Pioneers Were Strong Advocates of Writing for Newspapers
By Walter L. Burgan
ENCOURAGING reports have been received from brethren attending a number of the camp-meetings thus far held this season, telling of their success in getting articles dealing with these camp-meetings published in the local newspapers.
It was indeed encouraging to receive copies of papers that included on the first page prominent accounts about the meetings. Large, black head-lines announced the fact that Seventh-day Adventists were in session, and not only did the editors place the articles in conspicuous places, but views of the camp-grounds were printed in some of the papers.
These reports extended over the full circulation of the papers in which they were printed, and through this means thousands, perhaps, became better acquainted with the great movement our denomination is carrying forward. It is also quite probable that scores and hundreds who would not let go their prejudice to take Bible readings or read our tracts were among the most interested readers of these reports. The newspaper, which is the only thing that can carry the truth with it into practically every home, could and does serve a wonderful purpose for just such persons. This medium will, no doubt, be the means of enlightening such people on what we believe and teach and the progress we are making with the last gospel message in the earth, and finally lead them to accept the message of love and mercy.
It is interesting to learn that the pioneers of our work were advocates of using the newspapers for spreading the gospel, especially during the camp-meeting season. In the Review and Herald of Dec. 1, 1885, in connection with the proceedings of the General Conference held in Battle Creek, Mich., is an interesting report submitted by the camp-meeting committee on advertising. The report, which deals quite extensively with the importance of writing for newspapers in connection with our work, ought to encourage all our brethren to put forth greater efforts in writing for the press. The report was signed by C. H. Jones, A. R. Henry, and J. L. Prescott, and that part concerning newspapers is as follows:—
"Your committee appointed to consider the matter of camp-meeting advertising, respectfully submit the following for your consideration. We recommend—
"1. That some four or five weeks before such meeting begins, a corps of active workers go to the city where it is to be held and canvass it thoroughly, holding Bible readings, etc., as the way may open, but making no mention of the camp-meeting until it is noticed in the daily papers.
"This company should be under the direction of the president of the conference, or some competent person who can direct in the work; they should also make friends with the publishers of the leading newspapers, so that a week or two before the meeting opens, short notices of our work and the coming meeting may appear; also arrangements should be made with them so that during the meeting full reports of the sermons may be published. In order to secure this, it may be necessary to subscribe for a certain number of copies of the newspaper wherein the reports are published; but we believe that a strong effort should be made to carry this point."
This recommendation, submitted to the General Conference twenty-eight years ago and adopted, is a very forceful recommendation for today. The advice in it is sound; and if followed, it should result in much good by attracting persons to the camp-meeting who would not otherwise know about it, in enlightening the readers more with what we teach, and in giving the camp-meeting and the facts contained in the reports greater publicity than all the believers in attendance could ever accomplish in the small amount of time it takes for these powerful mediums to circulate over the territory they cover.
WALTER L. BURGAN.
The General Conference
By R. C.; Mrs. Porter
THE recent General Conference held in Washington, D. C., was one of the most spiritual and progressive meetings Seventh-day Adventists have ever held. For some weeks previous to the Conference a general conviction prevailed that God would in a special manner lead this meeting, and that it would mark a new era in the work. In just what ways the divine power was to be manifested no one could foretell. The camp was well arranged, and the dining department most successfully conducted. The program for devotional meetings, Bible studies along spiritual lines, regular business meetings of the Conference, evening services for the benefit of those not of our faith, and the departmental meetings, were all exceptionally well planned and unusually practical. Perhaps some of the most interesting services were the spiritual revivals; the departmental meetings, where the workers laid plans for a vigorous campaign along different lines; the foreign mission departmental session, looking toward a more aggressive evangelical campaign in distant lands; and the meetings which completed the organization of the General Conference, with divisions in Europe, North America, and Asia to carry the detail administrative work, leaving the General Conference free from local burdens, that it may share equally the burden with all fields in carrying forward the world-wide work.
One of the most encouraging prospects is the definite interest taken by the European and North American Divisions in a more aggressive policy to win souls. It was the prevailing sentiment that this should be the paramount consideration in all our plans; and the workers urged that while raising money for the prosecution of the work in distant lands, it should never be forgotten that there are many souls to be won for Christ in the home land. A high ideal was fixed as the standard of possible attainment in this direction during the first biennial period of these two new divisions.
