Earlier text: The Training of Children

The Dynamite Conspiracy.

At the close of the trial of the dynamite conspirators in Indianapolis, sentences were imposed upon thirty-three by Federal Judge Anderson. The heaviest sentence was upon Frank M. Ryan, of Chicago, president of the International Association of Bridge and Structural Iron Workers—seven years’ imprisonment in the federal prison at Leavenworth. Eight received six years, among whom were Olaf A. Tveitmoe, secretary-treasurer of the California State Building Trades Council, Herbert S. Hockin, former secretary of the Iron Workers’ Union, John T. Butler, Buffalo, vice-president of the union, John A. Clancy, of San Francisco. Two received a sentence of four years; twelve of three years; four of two years; six of one year and a day; six were given suspended sentences, to be determined after later investigation, we presume. The charge of Judge Anderson seemed to be very fair, and one of the men on trial himself said he did not know how a judge could be more fair than was Judge Anderson in all his rulings.

The charge against the men was for conspiracy, but the judge in a paper which he read, said, among other things: “The evidence discloses an appalling list of crimes, in addition to those charged in the indictments. These crimes were all committed in the name of organized labor. I will not believe that organized labor approves of such practices. Any organization that approves and adopts the methods of these defendants, is an outlaw, and will meet the fate which outlaws have met since civilized society began.” “The evidence clearly established that each of the defendants found guilty of the verdict of the jury, was a member of this conspiracy, and in some measure aided and abetted in the unlawful transportations charged in the indictment. Upon this proposition there can be no reasonable question.” He further said: “The evidence shows some of these defendants guilty of murder, but they are not charged here with that crime. This court can not punish them for it, nor should it be influenced by such consideration in fixing the measure of punishment for the crimes charged.” Whether they will be tried for the more serious crime or not, it is not said. Certainly the whole trial showed an awful condition of things among leaders of men, and the fact that these men have been proved guilty would warrant what has been said, that there are doubtless many others who were equally so.

God Holds the Winds of Strife

The new year opens with hopes of peace in the East; but it may be said of the world, as Montesquieu said of Turkey 200 years ago, it is sick, and the peace symptoms may suddenly give way to a relapse. The Lord is holding the winds of strife, that His work may be done; and when that is done, He will not adjust His plans to human delinquency, defect, or tardiness. Now is the time for humanity to adjust itself to God’s ways of acting.

Perilous Times

Bishop A. W. Wilson, of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, in a sermon in Savannah, Georgia, on December 2, declared that “old Rome in her worst days never harbored such conditions of vice as are prevalent in our highest social circles to-day.” He said, “Never at any period of the world’s history has the moral strata been so thin, or so low. The world is beset to-day with more insane theories and philosophies, more hypocritical creed than ever before. The advance of science and philosophy, and the study of infinite subjects connected with the creation of the earth, are imperiling the religious welfare of the world.” The bishop further declared that “scientific processes will never discover the hidden secrets of the universe, the mysteries which pass understanding.”

Rest in Service

Matt. 11: 28-30

Come unto Me, All ye that labor and are heavy laden, And I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you. And learn of Me; For I am meek and lowly in heart: And ye shall find rest unto your souls, For My yoke is easy, And My burden is light.

The Turkey Trouble

THE diplomatic tangle in London, despatches of January 1 say, is nearer solution than previous days indicated. The new demands of Turkey are that Adrianople shall be held, that its status is to be settled by Turkey and Bulgaria direct, and that the cession of the rest of European Turkey, including Janina and Scutari, is to be made to the allies; the Albanian and Cretan questions are to be solved by the powers; and the Ægean Islands are to remain Turkish. Turkey had, just previous to this, expressed herself as desiring that the great powers of Europe should mediate between the two parties. Not until the representatives of the allies had registered their unalterable objections, and Turkey learned that unwillingness to present her demands would mean a resumption of hostilities, were these things presented by Rechad Pasha. It was an exciting day among the delegates. They declared that they would not accept the proposed mediation with the “powers,” and insisted that the Turkish delegation present a practical proposal. The Turkish concessions were then made. Some of these propositions may be accepted by the “powers,” but they do not propose that there shall be any agreement concerning Adrianople between Turkey and Bulgaria alone. They propose to stand together. The real problem is Adrianople. The Turkish sentiment is strong for holding that. It is the earliest site conquered by Murad I, in 1361, nearly a hundred years before Constantinople was taken. It is believed, too, that she will be willing to cede her islands for the sake of still holding Adrianople, the “jewel of the Orient.” It is hoped that peace will be concluded by the orthodox Christmas, which occurs January 7, or at least by the orthodox New Year, January 14.

Wilson’s Cabinet Appointments

It is reported that President-elect Wilson has named six members of his Cabinet, as follows: William Jennings Bryan, secretary of state or the treasury; William F. McCombs, secretary of war; A. Mitchell Palmer, of Pennsylvania, attorney-general; Albert S. Burleson, of Texas, postmaster-general; Josephus Daniels, of North Carolina, secretary of the navy; Edwin L. Norris, governor of Montana, secretary of the interior; Obadiah Gardiner, of Maine, secretary of agriculture.

The New Parcel-Post System

The new parcel-post system was quietly inaugurated in the West, seventy-five packages being sent out from San Francisco. In New York City there were fifty umbrellas transported. It would be well for our readers to make note of the fact, and those who are using the parcel-post to any extent, have before them a diagram of its zones, that on certain distances express is cheaper.

Earthquakes in Martinique and Italy

A slight earthquake took place in Martinique Island of the West Indies, December 22, and two quite violent shocks occurred at Messina and Reggio di Calabria, in Italy. The first shock was so violent that the earth seemed to open. It could be compared with the awful earthquake of 1908.

Earthquake in South Carolina

Union, South Carolina, was visited by an earthquake January 1. Chimneys were toppled over throughout the city, and a large rent was made in the walls of the county jail, the shock lasting about 20 seconds. Spartanburg was also shaken badly, but no great damage is reported.

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