As guide-post stands beside the way to show,
Which way the uncertain traveler should go,
So through the ages stood, and stands to-day,
The living Christ, our guide-post by the way.
With arm outstretched, he points the contrite soul
To that strait path that leads to heaven’s goal.
As daily bread that gives the body strength
To walk the path of life in all its length,
He, “the true bread,” gives strength to walk this path,
Despite the thorns and straitness that it hath.
Like morning sun that breaks the reign of night,
Christ to that soul is everlasting light.
As some cool spring the dusty way beside
Brings life, and joy where’er its waters glide,
So Christ, the “living water,” hath become
A spring of life to those who drink therefrom.
As mountain high from which the frontiersman
The onward path for many miles may scan,
And note the landmarks that must guide his way,
So Christ is mountain to his church to-day;
And ever from this Mount our eyes may see
Earth’s great events ahead on life’s great sea,
And piercing farther down the lighted way,
Ken heaven’s joy and peace and endless day.
Fernie, British Columbia.
A Young Mohammedan Studies the Bible
By D. Burroway
India
KARMATAR.—A young Mohammedan who comes from time to time to our mission expressed himself as desiring to study the Bible. Press of work, the Bengali conference, etc., hindered our beginning these studies until this week, when I sent for him and asked if he still desired to study. He answered, “Yes, I am very anxious to know the true way.”
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH AT CHARLESTON, W. VA.
In our first study we compared the prophecy of Christ’s first coming with its fulfilment in the New Testament. When I pointed out the prophecy of Isaiah telling us that Jesus was to be born of a virgin, which was spoken hundreds of years before his birth, the young man marveled; and as we read from David, whose writings are also in the Koran, he said, “It must be true.”
For fear of frightening him, I laid aside my usual custom of prayer before the study. After finishing the lesson and asking him to come again, he turned and asked if we could not have prayer. Never was I more thankful that I could pray in the language of these people. God came very near; and when we arose, the young man bade me a hearty good night, with tears running down his cheeks. Surely the testimony of the Lord’s servant has been fulfilled: “From quarters least expected will come voices urging us forward in the work of giving the world the last message of mercy.” D. BURROWAY.
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH, PARKERSBURG, W. VA.
Developments in West Virginia
By B. G. Wilkinson
The brethren in charge of the work in the West Virginia Conference are endeavoring with all their hearts to give character and stability to the work there.
The cuts which accompany this article represent two new churches that have recently been built in that conference. The first one shows the church put up by our brethren at Parkersburg. It is a commodious brick structure, centrally located in a neighborhood of people who are interested in the truth, and is easily reached by the different car lines of the city. Elder F. H. Robbins, president of the conference, in connection with a corps of good workers, very quickly erected the building, and had it dedicated practically free from debt, the latter part of 1911.
The other cut represents the new church building at Charleston. This city is the capital of the State, and offers an encouraging field of effort for our people there. At the present time Elder F. E. Gibson, who has just come from the Ohio Conference to take up work in West Virginia, has charge of the work in Charleston. He labored faithfully to have this church completed and ready for dedication in the fall of 1911. It is a beautiful building, situated on a good lot, and located in an excellent section of the city. The writer, in company with Elder K. C. Russell, had the privilege of attending the dedicatory services of the church. Practically the last of the money necessary to cover what remained of the debt on the property was raised at this dedicatory service.
The brethren in West Virginia are struggling hard to advance the work, and we request that all who are interested in the advancement of the Lord's work will sometimes, while they are praying for the many other interests, offer a petition to God to bless the work in the West Virginia Conference.
B. G. WILKINSON.
The Cook Islands
By Geo. L. Sterling
THE Lord’s work in the Cook Islands is progressing. We were cheered a few months ago to learn that Brother and Sister R. K. Piper, of New Zealand, had been appointed to this field. The simple knowledge of the appointment was a great encouragement to us, and prompted us to more earnest efforts. Now we can report that Brother and Sister Piper have arrived, having reached Rarotonga on December 20. We earnestly pray that the Lord will bless them both physically and spiritually, and that they may be a blessing to the cause of truth in these sin-cursed islands, and thus God’s purpose in blessing men will be fulfilled in them.
