Earlier text: Medical Missionary ConventionTUESDAY MORNING:—
Devotional exercise. TUESDAY AFTERNOON:—
Paper by M. Ellsworth Olsen, Editor of the London Good Health, “How to Reach the Masses with Health Principles.”
Paper by Miss Edna Macune Kilbourn, “A Tubercular Sanitarium for Southern California.” TUESDAY EVENING:—
Sermon by Elder Daniells, on “The Work of the Holy Spirit.” WEDNESDAY MORNING:—
Talk by Elder Daniells, on “Medical Missionary Principles.” Papers by Drs. C. Bush and W. R. Simmons, on “Conservatism in Surgery.” WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON:—
Paper by Dr. E. P. Hawkins, on “Private Institutions and Work.”
Paper by Dr. F. A. Washburn, on “Medical Missionaries and Medical Ethics.” WEDNESDAY EVENING:—
Sermon by Elder G. B. Thompson, on “The Need and Operations of the Holy Spirit.” THURSDAY MORNING:—
Paper by Dr. G. T. Harding, Jr., on “Rational Treatment of Acute Mental Diseases.”
Paper by Dr. M. M. Martinson, on “Therapeutics of Light.”
Paper by Dr. W. A. George, on “Practical Laboratory Work in Small Sanitariums.” THURSDAY AFTERNOON:—
Discussion of the topic “The ‘Ministry of Healing’ Campaign, for the Relief of our Sanitariums.” Discussion led by Elders Irwin, White, Daniells, and Dr. Froom. THURSDAY EVENING:—
Symposium on “Medical Missionary Work.” Dr. E. P. Hawkins spoke on present conditions in the world, and the need for such a work. Dr. I. A. Dunlap gave an account of what is being done at Walla Walla to train young people as medical missionaries. Dr. George spoke of the importance of a study and practise of simple living. Elder W. C. White spoke of the talents that had been entrusted to us to be used in the promulgation of this work, and of the great responsibility resting upon us to spread the light. These talents are: light from heaven on health principles; treasures saved to this denomination by discarding liquors, tobacco, tea, and coffee—a million and a half dollars a year; physical and mental power, through habits of healthful living; health foods; and health literature. Elder R. A. Underwood related a number of interesting experiences illustrative of the need of a knowledge of these principles by all our people,—how to prevent sickness, and how to treat sickness by simple remedies. Elder Daniells gave some incidents of his early life, showing why he is especially interested in the health movement. He then related briefly his method of carrying on a health campaign in connection with his ministerial work in New Zealand and Australia. A communication was read from Dr. Julia A. White, of the Loma Linda (Southern California) Sanitarium, expressing her regret that she could not be present at the convention, and her hearty approval and co-operation in the work being undertaken by the convention. This letter was read as representing the sentiment expressed in a large number of letters received from physicians all over the field. Dr. G. H. Heald spoke briefly of the patent medicine evil. FRIDAY MORNING:—
Report of committee on plans and resolutions, with discussion. FRIDAY AFTERNOON:—
Paper by Dr. Ida S. Herr, “How to Secure Missionary Activity on the Part of Nurses Who Have Graduated from Our Sanitariums.” FRIDAY EVENING:—
The convention assembled to study recent communications from Sister White relative to certain recent developments in the medical missionary work. This meeting being insufficient for the purpose, another sitting was held Sabbath morning from eight to eleven o'clock, and another from half-past eight to eleven, Saturday night. As a result of these meetings a number who had been perplexed were enabled to take a firm stand for right as taught by the servant of God. SATURDAY EVENING:—
Paper by Prof. M. E. Kern, of Union College, on “The Effectual Co-operation of Adjacent Sanitariums and Schools in the Education of Nurses,” accompanied by extracts from recent communications from Sister White. SUNDAY MORNING:—
Paper by Dr. Howard F. Rand, and one by Dr. W. B. Holden, on “Education of Physicians in Worldly Schools.”
