Earlier text: Straits Settlements and Malay StatesThe Opening of Our Schools
By H. R. S.
“Our school opened September 13, with about ninety-five present in the academic department. Others have come until we have one hundred eight consecrated young men and women. “Buildings have been improved during the year that is past, by putting electric lights into the students’ rooms. Several hundred dollars has also been spent in papering the students’ rooms. We believe this will be the best school year that Fernando Academy has ever experienced. “Prayer bands are well organized, and are doing active work, as are also the reading circle, and the canvassing, foreign mission, ministerial, and Christian Help bands. The training-school enrolment is about sixty. Each of the three rooms of this department has a well-organized missionary society. Special emphasis is being placed upon the study of music and the Testimonies, in our school this year. We ask an interest in the prayers of God’s children that we may train our young people for service in the Master’s vineyard.” Oakwood Manual Training School
Prin. C. T. Boyd, writing of the school at Huntsville, Ala., says: “The past summer at Oakwood has been a prosperous one. We closed our last year’s work with a program in the chapel on the evening of August 23. While the number of our graduates was small (three), the occasion proved a very inspiring one to all who were there. “The work of the present year opened September 25. We have with us sixty students, and a number of others are expected soon. Several of these are canvassers who find it necessary to remain in the field until their patrons have placed their cotton upon the market. “As a faculty, we feel that we have the most earnest and enthusiastic class of students that we have ever faced in our assembly-room. They all seem anxious to do something, and are desirous of receiving a preparation that will soon enable them to enter the work. “A new dining-hall, planned and erected by our Dr. M. M. Martinson and the students, now adds a great convenience to our equipment. In connection with this an oven and bake-room have just been completed. The room is well lighted. Both are constructed of concrete, and present a clean and sanitary appearance. “A number of new fixtures and furnishings add greatly to the efficiency of our sanitarium. This little institution has done some good work the past year. However, we are anxious to increase our patronage, and shall be pleased to correspond with those to whom we can be a help. Plenty of practical experience adds greatly to the advantage of the nurses in training. To become a trained nurse opens up an avenue of usefulness to the colored girl, for as a nurse she can enter the best homes among white people of the South. “One of the strong features of our school work this year is our ministerial course. Elder T. H. Jays has charge of this department. The classes are well filled, and a deep interest is manifested on the part of the students in each subject that is taken up. Several in this course have had the privilege of being out with tent companies during the summer, and report many interesting experiences. They are enthusiastic for a better preparation. “Gospel Herald, the organ of the North American Negro Department of our General Conference, has been published here since last January. The work on this paper is very beneficial to the institution18 in furnishing both profitable and educational employment to the students. “Fourteen girls are taking the sewing and dressmaking class. Several others are working their entire way through school in the sewing department. They are making uniforms for the girls at present. (All our girls are dressed in uniform.) Others are engaged in sewing carpet rags for rugs. We are just now equipping our sewing department for a strong work. We have the entire up-stairs over our new dining-hall for this purpose. We are installing some new machines and other fixtures. “The farm work is energetically superintended by Brother C. J. Harris. The usual crops of corn, cow-peas, sorghum, sweet potatoes, and other vegetables, berries, cotton, and bulbs have been produced. About seven hundred bushels of sweet potatoes have just been harvested. Our bulbs are fine. The cattle have looked unusually well the past summer. “While we are pleased with the success attending the school, nothing is so gratifying as seeing the Christian graces perfected in the hearts of those for whom we are laboring. Twenty of our students were baptized at one time in April, and three others in October. “We appreciate the interest of our many friends in helping us make an honest and efficient effort to care for an educational need in the South.” The Quebec Camp-Meeting
