International.—The Chilean and Argentinian commissioners, appointed to settle the boundary dispute between those countries, met on August 25 at Santiago de Chile......On August 26, the anniversary of President Faure’s visit to the czar of Russia, the president and the czar renewed pledges of friendship......Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua have formulated a constitution for the Central American States. A president of this “greater republic” is to be elected in December......A panic in the Japanese financial world has been caused by the discovery of gigantic frauds in the management of the Tokyo Warehouse Company......The queen regent of Holland laid down the scepter of power on August 31, when her daughter, Queen Wilhelmina, became of age and ascended the throne......The Kwang-si rebellion has revived near Canton. These rebels are in great force near the city, and are preparing to attack it......As soon as the Spanish Cortes meet, the premier will introduce one bill to authorize peace negotiations, and another for the suppression of the constitutional guarantees, which will prohibit all discussion upon the war......The British gunboat Zafir, which was accompanying the Anglo-Egyptian expedition up the Nile, has been sunk in the river. The forces of this expedition are pressing on toward Omdurman, where the Khalifa, with 70,000 men, is awaiting it. A battle is expected before many days......Malietoa Laupepa, king of Samoa, died on Monday, August 22, of typhoid fever. His death reopens the question of the joint occupation of the Samoan Islands by Great Britain, Germany, and the United States, and increases the demands of the Germans for the division of the group among these three powers......Russia has commanded China to cancel British obligations, and Great Britain has warned China that if she does so, war will be declared at once upon China by England. It is also reported that England has massed her entire oriental fleet at Wei-hai-wei, to support the demands of her minister. China replies that she is unable to do anything against Russian aggression unless England will help her with sword in hand......On August 28 the czar of Russia gave out to the representatives of the foreign governments at St. Petersburg one of the most remarkable governmental documents of modern times. It is nothing less than a call for a world’s peace conference and a strong argument for the reduction of the military and naval armaments of the nations. The German press welcomes the idea, but the French are strongly opposed to it. The English regard the document as the sincere expression of the czar’s wish, but speak of it as “Utopian,” “fanciful,” and a “beautiful dream.”......All France is again stirred over the Dreyfus case. A prominent French officer has confessed to having forged one of the most important letters used as evidence against the exiled Dreyfus when an attempt was being made to have his trial reopened. This officer committed suicide after making his confession. It is conceded by many French papers that a complete revision of the Dreyfus case must follow......A despatch from Shanghai dated August 31 states that the Chinese troops have had a pitched battle with the Kwang-si rebels and were defeated, with a loss of 3,000 men. The emperor has ordered the governor of the province to subdue the rebellion within one month, under penalty of severe punishment.
Casualties and Calamities.—A vehicle containing eight persons was struck by a railway train at Ware, Mass., on August 27, and five of the occupants were killed......Thirty persons were poisoned at a barbecue at Morse Hill, Minn., on August 28. It is supposed paris green was placed in the meat. Twenty of the number are reported in a serious condition......It is officially announced that there were 2,500 deaths from the plague in the Bombay presidency. The epidemic is spreading......The failure of the crops in seven Russian provinces is causing great distress. The peasants are stripping their cottages of thatches to feed their stock, and great numbers of cattle and horses are dying......Eighteen peasants were killed at Foggia, Italy, during a thunderstorm on August 26, by the collapse of a building in which they had taken refuge......Six British sailors were drowned while attempting to save a Norwegian schooner with which the cruiser Cleopatra had collided on August 29......Advices from Point Barrow, Alaska, state that the whaler Rosario has been crushed in an ice floe and sunk. Her crew were picked up......On August 20 the steamer Norge collided with and sank the French fishing schooner La Coquette on the Grand Banks. The captain and eight seamen were saved, but sixteen of the crew went down with the vessel......A severe storm visited Savannah, Ga., on August 31, and it is reported that property valued at half a million dollars was destroyed.
The Philippines.—A Milwaukee brewing firm has received an order for sixty-seven car-loads of beer for Manila. Thus does the curse of the world—drink—hang upon the skirts of “advancing civilization.”......Aguinaldo, the Philippine leader, has issued a memorial to the powers of the Old World asking for the recognition of the independence of the Philippine republic, or at least the granting of belligerent rights. The memorial does not mention the United States in any way......Generals Merritt and Greene have sailed from Manila for Paris, to be present at the peace conference, and Aguinaldo has also sent a representative of the Philippine republic to that city......Major-General Otis is now acting governor of Manila, while General Rios, the Spanish governor of Vizcaya Island, has proclaimed himself governor of all the Philippine Islands......It is reported that about six hundred priests will leave Manila for Hongkong as soon as a transport can be secured......The Philippine committee in Europe has addressed a letter to President McKinley, urging the expulsion of the friars from the islands......Seventeen American soldiers have died since landing in Manila......Nearly 15,000 Spanish troops have surrendered, with 23,000 stands of arms, 10,000,000 cartridges, and a great quantity of large ammunition.
