— The will of the late P. D. Armour shows that his estate is worth $15,000,000.
— Horse meat is being sold in the New York markets.
— The Swedish army is to be supplied with snow-shoes.
— New York brokers have shipped $1,640,000 in gold bars to France.
— The recent census of Germany shows phenomenal gains in city population.
— Samuel T. Leake, who made a fortune by the invention of a cotton-bale band, is dead.
— In 1899 there was fifty-six times as much liquor exported to Porto Rico as in 1898.
— More lace-makers have sailed from Liverpool, England, for Dowie’s colony at Zion, Wis.
— A resolution was recently introduced in the German Reichstag, the purpose of which is to prohibit child labor.
— Illinois has more distilleries than any other State in the Union. It pays “one fourth of the total internal revenue collected in the United States on the manufacture of liquors.”
— The Russian government has ordered the expulsion of the Jews from Siberia. In case the order is not complied with, the houses of the Jews are to be demolished, and the families will be transported.
— A thirty-story building is to be erected in New York City, “at the southeast corner of Broadway and Thirty-third streets,” on a lot 118 ft. 6 in. wide on Broadway and 97 ft. 7½ in. deep on Thirty-third Street. The Scientific American says that this will be the highest building in the city.
— The German navy, expensive as it is, costs each inhabitant of the empire less than two and one-half marks a year; while the amount spent by each person for alcohol and tobacco is between fifty and sixty marks, or twenty-four times as much. Germany spends 3,000,000,000 marks each year for beer, wine, whisky, and tobacco.
— Latest reports from Manila indicate that “the Taft Commission finally passed the educational bill in a form forbidding all religious instruction in the Philippine schools, even after school hours. Judge Taft favored religion in the schools; but Commissioners Ide and Moses opposed, holding that it would be an alliance of Church and State.”
— Speaking of the Jews in England, the editor of the Outlook says that “the English-born Jews are rapidly bringing about a crisis in Jewry. England, it seems, alone among the nations, threatens to absorb her Jewish subjects. By toleration, she is in a fair way of accomplishing what eighteen hundred years of oppression and contempt have failed to effect.”
— Commenting upon the custom of appointing certain days in the future as “decision days,” for Sunday-school students, a Baptist exchange says that it is spreading rapidly, and adds the following sensible remarks: “It looks to some of us like a satanic device. The habit of postponing to a future day the duty that God presses upon men for instant action, is a common method of losing the soul. No unsaved person has a right to delay for one moment compliance with the call of God. But the fixing of a date in the future for deciding the question of the acceptance of Christ, is countenancing present disobedience, and is imperiling the soul.”
— J. Louthian, president of the Turkish-American Society, a subject of the sultan of Turkey, was hazed at the Medico-Chirurgical College, Philadelphia, Pa., January 24, by six of his classmates. Having already been graduated from the pharmacy department of the college, he had returned to secure a medical degree. “His silken mustache was the crowning glory of the Turk. His fellow-students decided that it should be removed. As the unfortunate Turk left Dr. Shoemaker’s clinic, he was pounced upon, thrown down, and carefully shaved.” It is thought that Turkey may, through her minister, take official notice of the insult. Just at present hazing seems to be a serious epidemic throughout the United States.12
— The Bulgarian cabinet has resigned.
— Queen Victoria’s funeral occurred February 2.
— Many Russian Jews are emigrating to Argentina.
— Admiral Cervera is not expected to recover from his illness.
— Much suffering from famine is reported in the Shan-Se province, China.
— Paul Deschanel was recently re-elected president of the French Chamber of Deputies, defeating Henry Brisson.
— It has been ascertained that the total property loss due to the disastrous Galveston cyclone of September 8 aggregates $17,058,275.
— King Oscar, of Sweden and Norway, has resumed control of the government, Crown Prince Gustave retiring from the regency.
— After much debate, the nomination of the son of Justice Harlan to be attorney-general of Porto Rico, was recently confirmed by the United States Senate.
— Anti-Semitism is on the increase among the University of Berlin students. “The Jewish students are being rigidly boycotted by their German fellow-students.”
— Michigan will have a $40,000 exhibit at the coming Pan-American Exposition to be held at Buffalo, N. Y., the bill appropriating that amount having been signed by Governor Bliss.