By F. C. GILBERT
THE annual camp-meeting of the Quebec Conference was held this year at South Stukely, Quebec, from August 24 to September 3. South Stukely is a small village with about one hundred fifty inhabitants, half of whom are Seventh-day Adventists. The constituency of this conference is not large, the membership being about one hundred fifty. The services were held in a tent, while those attending the meetings lived in rooms near by. The brethren and sisters came to the meeting expecting the blessing of the Lord; and we are glad that he did not disappoint them. Besides the preaching services each day, Bible studies were held, and many hearts were deeply impressed as the conditions of the times were presented from the Word of God and from the Testimonies of the spirit of prophecy. The Holy Spirit indeed worked in the camp, and many turned to God with full purpose of heart. If the confessions there made are followed by the putting away of sin, and by a holy life, we believe the God of Israel will work for his people in that conference. There is no question but that Quebec is a hard field to work, but we know that we have a mighty Helper, and if the people of God will come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty, he will do great things for them. It was planned to have a union conference committee meeting during this camp-meeting; consequently a number of brethren from the other conferences were present, and we are sure they rendered efficient help. Elders J. O. Miller and M. C. Kirkendall presented precious truths to the people, and the Lord blessed their efforts. Brother B. B. Noftsger had charge of the book-tent, and Elder W. J. Blake was present in the interest of the school work. In order to attend the Maine camp-meeting, I was obliged to leave before the close of the meeting. I understand that Elder W. J. Tanner was elected president of the conference. Elder G. H. Skinner, on account of sickness in his family, who were in Iowa, felt that he must resign from the presidency. We were glad to learn of the good work being done in Montreal by Elder O. K. Butler, and we believe the Lord has blessed his efforts there. We hope that this year may see marked prosperity in the Quebec Conference, and that all will be faithful and true to the light of the third angel's message. Iowa and Nebraska
By J. S. Hart
SABBATH morning, October 28, I met with the church at Omaha, Neb. I chose for my subject the coming of the Lord, and the great work that must be done for us before we shall be ready to meet him in peace. As these themes were dwelt upon from a practical standpoint, a deep impression was made upon those present. In the afternoon I held a service with the church at Council Bluffs, Iowa; and Sunday evening I again met with the church at Omaha. By invitation I spoke to them on the love of God. The meetings were well attended, and we had reason to believe that all were benefited, and encouraged to press forward in the Lord’s service. As I visited from house to house, I talked of the coming of the Lord, and of the precious truths that make us one with Christ and with one another. On this trip I was pleased to meet with the old friends of the cause, and also to form new acquaintances. Work for Colored People in Philadelphia
By T. H. Branch
In the city of Philadelphia the work of giving the message is growing in interest among the colored people. The Lord has truly gone out before us in this work. Sabbath, October 28, six precious souls united with the church,—three by letter, and three by following their Lord in baptism. There are others who wish baptism in the near future. To the Lord of the harvest be all the glory.
T. H. Branch. Christian Education
By H. R. Salisbury
Conducted by the Department of Education of the General Conference H. R. SALISBURY Secretary PASTOR J. M. ERIKSON, from Stockholm, Sweden, is now the Bible teacher in the Swedish Seminary. THE educational superintendent of Oklahoma reports 23 schools, 26 teachers, and 550 students in that conference last year. IN the church-school taught by Brother Roland Loasby, in Hamilton, Bermuda, one third of the students are not of our denomination. THE Broadview Swedish Seminary, near Chicago, has opened with an enrolment nearly twice as large as at the opening last year. EMMANUEL MISSIONARY COLLEGE, at Berrien Springs, Mich., now has an attendance of 147. Every seat in the chapel is filled. The highest attendance last year was 123. The Fourth Sabbath Service
By E. R. P.