Further consideration of report of committee on plans and resolutions. SUNDAY AFTERNOON:—
Farewell meeting. The following excellent papers were received, but were not read for lack of time:—“The Medical Missionary, and the Principles of Medical Ethics,” by H. B. Farnsworth, M. D., of Missoula, Mont.; “Text-Books for Nurses' Training-schools,” by Ida S. Herr, M. D., of Boulder, Colo.; “Text-Books for Nurses' Training-schools,” by P. E. Marsh, M. D., of Otter Lake, Mich.; “A Knowledge of Dentistry as a Qualification for Medical Missionaries,” by J. E. Hackney, D. M. D., of St. Helena, Cal.; “The Management of Vegetarian Restaurants,” by E. G. Fulton, Manager Vegetarian Cafe, 755 Market St., San Francisco, Cal.; “Duty to Existing Health Enterprises Versus Entering Unoccupied Fields,” by J. A. Burden, Manager Loma Linda Sanitarium, Loma Linda, Cal. The calm, earnest attendance of busy physicians throughout a six-days' convention, the evident presence of God's Spirit in every session, the freedom from all spirit of debate, and the absence of flattery and the exaltation of men, moved the entire congregation to close the convention by heartily singing, “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.” W. A. GEORGE, M. D., Chairman;
J. E. FROOM, M. D., Secretary. The Removal of the Nashville Publishing House
By Geo. I. Butler
It may be news to most of the readers of the REVIEW AND HERALD that the process of removing our Nashville printing house to a place just outside of the city limits is now rapidly going on. The building known as 1025 Jefferson Street has been sold for cash, and other premises purchased, and the walls of a brick building one story high (one hundred19 and twenty by seventy feet) have now gone up, and the roof is being put on. The old building comes into the possession of the purchaser next March, and we hope to be comfortably installed in our new quarters before that date. Are we justified in taking such a step as this? This question is important. Our Board surely think we are, or we should not have taken it. It involves considerable expense, of course, and much additional labor, so the reasons for removal ought to be important and weighty. General Reasons for Removal
It is well known that much has been said within a few years past among our people about the advisability of getting our institutions out of the great cities. There has been a general agreement among us that this was light from the Lord. It is certainly good common sense. While there are some advantages in being in the center of these cities, such as easy access to most of the people, and within ready reach of post and express offices, banks, freight depots, and other desirable things, yet there are other considerations which to a religious work like ours far outweigh these temporal conveniences. While we have, of necessity, to do with the world, yet we are not of the world. Our Bible says, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. . . . For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof; but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.” 1 John 2:15-17. While seeking to be a blessing to the people of the world, we must be where we can reach them, and bring to bear the truth of God upon them to save them. Therefore, we should locate our institutions, as far as possible from the congested centers of the world, yet near enough to give them the light of God’s truth for these days. Our institutions have been acting in harmony with the light given. The Pacific Press has left Oakland, and gone into a country place. Our Australian office has also moved out of Melbourne to a country home. The center of our Washington work is in a wooded park, out of the city’s pressure. Our young, weak office is but following the example of these older institutions. Some Special Reasons Why Our Southern Office Should Remove
For two years past the question of removal of our office has been agitated and discussed at our general January meetings, and so thoroughly had the stockholders considered the matter (our stockholders embrace all the leading brethren in the South), that the following preamble and resolutions were passed last January, when the Publishing Association meetings were held:— “Whereas, The Spirit of God has fully indicated that our institutions, such as our leading schools, publishing houses, and sanitariums, be moved out of the large cities, and located in the country; and— “Whereas, The present location of the Southern Publishing Association is not conducive to the physical health or spiritual growth of the employees, or the building suitable for the business, therefore,— “Resolved, That we recommend and urge the incoming board of directors to take immediate steps to select a suitable location for the publishing house in the country, where the conditions mentioned in the Testimonies can be obtained; and we further recommend that the incoming board be authorized to make such disposal of this plant as in their judgment may seem best.” These recommendations were carefully discussed, heartily indorsed by all present, and unanimously adopted. Not a discordant note or dissenting voice was heard against this move. With such indorsement, and positive instructions from the stockholders, what else could the Board do but make the very best efforts possible to find a suitable location, and to do their very best to sell the present premises? This is precisely what they have done. Many inquiries have been made; many visits to various places have been undertaken; many premises near Nashville have been carefully looked over to find that “suitable location” concerning which the stockholders had spoken. For many months we could find not the slightest indication that we could sell the present premises. Because of the financial condition of the association it would be out of the question to undertake to move unless the present premises could be sold. There seemed to be no hope of disposing of our present building until summer was past. Finally a cash offer was made for the building. The price was lower than we had hoped to obtain. We were hardly prepared to accept it. The Board considered this matter of selling the buildings a great many times during the year, and we had always found the perplexity of deciding what to do greater than we could master. Some Considerations Which Led Us to Decide to Sell