— King Edward VII, of England, recently sent President McKinley a personal message, expressing gratitude to the American people for the sympathy manifested on the death of his mother, the late Queen Victoria.
— The Baptists in the United States now number 4,446,833, which shows an increase of 1,017,328 during the last ten years. In the North there are 973,820 Baptists; in the South, 1,608,413; and the colored Baptists number 1,864,600.
— The veterans composing the Grand Army of the Republic are passing away at the rate of 1,000 a month, and many posts are being abandoned. Ten years ago 400,489 men answered the roll call. To-day the roster shows only 276,662 names. Some posts have but seven members left.
— During Victoria’s reign the population of Great Britain increased from 18,000,000 to 41,000,000; there were added to her empire “India, rich portions of Africa, Hongkong, most of Australia, and many islands of the sea,” a grand total for the empire, of 388,000,000 souls, inhabiting 11,355,000 square miles, making Great Britain “the largest empire on the globe in area, and outdone in population by China alone.”
— A French paper of hygiene says that most persons are turning their pockets “into nests of microbes by using handkerchiefs.” The writer suggests that people carry “detachable india-rubber pockets, and disinfect them at intervals, never using the same pocket for clean and soiled handkerchiefs.” The Japanese are ahead of so-called civilized people in the matter of handkerchiefs, as theirs are made of paper, and are thrown away after being used.
— “The capital invested in orange growing in the State of California,” says an exchange, “is estimated at $44,000,000. As the bulk of the oranges comes from seven of the southern counties of the State,—Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Ventura,—some idea may be gained of the vast utility of this work in the United States to Uncle Sam. The number of non-fruit-bearing orange trees of this district is said to be about 1,227,300, and those now yielding fruit, 2,072,400. When all these trees are yielding the luscious California oranges, from this source alone the Californians, it is estimated, will reap a harvest of gold of $10,000,000 a year.”
— The disciples of Mrs. Carrie Nation seem to be multiplying. January 30 Mrs. Mary Sheriff “wrecked four of the leading saloons” of Anthony, Kan. In the evening she and the women who had helped her, celebrated their victory, and were “guarded from the indignation of the saloon keepers by male relatives,” who followed them around “with shotguns.” Her raid began at 6 a. m., and her followers were armed with “hatchets, clubs, broomsticks, stove lifters, and pickaxes.” And again: “At La Salle, Ill., January 24, several ladies, armed with small hatchets, entered the Harrison Hotel bar, and smashed the mirrors and fixtures and destroyed cigars and liquors, the damage amounting to $700. The crusaders wrecked the saloons of William Bunart and D. J. Collins, before being subdued by fifteen policemen, the town’s whole force, and a score of citizens.”
— General MacArthur will return to the United States.
— Morris K. Jesup recently gave $5,000 to Tuskegee Institute (Ala.), for a stock barn.
— President Kruger recently underwent, at Utrecht, a successful operation upon his eyes.
— Thieves stole $100,000 worth of revenue stamps from the safe of the internal revenue office at Peoria, Ill., the 28th ult.
— It is said that Russia will demand $200,000,000 from China “as indemnity for damages done to the Manchurian railway.”
— A resolution extending sympathy to the Filipinos and the Boers in their “heroic struggle for freedom,” was recently passed by the Arkansas House of Representatives.
— In China there has been some friction between the Russian admiral, Alexiev, and the British admiral, Seymour, “on account of the action of the latter in quelling pirates near Blonde Island, which Russia claims as part of her territory.”
— John Sheridan, head of the money-order department of the Havana (Cuba) post office, recently confessed to a theft of $1,300, and was arrested.
— Those 150 Russian students that were recently arrested at Kieff, for engaging in political agitation, have been “expatriated to Port Arthur [China], to do military service.”
— The public schools of Greater New York will cost $17,710,078 during the present year, 1901. The number of pupils is estimated to be 408,112. Thus the average cost for each pupil is $43.39 per annum.
— Several Japanese students have entered Columbia University, being educated at the expense of their government. Upon the completion of their course, they will teach in the Imperial University at Tokio, Japan.
— C. L. Alvord, Jr., the man who some time ago was discovered to have indulged for years in enormous stealings from the First National Bank of New York, was recently sentenced to thirteen years in Sing-Sing prison, N. Y.
