Earlier text: FULFILLING THE LAWLesson II.—Sabbath, April 10, 1897. PRIVILEGES AND EXPERIENCES CONNECTED WITH ABIDING IN CHRIST.
12 “This is my commandment, that ye love one another, even as 13 I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a 14 man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye 15 do the things which I command you. No longer do I call you servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth; but I have called you friends; for all things that I heard from my 16 Father I have made known unto you. Ye did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that ye should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should abide; that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. 17 These things I command you, that ye may love one another. 18 If the world hateth you, ye know that it hath hated me before 19 it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love its own; but because ye are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, A servant is not greater than his lord. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you; 21 if they kept my word, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they 22 know not him that sent me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no excuse 23 for their sin. He that hateth me hateth my Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which none other did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and 25 hated both me and my Father. But this cometh to pass, that the word may be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause. But when the Comforter is come, 26 whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall bear witness 27 of me; and ye also bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.” 1. What commandment did Christ give? What example interprets this commandment? 2. What is the highest exhibition of love among men? 3. Who are the friends of Christ? 4. In what way does Christ no longer speak of his followers? Why? 5. What name does he use in speaking of them? Why this change? 6. Through what process do men become the disciples of Christ? To what experience are they appointed? With what purpose in view? 7. What commandment is now repeated? 8. What may encourage those whom the world hates? 9. What experience would secure the love of the world? Why are the followers of Christ hated by the world? 10. What previous statement is now to be recalled? What experiences will the disciple share with his Master? 11. What is the real reason for such treatment of believers? 12. What would have left the world free from the guilt of sin? How is it now? 13. How closely is Christ identified with the Father? 14. How was the guilt of sin brought upon the world? Whom has the world hated? 15. What Scripture has thus been fulfilled? 16. What is the work of the Comforter? From whom does he come? What is he called? 17. Who will be associated in the same work? What fits them for it? 1. “THEY will keep yours also.” Those who are acquainted with the Lord’s sayings (the Word of God), and keep them, will always have ears to hear his servants, and hearts to keep their sayings. Those who know the voice of the Good Shepherd will be able to distinguish between the voice of the false and true undershepherds, not only because they are acquainted with God’s Word, but because they are so fully acquainted with the Spirit of God in their own experience. They will not believe every spirit, but they will try the spirits (1 John 4:1), and thus be able to discern who are the servants of God, and who are the “false apostles, deceitful workers” (2 Cor. 11:13-15). Thus those who keep Christ’s sayings will keep the sayings of his true servants. 2. “THEY had not had sin.” An important truth is taught in verse 22. Jesus said, “If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin.” That is, their guilt was proportionate to the light given them. This was not only true of the Jews then, but it has always been true of all classes, and it is true to-day. It is a truth of general application. The light we have determines our responsibility.13 Christ did not mean that the people would be sinless if he had not come with greater light, but that with the greater light they would be left without excuse for sin. The law entered—was spoken—that the offense might abound (Rom. 5:20), and that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful (Rom. 7:13). The Lord gives light and instruction, not to increase our guilt, but that we may sense our guilt, and thus be led to accept Christ and receive his abounding grace. See Gal. 3:24; Rom. 5:20. Those who sin without law—without light and instruction—shall also perish without law. Rom. 2:12. Christ came to give light, not to condemn the world, but to save the world. John 3:16, 17. Without light and salvation through Christ all would perish (Acts 4:12); for all have sinned (Rom. 3:10, 23; 5:12, 21). 3. “FROM the beginning.” That is, from the commencement of His public work. Luke uses the same expression (Luke 1:2), and refers to the same time in verse 3, when he says “from the very first,” and in Acts 1:21, 22. Paul also mentions it, using the expression “at the first” (Heb. 2:3). Suggestions for Further Study.