As we have prepared many definite programs with readings and studies for the fourth Sabbath of each month, the officers of our churches will, doubtless, appreciate having one Sabbath left open for the consideration of special features of missionary work needing attention in the church. Therefore, no definite program is provided for Sabbath, November 25. We suggest that the officers of the church and of the missionary and young people's societies meet together at the earliest opportunity, study carefully the needs of the church, and arrange a program accordingly. Following are some of the topics which may need consideration:— 1. Is the church missionary society in good working order? Have officers been appointed? and are they faithfully and energetically directing the missionary work of the church? Are regular missionary meetings being held, and reports being sent monthly to the conference tract society office? 2. What success has attended the Harvest Ingathering work for foreign missions? Has that work been completed for this year? If not, what steps should be taken to complete the work, and make it stronger than ever before? 3. What steps should be taken to improve the opportunities that the winter, with its long evenings, will bring to us? This is the time of year for reading and study by the fireside. What do we wish the people to read? and how can the reading-matter be provided? 4. Are the subscriptions for our church papers and clubs of missionary papers being kept up? Should subscriptions be renewed and enlarged at this time? Is there a good supply of tracts on hand for free distribution? Should books be secured for lending to neighbors and friends? 5. The first cold breath of winter reminds us of Christian Help work. We see the less fortunate on every side, who suffer for both food and clothing during the long winters. What can the church do for the needy this winter? 6. This is the most favorable season of the year for holding Bible readings and cottage meetings. Who, among the members of the church, have ability and a spirit of willingness? Many may be brought to a knowledge of the truth by such meetings. These questions suggest great fields of opportunity to the church missionary society. If the working machinery of the church is in perfect order and ample supplies are on hand, the church can at least join in special prayer for the success of the work. Perhaps no meetings of the church are more profitable than those in which the members give their testimonies, exchange experiences, recite the providences of God in their efforts to work for him, and pray for the success of the work. May the Lord greatly bless both officers and people upon this Sabbath day. E. R. P. A Forward Movement in Church Missionary Work
By E. R. P.
At the recent autumn council of the General Conference Committee provision was made for placing the church missionary work upon a stronger basis. For many years this work was under the direction of the International Tract Society. Since the organization of the General Conference Publishing Department, the church missionary work has been under the direction of this department; but the development of the colporteur work and of many other interests connected with a rapidly growing publishing work, has been allowed to overshadow the church missionary work, so that it has not received the attention which its importance demands. Besides, it has been the opinion of many that the church missionary work would develop more successfully on a general basis of its own, under the immediate direction of church officers, conference laborers, the tract society officers, and a General Conference secretary, than it has under the care of one department. Therefore, the following recommendations were adopted:— “Whereas, The responsibility for the development of the church missionary work rests primarily upon church and conference officers, and other laborers representing the work of the cause as a whole, instead of resting largely upon any one department; and,— “Whereas, The work of the Publishing Department has so developed as to make it difficult for that department to give the attention to the church missionary work that its great importance demands; therefore, we recommend,— “1. That provision be made by conference and church officers for a strong, active development of the church missionary work. “2. That conference laborers be urged to take this responsibility, and enter actively upon the work of leading our churches into all important lines of missionary activity, and of instructing the churches how to do the work. “3. That each conference tract society be given sufficient help to enable the secretary, or some one appointed for that purpose, to give primary attention to the development of church missionary work, both by correspondence and by personal labor in the field. “4. That conference and church missionary conventions be held, as the needs may require, for the promotion of this work, and for giving help and instruction to conference laborers, church officers and members. “5. That the General Conference employ an experienced missionary secretary to labor for the organization and advancement of the church missionary work.” The above recommendations are self-explanatory. As soon as possible, the General Conference will appoint a secretary not connected with any one department, but under the direction of the General Conference officers, to take general oversight of the development of the church work. We trust that conference officers will make the necessary adjustments in the tract society office, and communicate with conference laborers and church officers concerning the details of this arrangement, so as to insure the rapid organizing and developing of the work along the natural familiar lines set forth in these recommendations. T. E. Bowen, assistant secretary of the General Conference, has been asked to take charge of this work until a permanent secretary has been secured. The Publishing Department will continue in charge of the circulation of all classes of literature, and, like other departments, will work through the church missionary society for the promotion of its special features of church work. Trusting God Through Each Day