EXPERIENCES IN CANVASSING FOR “CHRIST'S OBJECT LESSONS”
By R. B. Craig
It has been my privilege and pleasure the last few days to canvass for this very remarkable book. It is not my object in this to tell how many orders I secured in a few hours, but rather to offer a few suggestions that will be helpful. I have tried always to bear in mind that it is the precious truths the book contains which will impress minds and soften hearts. So I read sentences and paragraphs in various places in the book. This is much better than to try to fix up a story of our own. In making these selections, the printed canvass (last one) may be helpful. I have seen tears flow freely and the cares of life have been entirely banished while reading these wonderful statements. One man gladly bought the book to comfort his sick wife, who can live only a few weeks.
A bright young lady, a stenographer, saw it at the her place of business. She asked me to call at her home in the evening that she might have time to examine it. I had read but a few sentences when she handed me five dollars, saying that she wanted the book then. Many other interesting experiences might be given. But we must never forget that it is the Holy Spirit that must move the heart if it is moved. It is always cheering and uplifting to be associated with this blessed influence and that of the holy angels. Much prayer is necessary before the Lord can trust us with these holy influences.
Read the following in REVIEW, January 8: “To our canvassers, to all to whom God has given talents that they might co-operate with Him, I would say, Pray, O pray, for a deeper experience. Go forth with your hearts softened and subdued by a study of the precious truths which God has given us for this time.”
My daily prayer is that many of our people in Illinois will respond to the call the Lord is still sending for workers, and will receive the rich blessing in store for every one who seeks to bless others by bearing to them the saving message committed to us. Certainly all wish to join in the song of jubilee, which is soon to be sung throughout our borders. In order to do this, we must help do the work that is now being done to get our books into the homes of the people.—R. B. Craig, in Illinois Recorder.
United States Subserviency to Russia in China
Commenting upon the real status of affairs in China, an exchange, the Church Standard, of Philadelphia, says: “The curious thing in the Chinese situation is the position of subserviency to Russia into which the administration of the United States seems to be gradually falling. It is a good many weeks since the attention of our readers was called in this column to the astonishing impudence of the demand of Russia that ‘the Powers’ should evacuate China. Naturally, the other Powers, including the United States, did not accede to that rather peculiar invitation. The next thing that turned up was the discovery that, while professing to co-operate with the other Powers, Russia has been quietly making a private treaty with China; and now it is the government of the United States which has been renewing Russia’s invitation to the Powers to go somewhere else, to Washington, to London, to The Hague, anywhere to be out of Russia’s way. It would be somewhat remarkable, though not amusing, if Russia were to be able to play off the United States in the next few years as it has been playing off poor France for several years past. . . . Who will be benefited if the United States shall help Russia to establish her control in China, and consequently in Corea, and ultimately in the Orient? Not the people of the United States; for what the people of this country want is the open door of commerce with the Orient, and the door of commerce is precisely what Russia has never yet been known to open. Every province of the far East that she possesses or controls, will be closed against the commerce of all other nations. It may be worth while for Mr. Hay to bear that fact in mind in his coquetting with the Northern Bear.”
CAMP-MEETING IN AUSTRALIA
DURING the last three months of 1900 four camp-meetings were held in Australia. The first was held in Brisbane, Queensland. At this meeting the first annual session of the Conference of that colony was held. It was the second camp-meeting in that city. The exhibition grounds near the center of the city were obtained for our use by the street car company. But though this meeting was favorably situated and extensively advertised, the attendance was not equal to that of two years previous, nor did the interest approach the enthusiasm of that time. There was a fairly good representation of our own people. The annual reports showed an encouraging increase in membership and income. The latter, however, was not equal to the expenditure. The tract society and the medical work have also become involved in debt to a considerable extent. The colony is now passing through the throes of a great drought. Consequently, the young cause in Queensland is bearing no small burden; but the courage of the people is good. Elder George Teasdale, of New Zealand, was chosen president of the Conference. God has a people in Queensland. He has a great work there; and He will doubtless see it carried through. Associated with Brother Teasdale are Brethren H. C. Lacey, F. W. Reekie, Thos. Whittle, and G. W. Tadich, and a small company of helpers. The principal speakers at this meeting were Elder Farnsworth and Dr. E. R. Caro. Although not large, the meeting was characterized by many blessings, and not a little fruit appeared.