1. When did Christ give his life for man? See Rev. 13:8. What was the nature of the life which he gave? 2. What is meant by the expression in verse 16, “and that your fruit should remain”? 3. Why are God’s people persecuted? Is it because they are good, or is it because their persecutors are bad? Verses 18, 19, 21, 25, and John 16:3. Elder S. W. Nellis reports the baptism of four persons at Aberdeen, Wash. The brethren at Aberdeen are erecting a new house of worship. The church in Rokeby Park, Cape Colony, S. Africa, dedicated a new house of worship in January last, Elder A. T. Robinson officiating. His report adds that several new members had recently been added to the church. Elder J. S. Washburn writes to the Review that “there is a constant and steady growth in the work in Great Britain and Ireland, numerically, financially, and, we trust, also spiritually.” He reports twenty-two churches and companies, besides a good number of isolated brethren. At Stevenson, Wash., where Elder A. J. Stover has been laboring recently, the deacon and Sunday school superintendent of the Baptist Church have accepted the truths set forth, and went to laboring from house to house among their neighbors. The deacon also opened his house for preaching service. Brother C. M. Nichols, who recently moved from San Jose to Soledad, Cal., writes as follows concerning the work in that place: “We have a Sabbath school and Bible reading at our house every Sabbath; also a Sunday school and Bible reading at a schoolhouse about three miles from here, with usually about thirty in attendance. If our brethren who can find nothing to do in the larger churches will move out to localities where the truth is little known, they will find plenty of opportunity for work. The cause is in need of the lay talent that lies dormant in the larger churches.” A letter from Sister Vesta J. Farnsworth, Christchurch, N. Z., dated February 11, says of the work in that place: “We have now been in Christchurch about three weeks. Our tent meetings are well under way, but there has not been a large crowd at any time. The people have been imposed upon so many times by persons from America that they are very cautious, still there are some who are very much interested in the truth as it has been presented so far. A good interest has been manifested among the children. I began meetings with them the first week, and have been holding them two or three times a week. At first but twenty came, then thirty-five, then fifty, and last Sunday there were about seventy-five as nice, well-behaved children as you could wish to see.” LITERATURE WANTED.
By C. L. Kilgore
WILL the readers of the SIGNS please send late clean copies of this periodical by mail, postpaid, to my address? I can use 100 copies a week, loaning to those who know not the truth. C. L. Kilgore, 98 Fairfield Ave., Newport, Ky. THE UNITED STATES IS IN PROPHECY.
We have several large works treating this subject in detail, but not until recently have we had anything sufficiently condensed for general distribution. Elder Uriah Smith, author of “United States in Prophecy,” “Thoughts on Daniel and The Revelation,” “Marvel of Nations,” and senior editor of the Review and Herald, has written a 32-page treatise on the prophecies relating to this country, and has entitled it “America’s Crisis.” That we have reached a crisis, all thinking men believe; but that this crisis and what it means to the world is foretold in Scripture, is not so generally believed. To read this pamphlet is to become intelligent on this great question, and to awaken an interest for the details of the working out of these prophecies. Order Bible Students’ Library, No. 138. Price, 4 cents. Special price on quantities for distribution. PACIFIC PRESS PUB. CO., Oakland, Cal. New York City, N. Y. Kansas City, Mo. CHURCH SERVICES.