There was much diversity of opinion in the minds of different members of the Board as to where it would be best to locate in case we should sell. Some thought it would be well to go out ten miles from the city. Others thought it might be better not to go quite so far. Some of us thought it would be best to keep near enough to the city to have our association still continue a Nashville institution, where our employees could attend meeting at our new church, and our institution’s influence still continue to build up the cause of present truth in this city, which the spirit of prophecy had said should be “the center” of our work in this great Southern field, and we could not see how this could possibly be done if our office were five or ten miles from Nashville. Finally seven acres of land was offered, some little distance beyond the city limits, where there was a small plot of ground, a plateau, just about the right size upon which to put up the necessary buildings for our institution. This knoll is quite sightly, giving an extensive view of the city and surrounding country. It is so far from the city that the black smoke of hundreds of chimneys, where large amounts of bituminous coal is burned, is never very troublesome. This feature in our present locality is one of the most objectionable of any with which we have to contend, especially in the winter. Nothing of this sort troubles the proposed locality. There is a fine well near by, of as good water as can be found, soft, clear, and most excellent. Here many of the helpers can have their houses and garden plots, and beautiful trees, shrubs, and flowers, if they choose to plant and cultivate them. Other unoccupied land is to be found in any direction. In short, we can have the advantages of the city,—its street-car lines, church privileges, ice, coal, good markets, mails, etc.,—and of the country also,—its pure air, and freedom from the city’s dust, smoke, and crowded condition. The cost of moving can be reduced to low terms. The transition can be made so easily as to hardly disturb the workers. Quite a number of families of prominent workers live nearer to the proposed locality than to the present quarters, and were naturally anxious to have this place chosen. The ground was gone over very carefully before any steps to close the bargain were taken. The servant of the Lord was consulted as to whether she could see any objection to this move, in view of the light the Lord had given her. In her reply she fully indorsed the proposed move. She said there was nothing inconsistent with it in the light the Lord had given her in regard to moving out of the large cities. She stated, emphatically, that to move the institution too far from the city would not be well. When we consider that the number of workers connected with the institution constitute more than half the working members of the church, and embrace some of its most influential and most earnest members, one can see at a glance how deeply the prosperity of the church would be affected by such a move. The Testimonies have spoken, over and over, of the importance of our people’s making Nashville the center of our work in the Southern Union Conference. To take a step that would practically take fully half of the efficiency of the church away from Nashville at one move, would be wholly inconsistent with the light given. After moving with such caution, looking the whole subject over carefully, and obtaining all the light possible, the Board unanimously gave their consent to moving the office to the locality in question, as, on the whole, the best that could be done. The offer made for the present premises was accepted. It is believed that the price received will fully cover the cost of our new buildings. Immediate steps were taken to prepare the buildings necessary for our business operations. The sale was made about October 20. Energetic efforts have been put forth, with success, to complete the removal. The Lord has favored us with excellent weather. A Brief Summing Up of the Reasons for the Removal
1. Above all else we present the need of getting out of the crowded city, nearer to nature, and to the influences of nature’s God; better air and light; less dust, noise, smoke, and kindred evils. 2. The inconveniences of the present building for the printing business. The building originally purchased was a city store. A building four stories high was added to this store building. Elder J. E. White erected another very close to this, also four stories high, which was afterward purchased and connected with the other building. The whole was made of pine wood and veneered with brick.20 It was in no sense fitted for the printing business. The insurance companies required the highest rates, as it was considered specially liable to fires. 3. The locality and building were unfavorable to health. More than a reasonable percentage of sickness had prevailed in it. Some of our best help have been barely able to continue with us because of poor health, and able physicians have warned them against remaining, if they wanted health. 4. The cost of operating our printing business in the present premises is unreasonably great. After careful calculation by able accountants, it is believed that a saving in expenses of nearly three thousand dollars a year can be made in our new quarters. In the item of insurance alone twelve hundred dollars can be saved. Our new building will be practically fireproof. The building will be of brick, and the floor of cement. The sash and doors will constitute all the woodwork below. The rooms will be high and airy, with plenty of light, where all the operations will come under the eye of the business agent or superintendent. The cost of operating will be much less than now. In short, to those on the ground the change seems to be an absolute necessity. We believe God is honored by this change, and that his blessing will rest upon it. In the saving of expenses, and in the economy of operating, we discern a powerful element in favor of success in the final outcome of our institution. GEO. I. BUTLER,
