OAKLAND.—For some years Elder H. M. Riggle, a minister of the Church of God, or the Saints, as they are called, has desired a discussion with a Seventh-day Adventist minister. As a result of my recent labors in Oakland, the people of that denomination became stirred up, and suggested a discussion. With the hope that some could be reached with the truth in this way who would not listen to a usual presentation of it, I consented to meet Elder Riggle in a public debate.
This debate began September 29, and closed October 15, omitting Friday evening of each week. On the subjects of the law, the covenants, and the Sabbath, Elder Riggle took the no-law argument, about the same as the Disciples. In behalf of Sunday he appealed to the church Fathers, and endeavored to establish a connected line from Christ to the present time. With reference to the mark of the beast, he simply denied that it was Sunday-keeping, but refused to state what it was, although we urged him not to leave the people in darkness on this point. He labored hard to show that the soul is immortal, but the Bible is not in his favor. With reference to the destiny of the wicked, he took the position that there is a hell, where the wicked are now being tormented, and where they will be tormented forever and ever; that God's wrath can never be appeased. God is infinite; therefore his law is infinite, and sin must be infinite, and must exist as long as God exists; hence the punishment for sin must go on throughout eternity. By this view, sin is immortalized, and God could not destroy it if he desired to, With reference to the future inheritance of the saints, he took the position that this earth, also the sun, moon, and stars, will be literally destroyed, be burned up; then he taught that there will be a new heaven and a new earth, but before he was through speaking, he placed the people of God in heaven, to remain there forever.
During the discussion we had large audiences, from two hundred fifty to three hundred persons being present the greater part of the time. We have reason to believe that some interest has been awakened, and we hope to begin a series of meetings at Oakland, October 30. Pray that the truth may reach the hearts of the people. J. W. WATT.
West Indies
By W. A. Sweany
ST. GEORGE, GRENADA.—We have just returned from a four-days' trip in the country, having spent Sabbath and Sunday at Mt. Rose, holding the quarterly meeting. It was a most 'blessed occasion. I baptized six in our new baptistery. Forty of the fifty-four members were present at the communion service, and several visitors were there; some of these will, we hope, unite with us ere long. A policeman who has been attending regularly for some time, and intends uniting with us, was present, and rendered us some service.
One of the candidates was a schoolmaster,—a splendid fellow physically, mentally, and morally. He was a Catholic, and has to meet the bitter opposition of a large family. He is now assistant teacher in a Presbyterian school. The head master in this school and several other schoolmasters are deeply interested in the truth.
The financial reports were surprisingly good, despite the hard times, being about the same as for the preceding quarter, when the crops were being harvested.
The school continues. We believe the young man conducting it will become an excellent teacher and worker. The same is true of his brother next older, who is assistant master in the government school, under his father. The conversion of this family was among the most directly providential events I have ever seen. I have never known a better family. The parents have educated and trained their children with a thoroughness that is seldom seen in these countries. They have always been earnest Christians, living up to all the light they had, and they joyfully accepted present truth as soon as it was 'brought to their notice. They are far more familiar with the phraseology of the Bible than most Adventists are; and the wonder is (to them and to us) that they have not always seen the present truth in it as they see it now. The father frequently leads the Sabbath meetings in my absence, and I believe he will become a successful worker in this cause, although he still holds his position as head master in a large government school. The parents' greatest desire is to have their children trained for usefulness in this closing work.
We have not yet succeeded in getting a hall here in St. George, but are negotiating for one, which we hope to get soon. In the meantime we are doing all we can, between our country trips, in a17personal way, and find many who are interested. I often talk for an hour with merchants and men of other professions, who listen with the deepest interest to the explanation of the prophecies concerning the present conditions and issues.
We would so much like to send some of our young people to the Jamaica School. But most of them are unable to go there, as they are poor, and it is so far, and the transportation is so high. One young man, an East Indian, will go soon, and others may be able to go later.
Sickness is prevalent, yet we are well. The rains are falling now, and we have great times wading through rain and mud. W. A. SWEANY.
H. F. COURTER
By H. F. Courter
California
Los Gatos.—It has been a long time since I have reported through the REVIEW. About the middle of May I began work under the supervision of the Georgia Conference. I was directed to go to Luthersville, and labor as the Lord opened the way. Two accepted the truth, and were with us at a part of our camp-meeting held in Atlanta, Ga.