By Phillips Brooks
WHAT a vast portion of our lives is spent in anxious and useless foreboding concerning the future, either our own or that of our dear ones! Present joys, present blessings, slip by, and we miss half of their sweet flavor, and all for want of faith in Him who provides for the tiniest insect in the sunbeam. O, when shall we learn the sweet trust in God that our little children teach us every day by their confiding faith in us! — we who are so mutable, so faulty, so irritable, so unjust; and he who is so watchful, so pitiful, so loving, so forgiving! Why can not we, slipping our hand into his each day, walk trustingly over that day’s appointed path, thorny or flowery, crooked or straight, knowing that evening will bring us sleep, peace and home? — Phillips Brooks. Support for the Protestant Magazine
The president of a large realty corporation, located on Broadway, New York City, writes: “I came across, by accident, a copy of the Protestant Magazine for the third quarter of 1911, and send this letter, with check for one dollar, asking you to send me two copies of the same.” He promises his support to the magazine financially and otherwise. Conducted by the Publishing Department of the General Conference E. R. PALMER - - - - Secretary N. Z. TOWN - - - Assistant Secretary National Reform Convention in Boston
By Lee S. Wheeler
This convention was held in Park Street church, on October 24. When the meeting was called, at 9:30 A. M., there were not half a dozen persons present, besides the speakers. Probably at no time during the day or evening did the attendance reach fifty. This small attendance, however, must not be regarded as indicating that the National Reform Association is losing ground. On the contrary, the evil principle of religious legislation, for which the association stands, has permeated religious bodies very generally. The addresses, as a rule, contained little that was fresh or important, the most striking and characteristic features being their titles. Rev. J. M. Foster, in his address upon the Secular Constitution, said: “By adopting a secular constitution, the organic people have voted God and his Christ from the throne, that ‘we the people’ may occupy it.” “An oath is an act of worship.” “Every President after George Washington and before R. B. Hayes took the oath [of office] without an appeal to God.” “The oath of the President of the United States, as embodied in the Constitution, could as well be taken by a pagan or a Mohammedan as by the chief magistrate of a Christian people. It excludes the name of the Supreme Being.” “In 1810 Congress passed a law requiring the carrying of the United States mails on the sabbath. In 1828 there were 456 petitions from twenty-one different States sent to Washington against that law. But the Postmaster-General ignored them. He said: ‘As long as the silver rivers flow, and the green grass grows, and the oceanic tides rise and fall upon the first day of the week, so long will the United States mails continue to circulate on that day.’” “In 1869 the question of the legality of reading the Bible in the public schools of Cincinnati was referred to the supreme court of Ohio. After listening to learned attorneys for three days, the court decided that because the word ‘Christian’ or ‘Bible’ or ‘God’ is not found in the United States Constitution, therefore the Bible should not be read in the public schools.” The speaker declared that this secular Constitution is the “death warrant of our nation.” He said Christ’s title, “‘Governor Among the Nations,’ proclaims his possession of unlimited regal authority over the nations, making him the official head of the executive, legislative, and judicial departments of governments,” and “the Bible the law book of nations.” All this sounds well to the superficial religious mind, but in effect it calls for an American papacy. It makes Christ’s kingdom an affair “of this world,” having its “ups and downs” according to the changing and unsettled sentiment of political parties, by whom these good people suppose the Lord has been “voted from the throne,” and may be voted back again. This is to be done by changing the Constitution so that it will acknowledge Christ as “governor.” But since it is not expected that Christ will personally take the throne, it may be pertinent to inquire, Who will? Some person must act as his representative or vicegerent. If the Bible is to become the nation’s law book, as they would have it, whose interpretation of the Bible shall be enacted and enforced as law? With so many conflicting beliefs as to what the Bible requires, who is to decide? Shall the Roman Catholics decide? But what shall be done with dissenters? This opens up an old question, which our government wisely avoided by keeping all religious distinctions out of its organic law. Yes, more than that; the founders of our government understood well the danger of religious persecution wherever the state is allowed to legislate upon religious questions; and they sought forever to safeguard our religious liberties by placing in the Constitution these words: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Religion More Than Theory