Pres. Southern Publishing Association. Religious Liberty Notes
By K. C. RUSSELL
THERE is a lively issue now on in Columbia, S. C., over the question of Sunday closing. Elder E. W. Webster has been doing excellent work there in educating the people by writing for the public press concerning the evil of religious legislation. He is planning to place religious liberty literature in the hands of the people. Rev. T. Albert Moore, general secretary of the Lord’s Day Alliance in Canada, recently at a meeting in Winnipeg, Manitoba, “emphasized the fact that true national greatness of any country lay in the character of its citizens. To build up a great nation, he said, it was absolutely essential that the Lord’s day be observed. He noted that no nation had risen to greatness and maintained its position, which had desecrated the Sabbath. As soon as a nation degraded its rest day its glory waned.” The Post Standard, of Syracuse, N. Y., reports that one of the ministers said at a recent Presbyterian Synod: “Christians have a right to demand that these [Sunday] laws be enforced as they will be partakers of their deeds [the deeds of those who disregard Sunday laws]. What is the use of preaching of ‘civic pride’ when the wicked walk on every side? Let every minister demand from his pulpit that these good laws be enforced.” What a blessing it would be if their demanding were only confined to the pulpit! At a banquet held November 16 in New Haven, Conn., there was a dramatic scene when W. J. Slocum, a prominent Roman Catholic priest of Waterbury, Conn., and Rev. Artemas J. Haynes, pastor of the United Congregational Church of New Haven, clasped hands. The report says: “As both clasped hands, one hundred and fifty business and professional men stood with bowed heads while Father Slocum said: ‘I feel proud at the words of my Protestant brother. It is time the Protestant and Catholic should forget the differences of faith and stand united as American citizens, the grandest and greatest on the face of the earth.’” Words worth remembering were written by President Roosevelt in his communication addressed to the Jews of this country at the celebration of their two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of their settlement in this country, which was held Thanksgiving day, Nov. 30, 1905, in New York City. In referring to the suffering the Jews had been subjected to in other lands, the President said: “I feel very strongly that if any people are oppressed anywhere, the wrong inevitably reacts in the end on those who oppress them; for it is an immutable law in the spiritual world that no one can wrong others and yet in the end himself escape unhurt.” Elder H. W. Reed gives a report of the eighth annual meeting of the Wisconsin Federation of Churches and Christian Workers in the Wisconsin Reporter of November 29, in which he quotes the following from their annual report: “The existence of this body represents one hundred and thirty thousand people in this State, who stand for Christian morals and for the securing of better legislation. The petition which was sent to Madison last fall aided greatly in getting better Sabbath observance. This federation has drawn together seventeen divided Methodist bodies, thirteen Baptist, twelve Presbyterian, as well as other denominations. This federation in the eighth year of its existence deserves our continued and enthusiastic support. The time has come for the churches to stand together and pull together for the extending of the kingdom of God in our State.” A prominent attorney of Fremont, Neb., writes our department regarding a signal victory he has scored for “religious freedom” in the State of Nebraska against Sunday legislation in defending parties who had been arrested for Sunday baseball playing. The following quotation from his letter shows that he attributes much of his success to the assistance rendered him by the Religious Liberty Bureau: “With the aid of the splendid literature sent to me by your society and Dr. W. S. Butterbaugh, of Johnson, Neb., I was able, with my assistants, to meet every proposition advanced. The verdict returned in this case is a grand stand taken, and I believe it foretells the coming of a better day, a time when you and I will know that the splendid efforts made by your society have not been made in vain. I desire at this time to express to you my heartfelt thanks for the interest taken, and the assistance that you have rendered me in this case.” Giving Money Instead of Advice