The blessing of the Lord was present at this good camp-meeting. During the meeting it was decided that I should go out with one of the tents; but circumstances developed that made it seem best that I should leave the State; and as I had been recommended through correspondence with Dr. G. H. Heald to go to a drier climate on account of my chronic throat trouble, it was agreed that I should go west to New Mexico, Arizona, or California.
I started for California, September 1, and am now about five miles from Los Gatos. The view from this place is one of the grandest that may be obtained from these mountains. The air is pure and usually dry. To-day we had our first shower.
I sleep with both ends of my tent wide open. My throat has wonderfully improved. I think that a little longer stay will clear my throat from this chronic bronchitis.
I go down to Los Gatos every Sabbath, and speak to the little church. We are planning to purchase a lot and build a church. The brethren and sisters are much pleased with the thought of having a church-building.
H. F. COURTER
South Carolina
By H. B. Gallion
It has been four years since the book work was begun in this State. It was in 1904 that Brother C. F. Dart came here, and in the smallest way laid the foundation for organized effort in the sale of our denominational literature. By hard work and earnest prayer his labors were crowned with success, and it was demonstrated that books could be sold in South Carolina. Since that time the work has steadily gone forward, and we are able to point to a very commendable record for the past four years. But we are not satisfied. With thirty-two unworked counties, having a population of considerably over a million, who have never heard of Seventh-day Adventists, we can not but feel that greater efforts should be made to scatter the printed page. Our constituency this year numbered less than one hundred seventy-five. To show that we are trying to help ourselves, while calling for help, we submit the following for consideration.
Out of a membership of less than one hundred seventy-five, between thirty and thirty-five are devoting all or part of their time to the spread of the message. This number includes the three ministers for the white people and one for the colored. It includes the conference office laborers and the resident workers and church-school teachers, the canvassers and paper-sellers. The colored population of the State numbers eight hundred forty thousand; the white population, five hundred forty thousand.
It will be seen at a glance that right here at home we have a large territory, unentered and unworked. There are old canvassers in the Northern States who have been idle for years, whose courage and vim would be rekindled by work here. New canvassers or untried ones can begin easier here than in many other places, and they would gain an experience that would be worth something to them. We have plenty of territory. It waits your coming. Will you come? We invite investigation. We want to be questioned. And we urge you to “come and see.” My address is Anderson, S. C.
H. B. GALLION,
Field Missionary Agent.
ED. W. THOMANN
By Ed. W. Thomann
Bolivia
LA PAZ.—I have now worked here seven days, and the Lord has richly blessed my efforts. I have one hundred five subscriptions for our missionary paper, Señales de los Tiempos, and have sold about four hundred papers singly or in clubs of from three to fifteen copies. I have also sold some books and a number of tracts.
Among the subscribers are the governor, military officers, men in high government positions, and many others of influence,—persons whom it would probably be difficult to reach with the truth in any other way. A gentleman also paid me for a subscription for the president of the republic. Thus we can, through our papers and books, bring the truth before persons of the highest civil standing.
Bolivia is a field where we should have many laborers. What is one man for a whole country with millions of people, and where several languages are spoken? At present we have liberty of worship, and I think it is just now that we should improve the opportunity to give the message. It seems to me, sometimes, as if many of our people think that the Lord is God only where they live; that they fear to go to other countries, lest the Lord can not be with them there. But I can assure them that the Lord looks upon Bolivia as well as upon any other country, and none need be afraid to come. O, if I could only inspire our people with more missionary zeal, and with confidence in Him who said, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature”!
Pray, brethren, and do something to advance the Lord’s work. There is need everywhere of laborers. I see the need here in Bolivia, but this is only a part of the world’s great need. Every one of us should be willing to go where he is most needed, and if we would only put18ourselves wholly upon the altar he would find the right place for each of us.
While it seems somewhat discouraging at times for one alone in such a country, my courage is good. I only regret that I am not half a dozen, because I see so much to do, and can only touch it. Brethren, help!
ED. W. THOMANN
Virginia
By B. L. House
RICHMOND.—The tent-meetings at this place closed Sunday night, September 27. During September but three services a week were held in the tent, in order that more time might be spent in visiting among the people. Altogether, fifty-four sermons were preached. The interest continued until the last, and the collections amounted to twenty-five dollars.