A MAN may have a theory of the truth, he may know the arguments of the Bible, and yet not experience in his life the power of the living Word. Of this the Lutheran Witness of August 31, says:— “A man may even believe, in a way, the truth of the Scripture doctrines, without being a Christian. He may be convinced that Jesus is the Son of God and the Saviour of the world, and feel assured that in his merit lies the only salvation for sinful mankind, and yet, in spite of his convictions, he may himself be far from the kingdom of God. A mere assent of the intellect is not faith. . . . Religious knowledge was revealed to man, not only that he might learn it and assent to the doctrine, but, above all things, that it might become an active power in him. It must rule his heart and govern his will. Only when a man applies the teaching of Scripture to himself, learns to know himself as a lost, helpless creature before God, sincerely repents of his wrong-doing, and confidently trusts that he is reconciled to God by the merit of Jesus alone,—only then has he received a living faith.” SPEAKING of the Protestant Magazine, the secretary of the West Indies and South America Department of the International Sunday-School Association, writes from Canada: “I am glad to see this periodical. The signs of the times in your republic, as well as in this Dominion, require such a watchman to cry aloud. I enclose a subscription for myself and one for a friend. I shall be glad if I can secure others.” Lutheran Pastor Promotes Protestant Magazine
THE pastor of one of the largest Lutheran churches in Iowa enclosed the names and addresses of eleven of his church-members, with the request that sample copies of the Protestant Magazine be sent to them. He adds: “I shall surely do all in my power to help build up the circulation of the Protestant Magazine. My aim is to win subscribers for it in my own congregation. Later on, I shall send you the addresses of clergymen, many of whom I trust will subscribe. May God continue to bless your work in the future, and may the Protestant Magazine be a blessing and a leader to the truth for many.” Eternal Vigilance Required
THE experience of ex-Vice-President Fairbanks in Rome several months ago has served to awaken an earnest discussion in the columns of some of the leading Methodist journals of the country, on the question of the character of the Papacy. They feel that the efforts of the Catholic hierarchy in the United States need careful watching. Of this the Christian Advocate of September 14, speaks as follows:— “A year ago the American Federation of Catholic Societies passed a resolution condemning the National Educational Association as an organization ‘to set up in this country an educational trust as a menace to individual liberty, and to the primary right which every citizen enjoys of choosing the kind of education he may wish to give to his child.’ The fact is that this year, when the federation met at Columbus, and action was about to be taken on the resolution, it was represented by one sensible person present that such action was somewhat precipitate, inasmuch as more than half of the public-school teachers of Chicago and New York are Roman Catholics, and nearly all are members of the National Educational Association! This is right. Nevertheless, the Roman Catholic Church will never be satisfied until it gets hold of the public money for its denominational schools. The public should watch lest unawares church and state become interwoven. Watch, we say, for war was once the power that united them; now cunning and persistence are the weapons, and by these is secured a third weapon; namely, party politics.” Christian Liberty
By K. C. Russell; S. B. Horton
Reports, notes, and comments pertaining to
the current history of the rights
of conscience Conducted by the Religious Liberty Bureau K. C. RUSSELL - - - Secretary S. B. HORTON - - - Assistant Secretary Fallen Protestantism
By S. B. H.
THE Western Watchman (Catholic), St. Louis, Mo., of October 12, contains the following editorial paragraph:— “It is plain to all that Protestantism in the United States has fallen to pieces; but what is more astounding, the ministers look complacently out upon the ruins. In the midst of the desolation the rich laity of the country have banded themselves in a nation-wide movement to rebuild the fallen walls of the Lutheran Jerusalem. But all the money in the world will not bring back the spirit that is fled. There never was much religion in Protestantism, but hatred of Catholicity stood these deluded people instead of supernatural faith. It gave a raison d’être for their existence, and an objective for their activities. But even hatred of Catholicity is dead, and nothing now remains but the somber duty of burying the dead.” Measured by the platform of principles enunciated by original Protestantism, it is a regrettable fact that the challenge of the Watchman contains a measure of truth. Notes and clippings from the daily and weekly press — With the collapse of a pier at Auburn, Cal., fifty men were carried into the water and sixteen drowned. A large number were injured. — Fire which destroyed the powder factory at Chehalis, Wash., November 1, caused