En Route to Peru by F. L. Perry

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Dec 7, 1905

En Route to Peru

By F. L. Perry

PANAMA.—Our good ship anchored in Panama Bay early Sabbath morning, October 28, having been just three weeks out from San Francisco. We have had pleasant weather all the way, and nothing occurred to mar the pleasure of the voyage. We had a few hot days along the Mexican coast. Here it gets quite warm in the middle of the day; but there are beautiful evenings, and the nights are almost invariably cool. To-morrow will be our fifth day here. Our ship is due to sail to-morrow, but will probably be delayed a day or two at least. Yesterday we went ashore to arrange transportation.

The hotel rates in Panama are four dollars gold per day, and the accommodation is very poor. We obtained permission of the captain of the “Para” to remain on the ship until we can board the “Pizarro.” The rate here is $2.50 a day. It is much nicer in every way than to go into the dirty, foul-smelling city. We are sorry for this delay and expense, but can not avoid it.

The inhabitants along the coast seem to be a sorry lot, sunken in ignorance and filth, satisfied if they are possessed of a few tattered rags, and food to satisfy the cravings of hunger. There are exceptions—men and women who appear intelligent and prosperous. In

many ways these countries are naturally rich, and might in places become a real paradise, were it not for the vileness of men. It seems to me that it certainly will require the wonderful working of the power of God in these people to fit them to enter the earth made new. And it has come to me with new meaning that if I am successful in my mission, I must in real truth be working in the channel of God's grace. We have had no desire to turn back, but are very anxious to reach our field—Peru.

F. L. PERRY.