and profitable day was spent together.
From November 21-23 Elder Breed and myself held a general meeting at Union, Ore. Quite a number were present from neighboring churches. The time was given largely to a consideration of missionary and Sabbath-school work. On Sunday, November 24, the church was dedicated, Elder Breed preaching the dedicatory sermon. The church at Union was revived, and the brethren and sisters from surrounding churches went to their homes much encouraged. It was a very profitable season.
Since December 25 I have been with the church at Baker City. The meeting-house here is almost completed. Improvements to the extent of nearly two hundred dollars have been added to the building; most of this money has been contributed by those not of our faith. The building is very neat, is tastily arranged, and well furnished. Best of all, it is clear of debt. The evening meetings are well attended by the people of the town. Three are awaiting baptism, which will be administered soon. Others are almost persuaded to accept the truth. My courage was never better. It is my desire to help give the message to the world in this generation.
W. F. MARTIN.
KANSAS
By C. McReynolds
SINCE the Missouri Conference I have assisted Elders Russell and Parmele in a general meeting at Severy, Kan. A severe snowstorm prevented a general attendance of the churches near. The meeting began Thursday night, and was to close Sunday night. The interest, however, seemed to demand that it continue longer. There was a breaking down in the meeting Sunday night, and some began to seek the Lord for the first time. It was decided that I should remain one day longer. The meeting Monday afternoon was a real victory. Tuesday, eight persons were buried with the Lord in baptism, and seven were added to the church.
I am now assisting in a canvassers’ institute in Springdale, Ark. C. McREYNOLDS.
Iowa: Public Services and Baptisms at Cedar Rapids
By G. W. Anglebarger
Iowa.
Cedar Rapids.—About three months ago my wife and I came to Cedar Rapids. For many years I have felt anxious for my brothers and sisters in the flesh who live in Iowa. None of them knew much of the truths of the Third Angel’s Message. I felt impressed that the Lord wished us to come here and tell them about the soon coming of our blessed Saviour.
Since coming, I have been busy holding public services, visiting, canvassing, and giving Bible readings, thus seeking to bring the people to Christ. I praise the Lord that He is blessing in the work. Sabbath, December 28, twelve precious souls united with the church. Among this number was one of my own dear sisters. Our meetings are well attended. Many are deeply interested. We pray that God will turn their hearts also fully to His truth. The church here is very much encouraged.
G. W. Anglebarger.
ARKANSAS
By Chas. F. Parmele
LITTLE ROCK.—“Oct. 12, 1901, twelve persons met at the Little Rock branch of the Battle Creek Sanitarium for the purpose of organizing a Seventh-day Adventist church. Through the providence of God a number of these persons were brought together in the sanitarium work, others coming in later to engage in Bible and colporteur work.”
By the preceding extract from the records of the church clerk, it will be seen that at last an effort has been begun in this the most important city in Arkansas. Here is a very interesting and needy field, and many souls are longing for the saving truths of the message.
Sabbath, January 4, we held our first quarterly meeting. A spirit of unity and consecration was plainly revealed. A good tithe and annual offering had come in, which we hope may encourage this struggling Conference to send a minister soon to labor here.
My wife and I have enjoyed our connection with the work and workers here for the past three months; we are working on the resident canvassing plan. As we now go to answer a call from another field, we earnestly pray that some devoted workers may be moved to come here. It is a good opening for consecrated talent to develop while doing a good work for eternity. CHAS. F. PARMELE.
News and Notes
By A. J. B.
Leading Events, Jan. 12–18.
— Fourteen lives were lost in a mine fire at Hartshorn, I. T., the 15th inst.
— Major Wolmarons and forty-two other Boers are captured by the British.
— There is an epidemic of smallpox in the lumber camps of the Adirondacks, New York.
— The Supreme Court of Kansas decided in favor of the eight-hour law, the 14th inst.
— Many are now advocating the Panama Canal route in preference to the Nicaragua route.
— The presidents of Central American republics will hold a peace conference at Corinto, Nicaragua.
— Twenty-one Filipino officers and 240 men surrender to the American troops at Taal, Batangas Province.
— An Oklahoma Territory judge rules that “separate schools for colored children must be opened in the Territory.”
— Ten miners were killed by an explosion “240 feet underground, in the Milby and Dow coal mine, at Dow, I. T.,” the 14th inst.
— Captain Perry, of the United States battle-ship “Iowa,” angers Argentina “by a toast predicting Chilean success in case of war.”
— In his sermon of the 12th inst. Dr. Minot J. Savage, of New York City, declared stock speculation “necessary to modern progress.”
— There is some talk of postponing the St. Louis world’s fair until 1904, “to permit foreign nations to make a better exhibit than could be done in 1903.”
— Arthur Lynch, the Boer colonel, recently elected to British Parliament by the Irish, will be “arrested for high treason if he attempts to take his seat.”
— Dr. Nichols, who is well acquainted with New York’s rich society, declares that a taste for liquor is increasing among the women of the “Four Hundred.”
