p. 20 | Review and Herald, Vol. 86, No. 6. (2/11/1909)

The Death of Dr. F. A. Washburn

By J. S. WASHBURN

My only brother, Dr. F. A. Washburn, was born April 24, 1869, at Waukon, Iowa. His father, Elder C. A. Washburn, and his mother, Mary A. Washburn, née Butler, in childhood were in the great advent movement, and his grandparents on both sides were pioneers, with Wm. Miller, Elder James White, and others, in that great prophetic awakening.

Until the year 1875 the family home was at Waukon, Iowa, where, at one time, one of the strongest Adventist churches was located. For a year the family home was in Paris, Maine; then, until the year 1903, at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. After completing the high-school course there, my brother was graduated from the college in Battle Creek, Mich. For a time he taught successfully. For years he was engaged in ministerial labor in Iowa, where he brought a number of persons into the truth, some of whom have since become successful workers.

Having a desire to study medicine, that he might become a medical missionary, he entered a medical school, completing his course in June, 1903, at Iowa City, Iowa. For two years he did successful work as a physician and surgeon in Boulder, Colo. He then took a post-graduate course in New York City, in order to fit himself for greater usefulness and responsibility.

He believed that the Lord had called him to labor in the South, and from the first part of the year 1906 till January, 1908, he was the medical superintendent of the sanitarium in Nashville, Tenn. He had always been subject to malaria, and suffered from this in Nashville. In addition to this there developed a mysterious disease of the blood and the glands, known as lymphatic leukemia, which caused his death after an illness of more than a year, on Jan. 16, 1909, at the age of 39 years, 8 months, and 22 days.

In January, 1908, he left Tennessee for Colorado, hoping that a change of climate might be a benefit. Apparently with excellent prospects of success, he started sanitarium work in Grand Junction, Colo. Here he cheerfully ministered to others, while slowly dying himself. We believe that his life has been prolonged for months by the earnest prayers of his many friends.

Dr. Washburn was married to Flora Mabel Strickler, June 18, 1902, at Emerson, Iowa. She died at Boulder, Colo., Feb. 4, 1905. Their little daughter Genevieve survives both her parents.

At Blair, Neb., on Jan. 1, 1907, he was married to Miss Emma Jensen, who, herself a professional nurse, had the sad privilege of nursing him most faithfully in his last sickness.

A younger sister, Mrs. Grace Gosmer, went to Grand Cayman Island as a missionary teacher several years ago, and now sleeps the last sleep on that island in the Caribbean Sea. The father, Elder C. A. Washburn, died in Iowa in 1905, and now Dr. F. A. Washburn, the third of the family to die, leaves his mother, one brother, and three sisters to mourn their loss. But we sorrow not as those who have no hope. Naturally of a most sunny and cheerful disposition, he was patient and hopeful to the last. Earnestly desiring to live, yet realizing that unless the Lord wrought a special miracle, he must die, he often said, ‘The Lord will do right with me.’ The end came quite suddenly, and the last words that could be understood were, ‘Jesus saves.’

After appropriate farewell services in Grand Junction, Colo., the remains were taken to Emerson, Iowa, where the final services were held in the Presbyterian church. Words of comfort were spoken by Elder Wm. Kennedy, president of the Western Colorado Conference, from the great resurrection chapter, 1 Corinthians 15. J. S. WASHBURN.

Nebraska

OMAHA.—The dedicatory service of the Scandinavian Adventist church was held Sunday afternoon, January 17. A large congregation was present to witness the exercises.

The dedicatory sermon was preached in the English language by Elder A. T. Robinson, of Hastings, president of the Nebraska Conference. Following the sermon, Brother J. S. Johnson, of the repair committee of the new church, and Brother J. B. Christensen, treasurer of the church, submitted their reports in the Scandinavian language. The report of the treasurer showed that thirteen hundred dollars had been raised in Omaha for the new church, three hundred dollars had been contributed by the Nebraska Conference, and seven hundred dollars had been subscribed outside the city of Omaha. The church property was purchased from the German Presbyterian church for eighteen hundred fifty dollars, sixteen hundred fifty dollars of which has now been paid, and assurances have been given that the rest will be forthcoming in the near future.