Domestic Miscellany.—The Topeka Federation of Woman’s Clubs has excluded the “Woman’s Bible” from its library, on the ground that “it is written in a flippant, coarse, and inelegant style.”......An engineer corps in Honolulu is preparing for the construction of an inter-island cable system, which will bring all the Hawaiian Islands into communication......Boycotts have been declared legal by a decision handed down in the St. Louis Circuit Court on August 29......An Anglo-American trust is being formed to control the entire output of all kinds of needles, including those for knitting machines and sewing machines. The amount of capital announced is $7,500,000......The steamer Roanoke arrived at Seattle, Washington, on August 30, bringing a number of successful miners from the Klondike regions, with a quantity of gold estimated at $4,000,000......The American postal system is being introduced in the portion of Cuba surrendered to the United States, and provisions are being made for the opening of schools on September 1, in which English will be taught in all grades, for its Americanizing effects......General Garcia has been dismissed from the Cuban army, on account of the course which he has taken towards the Americans.
Railway Statistics.—The aggregate length of railways in the United States on June 30, 1897, was 243,444 miles, including all tracks. Over ninety per cent of these tracks are laid with steel rails. The total number of locomotives in service at that time was 35,986, and the total number of cars was 1,297,480. It required 823,476 men to operate these roads, and they drew in salaries $465,601,581. The amount of capital invested in these roads is $10,635,008,074, and paid in dividends, $87,110,599. The number of passengers carried during that year was 489,445,189, and the number of tons of freight was 741,705,946. The gross earnings of the roads for the period named were $1,122,089,773. In railroad accidents that year 6,437 persons were killed, and 36,731 injured. With respect to trainmen 1 man was killed for every 165 employed, while but 1 passenger was killed for every 2,304,708 carried.
Military Matters.—The War Department has decided to order home from Porto Rico all soldiers not actually needed in that island. This is due to the constantly growing sick list. About half of the Spanish soldiers who surrendered at Santiago have left the island for Spain, and American troops are leaving also as fast as transports arrive......A large number of the volunteer regiments have received orders for mustering out, and the work of sending the soldiers home has begun in earnest......Much sickness is reported among the troops in all the various camps, and charges of official negligence and incompetency are freely made. Many deaths are reported daily from disease at these places, and the list of deaths among the sick troops being transported from Cuba is also large.
National.—The American commissioners, chosen to meet the commissioners of Spain in Paris for the purpose of arranging a basis of permanent peace, are as follows: Ex-Secretary of State William R. Day; Senator Cushman K. Davis, of Minnesota; Senator William P. Frye, of Maine; Whitelaw Reid, of New York; and Justice Edward D. White, of Louisiana......The Cuban Commission, which is to participate in directing the evacuation of Cuba, is ordered to sail for that island on September 4, a few days later than the sailing of the Porto Rican Commission. These commissioners have received instructions from the President in regard to the part they will take in the work of evacuation. Admiral Schley will be one of the Porto Rican commissioners, and Admiral Sampson one of the Cuban commissioners.
Feeding the Cubans.—On August 25 the Comal sailed from Tampa for Havana, with 1,000,000 government rations for distribution among the starving people in Cuba. These are to be distributed by United States army officers. Free kitchens have been established in Havana, and are distributing over 36,000 rations daily to the poor. Miss Clara Barton, of the Red Cross Society, has returned to Cuba and is personally superintending the distribution of relief......The relief ship Clinton has been refused permission to land her provisions at Havana unless regular custom-house duties are paid, and her captain has been fined $500 for entering the port without a manifest. The authorities at Havana desire to have the supplies placed in their own hands for distribution.
Naval Affairs.—Many of the auxiliary war vessels used during the war are being stripped of their armament and turned over to their owners, while some of the cruisers have been ordered into reserve. The four big monitors have been ordered to Newport, R. I......Yellow fever has broken out among the regular troops on board the Knickerbocker at Santiago.
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Lesson Helps
The following books are all referred to in this series of Sabbath-school lessons, and are excellent helps to its study.
Patriarchs and Prophets
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The Gospel in Creation
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A companion volume to “Steps to Christ,” by the same author. It is not a book to be read once and then laid aside, but one that will be taken up again and again. “A book for the quiet hour.”—Western Christian Advocate. Contains 209 pages, is illustrated and bound in
Compiled from the writings of Mrs. E. G. White, and containing a vast amount of valuable instruction on this important subject. An excellent book for study and reference. 292 pages.
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Sacred Chronology
The design of this book is to place before those not having access to larger works, the simple evidences by which scriptural events are located. An original feature is the presenting in full, and in chronological order, the words of inspiration which have a bearing on the time of the events and prediction therein recorded. One chapter is devoted to the “Peopling of the Earth,” and is especially valuable. 298 pages. Prices:
Attention is called to this pamphlet, as it contains one chapter on the “Two Covenants,” which subject is prominent in this series of lessons. 190 pages.