The next meeting was held at Lambton, a coal-mining suburb of Newcastle, New South Wales. Two years ago a similar meeting was held at Hamilton, but two miles from the present site. Here a church was raised up. A counter attraction was set up near our camp; but from the first, the interest and attendance were good and increased. The attendance of our own people was not what it should have been, especially during the first of the meeting. Those who came carried away rich blessings. Every meeting was an unfolding of the sacred word.
Here we were privileged to share the labors of Elders E. W. Farnsworth, A. T. Robinson, W. A. Colcord, E. R. Palmer, C. B. Hughes, and A. S. Hickox. Brother Colcord is president of the New South Wales Conference, and has a devoted little band of workers associated with him. Strenuous efforts are being put forth to dispel the incubus of debt, and they are succeeding. This is a grand and inviting field of labor. There are in this Conference about five hundred Sabbath-keepers, with six good houses of worship. Near Lambton is situated the Avondale school, which had just finished its most successful year's work. It was a great success, too. The enrollment was fully one hundred and fifty, and almost without exception the students were hopefully converted, and intelligently started in the Christian life. At present the outlook for the school is most encouraging. The next year's work begins January 31. The attendance promises to be large.
The crops on the estate are all doing well, and many improvements have been made. The health retreat, near the school, is doing a flourishing work under the care of Brother and Sister Robey and Sister Boyd. Elder A. T. Robinson is chairman of the retreat board, and Bible instructor in the school. Much could be said of an encouraging nature concerning the work in this new center.
From Lambton we went to Adelaide, South Australia, a journey of twelve hundred miles, where the third meeting was held. The brethren had difficulty in procuring a satisfactory place for the meeting. Finally they pitched the tents at Ovingham, a suburb outside the city, and not near any means of transport. We were threatened by a “push of larrikins,” which the police told us they could not control. A saloon keeper was the only man who could and would let us have grounds for the meeting, and these were not particularly inviting. But the Lord cared for His own work. Not the slightest disturbance was created, the attendance was large, and the interest deep. Our own people listened eagerly to the word taught. The camp-meeting was merged in a tent-meeting on the same ground, and the interest was for some time carried on by Elder Farnsworth, assisted by the local laborers, who are still at work with success.
This Conference has been organized but a short time. There are a little less than two hundred members, yet they are possessed of good courage. The president is Elder J. H. Woods, one of the pioneer workers in our publishing work. Associated with him is Brother Wm. Knight, Sister Jennie Wilson, and a small company of workers. This was an excellent meeting.
The Victorian meeting was held at Bendigo, a mining town one hundred miles north of Melbourne. It continued over three weeks, including the holidays. Grounds could not be secured in a central location, and the long distance from the main churches prevented a large attendance of our own people. The citizens did not come in large numbers; though on the whole, we had a good hearing. The holidays absorbed the minds of the public, and the last part of the meeting was attended with a spell of great heat. But we received marked evidences of God's favor and blessing. Elder Farnsworth and his wife and E. R. Palmer were present during the first part of the meeting. Elder Robinson also shared in the work. Dr. D. H. Kress and his wife were made welcome, and their talks and labors were highly appreciated. Elder G. B. Starr has the oversight of the work in this Conference, which numbers about the same as New South Wales. One feature of this meeting was the brass band of twenty pieces, from the Bible Echo office, which led the singing, and played sacred music before and after services. The ministry of this Conference consists of Elders S. McCullagh, R. Hare, editor of the Bible Echo, G. B. Starr, with several earnest men as licentiates. Like the other Conferences, Victoria feels the weight of debt. But we all look forward to a time soon to come when, by God's help, this cloud will be lifted.93
Two other meetings remain to be held in Christchurch, New Zealand, and Launceston, Tasmania. Brother Farnsworth is now on his way to the former. On the whole, these meetings have been, so far, seasons of blessing and refreshing. A good spirit of courage and devotion prevails. The people have manifested a readiness to accept the pure word of God.
25 Sloane St., Summer Hill, Sydney.
NORWAY
By O. A. Johnson
I HAVE delayed sending a report from this country, wishing first to visit our churches, and become better acquainted with the work here.