Miss Philips, from the Foreign Mission Seminary, and Miss Light helped us very much in the music and singing. Miss Light acted as organist and leader of the singing, and Miss Philips sang many appropriate solos. Miss Anna Rice, our Bible worker, who is supported here by the Ohio Conference, also did faithful personal work. Brother O. L. Denslow, of Michigan, left us early in September, and is now busily engaged in his studies at the Washington Foreign Mission Seminary.
On October 3, the writer had the privilege of baptizing twelve persons into the new life, and on Sabbath, October 10, in connection with our quarterly meeting, received sixteen new members into the church on profession of faith. Fourteen of these were in regular attendance at the tent-meetings, and the other two had been personally labored with. Three women came to us from the Episcopalians, five from the Disciples, five from the Baptists, two had no connection with any church, and one was the daughter of a Seventh-day Adventist.
Many homes are open for Bible readings. We are now planning for some earnest work for this fall and winter with our literature. We ask an interest in the prayers of God’s people, that we may sow the gospel seed beside all waters. We give to the Lord all the praise and glory for his goodness and wonderful love in giving us a humble place in his vineyard. B. L. House.
Alabama
By C. C. Webster
The camp-meeting at Daphne (near Mobile), October 8-18, was an excellent one. The attendance was small, yet all felt that it was a blessed privilege to be there, as the Lord came very near by his Spirit. Our camp was situated on the sandy beach of Mobile Bay, in a grove of magnolias, and a large spring of soft, pure water came bubbling up near by, making it an ideal camp-ground.
On this very spot a regiment of Confederate troops were encamped during the Civil War; and on March 25, 1865, Admiral Farragut’s fleet steamed up the bay, and shelled the town and the entrenchments. The effects of this bombardment are still seen on trees and buildings. The breastworks of the Confederate army are still visible. We were glad to wage a better warfare, not using carnal weapons.
The labors of our visiting brethren were greatly appreciated. Our conference laborers also assisted in the preaching. The report of the five tent companies in the field this summer shows that seventy-five persons have been brought into the truth in Alabama.
C. C. Webster.
Experiences in Georgia
By Arthur W. Bartlett
SINCE our last report there have been some interesting developments in Brunswick, especially among the colored ministers, before whom we are trying to present the truth. A large and flourishing normal school for colored students is located here, and we have proposed to the principal and the leading colored ministers of Brunswick that a Bible institute be organized as a department of instruction belonging to, and controlled by, the normal school. We expect to be permitted to teach the Word in this institute when permanently organized, and thereby get the truth before hundreds of the colored people here.
We are laboring with a family of white people here, the head of which is a Greek storekeeper and proprietor, who has been honored by the United States government for bravery while serving as an officer on the ship “Constitution.” This man has readily received the truth, and longs to sell his store and building, and obey God's Word.
We are slowly developing our sanitarium on St. Simon's Island. We are planning to raise the building six feet, and put in a lower story. We desire to make widely known the sole purpose for which we are establishing this sanitarium. It is to be strictly a Seventh-day Adventist institution, and all the net profits accruing are to be devoted to the establishment and support of mission schools and treatment-rooms among the colored people of southern Georgia.
We have received several letters from Seventh-day Adventist farmers, inquiring about St. Simon's Island. Briefly we would state that the island is about ten miles long by seven miles wide, and contains thousands of acres of uncultivated, well-timbered, rich, black loam soil that will produce two bountiful crops a year. Oranges grow well, but are not much cultivated. Poultry can be raised at a good profit. This land can be bought for from five dollars to twenty dollars an acre, and can be leased in any amount for two dollars an acre. Artesian wells are to be had in abundance for the digging, and will afford irrigation if needed. Fuel is cheap, and can be obtained for the hauling. The climate is unexcelled for mildness in the winter, and is refreshing in the summer.
All those whose principal motive is to save souls, and whom the love of Christ constrains to work for the colored people of the South, along medical as well as gospel lines, are cordially invited to come to St. Simon's Island, and join us in our work. My address is 2200 Ellis St., Brunswick, Ga.
ARTHUR W. BARTLETT.
The Utah Conference
By H. W. Cottrell
The fourth annual session of the Utah Conference was held at Salt Lake City, October 2-6. The churches were well represented by chosen delegates.
It was encouraging to see the growth the conference has made in the last few years. Their reports show an increase of forty-seven to the church membership for the past conference year, not including the children of our own people. This is an excellent showing for that small conference, and especially among that people.