In apostolic days the outpouring of the Holy Spirit marked a new era in the history of the church. A great evangelistic soul-winning campaign was entered upon which brought thousands into the church. Then the whole church caught the spirit of the movement, and the members laid their possessions at the feet of the apostles in support of the work. This spirit is again coming in among us, and we are now seeing its first-fruits in the great increase of tithes and offerings. Reports rendered at the Conference showed a remarkable advance along this line. The spirit of the meeting was well illustrated in the response made to a call from the Loma Linda Medical College for sixteen thousand dollars to provide necessary equipment for the training of competent physicians. So generous was the response in cash and pledges that more than the necessary amount was raised.
Never at any meeting held in the history of this denomination were so many workers assigned to foreign fields, and the best of it is that they are all so willing to go anywhere the Master calls them. We had no thought of going to the Asiatic field when General Conference convened. Other important changes created the demand, and when the call came we were so confident of God's guidance in the matter that we cheerfully responded. Elder and Mrs. W. B. White, who have been chosen for the African field, which has been our home for the last five years, bring to their work an experience that is the result of many years of successful labor in this cause. We have no doubt that the work in South Africa will be benefited by the change; and as we go forth to labor in the Asiatic Division, we shall earnestly pray for the workers in our former field, and for all our companions in service, at home and abroad, who are laboring in the Master's vineyard. Will you not pray for the success of our work in the great Asiatic Division?
R. C. AND MRS. PORTER.
The Eastern Pennsylvania Camp-Meeting
By B. G. Wilkinson
THE Eastern Pennsylvania Conference held its annual session in connection with the camp-meeting at Allentown, Pa., June 19-29. In spite of the fact that many of the brethren from this conference had attended the General Conference session at Washington and were thus led to think the attendance at the Eastern Pennsylvania camp-meeting would be light, it was practically as good as in previous years. Every cottage on the ground was taken, and all present seemed to come with the determination to enjoy a spiritual feast. A great many new faces were there, indicating that18many new converts had accepted the truth during the past year.
All the services were well attended, and the deep presence of the Spirit of God was manifested throughout the entire course of the meeting. There was no note of discouragement struck anywhere. The spirit of revival was with us. The last Sabbath day was one of a marked movement throughout the camp, in which many new converts came forward to give their hearts to God for the first time, a large number of backsliders were reclaimed, and a general consecration took place on the part of all connected with the camp. So many were to be baptized that there were three baptismal occasions.
The business sessions of the conference moved off harmoniously. Two new churches were presented for admission to the conference. One of these had been raised up largely through the instrumentality of Brother Charles S. Baum. It was thought best, in view of the past consecration and labors of Brother Baum, to ordain him to the gospel ministry. It was a touching occasion on the last Sabbath of the camp-meeting when this service took place. Coupled with the blessed manifestation of the Spirit during the morning, many felt called upon to engage in a spirited expression of thanksgiving and praise.
As they had received the spiritual blessings, the brethren felt willing to give of their temporal means. On the first Sabbath of the camp-meeting the Sabbath-school donation amounted to $35, and on the last Sabbath it was $350. A great interest also was aroused throughout the meeting in behalf of foreign missions, and this, on the last day of the camp, took a substantial form in favor of definitely raising the Twenty-cent-a-week Fund for the year. The Columbia Union Conference, with all the local conferences in the union, having adopted the twenty-cent-a-week plan, had determined to have it date from Jan. 1, 1913. As a result, the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference found itself, June 1, in arrears of about $2,865. Early Sunday morning, the last day of the camp, the whole congregation assembled at 6:30 A. M. for a rally in behalf of foreign missions. When the writer closed his appeal at breakfast-time, $2,535 was in sight in cash and pledges, and arrangements were made to endeavor to secure the remaining balance during the day.
Careful work also was done for the young people. It was one of the interesting sights connected with the camp-meeting to see so many young people giving their hearts to God for service. The question of education was presented and many determined to fit themselves for Mount Vernon College this coming fall.