“If some church-members were as ready to give money as they are to give advice, the missionary coffers would be full.” Six persons were baptized at Wright, Mich., October 28. A new church of sixteen members has been organized at Herrin, Ill. The truth has recently gained six converts in the vicinity of Venus, Tex. Elder H. H. Burkholder reports the baptism of three persons at Powell, Ohio, November 11. Four persons received baptism on a recent Sabbath at the Lake Street church, Minneapolis, Minn. A report from Senjen, Minn., states that two more have been added to the company of Sabbath-keepers there. A new church building was dedicated at Argonia, Kan., November 19. Elder A. R. Ogden is now holding meetings there. In a report from Ingersoll, O. T., Elder J. R. Bagby mentions an increase of four in the membership of the church at Greenleaf. Elder H. Clay Griffin reports having recently closed his meetings at Sunset, Ark., leaving eight adults keeping the Sabbath, “with a goodly number convinced and undecided.” Several new Sabbath-keepers have been gained at Petrolia, Ontario, through Bible readings. A Sabbath-school has been organized, and there are hopes for a church organization in the near future. Elder S. J. Hersum says in a report from South Woodstock, Maine: “The Lord is at work here in the conversion of souls. Five have made a start to serve him since we came here one week ago to-day [November 25]. To the Lord be all the praise.” Elders R. S. Horton and M. S. Burnham have been holding meetings with good success in Benton Harbor, Mich., and in a recent report stated that the attendance and interest were still as good as ever. Eleven persons have been baptized there as a result of the meetings. The Southwestern Union Record states in a report of work that is being done in Texas: “Elders Field and Cubley have just closed a series of meetings at Bangs, with the result of thirteen accepting the truth. The interest there continues, and they have begun a meeting five miles from their first effort.” Elder W. W. Sharp reports that as a result of work done by himself and wife in Everett, Wash., the past year, “twenty-five have been added to the church by baptism, profession of faith, and letter; eight or ten others are keeping the Sabbath, and several more, with whom Mrs. Sharp is holding Bible studies, are much interested.” The Opening of Keene (Tex.) Academy
By C. B. Hughes
KEENE ACADEMY opened October 18 with twenty-five more students than last year. We have just one hundred students enrolled above the sixth grade at the beginning of the third week. There are several more students in the Home than at any time last year. Our faculty has been increased, and our course of study lengthened one year. Several advanced classes have been organized. It is the plan of our managers to give our young people that efficient preparation that is demanded by the third angel's message. At the request of the Keene church the academy has again assumed control of the church-school; and it is our aim to make it a model school for the training of church-school teachers. Mrs. Ella E. Hughes is in charge, assisted by Robert French, Miss Almetta Garrett, and Miss Ada Phillips. As has been previously announced, our academy is out of debt, and our board is planning for several important improvements. Plans are just about perfected for heating the Home with steam. Money is in sight for these improvements. There is a spirit of unity in our faculty and board that is very gratifying. Our board is fully awake to the needs of the school, and can always be depended upon to second every effort of the faculty to advance its best interests. While we are not free from all perplexities, we know nothing of those that proceed from bickerings in the board or faculty. We have a very devoted class of young people. At present there are only four students above the seventh grade who are not church-members. The outlook for our school is very good, and we bless God, and take courage. Cumberland Industrial School
By Clifford G. Howell
The pillar of cloud is moving southward; and the eyes of the favored ones of the Northland are upon this needy field. The Lord is fulfilling his promise, and sending help, six families having moved here on account of the school. We are borrowing between four hundred and five hundred dollars to put in a sawmill, planing-machine, and shingle-machine, the money to be paid back out of the earnings from the mill. We greatly desired to keep out of debt, but this move seemed necessary. Brother C. A. Graves, who came at a dark hour, and Brother J. E. Vosburgh, of Iowa, who has located here with his family, are earnestly helping. Brother J. C. Watt and his family, of Eddyville, Iowa, have made this their home. Brother Watt is a carpenter and mechanic, and has taken hold in noble self-denial to help the work forward. Miss Irene Watt is a teacher, a valued worker, and is teaching in the school. The attendance at present is not large. The free schools are in session, and outside pupils attend them. There are several more of our own young people who expect to enrol during our winter term. Brother Bluem, of Wisconsin, has just been here, and after looking around for a time has returned North to get his family and move here. So far only one who has come to find a home has decided not to locate here, and he had not sold out in the North when he came. We are expecting Brother O. F. Thompson and his family, of Sadsburyville, Pa., to join us the coming month, and shall be glad to welcome them. There is room for several more families who may wish to purchase a home cheap where there is a milder climate, and locate near a school. There is good opportunity for missionary work. I have held meetings in five different places the past summer, and now have appointments at three. Six adults have accepted the Sabbath since we came here. A few days ago I received a letter enclosing $2.25, saying, “It is a small donation, but the dear Lord knows the denial I have used to have this to send. I have made my living all summer by selling flowers from my yard.” We feel that when the Lord causes such money as that to be sent us, it must be used as unto him. We still live in a log cabin, but have a dwelling started, and hope to get it far enough along so we can move into it before cold weather. It seems as if every inch of progress has been strongly contested. We are determined, however, to rise above adverse circumstances and gain strength by the effort. We have sold a large number of “Christ’s Object Lessons,” and will pay freight on lots of twelve copies or more which any may donate to help illumine this dark corner. Remember us at the throne of grace. Summer School at Berrien Springs, Mich.