As I think of how merciful the Lord has been to us since we came to this field, I seek in vain for words adequate to express my thankfulness. And now our prayers for help have been answered; surely this has come about through God’s interest in his cause in the Cook Islands, not through our worthiness. We pray that the Lord will roll upon our hearts a greater burden for the souls of the unsaved, and make us more efficient workers for him.
Before many more months shall pass, I hope to be able to get out to answer the many calls from the islands of this group. The interest in the native paper, Tuatua-Moa, still continues. Just a short time ago a schooner brought us a letter containing twelve shillings. The next day the steamer came in from around the group, bringing another twelve shillings for the paper, also a contribution of five shillings to our work. One rather lengthy letter contained no money, but was written simply to tell us how the writer and his friends appreciate the Tuatua-Moa. Owing to the teaching that the islanders have received, they are18very slow to accept a new doctrine, especially if it is an unpopular one. We have felt sorry because we could not be out in more active work the past two years, but of late I have come to feel more confident that the course we have been obliged to pursue has been most providential. The printed page has been preparing the way while we have been awaiting reenforcements. We praise the Lord for his directing hand.
GEO. L. STERLING.
Chinese Mission Work in San Francisco
By PERCIVAL J. LAIRD
Soon after landing in the United States from China, it was my privilege to become acquainted with a young Chinese Seventh-day Adventist brother, a graduate nurse from St. Helena Sanitarium. The few days I was detained at San Francisco caused me to be impressed with the great need for more aggressive work to be done among the many thousands of Chinese in that city. Being physically unfit to undertake the task myself, I endeavored by prayer and correspondence to get this young brother to enter such a needy field for which to us it appeared his training had eminently fitted him.
After several months' delay, I am greatly encouraged by the good reports he is now sending, and take pleasure in forwarding a few extracts from them, in order to call forth the prayers of the Lord's people. He writes as follows:—
“What do you think I am doing now in Chinatown in making a little start? Well, Dec. 5, 1911, was a day which marked a new experience in my nursing profession. I am nursing a sick young Chinese who is afflicted with tuberculosis. . . . Two evenings ago I read the one hundred third psalm to him in Chinese, and then prayed for him. . . . We are located in the back of the Chinese Salvation Army Hall. . . .
“I have been able to drop a few words to different Chinese. A man took four of our Chinese Signs to give away. . . . My work will be well known in a few months, and as in this way I come in contact with quite a few Chinese, the truth will be communicated to them. I have made an advancement in being able to read a few chapters in Chinese. After one year of persistent study of my mother tongue, I think I shall be able to be well versed in Chinese characters. Who will be the first missionary to establish a mission for the Chinese of America? ‘Here am I, send me,’ if it is my place. . . .
“Two sailors came in where I am nursing, and wanted some Chinese literature to give to some Chinese who could not land and will sail to-morrow. So I gave them five Chinese Signs. . . . Our message must go. The Lord sent me down here at the right time. Praise him for what I can do for his sake. . . .
“This forenoon I started out and visited my former Chinese patient, sold a ‘Second Coming of Christ’ to him. He is pleased with it and glad to learn so many ‘good things.’ He has a copy of Chinese series of Bible doctrine, which I presented to him when I left after he was well enough to care for himself. . . .
“My heart is longing and full to do something for these poor Chinese who are soon to pass out of the world without hope. I am now writing up texts and learning them so that I can visit them again to tell them about our blessed Saviour. How my heart burns to pour forth what I understand so clearly in English. . . . Here is something more wonderful. Praise God for his wonderful healing power and truth. Yesterday I received a letter from a brother who will come to see me soon, bringing a Chinese believer. This Chinese was a leper, and the Lord healed him through faith. This white brother taught the truth to him for four years and nine months. He desires to be baptized. . . .
“Concerning the Chinese who was once a leper, but now healed: I saw him the following Sunday. He speaking another dialect, there wasn't much information gotten from him, but he was going back to the leper camp for a while, and will be baptized when he leaves the institution. . . .