Elder H. M. J. Richards was reelected president for the coming year. The conference committee is composed of the following members: Brethren Richards, F. E. Harter, F. A. Harter, R. M. Fried, and J. W. Hirlinger. Elder A. G. Daniells was present with us during the first Sabbath and Sunday of the camp-meeting. Other laborers present from the outside were, Elders Spies, Lipke, Hankins, Babcock, and Konigmacher, Dr. Menkel, Profs. M. E. Kern and E. G. Salisbury, and the regular union men.
B. G. WILKINSON.
Educational Department
By W. E. Howell
J. L. SHAW . . . . . General Secretary
W. E. HOWELL . . . . . N. Am. Div. Asst. Secretary
Informal Talks on Education
THERE are two principles which we need most, perhaps, to learn well in our efforts to give our children a Christian education. These two are simplicity and depth.
"At Thy Word"
First of all, we need simplicity of faith,—faith simple enough to take God at his word. On one memorable occasion in the life of our Master, he bade Simon put out his fishing-boat a little way from the land that his Lord might use it for a rostrum to speak from. Jesus sat down in the boat, and in that simple fashion taught the people wonderful words of life. Simon was an attentive listener, and must have been deeply impressed by the words of Jesus, as the sequel shows.
Now Simon was a fisherman by trade, which he plied largely at night as being the most favorable time for a catch. But the night previous to this occasion he had had no success, though he had toiled perseveringly till break of day. When the Master had finished speaking to the people, he said to Simon: "Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draft." But Simon, knowing that to be the most unfavorable time to fish in the whole twenty-four hours,—with the stir of the town near by and a multitude at the water's edge,—told the Master of his night's failure and of the hopelessness of trying to catch fish in the daytime. Yet, under the influence of that morning's teaching from his boat, Simon submitted, saying, "Nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net."
All the world knows the result of that simple act of obedience,—the breaking of the net and the sinking of that self-same boat and one other besides, with the weight of that largest catch of the season, and a daylight catch at that. But the prospect of large returns in the fish market that day was lost sight of by Simon Peter in his astonishment at the power of the Master's word. His heart was moved to repentance for raising objections to his Master's bidding,—a repentance so sincere that he declared himself a sinful man and bade his Lord depart from him as being unworthy of so holy a presence. Then came the comforting assurance: "Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men." And the men that Simon the fisherman, now transformed into Peter the fisher of men, caught from that day forth, and is still catching through the record of his life and writings, will far outmeasure in number and value the wonderful catch of Galilean fish on that memorable morning.
One more point remains to impress the lesson: When they had brought their ships to land, Simon Peter was one of those who "forsook all, and followed him." But before he was moved to leave all his bright business prospects that day, he had first to forsake all his own ideas of success in catching fish, and follow the Lord's way. Peter learned two great lessons from this experience: That the Lord's ways are not man's ways, and that when the Lord marks out the way, unquestioned obedience will always bring the greatest ultimate success.
Reader, have we learned well these two lessons? Are we simple enough in our faith to believe that the Lord's way of catching our own children and youth in the gospel net, and of training them to catch men successfully in the great sea of humanity, is superior to all the ways of merely human devising? Is there a difference, a real, vital difference, between the Christian school and the secular school? If so, why are half our children yet in the schools of the world? Conscientious leaders in secular education are much disturbed over the lack of moral and spiritual power in the public school. Some of them well know that the banishing of the Bible, the casting of doubt upon its inspiration and authenticity, and the lack of religious instruction of any kind, are producing a crop of skeptics and freethinkers that are dangerous to society. They know, too, that church instruction on Sunday is far from sufficient to stem the tide of evil setting in from the day-school. Many of the secular teachers themselves sense the situation keenly, but know and say that their hands are tied.
