SINCE closing my last report, I have labored at places where more or less of our French literature had been sent. Among these were Scotstown, Indian Lorette, Quebec, and Chambly. At each of these places our literature had done good work, and I aimed so to labor as to deepen the favorable impression made by the printed page. This I did by supplying interested parties with literature on more advanced subjects, and by leaving with them extra copies of certain tracts to lend to their friends, thus helping in the dissemination of the light of precious truth for these times. I also visited much, talked the truth in families, and in public. Moreover I placed a few copies of our bound books, both in French and in English.
At Scotstown I had precious seasons with France-French families who had come from a part of France in which I labored after they left France, and who had been recommended to me by a colporteur and evangelist who received the message at the time of my last stay in Europe. These gave me a hearty welcome, having been personally acquainted with the colporteur referred to, who had recommended me to them, the latter having also read tracts and pamphlets bearing my signature. By special invitation, I spoke twice in their Advent chapel. They had light on only a part of the First Angel’s Message. I dwelt on practical themes growing out of the closing work of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary.
Here I made a most pleasant acquaintance with, and talked the truth to, three ministers, one of whom was a priest of the Church of England, who indeed treated me after a godly sort. A short time before this, I had had several hours’ talk on the leading subjects of our faith with another priest of the same church, who rejoiced to learn of our prosperity, and bade us Godspeed. These experiences encourage me to sow the seed of truth by the side of all waters, and draw me in fond affection to God-fearing ministers of other denominations.
At Indian Lorette I had the privilege of visiting some of the remnant of the Hurons,—the most intelligent and best-looking Indians I have ever met in America. I found them to have a fair complexion771and well-developed physiques, and I do not wonder that Champlain, a noted French explorer, who was born in 1567 and died in 1635, said of them that they were as white as the French in southern France, and were the best and most peaceable tribe of Indians he had seen in America.
I stopped with a prominent character among these Indians, who speak good French, and found him and his family eager after the message for these times. I found with him “Great Controversy” in English, which he said a Mr. Taylor (formerly a Seventh-day Adventist Canadian canvasser), had sold him. He seemed to prize it very much, although he could not read much in it. But he brought it out readily in confirmation of what I said on the signs in the sun, moon, and stars, pointing to the very pages of that work on which these signs were described. Of course, I left with this man French works covering these and other subjects. Never have I found people more interested in our prophetic chart. For hours they would listen to an explanation of this chart, interrupting me occasionally with statements like these: “Do not fear to speak; we are not weary. Our memory is good; go on.” It was good to be there, and I encouraged these dear souls with the promise that a course of lectures would be given in their locality by some French laborer at a more favorable season of the year, when the bread of life could be broken to them in a place suitable to accommodate all who would desire to hear.
I was favorably impressed with the appearance of persons and things in the city of Quebec. This is the oldest city in Canada, its foundation having been laid by Champlain twelve years before the English Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock. It was this French explorer who discovered Lake Champlain, the Great Lakes, etc. He had been a major-general and a God-fearing man under the reign of Henry IV, the king of France who issued the edict of Nantes, granting religious liberty to all. The following words engraved on a stone roll connected with Champlain’s monument in Quebec, show the noble spirit that actuated this French explorer and founder of Quebec: “Que Dieu par sa grâce et à son honneur fasse prospérer cette entreprise.” (May God, by His grace and to His honor, cause this enterprise to prosper.) Had the principle couched in these words been regarded in Canada, or New France, in early times, more religious liberty would have reigned in this French province, and a wise Providence never would have brought Canada under British rule. May we improve upon the pleasant relations now existing between French and English in this province, and may the city of Quebec and other cities in this province soon be entered by devoted French canvassers and evangelists.
I am now at Chambly, visiting one of the relatives of the France-French families I have recently visited at Scotstown. He is a missionary teacher, and is doing a good work in shedding the light of the gospel among Roman Catholics. He believes in the soon coming of Christ, has enjoyed the explanation of our prophetic chart, and given me the privilege of speaking twice in his hall, the theme treated being the proximity of Christ’s return. Both Catholics and Protestants were deeply interested. Here, too, we have utilized our French tracts and pamphlets, which are appreciated.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
November 11.