“For the last two weeks or so my time has been well occupied. I now have two Chinese patients and one white patient. One Chinese is a Catholic. The coming Sabbath I shall take him some of our truth-filled literature. God help me to present the light to him. . . . The other Chinese patient is a heathen, and after I had given him my card, he read the two texts John 3: 16 and 3 John 2, and asked me, ‘Are you a believer in Jesus Christ?’ I answered him in the affirmative. He said, ‘I want to believe, too.’ Thank God for such first longing. I must take the reading-matter to him. . . .
“I am rooming with a nurse, who a few weeks ago was a Catholic, but is now taking hold of the truth. It is so wonderful to see a changed man emerging from dark Catholicism into God’s blessed truth. Several times God opened the door for me. When the door is opened, I do not seem to realize it immediately even though I had prayed for it before. Now you see God has given me two Chinese patients to treat, so that I may carry the truth to them.”
These few remarks emphasize the instruction given: “An important part of the education of Chinamen who are under training for evangelistic work, will be for them to see the successful efforts of those who are winning souls to believe in Jesus Christ. . . .
“We are to study how to meet the people where they are. An impression is to be made upon the people of all nationalities, by their association together in Christian assemblies, where consecrated believers with the greatest earnestness express their faith in God, and reveal the light of the gospel truth as it is in Jesus. Such assemblies as this camp-meeting that we are now holding in Oakland, where able workmen are making special, persevering efforts for the unconverted, will have a powerful influence upon the people of all nationalities. . . .
“The Lord will be pleased to see all our brethren and sisters who are in the cities, moving forward under the deep influence of the Holy Spirit, and laboring earnestly for the unconverted. With the Bible in their hands, and its truths in their hearts, they should, with all simplicity and tenderness, express their love for those whom Jesus Christ died to save.” PERCIVAL J. LAIRD.
The Work in Russia
By Gerhard Perk
SARATOF.—Concerning the progress of the work here in far-away Russia we can say, as did Paul in 2 Cor. 6: 8: “By honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed.”
We are having varied experiences. On the one hand, the dragon is wroth, and Herod wishes to slay the Child; on the other hand, are Jannes and Jambres who have turned their rods into serpents, and Sanballat and the Arabians are plotting together. But we are comforted, for Christ is in the ship with us, and we know that he has all power in heaven and on earth. Therefore we are of good courage, and the work of the Lord is ever onward.
It almost seemed as if the priest, Iliodor, from Zarizin, would be more dangerous to the work of God than all the rest, as he had also the archbishop of Saratof on his side, of whom all stand in fear, and to whom all must bow. But lo! suddenly they are both deposed from their position, and must do penance for their deeds. The archbishop had even sent a secretary who was to watch all our meetings and make note of everything that took place. Now he also is dismissed. Nevertheless, the clergy are keeping their eyes on us. In one of the church papers the following invitation was recently published: “To-morrow evening at 6: 30 in the large assembly-room of the church-school will be held an open discussion by the missionaries concerning Sabbath and Sunday. We invite the Seventh-day Adventists to come for a friendly discussion. Give heed to 1 Peter 3: 15.”
We could only decline this invitation, in accordance with Neh. 6: 3 and 2 Tim. 2: 23, 24, because no good would come from it, the people being too rough and ignorant to be benefited by a discussion. In another column of the same paper appeared an article of considerable length, charging us with enmity toward both church and government, and calling upon one another to unite in order to meet this danger. We are declared to be “sowing the pernicious seeds” of our belief “throughout the whole empire,” and ready to adopt any means, lawful or unlawful, to accomplish our ends.
Freedom under Russian law exists19only on paper. In reality one sees the opposite, and, because the power of the church rules, it is she who frequently seizes unlawful means to obtain her end. Nevertheless since we know that the work is the Lord’s, and that we must stand as Gideon’s chosen band, each in his place, and not like Shemaiah, who shut himself up in the temple, we must stand firm for the work of the Lord and not waver. “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”
Another difficulty we have to contend with in the Siberian Union is famine. One fortunate thing is that in this country every village has a state provision store. These are now open, and the people are at least saved from starvation, otherwise the outlook would be very serious. May God grant us more of his grace, and put it in the heart of upright souls to accept the truth while there is yet time, and not to look back as did Lot’s wife. Pray for our field.
GERHARD PERK.