The Sabbath-school donations have increased about twenty per cent the last year. There has been a falling off in tithe receipts during the year, due, doubtless, to the financial stringency that has been so generally felt over the United States.
We have had in contemplation for some months past the plan of establishing a sanitarium in or near Salt Lake City; so the brethren have gone forward and raised in cash and pledges the sum of fifteen hundred dollars for this proposed enterprise.
The brethren at the conference, in responding to an appeal made in behalf of the colored people in the Southern States, gave an offering to God for that work, which averaged about one dollar each for all present. I think this act was indeed commendable for that poor people. God blessed them for it, as was evidenced from the joy they received in giving.
The meetings were excellent throughout. Brother Charles Nelson was ordained to the work of the gospel ministry. Brethren W. T. Knox and J. J. Ireland and the writer were the workers from abroad. Elder S. G. Huntington was re-elected president of the conference. If the workers will all be humble, the Lord will do a great work through them for that people, to the glory of his own name.
H. W. Cottrell.
Work for the Colored People in the South
By Sydney Scott
“AND Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?” These words came from an honest heart, from one who was walking in all the light at his command. Nazareth was a city that had a bad reputation, all the inhabitants of Galilee being looked upon with contempt by the people of Judea because they spoke a ruder dialect, were less cultivated, and were exposed by their position to contact with heathen. It matters not how low a city may fall in the scale of morality, God will always have some there to hold up the torch of truth. “Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?” At present, if this question were asked, it would not be confined to a city, or to cities, but would apply to a race or races. The modern voice, locally, is saying, “Can there any good thing come out of the negro race?” We answer, “Come and see.”
Since the beginning of the year, great advancement has been made in the work for the colored people in the South. No one can realize how fast the message is going to this people. Many have asked, “Will colored men make good Sabbath-keepers?” Yes; their obedience to the truth, and their loyalty to our organized work, can not be questioned. Our colored brethren love this message, and appreciate what has been done by the denomination in fostering the work among them. Many have thought that our colored brethren would fall into the movement which has been started to disorganize our work. I am glad to say that all who have entertained such an idea are disappointed. Our colored brethren stand a unit with our organized work throughout all our Southern conferences.
The first tent-meeting held by Seventh-day Adventists for colored people, and by ministers of that race, was in 1901. In 1895 Testimonies came instructing the denomination to do more in the way of evangelizing the “down-trodden.” There had been little done in Kentucky and in Tennessee, but it was not till five or six years after the Testimony came, that the first tent-meeting was held for colored people. Last year we had nine tent companies south of Mason and Dixon’s line. This year breaks all previous records. During this year there were fourteen tent companies operated in the United States, eleven of which were south of Mason and Dixon’s line. The efforts of these tent companies have added ten churches and eleven companies to the cause of truth. The numerical increase for 1908 is fourteen per cent over that of 1907. The message is being proclaimed by mission-school19work and in other effective ways. Thirteen years ago there were no mission schools for negroes under the auspices of Seventh-day Adventists, but to-day we have nearly thirty schools, and about thirty-five teachers. The school work has increased until sufficient teachers and means can not be found to answer the demand.
The people of the South are becoming interested in the educational work. More books have been sold to the “down-trodden” this year than in any previous year. During the year there have been thirteen colored canvassers handling our books and papers. The first negro canvasser entered the work fifteen years ago, and now is a successful minister in the Alabama Conference. We now have nearly eleven hundred fifty colored Sabbath-keepers, about sixty-five churches, sixteen church buildings, twenty-nine mission schools, nearly thirty-five teachers on the pay-roll, fourteen tent companies in actual operation during the year 1908, forty nurses who have been trained at our institutions, three physicians who are capable of passing the medical State board examination, and thirteen canvassers, who have handled nearly three thousand dollars’ worth of books and papers during 1908.
Our brethren who have contributed to the work among the colored people, can see and realize that the bread they cast on the Southern waters is not lost. Modern Ethiopia is stretching out her hands. Who will fill them? “Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power.”
SYDNEY SCOTT.
Jamaica, West Indies
By Hubert Fletcher
ST. ANN'S.—I have seen much of the Lord's goodness since my return to the island, and although I have not entirely recovered from the effects of the malaria, yet my health is much improved. My time is being spent chiefly among the churches in St. Ann's parish, and other places where my services are required. We are very busy at Ballimonay, preparing materials for the church building, which we expect to erect in a few weeks. I have been going into the woods with the brethren, working with them, sometimes until the stars appear. We have purposed to finish the building by December next.