ARKANSAS
By H. Clay Griffin
BLACK ROCK.—At the close of the debate between Elder Field and Mr. Lawson, I began a meeting at Fair View schoolhouse, five miles from Black Rock (the church house at this place having been previously closed to Adventists), September 24, and continued with good interest until the school directors closed the doors, November 3. This is by far the hardest field in which I have ever labored. The people seem to be afraid to invite me to their homes, though a few good families gave me a hearty welcome, but would frequently leave me alone at the schoolhouse; and one night I had the privilege of sleeping there alone. But with my heavy ducking blackboard thrown over the recitation bench near the stove, with my dress coat for a bed and my Bible for a pillow, and three charts pinned together to wrap my feet in, I slept as soundly as though angels were hovering near. In fact, I claimed the promise in Ps. 34:7. The Lord was working with the people, and many were interested in the truth when the directors informed me that the floor and walls of the house were being damaged by tobacco chewers, and that the people were tired of the meeting, and I must close. The last week of the meeting the audience was the best I had had, the house being crowded the last night. Sometime during the last week of the meeting some one stole four of my lamps, my commandment chart, and a new copy of “Marvel of Nations,” which I had just received.
Ten have signed the covenant, two or three others are keeping the Sabbath, and many are deeply interested. I will begin a meeting, God willing, at Pleasant Hill schoolhouse, about two miles from Fair View, next Sunday night, the 10th inst., and in the meantime visit the interested ones near Fair View.
I have sent in three subscriptions for the REVIEW, and one for the Signs. I could use clean copies of our papers and tracts (English) if sent at once, prepaid, to me at Black Rock.
I am of good courage, and by the help and grace of God, will press the battle to the gates.
H. CLAY GRIFFIN.
THE LESSER ANTILLES.
By E. Van Deusen
Not having been able to visit some of the islands in this field for the past two years, we embraced the opportunity to go to St. Thomas, and assist in the work there, while Elder Haysmer was locating some of the new workers in other fields. We were in St. Thomas five weeks, and made many pleasant acquaintances with the kind-hearted people. Each of these little West Indian islands is a world of itself, and has its own peculiar customs. The Lord has a people in each one.
From St. Thomas we went to St. Kitts, where Brother and Sister Spring had recently gone to take the place of Elder Morrow and wife who had been assigned to British Guiana. We spent one week pleasantly with them, helping them to plan, and becoming acquainted with the best methods to pursue the work in that place. Our next visit was to Antigua, where we found Brother and Sister Wellman just about settled in their new quarters, and fitting up a place for church service. It was a real treat to spend a week with one of Michigan’s old laborers. How good to meet in distant lands those we have known in the home land, of the same faith! These dear workers were in excellent health, and of good courage. I consider this one of the most difficult of all the Antilles, on account of its low financial condition. Twenty places of business which were opened there two years ago, are now closed.
Our next point was the island of Dominica, where three of our former Sabbath-keepers in Antigua are now located. They have a small company there. A canvasser is needed very much; and very soon there will be an opening for a minister and his wife.
Montserrat, a small island in close proximity to Antigua, also should have attention at once. Brother Wellman expects to visit this place and look over the field. A canvasser could work both islands at the same time. Although earthquake and storm keep this island in a wrecked condition, yet the Lord certainly has a people there.
Brother Sweaney and wife looked after the work in Barbados while we were gone. I am now planning to go to the island of St. Vincent soon, and locate there for a time. It has been well canvassed with our books, and seems ready for the word.
Two of our canvassers have been there for the last year. Two more of our native canvassers will go to Grenada to resume their work soon. It has been left for a few months. On most of these islands there is a certain time to canvass and a certain time to deliver, because at regular times during the year the products are sold, and then the people have money with which to purchase the books.
Times on these islands are very hard, and wages are low. The worst place I know of, however, is Antigua, where a woman receives eight cents a day to work with a hoe on the public road, and perhaps has from two to four days’ labor each week. The men get twelve, fourteen, and sixteen cents for the same number of days. Twenty-four cents is more common in the other islands. From this you will see if a person buys a high-priced book, it takes a long time for him to get the money to pay for it.
We praise the Lord for His manifold mercies, and our highest wish is to live to His glory.
E. VAN DEUSEN.
SOUTHWESTERN UNION CONFERENCE. Recommendations Passed by Executive Committee.