Arkansas
By C. N. Eastman
GENTRY.—The work is making progress in this part of the Lord's vineyard. Elder L. Littell has just been here and helped us plan and organize for the building up of a good strong church-school. We have one of the best locations to be found anywhere. We expect to build on the Flint, known far and near as one of the most beautiful spring-fed streams to be found anywhere. We shall have good soil, good water, good land in the heart of the fruit country of Benton County.
To any of our people who may wish to come here, I would say that land is somewhat high and rapidly going higher, owing to the inflow of immigration. We have some real bargains listed, places of different sizes, and our people will be charged no commission if they deal through our committee. For further particulars, address W. S. Wiggens, Gentry, Ark. C. N. EASTMAN.
The Florida Boom
By R. W. Parmele
Our workers are continually receiving letters from our people in the North containing such inquiries as the following, which I quote from a letter recently received:—
“Please write me a little explaining the condition of a working person in Florida.”
“We desire to buy ten acres on which to raise poultry, fruit, and truck. Could we do well there at such work, or not?”
“What would be the price per acre, and condition of terms?”
“Have you good drinking-water?”
“Is the State malarious?”
“I would be pleased if you would kindly go into details a little on conditions there.”
These inquiries have been prompted by the extensive advertising that the State of Florida has had during the last few years. We appreciate the desire of our brethren to obtain reliable information, and are willing to do what we can to help them in this matter; but we are sometimes much perplexed to know how to reply to questions. For instance, how would we reply to the questions quoted above, which are not at all unusual? The price of land ranges from ten dollars to one thousand dollars an acre, and “conditions,” or “terms,” are very numerous. Whether a person could “do well” depends upon so many things, the person himself primarily, that we can not predict with any degree of certainty the probable measure of success. So, when all is said, a personal visit is the only satisfactory way of obtaining the information sought.
The soil of Florida is very sandy, and requires heavy fertilization to produce a profitable crop. There is but little if any land in the State that is an exception to this rule. It costs in the neighborhood of fifty dollars a year to fertilize an acre of land properly. But perhaps three crops will be obtained during the year, and the produce being so unseasonable in the North, the returns are sometimes very great. By far the larger portion of the land is almost worthless for truck raising, but quite a portion can be made to produce citrus-fruits. These, however, can not be grown successfully in the northern part of the State. It seems that there are more risks by far in agricultural work in Florida than in the Northern States.
A great many of our inquiries are concerning the Everglades. Drainage canals are being cut as rapidly as possible, but to my mind the question of the utility of the land is still far from definitely settled. Doubtless a good portion of the land lying near the canals will in time be successfully cultivated, but from personal observation I am led to believe that it will never be advisable to reside in the Glades. The most of those who utilize them, I am confident, will reside in the towns on the edges, and will go to their places in motor-boats on the canals. This will, of course, greatly increase the population of such towns. I do not think that the promoters of the drainage project even hope to use horses for farm purposes in the Glades, as the soil is too soft.
For equability of climate, there is probably not a superior State in the Union. For healthfulness, this State is said to be unexcelled. The diseases found in the North are not so common here. Pellagra, hookworm, and malarial diseases are prevalent, but proper sanitation practically prevents them all. There are four kinds of water in the State,—salt, sulphur, hard, and soft. The salt water comes from the sea, the sulphur from Artesian wells, the hard water from deep wells, and the soft from shallow wells and the lakes. In portions of the State the water compares favorably with that in the North, except it is usually quite warm; in most sections it is very agreeable. During the summer, mosquitoes exist in many places, but in most localities they are preventable by proper care of the community. On the coasts sand-flies are found to some extent.
The principal railroads run in a northerly and a southerly direction. Transportation facilities are comparatively poor, and in selecting a location for a home this point should be carefully looked into.
This article is not written for the purpose of influencing any one to consider Florida as a place for future residence. Neither is it for the purpose of provoking inquiry, but it is solely designed to give in few words answers to a large portion of the questions which come to us. We shall gladly make personal replies to those desiring it, if they will enclose a stamp. Literature is often asked for. This can be had by addressing the board of trade of any of the county seats or larger towns in the State.