By Editor
This column of church services, especially in our larger towns and cities, will be printed from time to time as we have room, for the benefit of strangers who may read the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, or brethren passing through. We have found it necessary to condense in the smallest possible space. The word “Sabbath” always refers to the seventh day of the week. These services consist of Sabbath school, preaching, Bible study, missionary, and prayer meetings. The first Sabbath service is, with but few exceptions, Sabbath school. The first address is that of the church, or place of meeting; the second, if given, that of pastor or clerk. Toledo, O.—11th St. Christian Church, bet. Jefferson and Madison Sts., near center of city. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M., Wednesday 7 P. M., at Mission parlors, 1211 Collingwood Ave. E. J. Van Horn, Pastor. Lynn, Mass.—Lee Hall. Public services: Sabbath 1:30 and 3 P. M., Tuesday and Friday 7:30 P. M. A. B. Jernigan, Elder, A. B. Felton, Clerk, 35 Union St. Denver, Colo.—Cor. W. 11th Ave. and S. 11th St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M., Wednesday and Friday 7:45 P. M. D. H. Soggs, Elder. Helena, Mont.—307 N. Warren St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M., Sunday and Wednesday 7:30 P. M. W. T. Henton, Elder. New Bedford, Mass.—Church at Willow St., west of Cedar. Public services: Sabbath 10:30 A. M. and 12 M. J. B. Hall, Clerk, Box 72, Acushnet, Mass. Garden Grove, Cal.—Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M., Sunday 3 P. M. Harriet A. Rainsey, Clerk. Wilmington, Del.—Red Men's Hall, 515 Shipley St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M., Sunday 2:30 P. M. Edwin F. Eckel, Clerk. Bradford, Pa.—Ladies' Club Room No. 1 Chautauqua Place. Public services: Sabbath 2 P. M. H. T. Morian, Clerk. Louisville, Ky.—Second S. D. A. Church (white) mission rooms, 2431 W. Broadway. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M., Sunday and Wednesday, 7:30 P. M. J. W. Collie, Pastor. First S. D. A. Church, Broadway, bet. 8th and 9th Sts. Sabbath school at 9:30, and preaching at 10:30, A.M. J. R. Buster, Pastor. Detroit, Mich.—424 Trumbull Ave., bet. Perry and Bagg Sts. Public services: Sabbath 10 A. M., Sunday 7:30 P. M., Wednesday 7:30 P. M. A. O. Burrill, Pastor. Chicago, Ill.—On 46th St. bet. Michigan and Wabash Ave. Public services: Sabbath 9:30 and 11 A. M. and 12:30 P. M., Sunday 7:15 P. M., Tuesday 7 P. M., and Thursday 7:30 P. M. St. Paul, Minn.—On Wacouta bet. 8th and 9th. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M., Sunday 7:30 P. M. H. F. Phelps, Pastor, 1634 Carrol St. St. Louis, Mo.—2955 Sheridan Ave. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11:30 A. M., Wednesday 7:45 P. M. Mary S. Yener, Clerk. Kansas City, Mo.—Cor. 12th and Woodland Ave. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M., Tuesday 7:45 P. M. St. Joseph, Mo.—Cor. 15th and Locust Sts. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M., Wednesday 7:30 P. M. Mrs. Harriet W. Talbert, Clerk. Omaha, Neb.—Near cor. N. 25th and Indiana Sts. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M., Sunday 6 and 7:30 P. M., Tuesday and Wednesday evenings 7:30 P. M. Also at South Omaha Sabbath at 3 P. M. A. J. Howard, Pastor, 941 N. 25th St. Salt Lake City, Utah.—Room No. 30 East 4th S. St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M., Sunday 7:45 P. M., Wednesday and Saturday 7:45 P. M. J. M. Willoughby, Pastor, 839 E. 9 South Sts., Salt Lake City. New Orleans, La.—Jefferson Hall, cor. Magazine and Philip Sts. Public services: Every Sabbath at 10 and 11:15 A. M. J. E. Evans, Pastor, 6325 Patton St. Jersey City, N. J.—Public services: At church, 27 Oak St., Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M.; at hall, 242 Hancock Ave., Sabbath 2:30 and 3:30, Sunday 7:45 P. M. both places. Amos Mitchell, Elder. Boston, Mass.—694 Washington St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M. George B. Wheeler, Pastor. Richmond, Va.—Meetings at 501 North 25th St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M. J. P. Neff, Pastor. Alameda.—Forrester's Hall, cor. Santa Clara Ave. and Park St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M. and 2:45 P. M. W. N. Glenn, Elder. East Portland, Or.—Cor. 11th and East Everett Sts. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11:30 A. M. and 7 P. M., Wednesday 7 P. M. Tacoma, Wash.—Cor. South 16th and K Sts. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M., Sunday 6 and 7:15 P. M., Wednesday 7:30 P. M. F. H. Smith, Elder, 1507 South I St. Washington, D. C.—On 8th bet. F. and G. Sts., N. E. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11:15 A. M., Sunday 7:30 P. M. Wednesday 7:30 P. M. V. H. Lucas, Pastor, 209 8th Street, N. E. Brooklyn, N. Y.—Wurzler's Hall, 315 Washington St. near city post-office. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M. Worcester, Mass.—118 Austin St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11:15 A. M., Wednesday 7:30 P. M. F. C. Bee, Clerk, No. 6 Furnace St. Providence, R. I.—Olney St. Congregational (Unitarian) Church. Public services: Sabbath 2 and 3 P. M., Friday 7:30 P. M. Wm. H. Warfield, Clerk, 27 Susan St., Providence. Hartford, Conn.—Room 6, 254 Main St. Sabbath school at 2, and preaching at 3:15 P. M. O. M. Hatch, Clerk. Philadelphia, Penn.—Public services at 1724 N. 15th St. Sabbath (Sabbath school 11:15) A. M., Sunday 7:45 P. M. E. A. Merrell, Pastor, 1724 N. 15th St. Baltimore, Md.—Harlem Hall, North Stricker St. Public services: Sabbath 11 A. M., Sunday 7:30 P. M. S. E. de Bruyn, Clerk. Cleveland, Ohio.—249 Cedar Ave., bet. Sterling and Hayward. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M. (sun time), Sunday 7:30 P. M., Wednesday 7:30 P. M. Willard H. Saxby, Pastor. Oakland.—Cor. 12th and Brush Sts. Public services: Sunday at 7:30 P. M., Sabbath 9:30 and 11 A. M., Wednesday 7:30 P. M. San Francisco.—914 Laguna St. Public services: Sunday 7:30 P. M., Sabbath 9:45 and 11 A. M., Thursday 7:30 P. M. Los Angeles.—145 Carr St., bet. Main and Hill Sts. Public services: Sabbath 9:45 and 11 A. M., Tuesday and Thursday 7:30 P. M. Belle P. Baker, Clerk, 926 Hill St. Sacramento.—G St. bet. 18th and 19th Sts. Public services: Sunday 7:30 P. M., Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M., Wednesday 7:30 P. M. Pasadena.—Cor. of Summit Ave. and Mountain St. Public services: Sunday 7:30 P. M., Sabbath 10 and 11:30 A. M. O. S. Smyth, Clerk, Box 261. San Diego.—Cor. 18th and G Sts. Public services: Sunday 7 P. M., Sabbath 9:45 and 11 A. M., Wednesday 7:30 P. M. Mary J. Dimock, Clerk, National City, Box 136. Stockton.—Cor. Minor Ave. and Stanislaus St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M., Wednesday 2:30 P. M. M. C. Israel, Elder. San Jose, Cal.—Church, San Salvador St., near Delmas Ave. Sabbath school 10, Bible study 11 A. M.; missionary meeting, Sunday 7 P. M.; prayer meeting Wednesday 7 P. M. Phoenix, Ariz.—Cor. 4th Ave. and Washington St., upstairs. Public services: Sabbath 9:30 and 10:45 A. M.; Wednesday 7:30 P. M. (Elder C. D. M. Williams, absent.) Leader, Eugene A. Browne, 306 N. 2d St. Nashville, Tenn.—Hall 415 Woodland St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M., Sunday and Wednesday 7 P. M. Minnie M. Hoyt, Lib., 56 Ramsey St. Duluth, Minn.—208 E. 4th St. Public services: Sabbath 2 and 3 P. M., Sunday 7:30 P. M., Friday 7:30 P. M. Daniel Nettleton, Pastor. Portland, Me.—20 Oak St. “Hunt Kindergarten” rooms. Sabbath school 2 P. M., social meeting 3 P. M. W. E. Gerald, General Canvassing Agent. —The crown prince of Japan is dead. —The future king of Korea is a prisoner in Japan, being held there by a band of Korean exiles. —A despatch from Berlin states that Germany and Austria will not take part in the mixed occupation of Crete. —The filibustering steamer Laurada is reported near the Cuban coast, with a large company of men on board. —The wealthy citizens of Prussia are compelled to pay an income tax, which amounts yearly to about $7,000,000. —The Central American Exposition at Guatemala was officially opened on March 15, but the general public will not be admitted until April 10. —The people of the island of Jamaica have instituted a movement which they hope will result in reciprocal trade relations with the United States. —The Government of Russia has telegraphed the rulers of Montenegro and Bulgaria advising them to maintain strict neutrality on the Cretan question. —By order of General Weyler the Spanish troops are concentrating at the seaport towns. This is considered by many to be Spain’s first move in the evacuation of the island. —During the year 1896 there were slaughtered and consumed in the larger