— The Anti-Imperialist League, of Boston, Mass., has forwarded to Congress a petition asking that “a hearing be given by that body to Mabini and Aguinaldo.”
— Russia and China have “nearly reached an agreement in the Manchurian negotiations.” With Russia already in command of the territory, what can China do?
— The opening of the French ministerial electoral campaign took place the 12th inst., when Premier Waldeck-Rousseau unveiled at St. Etienne, a statue to Marie J. F. Garnier, “the explorer who contributed largely to obtaining for France her colonial possessions of Annam and Tonquin,” in Chinese territory.
— The City of Mexico experienced a severe earthquake the 16th inst., interrupting the sessions of the Pan-American Congress. A dispatch of the 17th inst. states that “no fewer than three hundred persons were killed and three hundred injured” by this earthquake, the serious casualties occurring in the town of Chilpancingo, State of Guerrero. It is in this State that most of Mexico’s seismic disturbances take place.46
— The Schley affair continues to agitate this country.
— John D. Rockefeller will give $200,000 to Vassar College.
— The strike at the Allis-Chalmers’ plant, of Chicago, is still on.
— Postmaster-General Payne takes charge of the Post-office Department.
— Mr. Croker is no longer Tammany’s chief. He has been succeeded by Lewis Nixon.
— British capitalists are busy organizing a British steel trust similar to the one in the United States.
— New York capitalists are endeavoring to consolidate the soft coal interests of Illinois and Indiana.
— A syndicate plans to connect New York City, Chicago, Ill., and St. Louis, Mo., by electric railways.
— About $1,000,000 worth of ore was stolen during 1901 from the Independence mine at Cripple Creek, Colo.
— Preparations are being made to celebrate the silver jubilee of Pope Leo XIII, which begins February 27.
— Governor W. M. Crane, of Massachusetts, is selected to succeed Mr. Long, as Secretary of the United States Navy.
— The Great Western Glass Company, a $1,000,000 concern, is incorporated at Springfield, Ill., to compete with the regular glass trust.
— China threatens to deprive the United States of its “favored nation” privileges if this country continues to enforce the Chinese Exclusion Act.
— England stands by Joseph Chamberlain, her colonial secretary, in his “refusal to apologize to Germany for his speech which caused offense there.”
— Germany has ordered her war-ships “Stein” and “Moltke” to leave West Indian waters, the crisis over Venezuela being now regarded as practically over.
— A United States collier sailed from Norfolk, W. Va., the 13th inst. “with a marine guard destined for the Danish West Indies as soon as the purchase is completed.”
— A prize of $200,000 will be offered by the managers of the St. Louis World’s Fair, “for the most successful operation of a dirigible air-ship to be made on the fair grounds.”
— The West Park board, of Chicago, adds $1,600 a year to the salaries of superintendent Cooke, Secretary Fieldhouse, and Police Captain Nolan, “despite the protests of several members of the board.”
— A dispatch from Yokohama, Japan, states that “Russia, without waiting for Korea’s permission, has pushed its telegraph line across the Toomen River into Korean territory.” Japan may now show her teeth.
— President Roosevelt appoints Gen. James H. Wilson, Capt. Charles E. Clark, of the “Oregon,” and Whitelaw Reid, editor of the New York Tribune, as representatives of the United States at the coronation of King Edward VII, in London next June.
— Robert Bines, of Chicago, began, on the 17th inst., the “payment, at Dowagiac, Mich., of $34,000 to the Pottawatomie Indians [$100 to each] for their title to lands along the lake front of Chicago.” He evidently believes their claims to these lands to be sustained.
— A Berlin, Germany, dispatch of the 16th inst., states that Henryk Sienkiewicz, the Polish writer, author of “Quo Vadis,” has been “summoned to appear before the law courts at Posen. He is charged with lèse majesté by the German authorities,” because of his “criticism of the language oppressions in German Poland.”
— J. Pierpont Morgan’s syndicate buys the White Star Line steamship “Celtic,” the largest vessel ever built. The White Star, “Cunard,” “Leyland,” and other cargo steamers will hereafter be controlled by Americans. The Standard Oil Co., the United States Steel Co., and the largest railroads of this country are behind this scheme.
— The United States has received from Russia “a surrejoinder to its last brief on the claims of American sealers, whose vessels were seized on the Siberian coast, in which it is claimed that the seizures were legal under the terms of the modus vivendi between Great Britain and the United States designed to protect the Bering Sea fisheries. The United States claims that Russia, having refused to join in the modus, cannot now benefit by its provisions.”
— It is thought the British sloop-of-war “Condon” has been lost on its way to Honolulu.
— The Commercial Bank of Fulton, Mo., suspends payment, the cashier having embezzled $4,500.
— According to the latest census, the United States with its colonies has a population of 84,233,069.
— The West Virginia Central Railroad has been sold “for over $17,000,000 to the Wabash or Gould interests.”
— A Catholic seminary will be established in this country, to train priests who will replace the Philippine friars.