We would be glad to see more of our brethren move into this South land to become a strength to the cause of present truth, as our people have been exhorted by the Testimonies to do; but we do not wish to be responsible for the removal of any one to any particular locality, lest he be disappointed. We believe that, before taking the step, all should carefully consider the effect their move would have on the cause of God both where they are and in the place to which they contemplate moving. We have a number of struggling churches that would welcome other brethren, and we would be glad to see them thus strengthened. But let us consider the needs of the cause from both standpoints. Time and money are now too precious to be lost in unwise moves. So consider carefully before making a move, and above all things, do not buy land until you see it, nor before you have had an opportunity to study conditions in the locality where the land is, by a personal visit and counsel with those who reside there. R. W. Parmele.
Korea
By W. R. Smith
WONSAN.—It has been some time since we sent in a report, but the truth has been making progress in this section of Korea [east of the mountain range]. Ten miles from our home there is a new company of Sabbath-keepers. At this writing I will not attempt to say how many, for experience has taught me that often in this country when a company comes out from the bondage of sin to walk in the liberty that is found in Christ, a mixed multitude comes with them without having received a change of heart.
This winter we have conducted a school here in Wonsan, with seventeen pupils in attendance. A Korean teacher has been in charge, while Mrs. Smith teaches drawing and a few other things.
We have a somewhat novel way of warming the schoolroom. It is a room about sixteen feet square. On the outside of the wall is a large iron pot, in which we cook cow feed. The fire from under the pot passes through flues under the floor, and so warms the room.
In December we visited the church at Iwon, two hundred miles north of Wonsan. They have had some trials during the last year, but seem to be having a good experience now. Twice I have visited the little company thirty miles north of Wonsan. Once we all went to a place about thirty miles distant in another direction, and spent some time with the people there. We are well, and of good courage. Remember us at the throne of grace. W. R. SMITH.
North Carolina
By R. T. Nash
KERNERSVILLE.—I have just spent Sabbath and Sunday at this place, and have enjoyed meeting the brethren here, who are working hard to erect a neat house of worship. The house is 24 x 36 feet, with a belfry and two small vestry rooms. I am pleased with the plan of this church, which is to stand as a monument to the message in this part of the State. The church is finished outside except painting, and the inside work is just begun. These brethren will be able to finish the work so well started. A church-school also is needed at Kernersville. R. T. NASH.
Field Notes
Elder H. B. McConnell reports three baptisms at Cripple Creek, Colo., on January 2.
Seven new members were added to the church at Birmingham, Ala., on the last Sabbath of 1911.
Two new Sabbath-keepers are reported from British Columbia, one at Fernie, the other at Nanaimo.
Cuba
By G. A. Sandborn
ALTHOUGH Cuba is one of the newest canvassing fields, we who are here believe it one of the best, if not the best. The latter part of January I arrived at Havana, and after spending six days in quarantine, met Brother Robinson at Matanzas, where he had sold over six hundred dollars’ worth of books in six weeks. This being the sugar season, when money is circulating freely in the small towns of the interior, we decided to work among them until about the first of May.
For a month we have been in these towns, spending from one to six days in each, and although the work is a little hard, for many times we work by day and travel by night, yet the Lord has abundantly blessed. We have been able to take orders for more than one hundred dollars’ worth of books every week, besides delivering.
The joy of the work comes when a person is found hungering for light. At one place Brother Robinson and I were canvassing together when we met a well-known doctor who ordered a book. In the course of our conversation, we learned that he had been studying different Protestant religions, but finding something lacking in each, he was studying Spiritualism; that, too, had failed to satisfy him. He was looking for something, he knew not what. We gave him a copy of our Spanish paper, Las Señales de los Tiempos. When Brother Robinson returned, the doctor gave his subscription for the paper, and seeing “Patriarcas y Profetas” advertised in the health book we had sold him, wanted that too.
We believe that influential men will join our ranks in time to help swell the loud cry. As the farmer spends months sowing, tending, and watering a crop to obtain a harvest which is gathered in a few days, so with our work. While we may not see so many direct results just now, we have faith that the harvest-time will soon come, when we shall reap what we have sown.