By R. W. Parmelee
INASMUCH as the Third Angel's Message is to be given in this generation; and since there is only a short time remaining in which to complete the work, and as the Lord is calling for a general move forward to close up the work, and is telling us that a revival of the circulation of the printed page is and will be a powerful means of accomplishing His purposes, not only in the dissemination of the truth, but in arousing our sleeping forces to life, therefore we—
1. Recommend, That we urge all our ministers to use more literature in their work; and as they bring persons to a knowledge of the truth, or as they visit the churches, lay before them in clear lines the importance of activity in some kind of work for the Master, making prominent the use of our literature—
(a) By securing their subscriptions for our papers, for their own use and to pass on to others, giving due attention to health literature.
(b) By using tracts in a liberal manner among their neighbors by the envelope plan, or any other that will be effectual.
(c) By encouraging suitable persons to consecrate themselves to life service in selling our large books, and laying before each church the duty of putting into this work at least one or more of its members.
2. That each Conference lay large plans, and make liberal provisions for the thorough training of as many of their members as will consecrate themselves to this work,—
(a) By holding institutes in as many places and at such times as a sufficient number can be got together.
(b) By providing the best instruction possible, that the spiritual condition of such workers may be elevated.772
3. That each conference encourage those who have been trained for this work—
(a) By encouraging the State agent to spend some time each year with the canvassers in their fields of labor, and canvassing with them.
(b) By raising a fund to be loaned to canvassers when it is necessary in order to get them started in the work and keep them in the field, such loan to be returned to the tract society to be again used in a similar manner.
4. That we make earnest efforts to revive the sale of our health literature, giving attention to it, equal to that we bestow on our other literature,—
(a) By encouraging some of our most successful canvassers to engage in its sale, and providing for their training.
(b) That each Conference select two or more of their best canvassers, and if need be, help them to attend the next session of the Union Conference, where suitable instruction may be given in the sale of our health books. R. W. PARMELEE, Sec.
ONTARIO
By Mrs. R. Cornish
SCOTLAND.—Being one of the isolated ones, I wrote to Elder Collie, who kindly sent Elder Simpson to hold a service in my home; and having only a few hours' notice, I spread the good news as far as possible in two hours' time. At three o’clock on Sunday, seventy people assembled at my house, and listened with the greatest attention while our brother held up Jesus. Hearts were moved, and after service the people took Brother Simpson by the hand and told him they had never heard the gospel so presented.
We announced a meeting at eight o’clock, and before seven the people began coming, until over one hundred filled our parlors and stairs and hall. God helped our brother to tell these people just where we stand to-day. They offered us the Baptist church for our evening service, and are now asking for meetings. This field is white for the harvest. We pray that this work may continue here, as there are so many anxious ones seeking for more light. MRS. R. CORNISH.
THE WORK IN JAFFA.
By P. A. De Forest
The work in Jaffa was begun in the fall of 1899 by Brother Hörner, a nurse from Basel. Brother Hörner had just finished a two-years’ course in the training school of the Institut Sanitaire, and entered on his appointed work with much courage in the Lord. The outlook for evangelical effort was not in the least encouraging. Other missionaries had worked from thirty to forty years without making appreciable advancement as far as the conversion of souls was concerned. Doubtless the word of God had been sown, and much good accomplished, though very few had been brave enough to confess Christ in face of the persecutions that were sure to follow.
Brother Hörner was sent at the earnest request of Brother Krum, who foresaw the crying need of the gospel of health in that city. A place for a bath room was found, provided with steam and hot water from a neighboring mill. One of the first things accomplished was the healing of several ulcerated feet that the doctors had declared would have to be amputated. This and other equally marvelous cases spread the fame of the little bath room to the surrounding country, extending to Jerusalem and even beyond Jordan, so that, as in the days of the Great Physician, the people came from afar, bringing their sick with them. In the meantime, people began to be more interested in the special truth for this time, and as a result quite a company of believers was raised up.
A year ago he was joined in his labors by Sister Hausmann, to whom he was married. They continue in the blessed work of ministering to suffering humanity until the present time.
From a recent letter from Brother Hörner, we learn that the work in Jaffa is still onward. During the last twelve months they have administered twelve hundred and sixty treatments in all. One thing that he seems to be especially thankful for is that by means of correct habits they have been enabled to live in this hot, unhealthful climate without being attacked by the prevailing fevers.