By W. D. Curtis
At the midwinter meeting of the Lake Union Conference Committee it was decided to hold a summer school for the primary teachers of this union, at Berrien Springs, Mich., beginning June 28, 1905, and continuing four weeks. The various conference committees were asked to pay the traveling expenses of their teachers to and from the school. The Emmanuel Missionary College management furnished rooms and tuition free, board and incidental expenses being all the teachers were required to meet. Several educational superintendents were called in to assist the college faculty in giving instruction. They rendered efficient assistance, which was greatly appreciated by all. The students were permitted to carry four studies, and entered upon their work with enthusiasm. There were about seventy teachers in attendance. It was my privilege to be present, for a time, soon after the school opened, and again at its close. The students were greatly pleased with their summer's work, and ask that hereafter the time be extended. August 1-3 the secretary conducted the general teachers' examination, assisted by the members of the Lake Union Board of Examiners who were present. It was very gratifying to find that the teachers' grades were about twenty per cent better than the year before. The examination was immediately followed by a council, August 3-8. Many of the leading educational people of the Lake Union were present. The keynote of the council was sounded at the first meeting, and may be stated as “consecration, thoroughness, and uniformity.” The course of study, as to length and subjects taught, was carefully considered. It was decided to use the Pacific Coast “Teachers' Manual” as the basis, as far as circumstances will permit, in the primary schools in the Lake Union. The question of text-books received due consideration. The desire for uniformity was manifested upon this subject also; but since there is to be a general educational council held next June, at which many of these perplexing questions will be settled, it was thought best not to make any decided changes in text-books at present. Teachers' examinations and certificates were discussed. The required standard of excellence is to be raised. Those reaching a certain degree of proficiency are to receive Lake Union credentials, and be listed as prospective teachers for intermediate schools and academies. It was also decided to establish a teachers' improvement course, which, with the work at the summer schools, shall constitute a thorough normal course. The importance of manual training in our primary schools also received due consideration. Some time was spent in22 studying plans of young people's and Sabbath-school work. At the close of the council the teachers went to their fields of labor much encouraged. The future of the educational work in the Lake Union Conference looks bright. W. D. Curtis. Conducted by the Department of Education of the General Conference.
FREDERICK GRIGGS, Chairman,
C. C. LEWIS, Secretary. The Summer School at Graysville, Tenn
By J. E. Tenney
CONDUCTING a summer school for teachers in the Southern field is accompanied with much greater difficulties than in other union conferences. In the first place, there are comparatively few to attend such a school, and they are widely separated. They teach for low wages, in no sense sufficient to admit of their traveling many miles, and defraying the expenses of board, books, etc. Yet in weak conferences there is, if possible, greater need of skilful teachers, who, by institutes and other advantages, have been better prepared to meet the difficulties incident to pioneer work. At the meeting of the union conference committee in January, 1905, it was voted to hold a short summer term for teachers at Graysville, Tenn., during the month of June. State conferences agreed to pay their pro rata of the traveling expenses of those attending the school, and about one third of the teachers in the South responded. Professor and Mrs. Washburn, Miss Bessie DeGraw, Mrs. F. R. Rogers, and the writer gave instruction along practical lines, and Elder G. C. Tenney, Dr. J. E. Caldwell, and Prof. P. T. Magan gave instructive and entertaining lectures. While we would have been pleased to have had at the school all of the sixty-five or more teachers in the Southern Union Conference, we feel that the occasion was a profitable one for those who attended, and that the results will be seen in the increased excellence of those schools taught by them. — The settlement of the present difficulty between the powers and Turkey regarding Macedonia appears in sight, the powers having consented to some modifications in their demands, mainly as a concession to the sultan’s pride. — Herr Bebel, socialist leader in the German Reichstag, created a commotion in that body by a speech December 7, assailing the government’s foreign policy, and declaring that present conditions in Russia were a warning of what might come in other European countries. The German laboring population, he declared, were being profoundly stirred by the