Your ShelfYour Projects

Review and Herald, Vol. 78, No. 41.

BE READY
Earlier text: DELAYETH HIS COMING

THE AUSTRALASIAN UNION CONFERENCE.

By Edwin R. Palmer

The fourth biennial session of the Australasian Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists was held, according to appointment, July 11–29, 1901, at Cooranbong, New South Wales. A strong delegation was present from each of the Australasian States. In addition to the regular delegates, the following delegates at large were also in attendance: G. A. Irwin from the United States, E. W. Farnsworth, Drs. Caro and Kress, J. A. Burden, E. H. Gates, J. E. Fulton from Fiji, A. T. Robinson, C. B. Hughes, E. R. Palmer, E. M. Graham, Prof. C. W. Irwin, F. L. Chaney, W. A. Hennig, L. V. Finster, Geo. A. Snyder, and Wm. Woodford. The Australian brethren were glad indeed to welcome Elder G. A. Irwin, an experienced and tried laborer, to take the place of Elder A. G. Daniells, who had been transferred to America. A hearty welcome was also accorded to the last six delegates mentioned above, who arrived in Australia from America two or three days after the Conference opened. These delegates, together with many visitors, were very hospitably entertained by the Avondale school, the Avondale Health Retreat, and the few brethren and sisters who live in the neighborhood.
Nearly all the meetings of the Conference were held in the Avondale school chapel. A portion of the school work of the older students was suspended during the two weeks of the Conference so as to enable them to attend the meetings of the Conference. From the beginning it was very noticeable that the meeting was characterized by a spirit of unity and devotion. Some parts of the Australasian work had been passing through a severe struggle during the preceding year, and the delegates, as they assembled, realized that they needed much of the help and blessing of God to enable them to deal wisely and strongly with the situation; and it was gratifying to observe how the brethren drew together, and sought the Lord in their time of need.
During the opening meeting of the session, three new Conferences were received into the Union: South Australia was admitted with a membership of 235; Tasmania with a membership of 200, and Queensland with a membership of 226.
Many encouraging features were presented by the Vice-President, Elder E. W. Farnsworth, in his report, which covered the past two years. From it we quote the following paragraphs:—
“At the last session of the Conference our membership was 1,859; now it is 2,184, an increase of 325. There were then 36 churches; now 48, an increase of 12. There were then 85 Sabbath-schools; now 104. Their membership was then 2,085; now 2,896. The average attendance was then 1,391; it is now 2,147. At that time we had 12 ministers; now 15: 13 licensed preachers; now 12, a loss of one. The number of Bible workers is the same now as then. The number of canvassers is now 69, an increase of 16. The tithes of the colonies then was $37,020; it is now $55,035. While this report is a cause of gratitude, it is by no means an occasion of boasting. When we think of the privilege of every Christian to bring many others to the fold, and that it is the duty of every one to do so, the thought of our slow progress is somewhat sobering.”
“Three Conferences have been organized since our last meeting. With these three there are six organized Conferences within the Union Conference. West Australia is still a mission field, but the Lord is blessing the labors of His servants there, and new Sabbath-keepers are being added constantly. We think a Conference will be organized there in the near future. There are now one hundred and fifty Sabbath-keepers in that field, and their tithe goes a long way toward supporting the laborers there.”
Much attention was given during the Conference session to the tract and missionary work. Special meetings were held each day with the presidents, secretaries, bookkeepers, and general agents of the state tract societies. Special attention was given to the principles by which we ought to be guided in all departments of our tract and missionary work, and the methods by which each department may be most successfully carried on. Various items from this institute work will appear from month to month in the REVIEW AND HERALD SUPPLEMENT. The prosperity of our tract society work in Australia is a proper cause for thanksgiving. A few years ago only one organization covered the entire territory, and operated throughout the borders of the entire continent from Melbourne. Now we have seven well-organized societies, with secretaries and general agents doing efficient and successful work. If we divide the past six years into three biennial periods, the value of books sold during the first would be $78,805; for the second, $113,950; for the third, $162,855. Thus the work has more than doubled during the past five or six years.
During the past year the cash system has been adopted by all these societies. Church societies and individuals are required to pay cash for their supplies, and the state societies send cash with all their orders to the Echo Publishing Company. This system was adopted after considerable hesitation, and after much delay, for it was feared that the missionary work would be crippled, but our difficulties had become so great through the credit system that it became imperative to do something definite, and finally the cash system was adopted by the societies. The movement was wonderfully blessed, and brought great relief to all concerned. During the first year of its operation, the Australasian tract societies reduced their liabilities to the Echo Publishing Company to the amount of $8,500, which was nearly one half of the total account. All our fears proved groundless, for in every state the missionary operations were increased.
Definite steps were taken during this Conference for the relief of the Avondale school by the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons.” It has been arranged that every organization and individual in Australasia shall take some part in this great enterprise. The Conference laborers in each state will devote at least one month during the coming year exclusively to the sale of this book. The Conferences will pay these laborers their regular salary during three weeks of their time, and the workers will donate the fourth week. When the proposition was made that a material fund should be raised, one of the delegates proposed that the question be voted upon in a practical way, and the brother cast his vote by paying $250 toward the fund. Other liberal donations rapidly followed, and in a few minutes the brethren present, numbering about one hundred and fifty persons, donated $2,310.
The brethren were greatly blessed in the making of this liberal contribution, and a stronger spirit of unity and burden-bearing came into the Conference from that hour. This fact was illustrated a little time afterward when Elder George Teasdale presented a report of the Queensland Conference. The present severe troubles through which the medical work has been passing in Brisbane and Rockhampton touched the hearts of all present. It seemed that the good work begun in Rockhampton would have to be closed up at an early date unless immediate relief could be sent. One brother came forward and gave five dollars, and proposed that others who were willing to give the same amount should bring it forward and lay it on the table. The response was hearty and generous, and within ten minutes $515 was laid on the table for the relief of the Rockhampton work. Then the brethren united in singing “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow,” and seemed to give it a special ring and a new meaning. These were the means by which the burdens of the Conference were lifted during the entire session, and a good, warm spirit of union and strength was the result. May the Lord always help His dear people in Australia to lift the burdens in connection with His work in this whole-hearted, effective way.
A large portion of the time of the Conference was devoted to the medical missionary work. This department has been growing rapidly during the past two years. That feature of the work which received special attention was the completion of the sanitarium building at Wahroonga near Sydney. The delegates decided that this institution must be erected wholly by donations, and dedicated to its work free from financial embarrassment; they also decided to raise a second or sanitarium tithe during the coming year for that purpose, and proceed with the erection of the building only as funds might be secured.
When the Conference broke up, and the delegates returned to their fields of labor, it was with a feeling that the Lord had presided in all the councils, and given victories according to His own mighty power.
EDWIN R. PALMER.