cities of Germany 18,164 horses. Horse flesh is rapidly growing in favor among the inhabitants of that country. —On the afternoon of March 14, while the gunners of a Russian ironclad were practising, one of the largest guns on the vessel burst, killing fifteen men and seriously wounding sixteen more. —Reports from Nicaragua state that there is general rejoicing in Central America over the death of Antonio Ezeta, who was regarded by many as a standing menace to the peace of that part of the world. —A recent census of the German Empire reveals the fact that the whole number of clergymen in the country is 30,250, of which exactly 15,000 are Protestants, and 15,250 Catholic. Nevertheless, the Catholics constitute only one-third of the entire population of the empire. —A new temperance organization, recently formed in Maidstone, England, and which is rapidly extending to other towns, has for its object the uniting of Christian people to oppose the admission of men who are engaged in the liquor traffic to office and membership in the churches. —On March 9 the native guides of the Spaniards in the Philippines led the soldiers, under Colonel Salcedo, into ambush near a strong rebel position. The latter, 8,000 in number, attacked the Spaniards and defeated them. The extent of the loss on the part of the Spanish is not known. —An almost warlike spirit is said to have been aroused among the inhabitants of Mexico by the coming of Messrs. Bruce, Stone, and Pierce, of Boston, to enter into negotiations with the Mexican Government for the return of the flags captured by the Mexican troops during the war of 1847. —A Spanish military train, conveying 600 troops, was blown up by the insurgents while crossing a bridge, and it is reported that one-half of the soldiers were killed. The remainder were made prisoners, but afterward all were released except the officers, who were retained as hostages for twenty-five insurgents condemned to death at Artemisa. The affair took place on March 10. —Matters between England and the Transvaal Government are assuming a serious aspect, and the English troops in South Africa are ordered to hold themselves in readiness for an emergency. President Kruger’s governmental policy is dissatisfactory to the English residents, and large shipments of arms and munitions of war have recently been received from Germany and France. —Just 100 years ago the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland voted that “to spread abroad the knowledge of the Gospel among the barbarous and heathen nations seems to be highly preposterous. . . . Men must be refined and polished in their manners before they can be properly enlightened in religious truths. Philosophy and learning must, in the nature of things, take the precedence.” —It is estimated that since General Weyler landed in Cuba more than $15,000,000 has been stolen from the Spanish Government. After all encounters with the insurgents, the Spaniards have reported but a small portion of the real loss, and the officials have been drawing and appropriating to themselves the salaries of men who had been killed in battle or who had died in the hospitals. By the fraud thus practised the government has been constantly deceived in regard to the strength of its army in Cuba. The request of the government for 15,000 of Weyler’s troops for service in the Philippines revealed the extent of the deception and robbery.14 —An “enterprising” Scotch minister in Melbourne has arrayed his male choristers in Highland dress, while the ladies are attired in the costume of the “Lady of the Lake.” The bagpipe takes the place of the pipe organ, and these innovations are said to be so attractive that “the church is crowded.” —The American Sunday School Union, during the seventy-three years of its existence is said to have founded 100,000 Sunday schools, from which 6,000 churches have sprung up. Last year it started 1,800 schools, and during that time 108 churches developed from schools which had previously been organized. —Serious trouble is anticipated in Honolulu over the refusal of the customs authorities to permit the landing of 537 Japanese laborers. The local agents of the Japanese immigration company have been arrested for violation of the Hawaiian immigration laws. The rejected Japanese threaten revolt, and are supported by the entire Japanese population of the islands, which, next