A company of three are soon to leave Basel to connect with a similar work begun by Brother Krum in Jerusalem. May the day hasten when the whole earth will be lightened with the glory of the Lord.
P. A. DE FOREST, M. D.
SOUTH AFRICA.
By F. L. Mead
We returned to the farm from Cape Town, May 31, and on the 2d of June held a council of all the workers here, when it was voted to open an outstation northeast of Bulawayo, about one hundred and forty miles from here. It was arranged that Brother Armitage go there, and that Brother Anderson remove to the home station. On July 17 Brother Armitage started for his new field of labor. We divided thirty-two oxen into three spans, and inspanned them into three wagons loaded with household effects, provisions, and building material. We were just four weeks making the long trip. We left one of the teams with Brother Armitage for the present. Another team remained and worked one week, and then returned home, while with a third team, Walter and I returned by way of Gwelo and the Insiza Valley, on a tour of inspection. I think we have a very good location for Brother Armitage's station, one hundred and ten miles from Bulawayo, and thirty miles from Gwelo.
The question may arise as to why, with so few workers, we spread out to open another station. Four or five years ago the workers here were urged to occupy places at convenient positions from the home station. But now these and other desirable locations are occupied by other societies. So even though we do not have additional help, we have decided to scatter out, and occupy at least one more good point before it, too, is gone.
Our program for a school has worked splendidly thus far. The first of July we sent out four native teachers to work among the people. They are having good success among kraals. True, these are young men, and not college graduates; but they can tell others what they have learned. The prospect is very good for a larger attendance at the next term of school, beginning the first of November.
Matters are not growing better in the Transvaal. We are all well at this writing. F. L. MEAD.
A letter from Sister Mead, written about the same date, will interest our readers.
She says: “While Mr. Mead and Walter were away, I was kept rather busy, tending the store, and helping look after the boys and keep them at their work. We have some very good boys here, who do their work well, whether they are alone or some white person is with them. Our family of native young people and children numbers twenty-two now, and we have two young men who are at a kraal fifteen miles away teaching a school. We heard from them to-day, and learned that they have twenty-nine pupils. We think that is very good, indeed.
“One young man started to his home kraal this morning, because he says there are seven more there who want to come to the mission and live, and go to school. We feel that the Lord has set His hand to the work here, and is blessing our efforts to bring a knowledge of His Word to the people.
“We often think of our many friends in America, and would be very glad to see them, and enjoy a good visit with them, but we are glad we came to Africa; and when we see the interest manifested by some to learn what the Lord says, we feel that it is not in vain that we are here.”
ICELAND
By D. OSTLUND
ICELAND is in many respects a peculiar land. The territory is as large as Ireland, but the inhabitants only number between 70,000 and 74,000. The population being so small, it follows that they are scattered, and the cities are long distances from one another. Often we have to ride on horseback whole days without reaching a home. The only way to journey here in the country is by riding horses, for there are no roads except some around about the capital, Reykjavik. To go across Iceland from one end to the other, would take two and a half or three weeks in the winter time, and would be very expensive, and a very few could be visited on such a tour.
The people are poor. A great many Icelanders out in the country do not get any money in their hands nearly all their lives. The reason for this is that when the farmer or fisherman sells his products to the merchants, often he does not get money for them, but only some of the merchant's store articles. This, of course, is unfortunate for all kinds of business. In our work, especially, it is difficult to sell books. When men do not have any money at all, it is impossible for them to buy anything. However, we have been somewhat successful. We sell some books in the bookstores of other publishers. A couple of our own people here have canvassed. I have given some time to it.
In religious respects Iceland is very different from other countries in Europe. Hardly any understand conversion. Most of the church people are Unitarians, believing all men will be saved, and that none perish. This the Lutheran priests themselves teach. You will understand how difficult it is in such a land to get people to understand the solemnity of the truth. But the Lord has been with me in the work, and I feel sure that some results will be realized. A few weeks ago I had the opportunity of baptizing one dear brother, and I hope for others.
D. OSTLUND.
THE CHICAGO MEDICAL MISSION.