the death of several young women employed in the factory. Others were seriously injured. — It is claimed that large and valuable potash deposits have been discovered in Maryland, and that a company has been organized with a capital of $10,000,000 for developing the same. — Maine retains constitutional prohibition. Governor Plaisted and his council, November 6, decided to accept the corrections in the vote of four towns, cast in the special elections in September, thus reversing the result as indicated on the face of the first official returns.21 — The Chamber of Commerce of Washington has secured the holding of thirty-two conventions in the capital city during 1912. — Up to July 1, President Taft had granted pardons of different kinds in 448 cases. President Roosevelt was in the White House six full fiscal years, and ten months of the fiscal year of 1902 and eight months of the fiscal year of 1909. During that time he extended executive clemency in 978 cases. — Complete control of all the railroads of the country by the Interstate Commerce Commission, and virtual elimination of the State commissions from such control, is foreshadowed in an opinion handed down recently by the Supreme Court of the United States. The court held that hereafter all locomotives, cars, or other equipment used on any railroad which is a highway of interstate commerce must comply with the federal safety appliance act. The ruling was unanimous. — The government has entered suit to compel the dissolution of the United States Steel Corporation, otherwise known as the steel trust. This action is unquestionably the most momentous yet undertaken in the effort to enforce the provisions of the Sherman antitrust law. No less than thirty-seven companies are named in the bill. The bill, which is very lengthy, is a severe arraignment of the manner in which the steel trust was organized, and of its methods in securing domination of every phase of the steel business. — The so-called “list of immortals” of the United States biological survey—a roster kept by that bureau of all hunting fatalities in this country—already this year has had added to it forty-seven names. From this information the bureau hopes, after a few years, to be able to deduce general principles which will be of value in framing “life-saving” federal and State game laws. In proportion to its population the United States leads the world in the number of hunters within its borders. Unfortunately, it also leads in the proportion of fatal hunting accidents. There are five times more interest in game laws in this country than in any other country. We estimate that there are almost 5,000,000 American hunters. In several of the Western States the hunters constitute fully thirteen per cent of the population. — The conflict between Turkey and Italy promises to be a tedious one. The occupation of Tripoli by the Italian forces has been met with greater resistance than formerly on the part of Turkey. It is probable that the Italian advance will be more resolutely contested from this time forward. One thing that has hindered Turkey in her defense is her weak navy. With the inauguration of the new régime under the Young Turks, earnest efforts have been put forth for the increase of the national navy. This has progressed very slowly, however, and the present outbreak finds Turkey illy prepared for war over the seas. Evidently she has not yet given up the hope of intervention on the part of the great powers. European governments, also the United States, have been approached during the last few days in an effort to secure their help in dealing with the alleged barbarities practised by the Italian forces in Tripoli. It is probable that the United States as well as the European powers, will not deem it expedient to take any hand in the settlement of the war, aside from acting as peace agents when the time is reached where these propositions can be presented with a promise of acceptance. Under date of November 4, King Victor Emmanuel, of Italy, has promulgated a decree declaring Tripoli and Cyrenaica “placed under full and entire sovereignty of Italy.” The decree will be submitted to parliament for transformation into a law. It is hoped by Italy that this will have an influence in bringing an end to the war, inasmuch as it will give the population of this territory to understand definitely that they are citizens of Italy, and that Italy will maintain the occupation of that territory. The decree states also that a peace treaty in the future must be formulated upon this basis, and with this recognition on the part of Turkey, in order that the cause of serious differences in the future may be largely eliminated. The latest reports claim that the outposts of Tripoli have again been taken by the Turks, and that in their fierce onslaught 500 Italians were killed, and 18 guns and a large quantity of ammunition and provisions were captured. With a strict censorship exercised over all despatches, it is difficult to obtain a clear view of the exact situation.22 — In endeavoring to secure a corner on wheat, a large brokerage firm in Chicago went to the wall last week, with a loss of $3,150,000. — Near St. Louis, Canada, November 3, four children were drowned by breaking through the thin ice of a creek over which they were riding in a sleigh drawn by dogs. — A fire, resulting from an electric spark, caused the burning of twenty-four automobiles and a considerable amount of other property in Washington, D. C., November 3. — More than a million immigrants came into the