THE CATHOLIC FIELD OF EUROPE.

By B. G. Wilkinson

After a short acquaintance with the Catholic field of Europe, we have learned to appreciate more than ever the conquering grace of Christ. And from what we have seen already, we believe that victories are awaiting the consecrated laborers who give themselves to this field.
The churches and Sabbath-keepers of this field assembled in Conference and camp-meeting at Moudon, Switzerland, July 4-14. From the first, the blessing of God was present among the people. The faithfulness of some of those who have accepted the truth in this territory may be seen in the fact that one church reported from southern France as not having been visited by any Seventh-day worker for four years. There it was standing all alone, but continuing faithful in the truth. Suppose one of your churches in America had had that same experience. Would it have shown a better record? The Spirit of God greatly blessed in the camp-meeting. Many renewed their consecration, and all the members returned to their homes with new courage.
After the camp-meeting, I went directly to Friedensau, Germany, where the General Conference of Europe was held. I next visited the work in Belgium.
Belgium in many respects is just like France. In fact, its past history shows that it has been greatly influenced by France, and has often followed its movements and revolutions. It is difficult to reach this field with present truth, on account of Catholicism and infidelity. Protestantism as yet has made but little advance in the country. In the quarter where I visited, the inhabitants are almost entirely engaged in mining or in the manufacture of glass. Yet in the midst of this population we have a church obedient to present truth. Four years ago about sixteen accepted the light, and until now they have been faithful.
The church is situated at Jemeppe, a suburb of Liège. We held several meetings with it, and on Sabbath afternoon we went to the Meuse, where Elder Curdy baptized three persons in the waters of the river. Upon our arrival at the river there were present only a few people, although the place was quite a center. But later a large crowd gathered. The ceremony passed off well, but as soon as it was closed, the chief of that department of the police stepped up to Elder Curdy and stopped him. Then questionings and discussions followed. Not yet being sufficiently acquainted with the French, I believed that we were to have some difficulty, for I heard one say that it was against the law to bathe in that locality. But when they had finished their parley, I learned that the officer simply desired to know the signification of that “beautiful ceremony,” as he called it. He was greatly interested in what was told him, and requested us the next time we wish to baptize, to let him know in advance, and he would see that we were protected. He gave his name and address to one of the laborers.
The evening following we held quarterly meeting, at which the presence of the Lord made tender and united all hearts. Several services were held, and a number not of our faith were in attendance. By this we could see that the Lord had doors open for the entrance of the truth.
From Jemeppe I went to Charleroi, in company with Brother Grin, our Belgium worker. Charleroi is the great glass-manufacturing center of Europe. At present American capital is seeking to secure this center in order to place it in an international glass-manufacturing combine. At this place also the word of God triumphed.
The evening of our arrival we went to visit a city mechanic who is studying present truth. We found, at home with him and his family, a young man who is a shoemaker’s apprentice, and another gentleman. The young man is desirous of keeping the Sabbath, but has had a difficult time. And while we were visiting, another young man called who just now is doing colporteur work for a Protestant Bible missionary society. It was evident from the arguments advanced against the claims of the Sabbath that these men were discouraged. But we took the word of God and gave them some of its strong arguments and promises. As a result, the Spirit of God impressed the words upon the hearts of all present, and they took new courage. When we separated late in the evening, they expressed their determination to walk in the light as the Lord would lead them.
Belgium is a field with open doors. But what is needed now is laborers. We pray that the Lord will raise up some faithful laborer to enter that country.