Russian revolutionary spirit. — Japan has entered upon a program of naval expansion which provides for the building of larger, faster, and more heavily armed and armored battle-ships than any now existing in any navy. An immense gun factory, with twenty large buildings, covering eighty-three acres, is being established near Tokyo, by the Japanese military authorities, where 4,000 men will be employed making heavy ordnance. — Reports from Cuba say it is probable that the United States will soon be called to interfere with the affairs of that country to save it from bankruptcy. “A weak and extravagant government, a hungry and swarming ‘army of liberation,’ and rapacious American and foreign money sharks, using questionable, if not corrupt, methods in saddling debts upon Cuba, are the elements whose combined operations, if continued, will result in intervention by the United States.” — Trouble is reported to be looming up between Germany and Brazil on account of the action of the German cruiser “Panther” recently in landing men on Brazilian territory and seizing a man who was accused of having deserted from the German ship. The incident will become serious if Germany refuses to make an apology. It is considered possible that the United States, whose relations with Germany are greatly strained, may be drawn into the controversy. — Secretary-of-the-Navy Bonaparte has created a great stir in patriotic circles by a proposition to destroy the old United States frigate “Constitution” by making it a target for the guns of ships of the modern navy. More than any other ship that was ever built, the “Constitution” reflects credit on the American navy, and as such ranks with Nelson’s ship, the “Victory,” which he commanded at Trafalgar and which is to-day a carefully treasured relic in the British navy. A mass-meeting held in Faneuil Hall, Boston, December 9, gave voice to the protest against the secretary’s purpose. Wittingly or unwittingly Mr. Bonaparte has revealed the Roman Catholic attitude toward the sentiment which glories in the early history of the American republic. — The final step was taken in the divorce of church and state in France, December 6. A Paris dispatch under that date says: “The Senate to-day, after a long debate, adopted the bill for the separation of church and state by the vote of 181 against 102. This is the final parliamentary stage of the bill, which will be promulgated in the Official Journal to-morrow, when it will become effective immediately. The council of state will devote three months to the framing of the administrative details of the new regime.” — A recent London dispatch states that “in an important appeal in behalf of the oppressed Jews in Russia, signed by Lord Rothschild, Sir Samuel Montagu, and a number of other leaders of the Jewish movement in Great Britain, the admission is made that for the bulk of the Russian Jews there is no hope of salvation except through a new regime of liberty and justice, when they will receive equal rights with their fellow citizens of every creed.” The appeal opposes the Zionist movement and all other colonization schemes, which could benefit only a comparatively small number of Jews, of whom there are 4,000,000 in Russia. — Captain A. C. Baker, of the United States navy, who has for several months been making a study of commercial and political conditions in China, has returned to this country with a gloomy prophecy regarding American trade relations with China, as affected by the Chinese boycott. The boycott against American goods, he declares, is not dying out, and Australia and Japan are fast getting the trade in flour, cotton, and steel that belonged to the United States. Commerce in Southern China, he says, is under the absolute control of the guilds, of which there are seventy-one. The guilds have given orders that American goods are not to be handled. This is contrary to the rights secured by treaty, but no means is apparent for making the treaty effective in this particular. — While but little is known, comparatively, of conditions in the interior of Russia, all the news that finds its way to the outside world indicates that a second French Revolution is in progress, marked by anarchy, riot, and massacre. The revolt among the troops seems to be steadily growing, and confidence that Premier Witte will be able to make head against the popular storm is fast waning. There is a report of a massacre at Kieff in which 1,500 persons were killed. According to reports from refugees, 8,000 persons were killed at Odessa. The strike in the mail and telegraph service continues. Famine and distress are general, and the better class of people are fleeing from the country. General Sakharoff, former minister of war, was assassinated by a woman in the governor’s palace at Saratoff, December 5. A German squadron is reported to be in readiness near St. Petersburg to afford a refuge to the czar in case he should be obliged to flee for safety. The revolutionists have begun an attack on the financial credit of the government, hoping to drive it into bankruptcy.