to the native islanders, is most numerous of all nationalities represented in the islands. The Hawaiian Government claims to have good reason for believing that many of the laborers coming to Hawaii are soldiers, and that Japan is planning to annex the islands. —A strict blockade of Crete was begun by the “powers” on Wednesday, March 17. The blockading of Greek ports has not yet been begun. It is reported that the unthinking Greek multitude has caught the war fever in its worst form. A village near Sitia, Crete, has been warned that it will be bombarded March 18, at noon, in consequence of an attack made upon foreign officers at that place by the insurgents. A telegram from Athens states that the sultan, desiring peace, has offered to assign the island of Crete to King George of Greece, with the understanding that an annual tribute be paid to Turkey. It is also stated that altho these terms are agreeable to the Grecian cabinet, the “powers” have put a sudden stop to the negotiations, it being their aim to give autonomy under Turkish suzerainty to the disturbed island. —The damage to private and public property by the floods in Kentucky is now placed at $6,000,000. —The State of Montana has contributed $30,000 for the display of its products at the coming Omaha exposition. —It is reported that in the present Congress Republican representatives have a majority of fifty-five over the opposition. —The Legislature of Oklahoma has passed a bill making it a crime for colored and white children to attend the same school. —Thomas Condt, aged ninety, the first missionary ever seen by the natives of Maui Island, died at Beloit, Mich., on March 8. —Ex-queen Liliuokalani has presented a formal request for an audience with President McKinley at the earliest possible opportunity. —Governor Black, of New York, presumably through the influence of his wife, has established the rule of “No wine in the executive mansion.” —The largest spectroscope in the world is now in process of construction in Alleghany, Penn., and will be set up in Magdeburg, Germany, as soon as completed. —A $100,000 fire occurred at Wheeling, W. Va., on the morning of March 14, destroying the whole block occupied by the Elkins Hardware and Furniture Company. —The leaders of evangelical work in Chicago in a little more than one day erected a tabernacle that will hold 3,000 persons, and have begun a “concentrated attack on sin.” —One thousand persons were thrown out of employment by the destruction of a large dry-goods house, of St. Louis, Mo., on March 15. The loss is estimated at $1,150,000. —The Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad refused to make special rates to the prize fight at Carson, Nevada, “because it is an unlawful event, which should not be encouraged.” —According to the Pittsburg Times the Oliver Wire Company of that city has received an order from the Spanish Government for 2,000 tons of barbed wire for the building of trochas in Cuba. —The steamship Ville de St. Nazaire, which sailed from New York for the West Indies on March 6, foundered at sea. Of her eighty-two passengers and crew only four are known to have been saved. —In the House of Representatives of Nebraska, on March 12, a bill granting women the right of franchise in municipal elections was defeated. One additional vote for the bill would have made it a law. —The Health Board of San Francisco is taking measures to close all underground habitations in Chinatown, “claiming that they are unfit for human beings to live in, and can not be put in good sanitary condition.” —It is stated that 10,000 settlers in the State of Washington will be deprived of their rights as settlers by the recent proclamation of President Cleveland “reserving” from settlement and mining large tracts of land in that State. —A number of white settlers who had taken up claims in the Uncompaghre Indian reservation in Utah, expecting it to be opened up for settlement, will be expelled by the troops, as President Cleveland refused to sign the bill for opening the lands. —Several Chinamen of San Francisco have started for Washington to interest the Chinese minister in the matter of the incarceration of their relatives in China. The claim is made that the imprisonment is due to the jealousies existing between the Sam Yups and See Yups. —By the coolness and courage of an engineer on the West Shore Railroad, Governor