On Sabbath, August 1, the ordinances were celebrated at Golden Grove, and Brother J. A. Kerr was elected and ordained deacon. On the seventh of August I visited the Bryant Hill company, and spent a profitable day there. On Sunday morning I had the privilege of addressing a large and attentive gathering which had assembled to witness the baptism of four dear souls. One of the candidates, a sister, is undergoing severe persecution from her husband; but praise God, this sister loves the message, and is bearing this persecution with Christian fortitude.
After the baptism we had preaching service and the celebration of the ordinances at the meeting-house. There was a good attendance of strangers, and the services were very impressive. We knew the Lord was present by his Spirit. The brethren, although few, are planning for a church building. They are all of good courage.
In the afternoon of the same day, accompanied by Brother C. B. Mead, I left for the Post Road church. Although it had rained, the brethren were assembled for service, in connection with which the ordinances were also celebrated. A business meeting was held the next morning, and although it was necessary to disfellowship some, there are those here who are faithful and love the message.
HUBERT FLETCHER.
Straits Settlements
By GEO. TEASDALE.
SINGAPORE.—A letter was received at the mission yesterday from Sister Chan Teck Sung, the first Chinese woman to engage in the work of canvassing in Malaysia. Perhaps you will remember the interesting little story in connection with her acceptance of the truth, and how she bravely started out canvassing from house to house, in opposition to all the customs and traditions of her race. It has ever been considered a shame for a Chinese unmarried girl to appear much in public, or to be seen by men other than friends or relatives. Mrs. Parkin accompanied her while she worked in Singapore, where she sold four hundred copies of “Christ Our Saviour,” both in English and in Malay, although the place had been canvassed a few months before, and four hundred copies of the same book had been delivered. Now she is farther up the peninsula, and is having good success. Her father and mother are with her, canvassing. They speak only Chinese; she speaks Chinese, Malay, and English. She says:—
“I am very glad to tell you that I have obtained twenty-seven orders to-day. This morning I went to the offices, and got fifteen orders, and in the evening I went to the Indian houses, and got twelve more.”
I believe that Sister Chan is one of many such workers whom the Lord will raise up to help spread the truth among the millions in the East. She reaches the women, whom neither a Chinese nor a European man can approach; and her knowledge of the languages is an advantage which it will take laborers of other nationalities many years to attain.
I arrived here a few days ago, after a rather uncomfortable journey from Europe. The work is progressing nicely, but the workers are not well. The climate is very enervating.
GEO. TEASDALE.
The Southern Field
By H. B. Tilden
As we view the field at large through the reports that come to us from week to week, we see the prospering hand of God attending the faithful efforts of his servants in all parts of the world. Openings for the circulation of the printed page are being effected where but a few days before it would have been decidedly unsafe to carry printed matter dealing with prophetic utterances. And this is in order that the truths of God's Word may be presented to the people.
As soon as openings occur which give place for more aggressive work in the spread of the message, what is the first appeal that comes to us?—A fund must be raised with which to create truth-filled literature.
In the South a prosperity in the book work is enjoyed which we should not lose sight of. Now is the time to work. The canvassing work in North Carolina is far below the point that God designs it shall occupy. The homes are open to the men who will go forth in the spirit of the Master, carrying the books laden with present truth. But where are the men? Our present force will visit approximately four thousand homes, a week. Unless our number is enlarged, it will take us more than nine years, working fifty-two weeks in the year, to work the State with “Daniel and the Revelation,” to say nothing of the other books that should be pushed into the field.
Kind friends, are the people to hear the message? Is there not some one who would like to come and help us? If the Lord is calling you, hasten to obey. I shall be pleased to correspond with any who may be contemplating a move southward. My address is 608 New Bern Ave., Raleigh, N. C.
H. B. TILDEN, State Agent.
Three Years in West Africa
By D. C. Babcock
We have just closed our first three years on the West Coast of Africa, filled with interesting experiences, at least to ourselves, and we trust also to our dear people who have contributed of their necessities for the advancement of this message. We have endeavored to profit by the experiences of our brethren who preceded us in this land of darkness, and who have either laid down their lives or have been compelled to leave for home.