By John Harvey Kellogg
It is more than eight years since the work of the Chicago Medical Mission began in a miserable little basement on Custom House Place. The work has steadily grown until it is now represented by a branch sanitarium at No. 28 Thirty-third Place, with Dr. Paulson and more than twenty nurses in charge; a medical college near by, with a corps of physicians and one hundred and twenty students; a home for friendless working men, which lodges between two hundred and fifty and three hundred men every night, furnishing facilities for baths and laundry, and a hygienic lunch counter, at which hundreds are fed every day; the Life Boat Mission, where hundreds listen to the gospel every night of the year, and from which many hundreds have gone out with a saving knowledge of the gospel; the Life Boat Rest, on Clark Street, which holds out a helping hand to erring women; and a splendidly equipped dispensary on Halstead Street, where clinics are held daily for the benefit of the poor. A dispensary is also being fitted up at the Working Men's Home, and several hospital wards are maintained at the medical college building at 28 Thirty-third Place.
I may also mention the Hygeia Dining Rooms, near the Chicago University, where several scores of professors and students daily enjoy the hygienic fare which is spread for them, which is one of the legitimate outgrowths of the beginning made in the spring of 1883. Lying-in wards, visiting nurses' work, cottage meeting work, and various other lines of missionary effort are being conducted in connection with the Chicago Medical Mission, which has steadily grown from a small beginning in 1883 to its present proportions.
This work is attracting an increasing measure of attention from all quarters. It has come to be one of the established and reliable philanthropic enterprises of the Western metropolis. Police officials, officers of charitable associations, clergymen of all denominations, social reformers, physicians, and people of all classes who deal with reforms and social questions, are well acquainted with the work, and co-operate with it in a most encouraging way. The development of this work in Chicago has been a continued expression of providential care and guidance. Many doors have been opened in most unexpected ways. There have been times when the way looked very dark and discouraging, but the clouds have all cleared away, and the prospect before the work is in every way most encouraging.
In my weekly visits to Chicago, I am glad to note a steady gain in interest and enthusiasm. There is a spirit of earnestness on the part of the students, and push and energy on the part of both teachers and students, which is most commendable. There seems to be a seeking after truth, and a desire to stand firmly for every principle of truth and righteousness, and a disposition to labor diligently for the promulgation of the glorious principles of truth which Providence has given to us for the world.
For several years past, a considerable part of the work has been carried on in a building located at 1926 Wabash Ave. The building they had was very old, dark, and gloomy, and while favorably situated, was by no means a desirable place to live in. Recently, however, new, healthful, and pleasantly located quarters have been secured, which is a great boon to the workers. Many most excellent improvements have been made in the work recently, and others are in progress. At the present time there is no place on earth where young men and women who desire a preparation for work in behalf of their fellow men can find the conditions more favorable for training, and especially for obtaining a varied and profitable experience, than in connection with the Chicago Medical Mission. Dr. Paulson is permanently located in connection with the school. Instruction is also given by Dr. Holden, Dr. Mary Paulson, Dr. Elmer Otis, and others.
All the different phases of our work are represented—sanitarium work, visiting nurses' work, city mission work, cottage meetings, various kinds of rescue work, schools of health, etc. Those who are anxious to obtain a preparation for work in any of these lines may address the undersigned, or Dr. David Paulson, 28 Thirty-third Place, Chicago, Ill.
J. H. KELLOGG.
Battle Creek, Mich.
WISCONSIN
By William Covert
BIRNAMWOOD.— In company with Elder H. W. Reed, I spent last Sabbath and Sunday, November 9 and 10, at Birnamwood. Elder Reed had been there a few days previously to this time, and had held meetings, and arranged for a special gathering on these two days.
While there, we organized a church composed of twenty-one members, and dedicated a commodious church building. The company at Birnamwood is composed to a large extent of Sabbath-keepers who have had membership in our churches elsewhere. Perhaps half a dozen of these had never belonged to our Church, and at the time of organizing none of them had membership in any of our churches, those who had previously had membership having transferred to Birnamwood, entering the unorganized company. So the whole number will be a net increase to the Conference in membership.
There is a friendly feeling existing among the people of the village toward our work, and some of them are really interested in the truth. Elder Reed will soon begin a regular series of meetings in the place, and continue as long as the interest seems to justify the effort. We hope to see others added to this church soon.
This makes five churches organized in the Wisconsin Conference during the last five months. The one organized in October was at Orange, in Burnett County, in the country west of Spooner and east of Grantsburg, and thirty miles from a railroad. At present this church has only eleven persons to compose its membership, but some Swedes are keeping the Sabbath, and will probably soon unite with the church. Two laborers, speaking their language, will be among them for the next two months, doing what they can to advance the interests of the work there.