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TO CONTRIBUTORS.
By Editor
THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES is a purely missionary enterprise. For this reason it has felt free to ask for contributions from its friends. It pays nothing for contributions, either prose or poetry, unless solicited by the editor, and then the fact is stated when the articles are asked for. This is a plan rarely followed, but sometimes deemed expedient.
Articles Desired.—Those which set forth in the Spirit of Christ the great saving truths of God, short and to the point. It is better to treat one important truth clearly, in a short article, than many points vaguely in a long one. We desire no caustic, critical productions, which might minister to personal pride or pleasure, but can not save souls.
How Prepared.—Write plainly, with typewriter or ink, with wide space between the lines, to freely admit of editing, writing of subheads, etc. Write on one side of the sheet only. Sign the name to the manuscript, as it becomes oftentimes separated from accompanying letter. Anonymous contributions are not used, whatever their merit. If the writer does not wish his name to appear, let him furnish a pseudonym for the public. But we wish the name.
Manuscript Returned.—We will return all unused manuscript desired if stamp and directions are inclosed. We are forced sometimes to return good manuscript mainly for three reasons: (a) Sometimes the articles are too long; (b) sometimes we have a number on the same subject; (c) sometimes our plans are such that an article can not be used till it is out of date. We therefore hope that no offense will be taken by those who have freely contributed their best thought if their productions are returned. When we receive so much matter, we can not use all.
A CARD.
TO ALL interested in carrying the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the inhabitants of other lands, and who desire to assist in supporting missionaries already there and others who may engage in the work, the opportunity is given to make an offering to the Foreign Mission Board of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination. Such donations should be sent to W. H. Edwards, the Treasurer of the Board, 1730 North Fifteenth Street, Philadelphia, Penn.
THE TALENTS.
By M. C. Wilcox
By M. C. Wilcox. A brief essay on “The Parable of the Talents,” showing that the talents represent the various gifts of the Spirit which God bestows as he will upon those who are consecrated to him, with the duties and blessed privileges involved therein. Bible Students’ Library, No. 77; 16 pp., price 2 cents.
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THE SPIRIT OF GOD
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ITS OFFICES AND MANIFESTATIONS TO THE END OF THE CHRISTIAN ERA.
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THIS is a brief but comprehensive argument on the solemn and important subject of the Spirit of God. Its chapters embrace the following heads: The Holy Spirit of Promise; The Power from on High; Circumcision of the Heart; The Unity of the Faith; The Law and the Testimony; Try the Spirits; The Great Commission; Gifts in the Reformation; In the Present Century; Spirit of Prophecy Restored. These are subjects of vital importance to all and especially to those who are looking for the return of their Lord. 144 pp. Price, 15 cents.
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The California Christian Endeavorers
The California Christian Endeavorers, according to the California C. E. Union, edited by the secretary, Rev. Francis W. Reid, have put forth especial effort during this year in behalf of Sunday. California still holds “the Lord’s day banner,” given at the great convention last year for work in Sunday reform. The “credits” at that time were 5,353; this year they are 7,876, earned as follows: “Endeavor meetings having Sunday reform for special topic, 855; church prayer-meetings, 28; Sunday-school sessions, 433; Lord’s day committees additional to the 348 organized last year, 5; sermons, 132; Sabbath observance columns in papers, additional to 20 of last year, 2; literature distributed, 25,000 leaflets; bicycle pledges, 105 names; canvasses for Sunday closing, 10 (successful, 7); mass-meetings, 26; total credits earned from work reported, 7,876.” It is too bad that so much good energy is wasted on an erroneous sabbath in opposition to the Word of the Gospel.
Unordered Copies of the Signs
By Editor
☞ We send no papers from this office to individuals without pay in advance.
☞ When persons receive copies without ordering them, they are sent by other parties, and we can give no information in regard to them. Persons thus receiving copies of the “Signs” are not indebted to the office, and will not be called upon to pay for them. Please read the papers you may receive, and hand them to your friends to read.
Issue Devoted to the Second Coming
By Editor
Our issue of October 6, No. 40, will be especially devoted to the Lord’s second coming. It will be a number of value in this respect.
A Change in Our Make-Up
By Editor
It will be noticed that our make-up has been changed materially in this issue. This will make it better for us in the use of illustrations, and it helps our press department. Our readers will soon become used to the change, and will, we are sure, like it as well or better than the former arrangement.
Walking Where Jesus Walked
Read the interesting article in our Missions department, from one of our special contributors, Pastor Holser, of Basel, Switzerland. Many may not have the gracious privilege of walking over the same ground trodden by the feet of Jesus, of sitting where He sat; but all may know that
God’s Presence Everywhere
He sat; but all may know that
“God’s love and blessing then and there
Are now, and here, and everywhere.”