My wife, son Harry, and I arrived in Christiania, July 7, 1900. It was a cold, rainy day; but the kind welcome accorded us made us feel at home with our brethren here. Immediately after our arrival, a council was held with the workers, and plans were carefully considered. Soon after this, I went to Hamar to look after some property in which the Conference had an interest, and finally decided to relieve the Conference of this burden, and make this place my home, while in Norway. Hamar is an old historic place quite centrally situated, having a high altitude, pure air, yet cold.
I have now visited all our churches but one; and while I find some who are discouraged, yet I am glad to find so many who are faithfully holding on to the truth under many discouraging circumstances. There has been a crop failure in northern Norway, and much of the cattle had to be killed off in order to keep them from starving to death. On my return from northern Norway, I found a company of believers on a few small islands, who came into the truth over three years ago, by reading the Bible, and had sustained Sabbath meetings about two years before any of our workers visited them. I found these in harmony with us on all vital questions, and they were ready for organization, which was effected, with a full corps of officers.
Some of our churches in Norway were organized under the dissenter law, which requires the elder to subscribe to the religious laws of the State, or kingdom, especially the observance of Sunday, church holy days, etc. This union has been dissolved, or is in the process of dissolution, by all our churches, a step cheerfully taken by them. In Christiania, this was followed by a rich blessing. I might add that the law leaves it optional with dissenters whether or not they will organize under the prescribed rules of the dissenter law. However, when so organized, it virtually becomes a union of Church and State, a State Church.
At the Conference held last June, the Norway Conference decided that it was best to continue to publish our papers and books, and that has been done; and so far all our bills have been met, and we hope to be able to pay all bills as they become due.
The Week of Prayer was a real blessing to many of our brethren in Norway, and we hope it will result in a lasting revival of God’s work in many hearts. Although there is a real scarcity of money here, yet the Christmas offerings already received exceed the amount given last year, and several churches have not yet been heard from. Tithes come in rather slowly, yet we have so far been able to keep our workers in the field; but we dare not at present increase our corps of workers much.
Our laborers are of good courage, and are being blessed in their work. Elder H. Hansen has been working in Bergen for more than a year. The interest is still good, and souls are continually being added to the church. Two sisters in Bergen, long confined to their beds, and given up as incurable by Norway’s best physicians, were recently healed in answer to prayer. Elder N. P. Nelson is having a good interest in Larvik, where some have already decided to obey the truth. Elder S. Sevaldsen is laboring in Fredrickshald, with an increasing interest.
Some have already come into the truth in Christiania. I expect to begin public meetings next Sunday in our large hall. Several here are interested in the truth. Seven are awaiting baptism, which will be administered next Friday evening. We find persons in many places of Norway who are interested in the truth.
The canvassing work is progressing. During the last year over twenty-six thousand kroner worth of books were sold. Brother Sherrig has just closed a successful canvassers’ institute in Bergen, and all the canvassers enter upon their work with new courage. For some time they have had only old books to sell, but now “Coming King” is under preparation, which, it is hoped, will be ready this spring.
We have a few nurses, who are doing good work. Here in Christiania we have two nurses, and other workers, under the direction of Brother O. J. Olsen, who are kept quite busy in giving various treatments to the sick, with good results. Two sisters have rented rooms in Bergen, and are having all they can do. Some of the leading physicians are sending them patients for treatment. Brother Angel is now doing the same kind of work in Hamar. All these are working on the self-supporting plan, which seems to work well, and the blessing of God is attending their labors.
Of course there is much anxiety connected with the work here, resulting from the unsettled condition of our publishing house. Our Scandinavian brethren feel grateful to our brethren in America for the deep interest they have taken in the work, and the efforts put forth to help the cause here under its trying circumstances. While we, a member of the body, are suffering here, evidently the American brethren, which constitute the main body, are suffering with us, and are doing all they can to heal the wound. May God reward them abundantly for all they have done for us in our time of need.
O. A. JOHNSON.
SOUTH LANCASTER ACADEMY
By Frederick Griggs
The work of the Lord is onward at this place. The attendance at the school is good, and the students manifest a commendable disposition to work.
The Week of Prayer brought us great good. As the result, there has come into the school such a spirit of seeking the Lord as I have not seen here before. The students are meeting daily in little companies for prayer. While the meetings during the Week of Prayer and since have been most excellent, yet there have been no marked revivals, such as we experienced last year; but as a whole, the faculty believe that the religious work of the school is established on a more solid foundation than it was last year.