How is it with us? Are we Christians, we Seventh-day Adventists, disturbed or at ease in the matter? Is there something wrong with our own schools that we hold aloof from them and prefer the risk of the secular school? I am well aware that they are not yet perfect, and so are they aware of it. Greater simplicity of curriculum, greater elimination of worldly spirit, matter, and methods, and greater teaching efficiency and facilities, are greatly needed. Good progress has been made in these directions already. These things will all come in time, and they will come quickly if we only—
"Launch Out Into the Deep"
With more simplicity we need greater depth,—depth of conviction that the Lord has given us as truly superior principles of education as he has principles of spiritual power and doctrine; depth of searching the Bible, history, and natural science for the deep things of God—these three great trunk lines of Christian study, with English, music, and the languages their strongest accessories; depth of conviction that the development of teachers and text-books for the instruction of our own children is just as important as the development of ministers and message-filled books for the enlightenment of the heathen; depth of conviction that teachers for our elementary schools and missionaries to foreign lands need as thorough preparation as do college teachers or physicians. While Peter needed to launch out into the sea, we need to launch out into the land,—in tilling the soil and in the teaching and practise of useful trades. We have been too content to linger among the multitude upon the shore and merely listen to good instruction, while Peter launched out into the deep and got the blessing. We have been so timid in stepping out upon right principles clearly set forth that in some respects in which we might have led, the world has gone ahead of us.19
There is a depth of meaning to Christian education that we have scarcely begun to fathom, and which we shall never measure till, like Peter and his partners, we forsake all the ways and methods that mere men have adjudged best, and follow on to know the Lord by acting promptly and whole-heartedly at his word; and till, leaving results with him, we launch out into the educational depths of his wisdom for a miraculous draft of boys and girls, of men and women.
W. E. H.
Publishing Department
By Editor
N. Z. TOWN . . . . . General Secretary
W. W. EASTMAN . . . . . N. Am. Div. Secretary
Home Missionary Work
WE are glad to see our general agents taking a special interest in the home missionary work. We are indebted to Brother J. B. Blosser for the following excellent arrangement of selections from the writings of Mrs. E. G. White on this phase of our work:—
Need of Plans
"The leaders in God's cause, as wise generals, are to lay plans for advance moves all along the line. In their planning they are to give special study to the work that can be done by the laity for their friends and neighbors."—"Testimonies for the Church," Vol. IX, pages 116, 117. "Many who possess real ability are rusting from inaction because they do not know how to set themselves at work in missionary lines."—Id., Vol. VI, page 432.
Who Should Do the Planning
"In every church there is talent, which, with the right kind of labor, might be developed to become a great help in this work. That which is needed now for the upbuilding of our churches, is the nice work of wise laborers to discern and develop talent in the church, —talent that can be educated for the Master's use. There should be a well-organized plan for the employment of workers to go into all our churches, large and small, to instruct the members how to labor for the upbuilding of the church, and also for unbelievers. It is training, education, that is needed. Those who labor in visiting the churches should give the brethren and sisters instruction in practical methods of doing missionary work."—Id., Vol. IX, page 117.
Must Be Taught How
"Just as soon as a church is organized, let the minister set the members at work. They will need to be taught how to labor successfully. Let the minister devote more of his time to educating than to preaching. Let him teach the people how to give to others the knowledge they have received."—Id., Vol. VII, page 20.
Plan and Appoint Work for All; Report the Work Done
"Plan ways whereby a living interest may be kindled, and train up the young to do what is appointed them. Let them have a part to act, and from week to week let them bring in their reports telling what they have experienced, and, through the grace of Christ, what success has been theirs. If the missionary meeting were a meeting where such reports were brought in by consecrated workers, it would not be dull, tedious, and uninteresting, it would be full of intense interest, and there would be no lack of attendance." "Let church-members, during the week, act their part faithfully, and on the Sabbath relate their experience. The meeting will then be as meat in due season, bringing to all present new life and fresh vigor. When God's people see the great need of working as Christ worked for the conversion of sinners, the testimonies borne by them in the Sabbath service will be filled with power. With joy they will tell of the precious experience they have gained in working for others."—Id., page 19.
Reports Should Be Published
"Let those who have gained such an experience write an account of it for our papers, that others may be encouraged. Let the canvasser tell of the joy and blessing he has received in his ministry as an evangelist. These reports should find a place in our papers; for they are far-reaching in their influence. They will be as sweet fragrance in the church, a savor of life unto life. Thus it is seen that God works with those that cooperate with him. 'Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.'"—"Manual for Canvassers," page 41.