This church intends to build a church and schoolhouse next year. Wm. Covert.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA.
By T. S. Whitelock
SAN DIEGO.—The Lord is greatly blessing in the work in this place. Souls are finding peace in the Lord, and working for the salvation of others. Elder Santee spent one week with us recently. This was a season of refreshing to the church, and all enjoyed the lessons given. For some time the work has been deepening. Sabbath, November 9, was a day long to be remembered because of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The speaker was in the pulpit, ready to begin his sermon, when a sister arose, and wanted to know if it would be a proper time to ask the prayers of God’s people. When told it was, she confessed her sins, and asked all to remember her when they pray. She was followed by nearly the whole church, confessing their faults, and asking an interest in one another’s petitions, for themselves, their friends and relatives. There was a silence in the church, made solemn by the presence of the angels of heaven. One Methodist lady who came in to worship with us said, in her testimony: “I am indeed glad to be here. I believe you have the Spirit of the Lord. Why, it seems just like one of the old love feasts we used to have in the Methodist Church, but we don’t have any of them nowadays.”
After a season of prayer in which God was petitioned to remember each request, and increase the burden for souls, we had a praise service. Many claimed the victory by faith, and expressed their confidence in the Lord to answer their prayers. Seven arose for baptism, making eleven in the past two weeks. Two are middle-aged sisters who were faithful workers in the Methodist Church.
T. S. WHITELOCK, M. D.
Leading Events of Week Nov. 17-23.
By A. J. B.
— The British cruiser “Tribune” receives orders to proceed to Colon.
— Argentine Republic troops are said to have invaded Chilean territory.
— The famine conditions in Russian provinces are “worse than first reported.”
— Colombia notifies the United States of its inability to protect isthmian traffic.
— Rebels defeat the government troops under General Alban in a battle near Panama.
— The London Spectator urges the indorsement of the Monroe Doctrine by the British government.
— Venezuela and Colombia agree to a three weeks’ armistice because of heavy rains. May the rains continue.
— The President’s message to Congress was approved by the Cabinet the 19th inst. The document consists of 25,000 words.
— Seven were killed and thirty seriously wounded at Athens, Greece, the 21st, “in fights between Greek troops and citizens,” students leading the mob.
— London dispatches of the 23d inst. state that “German hostility since the Boer war opened inclines the British to favor closer relationship with the French.”
— Newspapers state that the peace party in England is growing rapidly, and that powerful interests are “bringing pressure to bear on the Cabinet to end the Boer war.”
— President Castro, of Venezuela, discovers a plot to overthrow the government, and causes the arrest of Ramon Guerre, Minister of War, together with many of Guerre’s friends.
— American troops landed at Colon the 20th inst. “to prevent interference with traffic across the isthmus.” The rebels captured the city the same day, taking the Colombian forces by surprise.
— Fire destroyed the bullion tunnel of the Smuggler-Union gold mine, Telluride, Colo., the 20th inst., shutting off the escape of two hundred miners. Thirty are known to be dead, twenty-three bodies having been taken out the 21st inst.
— On the 18th inst. there was signed at Washington, D. C., “a new treaty between Great Britain and the United States relative to the Nicaraguan Canal, the draft of which was delivered by Secretary Hay to the British ambassador last May.”
— A dispatch from Los Angeles, Cal., dated the 20th inst., states that “the Santa Fé limited trains, east and west bound, met in a head-on collision near Franconia, Ariz., at 5:15 this morning. Seven trainmen were killed, three passengers and fourteen trainmen injured.”
— Dispatches state that on the 19th inst. the city of Colon, Colombia, was “captured by the insurgent forces, after a short fight in which some fifteen men were killed and forty wounded.” The same dispatch also reports “the landing from the United States gunboat ‘Machias,’ of one hundred marines to guard the isthmus railroad station.”
— In a speech on “Our Diplomacy,” delivered at the 133d annual banquet of the New York Chamber of Commerce, the 19th inst., Secretary Hay said, among other things: “The briefest expression of our rule of conduct is perhaps the Monroe Doctrine and the golden rule. With this simple chart we can hardly go far wrong.”