But the work which now demands serious attention is the promulgation of the truth in the great territories of France and Spain. In Paris we are making a start. Two of our brethren there are endeavoring to introduce the health foods. Elder Jean Vuilleumier is there also, and as soon as a convenient place can be found, he will begin public meetings. But prices are very high, and with our limited means we shall be compelled to work modestly, but work in faith. There are also the great cities of France, which have never yet heard the sound of present truth, and Spain has not yet been even entered. But we are persuaded that as God’s people enable us with means and workers to enter these territories, there will be found those who will accept present truth. B. G. WILKINSON.

TEXAS CAMP-MEETING AND CONFERENCE.

By W. A. McCutchen

ELDER DANIELLS gave a report of the first part of the Texas camp-meeting, but having left before its conclusion, could not give statistics nor the doings of the Conference. As supplementary to his report I will say that our camp-meeting this year was the largest, and one of the best, ever held in the State, there being over one hundred and sixty tents pitched, and about twelve hundred of our people camped upon the grounds. The attendance from without was excellent throughout the entire meeting, and the spiritual interest was good. The Sabbath meetings were marked with deep devotion and the mighty movings of God's Spirit. Forty-six persons were baptized at the close, and many others returned to their homes to be baptized there.
Recommendations were passed touching the following points: Unifying the work of the message, making each branch of it a department of the Conference; changing the constitution so as to make all church-members delegates to the Conference; indorsing the ten-cent-a-week plan in support of the work in the regions beyond; urging all to take the Missionary Magazine as a means of keeping informed with reference to the foreign fields; pledging the payment of a second tithe to the General Conference for mission work; establishing additional church schools in the Conference; placing of the church school, Sabbath school, and young people's work under charge of a field educational secretary; working in the interest of the training school at Keene Academy; the holding of one or more canvassers' institutes in the State the coming winter; recommending that the attention given to the sale of the medical or health books be equal to that given to the sale of the religious books, and that a special effort be made for the sale of “Christ's Object Lessons” again this fall.
The following is the corps of laborers authorized by the Conference:— Ministerial Credentials: J. B. Beckner, W. S. Greer, W. A. McCutchen, H. B. French, J. N. Sommerville, T. W. Field, H. E. Giddings, H. Woodruff, August Kunze, Jacob Riffel, D. U. Hale. Ordination and Credentials: A. G. Bodwell, Henry Gellert. Ministerial License: O. Glass, J. B. Blosser, W. M. Cubley, J. F. Bahler, Conrad Miller, A. W. Jenson. Missionary License: W. W. Stoner, Jessie Hunter, Artie Taylor, Lottie White, Mintie Bodwell, Theo. DeFreeze, C. L. Kilgore, Kate Boggs, J. W. Johnston, Birdie Cruzan, Flora E. Heermann.
The following are the Conference officers chosen for the ensuing year: President, W. A. McCutchen; Secretary of Conference and State Agent, J. B. Blosser; Secretary of tract society and State Treasurer, C. N. Woodward; Secretary of Sabbath-school Department, Mrs. Sallie Green; Transportation Agent, W. A. McCutchen. Executive Committee: W. A. McCutchen, W. S. Greer, T. W. Field, J. Riffel, J. B. Blosser, Dr. D. E. Garvin, and Principal of Keene Academy. Trustees of Texas Conference Association: W. A. McCutchen, T. T. Stevenson, C. C. Lewis, W. S. Greer, August Kunze, Elisha Taylor, J. J. Cochran.
At the close of the last Sabbath afternoon services Brethren A. G. Bodwell and Henry Gellert were ordained to the gospel ministry, and God attested His acceptance of the work done by the presence of His Spirit. Six missionaries went from this meeting to foreign fields, or the “regions beyond,” as follows: Elder and Mrs. J. B. Beckner, to Jamaica; Elder and Mrs. A. G. Bodwell, to Mexico; and Brother George Beckner and wife to Raiatea Island. In connection with their leaving, a farewell meeting was held the last Sunday morning of the meeting. As these missionaries spoke of their work, their burdens for the fields to which they were going, their hopes, desires, and purposes, and begged the prayers of those remaining at home, there was scarcely a dry eye in the great congregation. Thus closed our good camp-meeting for 1901.
W. A. McCUTCHEN.