Well-Organized Effort Needed
"Well-organized work must be done in the church, that its members may understand the manner in which they may impart light to others, and thus strengthen their own faith and increase their knowledge. . . . A working church is a living church."—"Home Missionary Work."
Two or Three to Be United in Bands
"Why do not believers feel a deeper, more earnest concern for those who are out of Christ? Why do not two or three meet together and plead with God for the salvation of some special one, and then for still another? In our churches let companies be formed for service. Let different ones unite in labor as fishers of men. . . . The formation of small companies as a basis of Christian effort has been presented to me by One who cannot err. If there is a large number in the church, let the members be formed into small companies to work not only for the church-members, but for unbelievers."—"Testimonies for the Church," Vol. VII, pages 21, 22.
Results of This Kind of Work
"The power of the gospel is to come upon the companies raised up, fitting them for service. Some of the new converts will be so filled with the power of God that they will at once enter the work. They will labor so diligently that they will have neither time nor disposition to weaken the hands of their brethren by unkind criticism. Their one desire will be to carry the truth to the regions beyond."—Id., page 20.
A Reformatory Movement
"In visions of the night representations passed before me of a great reformatory movement among God's people. Many were praising God. The sick were healed, and other miracles were wrought. A spirit of intercession was seen, even as was manifested before the great day of Pentecost. Hundreds and thousands were seen visiting families and opening before them the Word of God. Hearts were convicted by the power of the Holy Spirit, and a spirit of genuine conversion was manifest. On every side doors were thrown open to the proclamation of the truth. The world seemed to be lighted with the heavenly influence, great blessings were received by the true and humble people of God. I heard voices of thanksgiving and praise, and there seemed to be a reformation such as we witnessed in 1844."—Id., Vol. IX, page 126.
Report From Cuba
By H. A. B. Robinson
ALTHOUGH three of our canvassers left Cuba during the month of May in order to attend the General Conference at Washington, D. C., the Lord blessed the work of those who stayed and faithfully continued to carry the printed page to the people. Our total sales for May amounted to $856.
Brethren W. H. Spicer and Manuel Roman have now been working in the eastern part of the island for some months. They have met with remarkable success in the smaller towns and sugar-mills. During May their weekly sales averaged almost one hundred dollars gold each. In the week ending May 16, Brother Spicer took 68 orders valuing $178.50, and in the week ending May 9, Brother Roman took 58 orders valuing $124. Most of these orders were delivered the week following that in which they were taken.
During the month of June, God has continued to bless our efforts. Although some of us got back to our field after half the month had passed, yet the total of our sales has run up to $1,467.55, for which we thank our Heavenly Father. Brethren Henry Brown, Albert Cochran, and C. P. Martin, who came to help out in Cuba for a time, have all started out successfully. After staying a few days in Havana to practise with the new book "Patriarchs and Prophets," Brother Brown went to Santa Clara, and in the five hours which he worked the first day he took $53.50 worth of orders, and $52 worth the second day, closing the week with a total of $119.50. He put in 44 hours in the second week and received 79 orders valuing $248. This extraordinary success with a religious book has been far beyond our most sanguine expectations, but it proves what a man can do for God when he gets out and works and leaves himself in the hands of his Maker.
Brother Cochran has started with "Salud y Hogar" in Havana. After being here a week he took 30 orders in 20 hours, value $86.
Brother Martin, of Mexico, has proved to us that subscriptions for our papers can be taken here just the same as in Mexico. In a few small towns near the capital he took 50 subscriptions in three days, and we now have a good list started here in Havana itself. Better, we have five or six persons who will in the future give a part of their time to this work.
Brother Avila has continued to do well among the sugar-mills. He has also been studying with some interested persons, and reports deep interest among20them in what they have heard of present truth.
Brother Jose Veiga has lately been selling a large number of our smaller books, taking as many as nineteen orders in a day. He has also taken up to fifty-seven orders for Spanish "Coming King" in only two days.
We trust the readers of these lines will pray for the workers in Cuba.
H. A. B. ROBINSON.
News and Miscellany
By Editor
Notes and clippings from the daily and weekly press
—On July 14 a severe storm swept over Ohio. Railroad traffic was suspended for more than twelve hours. Near Zanesville, twenty bridges were washed away, and crops ruined throughout the section. The damages are estimated near $500,000.