This winter the school is being favored with studies in missionary work, by Sister E. D. Robinson and others; Sister Robinson, on her return from India, after her husband's death, having made this place her home. In the religious work, the school is closely connected with the church. There is a young people's organization, known as the Young People's Society of Christian Workers, in which many of our students are interested. This young people's organization has recently been studying “Christ's Object Lessons.” Our students are interested in this book and its sale, and we are looking forward to the summer for them to do special work in this direction.
We have been quite unfortunate in not having any one to take charge of our broom shop this year. However, it now looks as if we should be able to open it before long. We have found the industrial features of our school to be among its strongest and most helpful ones.
The church-school work in the district is encouraging. One of the church schools, which was conducted last year amid many adversities, has been given some land, and the brethren are erecting buildings. The church will endeavor to make the land support the school, and at the same time be the means of giving the pupils an industrial education. Three pupils in this school have been baptized, and two others have made a profession since the school opened in October.
Another school, where the work last year was not very successful, and where considerable prejudice was aroused against the school, began this year with only ten pupils. There are now twenty-three in regular attendance. Of nearly all the schools, similar reports might be made, though there are one or two in which the work has not been so successful. We believe that the church schools in District 1 are being built upon a substantial basis, so that they may be continued.
There have now been about five thousand copies of “Christ's Object Lessons” ordered in the district, and nearly three thousand dollars received to apply on the debts. We recognize that this is but a beginning, and yet it has been the means of bringing courage into the work. The academy is meeting its running expenses, as it did last year; and I see no reason why the school can not be placed in a position, as the result of this relief work, where it can ever be free to continue its work.
FREDERICK GRIGGS.
MICHIGAN
By C. A. Watkins
MENOMINEE.—At the close of the Ionia camp meeting in September, it was recommended that we begin work in Menominee. This is a city of twenty thousand inhabitants, and is situated at the extreme southern point of the Northern Peninsula, on the shore of Green Bay, just opposite Marinette, Wis., a city of about the same size. Their close situation to each other has secured for them the name of twin cities. Lumbering is the chief industry, but there are manufactories of different kinds now starting, and business is undergoing some changes because of the failing supply of timber. All in all, it can but be said that Menominee is a lively business city, and its people an interesting community; but only a small percentage of the population is American. French, German, and Scandinavian are in the majority, with a few Polish, Finns, and Italians. Most of these are able to understand the English language sufficiently to do business, but are timid in attending religious services where the English language is used. The children are educated in the American schools, and are more easily approached.
Early in the fall we secured a building in a central and popular place, which seemed at the time a providential opening.14The owner was a Catholic, Catholicism being the prevailing religion; yet the rent was reduced for our purpose from fifteen dollars to ten. The Electric Light Company also reduced the rates on lights thirty per cent, as a gift to our mission enterprise. The hearing at the public meetings has always been small, but there are many who seem ready to talk with us at their homes. The reason of this, as stated before, is timidity on account of language, and the Catholic control of the conscience.
Our courage is good, and we believe the truth will yet prevail. Brother F. O. Robinson has been with us, and has had excellent success in the sale of literature, and his services in other ways have been much appreciated. One thing we greatly need, and that is literature in the foreign languages. Perhaps some who read this feel like helping by sending us tracts or papers in French, German, or Swedish. Some could be used in Bohemian and Polish, and some in English. We do not like to leave a house without placing some seed there. Pray for the work in the Northern Peninsula.
C. A. WATKINS.
1015 Main St., Menominee, Mich.
JAMAICA
By Hubert Fletcher
DEVON is in the Dry Harbor Mountains of the parish of Saint Ann. The mountain air is salubrious and invigorating.
The Third Angel's Message was taken to the small company at this place in the year 1894 by one of our native canvassers; and for the last six years this company have been struggling to maintain their integrity to God, and to establish the truth in their neighborhood. Just before the Week of Prayer, their little chapel was dedicated. The building is twenty by thirteen feet, with an additional part for the pulpit. It will seat about thirty persons. There is also a pool five by eight feet. Baptism was administered in connection with the dedication, and the blessing of the Lord was received.