INDIANA CAMP-MEETING.

By S. H. Lane

THIS meeting was held, according to appointment, at Greenfield, August 29 to September 8. It was held on the fair ground. The sod was excellent, and the shade not profuse, but sufficiently abundant for health and comfort. The meeting was excellent from beginning to end.
There were about six hundred campers. Three churches were added to the Conference, aggregating a membership of thirty-seven. The tithe for the past year was a little more than thirteen thousand dollars. The tract society has been prospered, and the Conference debt has been reduced.
The laborers present from the General Conference were Elders Daniells and Thurston, Professors Magan and Salisbury, Dr. S. P. S. Edwards and wife, and the writer. The preaching was of a practical nature, the evenings being devoted to setting forth the truth, in a clear manner, which is especially practicable for these times. The attendance from the city and surrounding country was excellent. At times all could not be seated in the large pavilion. Those in attendance seemed to be deeply interested, and a good impression was made.
Brother W. A. Young was recommended to labor in Ontario for one year, his expenses to be met by the Indiana Conference. The brethren and sisters in the State took hold last fall very commendably in the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons,” disposing of about three thousand copies, which has aided in the liquidation of the Battle Creek College debt. The Indiana laborers were present, and the Lord blessed. They left the meeting in harmony with one another, and with a determination to make the work a greater success in the future, by the blessing of God.
It was recommended that the Conference take steps by the first of January to establish a State school, building at some place in the State accessible to all. Several hundred dollars was raised to start the enterprise. It was recommended also that the sanitarium, so well established at Indianapolis, be purchased by the Conference, and some money was raised for the purpose.
The work in Indiana seems to be prospering, and we believe there are brighter days for it in the immediate future; indeed, we feel assured that such will be the case if every laborer sees eye to eye and works shoulder to shoulder. The State is a good field of labor; and is inhabited by a good class of people, warm hearted, and willing to sacrifice for the truth of God. Their hearts respond readily to the truth, and all that is necessary now to make the work a success is a full consecration to the Lord, and a determination to carry the truth constantly into new fields. Our brethren and sisters departed to their homes Monday morning, September 9, feeling that they had had a good old-fashioned camp-meeting. The Lord is upon the giving hand, and we trust His richest blessing will rest upon the good old State of Indiana. S. H. LANE.