Our first seventeen months were employed in treating the West African fever, and in building a mission house. Jan. 10, 1907, we began our first public effort in our new tent, forty by sixty feet. Our only workers were Mrs. Babcock and the writer. We were signally impressed by the Holy Spirit that the effort was meeting the approbation of God. Every night for more than six weeks the meetings continued with decided victories for the Lord's work. The effort put forth resulted in establishing a good church of forty members, and in the erection of a suitable house of worship.
Our work has not been confined to Freetown, Sierra Leone, but we have opened the work at other places. In each effort the Lord has revealed his power. Good reports reach us also from the Gold Coast. The number of Sabbath-keepers on the West Coast of Africa is more than one hundred. The recent arrival of Prof. T. M. French and wife, to take charge of the educational work cheered all our hearts.
D. C. BABCOCK.
Field Notes
Brother T. B. Westbrook reports the baptism of three persons at Corning, N. Y.
Three persons were baptized recently and joined the church at Mortimer, Iowa.
Three persons were baptized recently at Burlington, Kan., and united with the church there.
Sabbath, October 3, six persons were baptized and united with the Foosland (Ill.) church.
As a result of weekly visits by one of our Bible workers in Southport, a suburb of Indianapolis, Ind., three persons have taken their stand for the truth.
Sabbath, October 10, four persons were baptized and joined the Scandinavian church at Des Moines, Iowa. This makes seven baptisms since the tent-meetings began.
On Sabbath, October 5, two persons were baptized at Charleston, W. Va., and united with the church there. Others in the city are keeping the Sabbath, and will unite with the church soon.
From the conference laborers' reports in the Nebraska Conference, for the quarter ending September 30, we find that one hundred eight persons were baptized during the quarter; other conversions, twelve.
A report in the Southwestern Union Record from Atlanta, Tex., states that as a result of the tent-meetings there, twelve adults have taken their stand to obey the commandments of God. A Sabbath-school has been organized.
On September 26 five persons were baptized at Providence, R. I., and one united with the church by letter. These, with the three who were baptized at camp-meeting, make nine received into the Providence church during the month of September.
The following report comes from Turlock, Cal., at the close of the tent-meetings: “Forty-seven names were received for baptism and admission into the church. On Sabbath, September 12, twenty-six of this number were buried with their Lord in baptism, and four others, who were satisfied with their former baptism, were received into the church. There remain yet seventeen to be received into church fellowship, fourteen of these by baptism.”
Current Mention
— In a battle between Yakui Indians and a band of Indians acting for the Mexican government, forty of the Yakuis were killed on October 28, in the state of Sonora, Mexico.
— President J. T. Harahan, of the Illinois Central Railroad, has placed an order with car manufacturers for one million dollars’ worth of freight-cars, to be delivered before December 1 of this year.
— Elections for the federal House of Commons were held throughout Canada on October 26. The returns show that Sir Wilfrid Laurier, the present premier, will be returned to that position for another five years.
— An investigation by police officials in Philadelphia reveals the fact that scores of the children of that city are addicted to the use of cocaine. Sellers of this drug have made it a practice to teach children its use.
— The United States Census Report on the production of cotton for this season, shows that the number of bales ginned from the present season’s growth is 6,283,780. This is the largest cotton harvest since 1904, and is very close to the record established at that time.
— The supreme judicial court of Massachusetts, in making permanent an injunction against several labor unions on October 26, ruled that labor unions are not permitted to impose fines on their members in order to force them to go out on strike. This is one of the most important decisions ever rendered in reference to labor matters.
— Venezuelan authorities have seized a British trading-vessel at the island of Margarita, in the Caribbean Sea, and imprisoned the members of the crew. The seizure occurred on August 23, and the crew and passengers have been detained as prisoners until the present time. The English government has begun an official investigation into the matter.
— Count Zeppelin, of Germany, whose great air-ship was recently destroyed, has, through contributions from the government and from private individuals, constructed another of the same type, which is now making successful flights. On October 27 Prince Henry of Prussia, brother of the kaiser, ascended with the count, and made a voyage of several hours’ duration.
— In view of the fact that the American government has indicated to Russia its desire for a revision of the treaty of 1836, the Hebrews of this country are again agitating the question of their rights as American citizens in the matter of entering and traveling through Russia. American Hebrews are now entirely barred from entering that country.