—Now that the opium traffic is rooted out in the interior, China is turning her attention to the port cities, where there is an enormous quantity of the drug valued at many thousands of dollars. In Tientsin recently a great burning took place, at which about $30,000 worth of opium was destroyed.
—What is said to be the oldest ship in the world was recently broken up at Teneriffe, Canary Islands. It was the "Anita," an Italian ship built in Genoa in 1548, and it is claimed was almost an exact duplicate of the "Santa Maria," the galleon in which Christopher Columbus made his great voyage of discovery.
—The United States Department of Agriculture has promulgated a notice of a quarantine that affects the six New England States because of the infection of trees with the gypsy-moth and the brown-tail moth. Coniferous trees, including Christmas trees, decorative trees, and forest plant products are not to be moved from any of these States into others outside the quarantine districts. The order goes into effect the first of August.
—Last week Dr. Robert Bridges was appointed poet laureate of England, succeeding the late Alfred Austin. Dr. Bridges, who was for a number of years a medical practitioner, retired to private life, issuing poetic productions every now and then. He ranks among the minor poets, but is also known for the grace and charm of his poetry. Those familiar with his work say that "he is a scholarly writer, and has devoted much critical study to the works of great masters of English and classic verse."
—River Forest, Ill., a suburb of Chicago, has engaged a business manager who will have the entire charge of all the affairs of the community. He will command the police force, handle the street work, and direct the schools; in fact, he will control the entire village administration. He will be directly responsible to a village board, but is not to be under the orders of this organization. River Forest is the third municipality in the United States to put the affairs of the community into the hands of a business manager.
—Vehicles killed 410 persons in the streets of London last year, 107 more than the previous year; and 15,154 persons were injured in street accidents.
—The Red Cross stamp, or seal, that has been on sale at the holiday season during the past four years for the benefit of the antituberculosis campaign, has netted nearly $1,000,000.
—The Italian ministry of agriculture, industry, and commerce will expend $7,585 in premiums by way of encouraging the construction of modern, improved farmhouses and other farm-buildings in certain provinces in Italy.
—A railroad strike involving 80,000 conductors and trainmen on the Eastern roads has been averted, at least for the present, by the passage by Congress of the Newlands-Clayton Bill. This law creates a board of mediation and conciliation, headed by a commissioner, to which the Eastern railways and employees' brotherhoods have declared their willingness to submit their wage dispute for arbitration.
—Anarchy has been prevailing in Johannesburg, South Africa, as a result of a general strike among miners. Troops were called out, and were ordered to fire upon the rioters, resulting in several deaths and many wounded. Property was destroyed by strikers and the red flag hoisted. At last reports, the government was trying to bring about a peaceful solution of the question at issue, but with little success.
—Port Antonio, a little city on the northeastern shore of Jamaica, is the greatest banana port in the world. In 1911 it shipped more than 9,000,000 bunches of bananas, nearly all of which came to the United States. Jamaica leads all other countries in the world in the production of bananas; and Port Antonio has the lead over all other towns in Jamaica, because the heavy rainfall in its neighborhood is favorable to the production of this fruit.
—Switzerland has recently enacted an important law, which affects its women. Until the end of 1911, a Swiss woman, no matter what age she may have been, was considered a minor. Since March this year she is a major by law. She can now vote for municipal and parliamentary bodies. She has a right to dispose of her earnings. A Swiss widow becomes legal guardian of her children, and can make her will. The marriageable age for women has been raised from sixteen to eighteen years, and for men from eighteen to twenty years.
—Mississippi's prison farms have not only proved the most humane and beneficial way of handling prisoners, but they have proved most profitable. Every year from 4,000 to 5,000 bales of cotton, more corn than enough to supply the demand of the farm, bushels upon bushels of sweet potatoes, molasses as good as can be found anywhere on earth, peas, vegetables of all varieties, fruits, melons, in fact everything good to eat, are raised on the State farm, and after paying a profit into the State treasury of from one fourth to one half of a million dollars, the tables of the convicts are provided with a better fare than many of the free citizens of the State can boast.