MINNESOTA

The following Minnesota canvassers are introducing “Great Controversy;” P. O. Johnson in Washington County; K. O. Shawhem in Polk County; and H. E. Shelstad in Cottonwood County. Nine are working for “Coming King,” whose names are as follows: C. L. Butterfield, Douglas County; Arthur Jones, Grant County; Tillie Stiller, Alexandria; W. W. Ruble and E. W. Everest in Chippewa County; F. P. Marshall, Wright County; Tillie Shawhem, Polk County; B. A. Hansen, Lac qui Parle County; and H. E. Shelstad, Cottonwood County, who is also handling “Great Controversy.” Hennepin County is being canvassed for “Daniel and the Revelation” by Brother F. E. Rew; and Gust Henrickson is canvassing in Benton County for “Prophecies of Jesus.”

INTERESTING EXPERIENCE ON THE SABBATH QUESTION.

Elder Uriah Smith.
DEAR BROTHER: My only excuse in writing to you, a stranger, is a feeling of gratitude which I would like to express. For twelve long years I was perplexed over the Sabbath question. I was a member of the Congregational Church; and when I first heard of the change of day without God's authority, I was entirely ignorant on that subject; nor was it explained to me so that I could see any reason in it. I just said “crank,” and let it go for a number of years. Then it was presented to me in such an unfortunate way that I again rejected it; but I began to think. The more I thought, the more unhappy I became. I could see there was something in it, but I could not see enough to convince me that Sunday-keeping was wrong. Neither was I satisfied that it was right. I talked with our minister, and I talked with a Sabbath-keeper; and both, of course, talked for their own side, so I made up my mind that I would stick to my Bible and fight it out alone, feeling sure that if God wanted me to keep Saturday, He would send me light. Elder Fifield preached in the city where I lived, and no doubt had I been willing to listen to him, I might have settled all this long ago. I had never before come up to a point where I refused to do what I thought God wanted me to do. I was beginning to feel that the Father's face was hid, but still I would not give in, for I was not satisfied.
A young man, a Sabbath-keeper, who roomed with us, had a copy of your “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation.” I picked it up one day and began to read. I read nearly all one Friday; and at night I told my husband that henceforth he would find me on the side of God's Sabbath. In that book I found the logical conclusion of the whole matter. I feel that I did wrong in putting the matter from me so long; but when I did see the truth, I did not hesitate an hour. I did not dare to. I take some comfort in the thought that perhaps God brought it to me just in His own time.
I have prayed much for wisdom to train my child so that she might be a Christian. She is now thirteen years old, and last Sunday went forward with me in baptism. Perhaps you can imagine somewhat of the feeling of gratitude to God and to the one who brought me the light of the blessed Sabbath that filled my heart at that time. We unite with the Boston church. Elder K. C. Russell is very helpful, and we enjoy his teaching. I hope that my husband will soon unite with us.
Again I thank you for writing that book. I bought two copies, one of which I keep to lend, and the other I sent to Kansas, and I am praying that it may bring forth good fruit. May God's richest blessings be yours. MRS. B. M. CLIFFORD. 44 Brook(s)ford St., Roxbury, Mass.

MICHIGAN

By M. C. Guild; Fred Brink

HILLMAN.— We closed our tent-meetings at Hillman, September 15. Four took their stand for the truth, and on the last Sabbath of the meeting three were baptized in a beautiful stream near our tent. A Sabbath-school of sixteen members has been organized. Brother Brink and family have settled there for the present, and will endeavor to develop the interest that has been awakened.
We are of good courage. M. C. Guild, Fred Brink.

VERMONT

BARRE.— Since camp-meeting we have been holding meetings in a hall on Main Street. The attendance has been very small. We are doing what we can to advertise the meetings by putting notices in the daily papers, scattering handbills, using a bulletin board at the stairway, leading to the hall, visiting, etc.; yet we do not see what we had hoped to see. However, there are a few who seem favorably impressed by the truth, and we shall hope to see some fruit.
As our Bible workers go among the people, they find those who will promise to come to the meetings; but when the hour for service comes, they are not there. Brethren, pray earnestly for the work in this place. Elder Purdon is here at present, assisting in the work. If any of our brethren and sisters would like to assist in the expenses of hall rent, lights, etc., what they would contribute would be very thankfully received. J. W. WATT.
OUR aged brother, Washington Morse, writes from Williamstown, Vt., Sept. 11, 1901:—
“My health is excellent. I can stand and speak one hour without feeling weary. Truly the fields are white for harvest. I attended the Vermont camp-meeting. It was excellent.
“I am sure that a great change has come over the people within the last two years. It certainly is not all in me. Never before under this last message have I felt such love for those I meet as I have the last five months. It seems much like the love which I felt under the first message; yes, even the last six months of that message. How I feel for my brethren, some of whom have lost their first love, and think of going back into the business of the world to open new farms and get ready for old age. My experience is that such soon grow rusty and lose their love for the Saviour’s soon coming and for precious souls. The message to us is, There is no longer delay. The coming of the Lord in this generation! This has the right ring; and all who will consecrate themselves to God and go forward in the canvassing work, will experience God’s blessing as never before. I know this by experience.”