Just now we are in Santa Clara, a town of sixteen thousand inhabitants, which will keep us busy for a month. The Lord has richly blessed in our two days’ work here, as we have the names of the governor of the state, the mayor, the heads of the departments of finance and public works, the cura (priest), president of the national bank, and four judges, besides several leading merchants, doctors, and lawyers. Books can be sold in Cuba, and can be delivered.
Our aim for this year is to sell ten thousand dollars’ worth of literature, and we have adopted as our motto the words of William Carey, India’s great missionary, “Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.”
As I am writing this, a letter comes saying that two young men are on their way to join us, and seven more expect to start at the close of school in May. With these and perhaps another worker from the States, we are looking forward to a successful campaign during the summer.
Cuba is a field of great opportunity, and it is open for this book work now. By the help of God and the prayers of his people, the work must and will go. The people are renouncing Rome. Now is the time to win souls for the New Jerusalem.
The passing of the sugar season will not affect the work in the port towns, and I doubt if it will make much difference in the interior towns. It is not conditions outside, but inside that affect the colporteur and his work.
This work in Latin fields has given me a new vision. When I see Central America, Colombia, Venezuela, and the great Amazon territory, which must be covered before we can clasp hands with the workers south of the equator, my heart longs to see the work advanced more rapidly. The tread of Bible colporteurs has already been heard three thousands miles up the Amazon, and we must be there, too. Cuba is on the outskirts now, but my prayer and aim is that this field may not fail nor hinder, but push on and ultimately be a help to some of these fields farther on.
We need your most earnest prayers for Cuba. There are difficulties, but the difficulties make us strong, and the victories give us courage.
G. A. SANDBORN.
The Colporteur Work in Fiji
By T. A. Driver
IN our latest council here it was decided that we push the colporteur work, and urge our students and workers to engage in it. We are glad to see the efforts that are being put forth, and thankful for the remarkable success attending those who have entered the field. Besides several of our native teachers, we have four of our Buresala students in this work during vacation. They left Buresala early in November, and were all happy, and confident that the Lord would lead them. They took between them two cases of books (about one hundred sixty). We have just received a letter from one of them, saying:—
“We have been here two weeks and one day, and have sold out. The people of this district have a great desire for good books. . . . We had only to sit down in some of their houses, and the people would crowd in, and long before we had finished talking, they would throw down the money. We are surprised at the way the Lord has helped us.”
Levi, one of our youngest workers, who lately entered the field, writes:—
“When Alipati Rainima and I left Suva for Kandavu, we took with us thirty books, and in a very short time we sold all. We then returned, and after getting more books we went to Rewa. Here we parted, and with many forebodings I made my way to the first town. But I kept thinking of Jesus, and praying continually that he would help me in this important work. I was enabled to sell twenty books that week; but I kept thinking of Kandavu, so in the month of August I left Suva once more for Kandavu, taking forty books. In two weeks’ time I had again sold all. This shows how great the demand is.”
The time was when selling literature in Fiji was thought little of, but the foregoing extracts show that the Lord is working upon the hearts of the people. Now is the time to get our publications before the people. May the good Master continue to bless the efforts that are being put forth. T. A. DRIVER.
From the Philippines
By N. Z. T.
ELDER L. V. FINSTER reports that Brother Floyd Ashbaugh, who went from California to engage in colporteur work in the Philippines, is already at work, and is meeting with encouraging success. He started with “Christ Our Saviour” in Spanish. Concerning his success, Brother Finster says: “The first day he took seven orders, the second day eleven, and the third day nine.” We are glad of this splendid beginning by Brother Ashbaugh in his new field. N. Z. T.
The Publishing Work
Conducted by the Publishing Department of the
General Conference
E. R. PALMER Secretary
N. Z. TOWN Assistant Secretary
Christian Education
By H. R. Salisbury
Conducted by the Department of Education of the General Conference
H. R. SALISBURY Secretary
Study at Home
By W. E. Howell
THIS is the liveliest year yet in the work of the Fireside Correspondence School. Our students are keeping up their lessons more regularly and are doing a much better quality of work than heretofore. Each month of the year so far has shown a healthy, uniform growth in membership. Nine new students were added in January, five in February, and four the first four days of March.