United States in 1910, and 300,000 of them registered their previous occupation as farmers or farm laborers. Yet of this 300,000 less than 50,000 seem to have found their way to the great agricultural States. Many of these men who can till the soil drift into city cellars and hovels, from which they emerge to pick up odd jobs. — The recent treaty between France and Germany, over affairs in Morocco, is regarded with great disfavor by the German people. There is much criticism of the government, and in consequence the secretary of state has resigned. It is felt that the treaty offers every advantage to France in the development of Morocco, with little if any advantage to Germany as a result of the long controversy. — Last Sunday 10,000 Bibles were distributed in the hotels of Boston, Mass. Ten automobiles and 400 men were employed in the distribution. Bibles were placed in each room of several hotels in the city. This work was done by the Gideons, a world-wide organization composed almost exclusively of traveling men. They will endeavor to do a similar work of Bible distribution in each large city in the country. — A new era in the history of Mexico definitely opened on November 6, when Francisco I. Madero took the oath of office as president of that republic. His message states, “I want to see American energy, brains, and capital come to Mexico and assist its development and progress.” Immigrants are assured that “industry, economy, and respect for law” will prevail under the new government. — Vaccination against typhoid fever is to be urged upon all of the 13,500 employees of the Department of Agriculture, in accordance with a recommendation to that effect approved by Secretary of Agriculture Wilson. A committee, which he recently appointed to consider the subject, declared itself in favor of vaccination. Of the 11,000 employees of the department outside of Washington, a considerable number (probably one half, it is estimated) are engaged in traveling, at least during a portion of the year. It is to protect them from the danger of impure water that the vaccination was recommended. Much typhoid fever has been reported among the field workers, twenty-eight cases and five deaths in one bureau occurring during the past ten years. Plans to institute a wholesale vaccination crusade among the employees of other departments are under consideration. — The New York Legislature has recently passed a law making it a misdemeanor to put up advertising signs in public highways, and expressly exempting from punishment persons who removed signs so placed. On the very dawn of the day when the law went into effect, the roads in the neighborhood of New York City were scenes of the sport of many bands of lawful destroyers. Telephone- and telegraph-poles, trees and lamp-posts, were cleared of bills, tin signs, and boards extolling the merits of various brands of breakfast food, soap, toilet powder, and cigars. — The number of young men sent to America this year by the Chinese government, to be educated out of the indemnity fund paid back to China by the United States, is seventy-three. This is the third deputation which has been sent in as many years. The majority of them have been placed in the larger universities of the Eastern States. Upon arrival at the San Francisco coast, the young men were met by delegates from Young Men’s Christian Associations, who had previously sent them a wireless a thousand miles at sea that they would do so. Reception and dinner followed, and the train taking them eastward carried good things to eat, the gifts of the coast association men. At Chicago a similar reception was given, and associations in all the universities have extended to them an association welcome. They were selected on scholarships, not on wealth or family, and they wear Western dress, without queues. — Affairs in China have continued to grow more and more critical. In spite of the efforts that have been made by the imperial government to stem the tide of revolution, it has continued to increase in power. At the present writing the capitals of nine large provinces are in the hands of the republicans. The provinces north of the Yangtse are making declarations for a republic. Fully one half of China is now under insurgent rule, and it is believed to be only a matter of days when Peking itself will be in the hands of the insurgents. In a vain effort to appease the people, and still maintain its existence, the Manchu dynasty has promised all manner of reforms, but apparently without results. The foreign legations in Peking see no hope of saving the ruling dynasty. It is practically overthrown, and the creation of a republic is believed to be assured. Shanghai, which is under the control of the insurgent forces, has been chosen as the seat of government by the revolutionary party. Dr. Wu Ting Fang, formerly minister to the United States, has been appointed director of foreign affairs in the new reform government. It has been believed that the imperial court would take refuge in the province of Chili, 125 miles northwest of Peking, the route to which has been continually guarded by imperial soldiers. This province, however, is now affected by the spirit of revolution, and this anticipated refuge is considered unsafe. There has been comparatively little riot and pillaging on the part of the insurgents. Order has been restored and maintained in the subjugated territory. This is accounted for from the fact that the uprising is a popular one, and the insurgent army has been thus far generally welcome.