NEWS AND NOTES

By A. J. B.

Leading Events of Week Ending October 5.

— Lord Kitchener asks for 25,000 more troops.
— Marquis Ito, of Japan, has arrived in this country.
— The war in South Africa costs England $20,000,000 a month.
— Brazil declares the city of Rio Janeiro to be afflicted with bubonic plague.
— The steel trust reports that its earnings were larger during the recent strike than in busier months.
— If the South African rebellion continues to spread, Cape Colony will soon have to be put under martial law.
— The Bulgarian brigands now threaten to kill Miss Stone unless her ransom money ($110,000) is paid forthwith.
— The directors of the American Locomobile Company decide to spend $1,250,000 in enlarging the company's plants.
— Governor Odell, of New York, has received two letters asking him to commute Czolgosz's sentence to life imprisonment.
— Police Commissioner Murphy, of New York City, declares anarchistic Dr. Parkhurst's sermon delivered the 29th ult.
— During the recent Boer attack on Fort Itala, the British lost 12 killed, 43 wounded, and 63 missing. The Boers lost 19.
— It is said that the proposition to change the name of the Philippines to the McKinley Islands "finds favor at Washington."
— A courier just arrived at Jerba Island reports a battle between French troops and the Tauregs, in the Damergu district of Africa.
— Dispatches state that the Chinese authorities at Peking have "refused to recognize the government at Tientsin set up by the Powers."
— Justice White, of the Supreme Court, Buffalo, N. Y., has sentenced Leon Czolgosz to be electrocuted during the week beginning October 28.
— The Russian Minister of the Interior states that "owing to a famine, the inhabitants of nineteen provinces will have to be fed by the government."
— The university and college students of the country are once more engaged in hazing and class "rushes." Some have already been seriously injured in these brutal scrimmages.
— Lord Kitchener reports a British loss of 33 killed, 88 wounded, and 40 missing, in the battle with the Boers at Moedwill. The English were attacked in the night by 1,000 Boers.
— Twenty thousand Cubans marched to the residence of Governor Wood, in Havana, and requested him to present "a memorial to President Roosevelt, asking a reduction in the American duties on Cuban sugar and tobacco."
— The United States has just sent a battalion of the Seventh and Twenty-sixth regiments, and three gunboats, to the Island of Samar, P. I., to punish the rebels for their recent massacre of Company C of the Ninth Regiment.
— President Roosevelt is planning to make such changes in the United States army and navy as shall increase their efficiency, and make them the best in the world. Large military camps and long marches are a part of his scheme.
— The sum of $50,000 has just been recovered from the hulk of a submerged boat in East Bay, Lake Champlain. It was intended for the payment of Burgoyne's army 125 years ago, but was "sunk to prevent falling into the hands of the Americans."
— The first three races of the five proposed in the contest for the "America's" cup, between the yachts "Columbia" and "Shamrock II" were won by the "Columbia" on September 28, October 3 and 4. The cup thus remains on this side of the water. This "cup of all nations" was won in a race around the Isle of Wight, in 1851, by the yacht "America," eighteen yachts competing. The New York Yacht Club has kept it ever since.
— The Schley inquiry will cost this country $300,000.
— Count von Zeppelin, the balloonist, is still experimenting with his air-ship on Lake Constance, Switzerland.
— A national organization has been formed in Milwaukee, Wis., called "The American Patriotic Educational League." Its purpose is to clear the country of anarchists.
— The city of Stockholm pays a bounty for every rat tail brought to the proper authorities. Rats are supposed to be the cause of the spreading of the plague and other diseases.
— As is their custom, the Boers released the British they recently captured near Scheeper's Nek. Lord Kitchener reports that two companies of Boers, with many wagons, have been captured.
— A brisk trade is now going on between this country and Spain. The United States exports to Spain during the fiscal year just ended showed an increase of $6,000,000 over those of 1899.
— According to the Liverpool Post "an American firm has agreed to deliver 2,000,000 watches in London during the next twelve months." The American firm outbid the Germans and Swiss, and this is said to be "the greatest order of its kind ever given."
— Governor Otero, of New Mexico, has issued a call for a convention to be held at Albuquerque, October 15, "to promote the Territory's claim to Statehood." He believes there are at least 260,000 people now living in New Mexico, the late census to the contrary notwithstanding.