— An Augusta, Me., dispatch of the 18th inst. states that “up to date twelve persons have been mistaken for deer and shot by careless hunters. Five of the men are dead.” If more persons would read and circulate that most excellent book of true animal stories, “Wild Animals I Have Known,” by Ernest Seton-Thompson, the large number of those whose delight it is to shoot innocent animals would be greatly diminished. As its author says, all wild animals meet with a tragic death, and have all they can do to escape from their enemies of the animal kingdom, to say nothing of men.
— Paris experienced “a London fog” the 17th inst., interfering with traffic.
— Mrs. Lillian Stevens is re-elected president of the National Woman’s Christian Temperance Union.
— The gypsum and plaster companies of Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, combined the 19th inst. Capitalization, $10,000,000.
— On the 19th inst. the lower house of the Georgia Legislature “rejected a bill to disfranchise negroes, by a vote of 113 to 17.”
— A San Francisco dispatch of the 17th inst. describes an alleged plot in Alaska to set up a republic, overthrowing the local government of the Northwest Territory.
— A gas well was struck at Tipton, Ind., the 22d inst., having a flow of 50,000,000 feet. The workmen were obliged to throw down their tools and flee for their lives.
— The Norwegian steamer “Ella” was lost in a storm off the Newfoundland coast, the 17th inst., her crew of thirty men perishing. Other disasters at sea are also reported.
— Private Pollard, of the Thirtieth U. S. Infantry, is sentenced by court-martial to five years’ imprisonment at hard labor “for having said, relative to President McKinley’s assassination, that he was glad of it.”
— Governor Van Sant, of Minnesota, states that he will call “a special session of the legislature to deal with the consolidation of the Great Northern and Northern Pacific Railroads, if the present laws will not prevent it.”
— On the 17th inst. a battle occurred at the Providence coal mines, Webster County, Ky., “between armed guards and striking miners. Over 2,000 shots were fired. One striking miner was killed and one striker and three guards were wounded.”
— Officials of the Holy Name Cathedral, Chicago, ask the secular court to “enjoin Father Crowley, the excommunicated priest, from attending service at the church.” The priest has retained counsel. It is the first suit of its kind on record.
— A dispatch from Galway, Ireland, dated the 21st inst., states that “Arthur Lynch, Colonel of the Second Irish Brigade in the Boer war, was elected to a seat in Parliament to-day. It is freely declared by his opponents that he will not be permitted to take his seat.” He is an Australian by birth, owns an Irish estate, and lives in Paris.
— A Constantinople dispatch of the 23d inst. states that “the Porte has addressed a note to the Powers complaining that their continual interference in Turkish internal affairs has undermined the Sultan’s authority, and rendered it impossible for him to carry out the reforms stipulated in the Berlin Treaty. The Porte demands that the Powers cease this interference in Turkish affairs, and states that the Sultan will then introduce the reforms required.”
— President Roosevelt’s proclamation designating Thursday, the 28th inst., as Thanksgiving day in the United States, reads as follows:—
“The season is nigh when, according to the time-hallowed custom of our people, the President appoints a day as the especial occasion for praise and thanksgiving to God. This Thanksgiving finds the people still bowed with sorrow for the death of a great and good President. We mourn President McKinley because we so loved and honored him; and the manner of his death should awaken in the breasts of our people a keen anxiety for the country, and at the same time a resolute purpose not to be driven by any calamity from the path of strong, orderly, popular liberty, which, as a nation, we have thus far safely trod.”
“Yet in spite of this great disaster, it is nevertheless true that no people on earth have such abundant cause for thanksgiving as we have. The past year, in particular, has been one of peace and plenty. We have prospered in things material, and have been able to work for our own uplifting in things intellectual and spiritual. Let us remember that, as much has been given, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds. We can best prove our thankfulness to the Almighty by the way in which on this earth and at this time each of us does his duty to his fellow men.”
“Now, therefore, I, Theodore Roosevelt, President of the United States, do hereby designate as a day of general thanksgiving, Thursday, the 28th of this present November, and do recommend that throughout the land the people cease from their wonted occupations, and at their several homes and places of worship reverently thank the Giver of all good for the countless blessings of our national life.
“In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed. Done at the city of Washington this second day of November, in the year of our Lord One Thousand Nine Hundred and One, and of the Independence of the United States the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth.”
The best way to celebrate Thanksgiving day is by sharing with God’s poor the many bounties which we have received at His hand. A. J. B.