Black, of New York, with a train-load of fellow passengers, were saved from what would have been a terrible railroad wreck, on March 6, while returning from the Presidential inauguration. —President McKinley and his mother attended church at Washington on Sunday the 7th, and so great was the crowd of curious people who desired to catch a glimpse of him that it required the presence of a number of policemen to open a passageway for the President to enter. —Willard E. Case claims to have discovered a process of chemical action by which he can convert coal directly into electric energy. The claim of the discoverer is that one pound of coal will produce exactly five horse power for one hour, making an enormous saving in coal consumption. —The passenger steamer Sunol was run down and sunk, on March 17, by the four-masted bark Olympic, in San Francisco Bay. The steamer had forty-five passengers on board at the time of the collision, every one of whom were safely transferred to the big bark while the vessels were in contact. —The various labor unions of Butte, Mont., have boycotted the Chinese and Japanese merchants of that place. The Japanese have petitioned their consul at New York for protection. The boycott has gone so far, in some instances even to personal injuries, that it is feared international complications may arise. —The Mississippi River is now running high above the danger mark, much of the country along its banks is flooded, houses have been swept away, and great numbers of horses and cattle have been drowned. Several lines of railroad have been crippled by the high waters, and considerable suffering exists in consequence. —Senator Wolcott, of Colorado, will soon make another trip to Europe in the interests of bimetalism. One of the last bills signed by President Cleveland authorized the calling of an international bimetallic conference; and with this substantial backing Mr. Wolcott expects to accomplish much more than on his first mission to the east. —It is reported that during the existence of the northwestern railroads they have never had so much trouble with snow blockades as during the present season. Traffic is seriously impeded in the Dakotas and Minnesota, and some of the branch lines are not operated at all, while freight trains are stalled at various places on the road. —About the first of May two expeditions will begin their work of research in the field of anthropology with the specific object of determining the origin of the American Indian. One of the expeditions will operate in northwestern America and the other in northeastern Asia. The studies thus conducted are expected to solve the question of relationship between the Asiatics and the red men. —The first rivet in the new battle-ship Wisconsin was driven by invited officials at the Union Iron Works in San Francisco on March 12. The vessel will be one of the largest in the White Navy, and in addition to her other armament will carry four 13-inch breech-loading rifles of the latest pattern, which will be capable of throwing projectiles thirteen miles. She will have a displacement of 12,000 tons and will be 368 feet over all. —The system in use in the Elmira, N.Y., reformatory for criminals has been pronounced by an Italian criminologist the most scientific yet applied to such classes. The principal feature is the paroling of prisoners. Before being paroled the prisoners are carefully instructed in trades. Last year 329 were paroled, and all except one went forth with a trade. This is an important work if the statement is true that over three-fourths of the murders committed last year were by those who had no regular occupation. —On February 15, President McKinley, in his first message to the extra session of Congress, urged the “necessity of the passage of a tariff law which shall provide ample revenue” for the “ordinary expenses of the government,” and the “prompt payment of liberal pensions and the liquidation of principal and interest of the public debt.” The President gives a statistical review of the receipts and expenditures of the government for the three years ending June 30, 1896, and states that during that time the expenditures of the government over its receipts were $137,811,729.46. Thomas B. Reed was re-elected speaker of the House, and states that it is his purpose to see that tariff legislation has the first attention of the House.