— The Paris Matin pretends to foresee "the day when the seal of the British government will be transferred from Great Britain to Australia, as a purely Anglo-Saxon country which is central for Canada, the Cape, and India, and safer from a military point of view than London." What next?
— A Boston dispatch, dated the 27th ult., states that the American Board of Commissioners of Foreign Missions "will resist the demand for $112,500 ransom for the release of Miss Helen M. Stone, of Chelsea, Mass., the American missionary now held by Bulgarian brigands." The payment of this ransom would establish a bad precedent.
— A Roman Catholic bishop of Burlington, Vt., announces that "parents sending children under ten years of age to the public schools instead of the parochial school, would be refused absolution; that Romanists who are married by Protestant ministers would be excommunicated, and that those who are married by a justice of the peace or a notary public would also be refused absolution."
— Commenting upon the importation of American locomotives into Spain, the British consul at Bilbao states that "all the orders were at first offered to British firms, but went to America, owing to the quickness of delivery guaranteed by the American firms, and also because the price was lower than that asked by the English." The consul also admits the superiority of the American locomotives, for Spanish railroads.
— It is stated that the reason why anarchists have not been watched more strictly in this country is because the Secret Service Department has lacked the necessary funds. On account of this, "an effort will be made at the next session of Congress to secure larger appropriations for this purpose." But may the day never come when the United States shall be as overrun with secret spies as is Russia or some of the other European countries.
— Not being able to come to an agreement with the officials of the Southern Pacific Railroad in regard to rates, Phelps, Dodge and Company, of New York, owners of copper mines in Arizona, have begun to build a railroad of their own, which will be over 250 miles in length, and will cost them over $7,000,000. It will run from Morenci, Ariz., to El Paso, Tex., via Deming, following the Mexican border. For years past this company had given to the Southern Pacific nearly half of its Arizona business.
— A London dispatch dated the 21st inst. states that "the anxiety with regard to the situation in South Africa is intensified by Lord Kitchener's latest message announcing the loss of two or more British guns. The war is certainly not over, and even some of the Unionist papers are blaming the government for the manner in which the country has been deluded into the belief that the Boers were at the end of their resources." The two guns referred to were captured from the Royal Horse Artillery, at Vlakfontein, Lieutenant Barry being killed.
— During the past year the United States exported 3,330,890,448 pounds of cotton, the number of bales shipped being "nearly a million in excess of that of any other year," in spite of the fact that "American shipments of cotton to China (one of our best customers) have amounted to very little since the ‘Boxer’ troubles began."
— Columbia University recently received an anonymous gift of $100,000, to endow a chair of Chinese language and literature. It was accompanied with the following words: "For fifty years or more I have refrained from whisky and tobacco, and inclose you a check, which represents the interest on my earnings."
— A dispatch from Paris to the London Times intimates that "the religious orders which are quitting France are finding less cordial welcome-abroad than they anticipated. The Belgian bishops are imposing restrictions almost amounting to veto, and the Italian government talks of taking precautions against the associations. Some of the Swiss cantons prohibit foreign communities, and Germany threatens to do likewise."
— The United States Patent Office has been in existence 111 years. In order to enlighten the public in regard to its work, the Commissioner of Patents has authorized the publication of "a complete history of the Patent Office, with useful miscellany." Some of its chapters will contain "a discussion of mediæval monopolies, and will show how they differ from the present patents," and "besides narrating the history of patents in the United States, the work will describe the organization and administration of the Office, discuss the aims and advantages of the present system, compare that system with the methods followed in foreign countries, and briefly analyze our present laws." It is thought that this history will be ready for distribution at the opening of the St. Louis Exposition of 1903. A. J. B.
Continue reading: The Relief of the Schools