Never were such zeal and earnestness manifested as during the Week of Prayer. The readings were read at the early morning meetings. Social meeting followed each reading, when testimonies were borne by all. Confessions were made, and consecrations renewed. In the evening all would gather for prayer-meeting. The Lord was sought earnestly and importunately for the Holy Spirit to enable them to walk in the revealed truths. I have never enjoyed a better occasion than this. I praise God for such precious warnings and admonitions, and for the privilege of spending this time in seeking God. The solemn convocation of fasting, prayer, and searching of hearts must continue until the work of atonement is completed. Watch; for ye know not the day nor the hour. — HUBERT FLETCHER.
FLORIDA
By Clairborne Stephenson
PUNTA GORDA.—The Lord has blessed in the work here during the last year, for which we praise His name. Our church building is finished, and our meetings are quite well attended. The Sabbath-school has a membership of thirty-eight. The church membership is twenty-three, an increase of five this last year. The church school is growing. We have an enrollment of twenty-two. Sister Cora Patrick is teaching. She loves the work, and is much loved by the children. God is blessing this effort. We hope by next year to have a school for more advanced students, on the industrial plan.
We are of good courage, and ask to be remembered in prayer by God's children who are looking for His soon coming.
CLAIRBORNE STEPHENSON.
MONTANA
By J. C. Foster
The work of the Lord is onward in this Conference. Last summer witnessed marked progress in almost all branches of the work. The five camp meetings were seasons of refreshing to those in attendance. The book work and other missionary enterprises have been blessed of the Lord. The tent efforts have brought souls into the truth.
Our tent was situated at Red Lodge, a mining camp of a little over two thousand inhabitants. There was one aged couple in the place who kept the Sabbath; but our work and people were practically unknown. In company with Brother and Sister Kime, I began laboring here the first of June, introducing the work with the Signs of the Times. The tent effort began July 13. From the start, we had a fair attendance. Several took their stand for the truth, among them two school-teachers and a lady who is in business in the city.
As the weather grew cooler, and the tent season drew to a close, it was evident that we needed a house of worship. We made it a matter of earnest prayer, and the Lord opened the way in a marked manner. We now have a comfortable house, which will seat about one hundred and twenty persons. The property is worth about fifteen hundred dollars, and is practically free from debt, there being sufficient unpaid pledges to meet the indebtedness.
J. C. FOSTER.
O. SOULE
By O. Soule
FRANKFORT.—January 10-23. I, in company with Elder Stureman, was at Frankfort, holding a short series of meetings. Several discouraged ones were revived, two persons entered the service of the Lord, and six joined the church. Election of officers passed very smoothly, every officer being elected on the first ballot. Altogether, it was a pleasant and profitable meeting. There is now a good church school at Frankfort, and the church is in good condition; so if any of the brethren in surrounding churches wish to send their children to a church school, Frankfort is the place to send them.
O. SOULE
NEVADA
By H. F. Courter
For the last month I have been visiting and laboring with the companies at Dayton, Wadsworth, Reno, and St. Clair. The Lord blessed during the Week of Prayer, in reclaiming backsliders, and bringing unity and love into the churches.
H. F. COURTER.
RATES TO GENERAL CONFERENCE
By L. A. Hoopes
SINCE the change of the place for the next General Conference, the special committee on transportation did not deem it advisable to arrange for the transportation of delegates, but decided to leave this to our various transportation agents situated throughout the country. Each delegation can apply to their nearest transportation agent who is a member of the Committee on Transportation elected at the time of the last General Conference.
Committee on Transportation: L. A. Hoopes, 267 West Main St., Battle Creek, Mich.; N. W. Allee, Graysville, Tenn.; H. W. Cottrell, South Lancaster, Mass.; H. W. Decker, 508 East Everett St., Portland, Ore.; R. S. Donnell, 209 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis, Ind.; W. H. Edwards, Room 1906, 150 Nassau St., New York, N. Y.; Allen Moon, Room 770, Monon Bldg., 324 Dearborn St., Chicago, Ill.; C. W. Flaiz, Box 989, Minneapolis, Minn.; C. H. Jones, care Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal.; C. McReynolds, Box 202, Oklahoma City, O. T.; G. A. Nichols, College Place, Wash.; B. R. Nordyke, 18 West Fifth St., Kansas City, Mo.; J. Sutherland, College View, Neb.; International Tract Society, Ltd., A. Bacon, Secretary, 451 Holloway Road, London, N., England.