The range of our patronage is good. Every continent on the globe and several islands of the sea are represented. We have eight students in Takoma Park and four in West Africa. Not long ago a missionary leaving Washington for India took a lesson outfit with him, and by the time he arrived in his field he had prepared and mailed back en route seven lessons. It is reported that this same missionary began his field work the next day after his arrival. More recently another missionary departing for Africa paid his lesson fees, took up his outfit, and departed.
Lessons are being taken in every subject offered by the school. As is very proper, English and Bible are in the lead. During the month of February, we received lessons in these subjects as follows:—
Bible Doctrines...........51
Life of Christ............14
Grammar...................85
Composition-Rhetoric......51
Advanced Rhetoric.........10
Journalism................10
Considering the fact that each of these lessons represents from three to five days' work in the ordinary school, these figures mean much student activity. As soon as students get far enough along in their work to appreciate its value, it is a common thing for them to say, as one did the other day, “I enjoy my study very much, and only wish I had taken advantage of the Fireside Correspondence School before.” Fortunately for procrastinators the school is open for enrolment during the “six working days” of every week.
W. E. HOWELL, Principal.
Takoma Park, D. C.
News and Miscellany
Notes and clippings from the daily and weekly press
— The Spanish government is beginning a system of irrigating canals, and also 20,000 miles of railroads and highways.
— Another arctic expedition is getting ready to sail. This is not to hunt for the north pole, but to map Crocker Island, the only part of North America which has not been mapped.
— The liberals of Nicaragua, Central America, are reported to have placed fifteen mines under the track over which the train conveying Secretary of State Philander C. Knox was to pass. For some unaccountable reason none of the mines exploded. Fifty liberals have already been arrested on the charge of conspiracy.
— On March 10, in the new foreign office at Peking, Yuan Shi Kai was formally inaugurated provisional president of the republic of China. The constitution of the new republic of China places the supreme power in the hands of the national assembly. A notable feature is that all the acts of the president require the approval of the assembly, and this body also has complete control of the cabinet. The assembly elects the president and the vice-president, and may pass any law over the executive's veto at its pleasure. The mutiny among the troops continues to spread. Official reports state that 1,000 decapitations took place at Peking and Tientsin within one week.
— A world-wide coal strike is feared. In Great Britain all mines are closed. Approximately 1,000,000 miners are striking, and at least as many workers in other industries are idle because of lack of fuel. Food prices are steadily rising; ocean liners are unable to get coal, and shipping is seriously interfered with. In Germany 175,000 miners are on strike in one district, and others are only waiting the word to stop work. France has experienced a twenty-four-hour miners' strike; and if the demands of the miners are not met, the strike will probably be renewed soon. The anthracite-coal miners in the United States are also demanding increased pay, and it is quite probable that they will go on strike on April 1.
— Highly interesting discoveries have been made in connection with the excavations in the ruins of Pompeii. A street leading to the forum, which was closed at both ends by stone pillars for the purpose of excluding carriages, now proves to have been one of the chief thoroughfares of the city. It is lined with shops, the walls of which show inscriptions and marble tablets, which are well preserved. A great quantity of archeological treasures of great historic value has been found, and the investigators have gathered up a quantity of petrified fruit and meat. In one shop a large terra-cotta kitchen range was discovered, on the top of which rested an oval copper boiler in perfect condition, containing water, which the scientists say has been there since the time of the eruption, nearly 2,000 years ago.
— Plans for a sixteen-inch naval gun that will hurl a 2,000-pound shell and penetrate armor at fourteen miles, the most gigantic and most powerful weapon yet contrived, are now complete in the office of Rear-Admiral N. C. Twining, chief of the United States Bureau of Ordnance.
— The Catholic Colonization Society of the United States, recently organized at the Catholic University, near Washington, D. C., has received the approval of the entire American hierarchy. The society is national in its scope, and aims to protect and promote the interests of Catholic colonists. Archbishop Messmer, of Milwaukee, who is deeply interested in this new society, says: "Many immigrants come to America from Europe every year looking for work and homes. Some, crowded into our great commercial centers, are pushed toward the confines of the 'underworld,' away from the influence of religion. We hope to relieve their misery and suffering by taking them to colonies that promise sufficient support and religious advantages." This scheme is one which is expected by the Catholic Church to assist her greatly in gaining control of America.
