A Remarkable Scene by J. N. Q.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 15, 1910

A Remarkable Scene

By J. N. Q.

ONE of the characteristics of this generation is the rapidity with which changes are made,—changes favorable to the promulgation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Within the memory of our fathers, David Livingstone obtained his first view of the Victoria Falls. In the year 1910, half a century afterward, an event occurred there which, if it had been suggested to Dr. Livingstone, would no doubt have been regarded by him as altogether improbable. A press despatch of August 18 thus describes the event:—

The sculling match for the championship of the world between Richard Arnst, of New Zealand, and Ernest Barry, of London, was won to-day by Arnst, the champion, by two lengths. The race was rowed upon the Zambesi River, a short

distance from the famous Victoria Falls, over a course of three and one-half miles. The stakes were $2,500 a side. The men met upon an ideal course, a fine stretch of river, half a mile in width, within sight of the island from which Dr. Livingstone fifty-five years ago caught his first view of the Victoria Falls. Until a time within the memory of living men, the scene of the race lay in an unexplored part of the Dark Continent, never looked upon by white men; but the river banks where not long ago the crocodile and hippopotamus held unchallenged sway, were to-day thickly lined with holiday makers brought here by the railroad completed in 1904. Tugs with cinematographs darted about the river, taking pictures of the race; and the other usual accompaniments of rowing contests in the older countries were not lacking.

May the day hasten on apace when scenes indicative of an infinitely nobler conflict, the work of the Holy Spirit in winning the affections of Africa’s dark-skinned sons and daughters, will be witnessed not only in the region of Victoria Falls, but throughout the entire Dark Continent. J. N. Q.