— There has been much interest throughout the State of Ohio during the past few days over the question of local option. There have been considerable gains by the temperance forces. Thirty-three counties have voted dry, closing 871 saloons. Five counties have voted to retain the saloon. In one of these the Anti-saloon League will contest the election, on the ground that foreigners were allowed to vote.21
— The Panama Canal Commission reports that during the month of September more than three million cubic yards of earth were excavated.
— One of the night riders in the Reelfoot Lake region of Tennessee, who has been captured by the troops, has confessed to his part in the murder committed by the band, and has implicated more than fifty others.
— The situation in Turkey and the Balkans, while still strained, seems less warlike than for some time. Austria has yielded somewhat in the matter of negotiations over her annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Bulgaria has consented to a cash remuneration to Turkey for Turkey’s loss through Bulgaria’s action. It is reported that Turkey has amassed a considerable portion of her army. Servia has called out her reserves, and notified Turkey of a new treaty between herself and Montenegro.
— Eight battle-ships, comprising one half the battle-ship fleet that is now making a tour of the world, arrived at Amoy, China, on October 30, and was accorded an enthusiastic reception by the Chinese. One organization which was especially conspicuous at this reception was the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, of Shanghai, the body which organized the boycott against American goods three years ago. The Chinese officials are said to interpret this visit of the American battle-ships as an indication that America will assist China in maintaining her integrity.
— For many years scientists have been experimenting with various preparations in an effort to find a cure for leprosy. From time to time, announcements have been made that some scientist had discovered such a remedy. These announcements have been generally, if not entirely, premature. A report from Wellington, New Zealand, however, states that a leper has been released from the leper station completely cured of his leprosy by a remedy discovered by two Turkish scientists. The same remedy is now being tested at hospitals in other parts of the world.
— Because of the feeling of animosity existing throughout England against Germany, and the closer relations that have been established during recent months between England, France, and Russia, the emperor of Germany has given out statements in reference to Germany’s attitude toward England which are causing much interest and no little excitement throughout England. In an interview with a prominent Englishman whose name is withheld from publication, the emperor asserts that Germany, during the time of the Boer war, stood between England and a combination of the European powers against her. He states that it was proposed that France, Russia, and Germany interfere unitedly to bring the English-Boer war to an end before England had subjugated that country. Such a stand as this on the part of Germany must be recognized by the English people as a cause for gratitude rather than animosity, and reports indicate that it is coming to be looked upon in that way. Some fears are entertained as to the result which such a disclosure may have in other international relations in Europe.
Circulate the Petition
By L. A. Spring
PETITION blanks have been sent to our churches, with the request that they be properly filled and sent, not to the General Conference Office, but direct to the representative in Congress of the district in which the signatures are secured.
We wish to emphasize this request. It is time right now to secure signatures to this petition. This is an important work, and no time should be lost in doing it. We have only to read the text of the Johnston Sunday bill to see that it is religious legislation, and therefore we ought to oppose it. All such laws are un-Christlike, unconstitutional, and un-American.
If you have received the tract entitled, “Brief on Senator Johnston’s Latest Sunday Bill,” you should read it carefully, and note especially the points which appeal to you, then use these points with others in securing signatures to the petition. This is a live issue, and we should “be ready always to give an answer.” We must meet it.
This bill passed the Senate on the fifteenth of last May. It will come before the House of Representatives during the next session of Congress, which convenes December 7. The next session will be a short one. Our people have been promised an early hearing on the bill; so you see we have no time to lose. This is an opportune time to educate the people on the principles of religious liberty and the everlasting gospel.
This petition work should be taken up at once. Secure as many signers as possible from your friends and others, then write a brief, pointed letter to your representative, telling why you oppose religious legislation, and show him, by sending your petition well-filled with names, that there are many in your community who are anxious to have him vote against the bill. Be sure to send a personal letter with your petition, for it is effectual.
Do not send your petitions in as soon as you have them filled. Hold them with your letters until about December 1, then send both to your representative. Pray as you work, and God will bless. Do not put this off. “Procrastination is the thief of time.”
Just a word more. Let it be known that we are not in league with the liquor element, but that we are strong advocates of temperance seven days in the week and fifty-two weeks in the year. —L. A. Spring, in the Nebraska Reporter.
Christian Liberty
By K. C. RUSSELL; W. A. COLCORD
Reports, Notes, and Comments Pertaining to the Current History of the Rights of Conscience