THE manner in which the Roman Catholic Church is seeking entrance into the political activities of the country is illustrated by the offer of the Guardians of Liberty to deliver to the Prohibition party six hundred thousand votes, provided the church-and-state plank, offered by Dr. Swallow at that party's recent convention, was adopted as part of the party platform. The experience of the Protestant candidate for election to the Portland (Oregon) School Board, and the efforts of the priests of that city to secure his defeat, illustrate the manner in which they are seeking to control local politics. The current number of Liberty deals with both of these efforts on the part of the Catholic Church. These articles in this number of the Liberty magazine should be studied by every reader of the REVIEW, and then passed on to others who will read them in turn. It is a duty that we owe to ourselves, and to others who are looking to us for light and truth, to keep posted with reference to this great religio-political influence that is seeking to control the destinies of this country. We know of no better way in which this can be done than by reading the journals that are devoted to these issues. Read the questions on page 2 of this paper, which are answered in Liberty.
ALTHOUGH only two weeks have elapsed since the opening of hostilities between Turkey and the Balkan States, the conflict already has been fruitful in great and disastrous results. The last few days have witnessed most bloody conflicts between the contending forces. The onslaught of the Bulgarians has been most terrific. The latest report, November 1, brings the news of a four days' battle in Thrace, ending in the triumph of the Bulgarians, and in the utter defeat of the Turkish army of more than two hundred thousand men, the retreat of which became a complete rout. It is considered that Constantinople is in great danger of falling into the hands of the victorious army, which is only fifty miles from the capital. It is believed now that efforts will be made toward a peace settlement through the initiative of the Turkish government. Great fear is expressed lest the larger interests of Europe and of the great powers shall become involved in this conflict, and thus the entire continent be involved. We are indeed living in eventful days. The drying up and dismemberment of the Turkish empire, in fulfilment of the prophetic prediction, is rapidly going forward. These conditions are harbingers of the end of the world and of the coming of Him who shall wield the scepter of peace, and whose reign to all eternity will be peace and righteousness and assurance. While recognizing conditions of unrest about us, let us possess our hearts in the peace of God.
A Catholic Secretary of Peace?
An editorial in the October 26 issue of the Morning Star, a Roman Catholic weekly published in New Orleans, brings to view Rome’s latest move to gain more power and prestige in the United States. It is proposed that Cardinal Gibbons be made a member of the Cabinet of the President, and that he be known as secretary of peace, on the plea that “his influence would be powerful in preventing future conflicts between the United States and Catholic nations.” Surely it is high time that all should unite in holding up to the view of the American people everywhere the religious liberty and other Protestant principles advocated in both Liberty and Protestant Magazine. Let these journals be brought to the attention of the leaders of our States and nation whenever possible.
We notice some excellent reports of the sermons of Elder K. C. Russell, of Chicago, in the Weekly Recorder of that city. The issue of October 18 contained a full-column report of a sermon Elder Russell gave on Turkey in prophecy.
Brother M. D. Smith Goes to Mexico
LAST month Brother M. D. Smith, of Oklahoma, went to Mexico, to engage in the canvassing work.
Detamore to Superintend East India Mission
ELDER F. A. DETAMORE sailed from San Francisco, November 2, for Singapore, having accepted the superintendency of the East India Mission field.
Elder Baker Sails for Central America
On October 19 Elder Isaac Baker and wife, of Texas, sailed from New Orleans for Central America, Elder Baker having accepted appointment to the Central American Conference.
Prieger and Bender Sail for Haiti
From New Orleans, October 26, Elder A. F. Prieger and wife sailed for their field in Haiti, going by way of Cuba. Elder U. Bender, president of the West Indian Union, who was in attendance at the recent council, accompanies them to the field.
Mission Signs Campaign Reports
By Editor
Up to Wednesday night of last week 459,000 copies of the Mission Signs had been sent out. It became necessary to print more journals to supply the demand, 475,000 having now been published. We are hearing from some conferences that because of other interests in hand it was impossible for them to enter into the campaign at the regular time appointed, but such are arranging for a strong effort for missions later. All reports received are very encouraging.
Constantine Year Celebrated in Rome
A DESPATCH from Rome, dated October 28, says: “The sixteen hundredth anniversary of Constantine’s victory over Maxentius at Ponte Milvio, two miles north of Rome, resulting in Christianity’s adoption as the state religion, was celebrated to-day as marking the beginning of ‘Constantine year.’ The Catholic Church, especially, has arranged an elaborate series of ceremonies, to culminate in the laying of the corner-stone of a huge temple on the site of the battlefield.”
Death of Vice-President Sherman
DEATH is no respecter of persons. The great as well as the humble become its prey. The country has been pained to learn during the last few days of the very serious condition of Vice-President Sherman, and was shocked at the announcement of his death, which occurred at his home in Utica, N. Y., October 30. His strenuous life as a statesman and a man of business was largely responsible for his death. All classes of citizens, irrespective of religious belief or political affiliation, unite in sorrow for the death of one who by his kindly nature endeared himself to his fellow citizens.
Dr. Headland Lectures on China
THE students and local friends of the Foreign Mission Seminary were greatly favored last week by two lectures from Dr. Isaac Headland, who has spent twenty-two years of his life in Peking, China. The first lecture, on "Some of the By-Products of Foreign Missions," showed in a striking manner how greatly we are indebted to the influence of the gospel, not alone for our spiritual help, but also for the temporal blessings which we enjoy. The second lecture dealt more especially with conditions in China, and with some of the events leading up to the recent revolution. Dr. Headland's personal acquaintance with many of the prominent men of the empire, and his wife's ministry as a physician to the royal family, enabled him to speak with authority concerning the great transformation from empire to republic. These lectures marked the opening of a lecture course which the Seminary has planned to furnish during the present school year.
Shermans Sail for Argentina
On November 6, Brother A. R. and Mrs. Sherman, of the Foreign Mission Seminary, sailed from New York, with their little one, en route to Argentina, South America, where Brother Sherman has been called to the book work. They will spend a little time in Germany on the way, visiting Brother Sherman's people, whom he has not seen for many years.
Departing Missionaries
This last page of the REVIEW is our register for departing missionaries. We find that we omitted to report the departure last April of Elder G. M. Brown and family, of North Carolina. While serving as president of the North Carolina Conference, the Mission Board invited Elder Brown to take the superintendency of the Cuban Mission.