—First estimates of the year's rice crop in Japan are most encouraging, exceeding 55,000,000 koku (about 275,000,000 bushels), which is the record amount in the last ten years.
—It is estimated that America produces 32 per cent of the world's food supply, although it has only 5 per cent of the world's population. Russia supplies nearly 14 per cent of the food supply, while she has about 8 per cent of the world's population.
—The world's total population is estimated at 1,700,000,000, out of which the proportion of the sexes is known for 1,038,000,000, the ratio being 1,000 males to 990 females. The ratio varies considerably in different places. There were for every 1,000 men in Europe, 1,027 women; Africa, 1,045; America, 964; Asia, 961; Australia, 937. The maximum proportion of women is found in Uganda, 1,467; the minimum in the Alaska gold-fields and the Malay states, with 391 and 389, respectively.
—Dr. F. F. Friedmann's much-heralded tuberculosis serum was declared by the Public Health Service of the government "not to justify that confidence in the remedy which has been inspired by wide-spread publicity." The report was presented recently at a meeting of the national tuberculosis organization in Washington, and the association immediately adopted resolutions to the effect that no specific cure for the white plague has yet been discovered, and urging the public to continue "present well-tried agencies."
—Results of investigation here and in Europe into the number and causes of typhoid cases show a startling condition in this country as compared with the conditions in Europe. The excessively high rate of typhoid fever cases in the United States is characterized as "our national disgrace" by sanitariums and public health experts who have made the study, and the comparisons just concluded seem to justify this characterization. Despite the advanced methods of living in the United States the statistics show that the rate of typhoid cases in this country per 100,000 population is 18.5 in excess of the rate in European cities taken as a basis of comparison.
—A German cabinet-maker has constructed a pair of water shoes, with the help of which he walks upon the water. He crossed Lake Ammer, in Bavaria, 12,000 feet wide, in two hours. These water shoes are really two long, narrow boxes of pine wood, squared off at the rear end, and shaped like the bow of a boat in front. To preserve his balance the traveler grasps two upright posts. At the outer edge of each boat, or shoe, three small paddles, shaped like rudders, are fastened. These move on hinges and are worked by a sliding mechanism that is operated by the traveler pushing his feet forward alternately, somewhat like a boy learning to skate. He can travel rapidly and with safety on smooth water, although the apparatus is probably not fit for use in stormy weather. Those who have tested it assert that it does not tax the strength as much as rowing a moderately sized boat. The inventor uses his water shoes almost every day for crossing the lake and transporting his tools and a moderate amount of baggage.
Alabama Conference Association
By A. L. Miller; Thos. E. Pavey
THE seventh annual session of the Alabama Conference Association of Seventh-day Adventists will be held at Montgomery, Ala., in connection with the annual conference and camp-meeting, Aug. 6-14, 1913. The first meeting will be held Friday, August 8, at 10 A. M. The officers of the association will be elected, and such other business transacted as may properly come before the constituency. The first business meeting of the conference will be held Thursday, August 7, at 10 A. M. The officers of the conference are to be elected, and whatever other business may be deemed necessary will be transacted. We hope every delegate will be present at the first meeting.
A. L. MILLER, President;
THOS. E. PAVEY, Secretary.
Foreign Mission Seminary
THE Washington Foreign Mission Seminary Record, Vol. III, No. 1, has just been issued. It is the Annual Announcement for 1913-14, giving a statement concerning the training courses offered by the Seminary, the expenses, etc. The experience of our Mission Board in operating a world-wide missionary enterprise has demonstrated the wisdom of developing at Washington, our headquarters, a special training-school. There is urgent need in the mission field for ministers, teachers, Bible workers, colporteurs, and business men. Aside from the thorough training needed for these lines of work as conducted in the home field, the missionary candidate needs a special training for the new conditions to be met in most foreign countries. The Seminary specializes in training for evangelistic workers, offering courses for ministers, Bible workers, medical missionaries, and colporteurs. The special training for foreign missionaries has been strengthened22by the addition of a course in phonetics. Those who desire the Annual Announcement or any information about the Seminary, should address the president, M. E. Kern, Takoma Park, D. C.