O, for the simple faith to discern His presence!
The Youth’s Instructor
By Editor
Many of the readers of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES will soon receive a sample copy of the Youth’s Instructor, a most valuable young people’s magazine, published at Battle Creek, Mich. We bespeak for the paper a careful examination, and believe that you will find it one of the best periodicals for the youth that is published. And there is nothing more beneficial in the education of your boy or girl than to have come in their own name a good paper in which they will take an interest. Try it. You will never be sorry.
A Quarter-Centennial Issue
By Editor
A Quarter-Centennial Issue.—The publication of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES was begun in 1874. It will be a quarter of a century old in 1899. It is designed to mark this event by the issue of a special double number, marking the progress of the quarter century in various lines in Church and State, in the moral, religious, political, social, material, and scientific worlds, by articles from persons well qualified to treat the subjects upon which they write. This number will be fully illustrated, 36 pages, illuminated cover. Every one will find something of interest and profit in it. More hereafter.
Unsigned Letters and Articles
By Editor
Let it be understood that we have no time to give to unsigned letters or articles. The first thing looked for, if we do not know by the envelope or handwriting who the writer is, is his name; but if no name is given, the communication is consigned to the waste-basket. We do not ask the name for publication, and it will remain a secret if the writer so desires, but we wish it ourselves, as we may desire to decline publication, or reply by letter. A nine-page communication just reaches us from Nashua, N. H., in which the writer says, “Pardon my name.” We shall have to do so, and ask him to reciprocate by pardoning our reply.
Catholic Sisters Nurse Soldiers
“The Catholic Mirror” tells us that Mr. McKinley asked the mother superior of the Sisters of Charity for 100 nurses for the army. These were furnished at the request of the President, and are now working in hospitals in the South. The same paper (August 27) tells of eleven Sisters of Mercy (another Catholic order) who have been sent by the government to nurse sick soldiers.
Poor Italy
Poor Italy.—She jumped from the frying-pan into the fire when she threw off the papal yoke and saddled herself with war burdens as one of the great powers of Europe. The ecclesiastical burden weighs heavily still on the country in its draft on the devotees of the Catholic Church, while the national financial expenses and burdens are crushing. What will happen when Leo XIII. passes away? Will his successor preach a new crusade, push forward needed democratic reforms, and so overthrow the government? The Independent well remarks, “The future of Italy is by no means clear.”
Faithful Warnings
Faithful Warnings.—Amid the clamorings of the press, both secular and religious, from forum and pulpit, for wider empire and greater power, faithful voices are heard in solemn warning. A noted instance is an article in the September Arena from the pen of the great historian, John Clark Ridpath, LL.D. Under “The Republic and the Empire,” Dr. Ridpath shows that while the name republic is retained, the empire is well nigh a fact, with its terrible burdens of a standing navy and army and increased taxes. The same thing is pointed out very clearly, from an entirely different view-point, in The Independent of August 25, by Rt. Hon. L. H. Courtney, M.P., privy councilor to the queen. Both of these noted men come practically to the same conclusion, imperialism, the passing of the republic, and the degradation of the masses.
It Is Not Christian.
That Freemasonry is not Christian is well known by Masons, but not always admitted. By those Masons who are not professing Christians we have been told that there was in Freemasonry sufficient to save a man, thereby putting it in the place of Christ, the only Saviour. A recent issue (August 22) of the San Francisco Trestle Board, a local Masonic organ, repudiates the idea that Freemasonry teaches the resurrection of the body and immortality of the soul, and says: “We have always understood that all that was required of a candidate was a belief in a supreme being and a recognition of duty to the brotherhood. With all such matters Masonry has nothing to do. We do not say that they are not important. But with them, and such as those, in which all men can not agree, Masonry should stand aloof, for only contention can arise therefrom.” In other words, so far as religion is concerned, Masonry is a compromise of all religious beliefs, summed up in belief in a supreme Being, and duty to one’s own. Christianity centers in the one living God—Jehovah and His Son Jesus Christ; and the scope of its labor and charity is all men, especially the needy.
Charges Against the Spafford Community
A leaflet entitled “Spaffordism” comes to us from Mr. T. J. Alley, of Jerusalem, signed by himself and six others, denouncing the “Spafford Community,” or “The Americans,” as an unmitigated fraud. It declares that “the marriage plight between husband and wife is ruthlessly broken,” and that “the community embraces the principle of free love.” Mrs. Spafford (the husband, Mr. Spafford, the author, we believe, of the song, “It Is Well with My Soul,” died some years since) is said to wield a strong hypnotic power over the community, Scandinavians forming the greater number of her dupes. And thus the enemy carries on his work under the guise of Christianity.