— The New York Central decides to use electricity in the New York tunnel, on account of danger from smoke and gas.
— George W. Hinman, editor of the Chicago Inter Ocean, has purchased the paper from Charles T. Yerkes, its former owner.
— In his trial, C. F. W. Neely testified in his own behalf at Havana the 17th inst., and “denied charges of fraud” brought against him.
— Marconi states that “after completing two transatlantic lines of wireless telegraphy, he contemplates wireless communication to India.”
— Count von Bülow asserts, in the German Reichstag, that there will be “no deviation in the Kaiser’s Poland policy,” but that the Poles must learn German.
— The fourth Sunday-school convention will doubtless be held in the city of Jerusalem, Palestine, in March, 1904. At least, plans are being laid to this end.
— The Chinese emperor has issued an edict ordering those attending the Han-Lin Academy “to study ancient and modern political science and the Western arts.”
— The London Times scores Berlin newspapers for their “insulting cartoons of the British.” It is said, however, that the other English papers are “fearful of arousing British passions.”
— T. Estrada Palma, president elect of Cuba, declares that the island must have the help of the United States. He states that trade reciprocity is especially needed, and tariff concessions.
— An exchange states that “the majority of the railroads operating west of Pittsburg and east of Chicago and St. Louis, have decided to disregard the anti-pass agreement formed by the trunk lines.”
— A Cologne, Germany, woman was arrested the 15th inst. “charged with murdering fifty infants under her charge.” “Without natural affection” is the Scriptural character-sketch of many people in these last days.
— The House of Representatives Commission on Revision of the Laws, decides that a singular verb should go with the name “United States,” the expression being considered in the singular number, the same as England, Germany, etc.
— British Parliament opened the 16th inst. King Edward read the royal address in person. The event was “a brilliant spectacle,” the ceremonies and costumes being “copied from the Medieval Age of the ancient kingdom,” and recalling the days of Henry VIII.
— Prince Henry, of Germany, will soon sail for the United States, February 15, with a suite of fifteen persons, to witness the launching of Emperor William’s new yacht, the “Alice,” in American waters. President Roosevelt will be present at the launch, the yacht having been named after his daughter.
— Senator Hoar introduced in the Senate, on the 13th inst., a resolution providing for “the appointment of a committee of seven senators to examine into the conduct of the war in the Philippines, the administration of the government there, and the condition and character of the inhabitants of the archipelago, the committee to have power to send for papers and persons, to administer oaths, and to sit during the sessions of the Senate.”
— Under the startling title, “The Continental Sunday Invading the Country Everywhere,” the Christian Advocate (New York) of the 16th inst. states editorially that “Sunday trading—open grocery, dry goods, shoe, furnishing goods, and general stores—has increased to such an extent in Illinois that the Illinois State Retail Clerks’ Association has made an appeal for a Sunday closing law. Every trade unionist in the State is requested to join at least in sympathy with the association. In Ohio, Iowa, and Michigan, acts of this kind, which have stood the test of law, are in force. President Mast, of the association, declares that ‘there is no excuse for this trade.’ ‘Housewives can purchase their supplies just as well on Saturday, as well as shoes and clothing, which can be purchased at any time during the week.’ All over the country Sunday trading of all kinds is increasing. There are towns in New Jersey where nearly every line of business is included.” Such statements, appearing as they do, on the first page of the leading Methodist paper of the country, are significant. The Sunday law issue is a live one, and one of deep interest to every REVIEW reader. For full information concerning this and other questions of religious liberty, be sure to read the Sentinel of Christian Liberty, published at 11 West 20th St., New York City. The January, 1902, number discusses the Sunday question.
A. J. B.
NEW JERSEY.
By E. E. Franke
The past summer was spent in Trenton, N. J. We pitched our large gospel tent in that city, and held our first meeting, Sunday evening, July 7, preaching every night, except Saturday, during the whole summer. We had only held a few meetings when we found that our tent, with a seating capacity of more than a thousand, was entirely too small to accommodate the people. Several hundred benches were placed on the outside, and still the people could not all be seated. At times three or four thousand people were in attendance.
The entire city was stirred with the message delivered at the tent. Column after column appeared in the daily papers. The Associated Press sent these reports all over the country. The Philadelphia papers gave pictures of these stirring scenes.
With thanksgiving and gladness of heart honest souls heard and received the truth. Much good was accomplished.
A continual fire was poured into the ranks of infidelity, skepticism, so-called higher criticism, and other false doctrines. Of course the enemies of God and His truth opposed the work. But like a great river rushing its waters to the sea, the truth of God prevailed, and a mighty victory was gained to the praise and glory of His name.
Many Christians of all denominations received increased light, and many souls who knew not God were made partakers of His saving grace.
After the meetings had continued ten weeks, about sixty people were baptized in the Delaware River.
Thousands witnessed these scenes. A good strong church was raised up. A Sabbath-school of one hundred and seventy-five members, a missionary society, and a young people's society were organized.
To God be praise and glory for this great victory, both now and for ever. E. E. FRANKE.