Elder L. H. Christian, of Milwaukee, who has charge of the work among the Scandinavians, delivered a short address in both the English and the Scandinavian language, and Elder H. Hansen, pastor of the new church, delivered the dedicatory prayer. The benediction was pronounced by Elder Fred Johnson, of Lincoln, in Swedish. Special musical services were included in the program.

The new church starts out with a good membership. The company in Omaha has been organized about three months, and both pastor and members feel much encouraged over the future of the church. —Condensed from the Omaha (Neb.) Evening Bee.

Field Notes

At Village Creek, Iowa, three persons have recently accepted the truth.

Elder J. M. Wilbur baptized six young persons at Wright, Mich., on Sabbath, January 9.

There were three added to the church at Eldorado Springs, Mo., on Sabbath, January 2,—one by baptism.

Four persons signed the covenant at Reece, Kan., as a result of a series of meetings held at that place.

As the result of a series of meetings at the Island (Cal.) church, which closed January 3, eight persons united with that church,—four adults and four children.

The work among the Swedish people in Denver, Colo., is progressing satisfactorily. One sister was baptized January 9, and several others are interested in the truth.

Elder J. W. Watt, in sending in a report of the interest at Nanty Glo, Pa., writes: “We hope to organize a Sabbath-school at Nanty Glo next Sabbath. . . . One man kept his first Sabbath last week. A little boy twelve years of age asked his mother if she would allow him to keep the Sabbath. She gave her permission, and he came to meeting. The interest seems to be increasing.”

Training-School in Japan

By F. W. FIELD

At our council in Kobe last fall, it was decided to hold a school for the training of workers this winter, to continue for three months. This school was opened here in Tokyo on the seventh of December, and the enrolment has now reached thirty-eight, besides several who attend only the evening classes. The subjects taught are: topical Bible study, the prophecies of the Bible, history of the Reformation and advent movement, physiology, English language, and vocal music; a drill in canvassing is also given. We have a forenoon session, and an evening session of two class periods. Those in attendance are mature men and women. We arranged to have all our regular workers attend; and besides these there are a goodly number whom we hope to see enter the work. Several interested persons, not yet united with us, have entered the school, and we pray that they may be led fully into the truth. One of these is a self-supporting missionary, who has had a thorough schooling in a mission school in Yokohama. He has been reading our paper, and being interested in its teachings, he applied for admittance to our school.

We are much encouraged by the spirit of cheerful earnestness that pervades the school. Our working facilities are few, and we are rather crowded for room; but we are thankful to see so many earnestly preparing themselves for places in the Lord’s work, and we are expecting great things as a result of this effort to train workers for this field. The instruction is given by Brethren W. D. Burden, T. H. Okohira, and H. Kuniya, and the writer. We are planning to have a permanent school established by the autumn of 1909. F. W. FIELD.

West Michigan Conference

By E. L. Richmond

The seventh annual session of the West Michigan Conference was held in Otsego, Jan. 18-21, 1909. About one hundred fifty delegates were present, and forty-two churches were represented.

The conference committee was in session the day preceding the opening of the meeting, and selected the standing committees. These were announced by the chairman at the first meeting, and were ratified by the delegation, so that everything was in working order.

The report of the treasurer having been published in the local paper, and a copy given to each of the delegates, it was not necessary to read a long financial statement. This report showed the tithe receipts for the year 1908 to be $31,259.90; Sabbath-school offerings, $2,275.56; Thanksgiving Ingathering, $677.06. The total receipts from all sources amounted to $66,472.50. Two hundred nine individuals were baptized during the year.

The net gain in the tract society for the year was $166.69, which, while not very large, was considerably in excess of that for the year 1907.

The reports for the various departments were presented in written form, and showed an encouraging condition throughout the conference.

During most of the sessions we were favored with the presence of Elder Allen Moon and Brethren J. B. Blosser and W. E. Straw. Harmony characterized all the work of the conference, and numerous resolutions were passed. Among them were the following:—

“We recommend, That the executive of our conference give one thousand dollars of the tithe on hand Dec. 31, 1908, to the Mission Board; that we hereby authorize the conference committee to forward five hundred dollars from the tithe, quarterly, during the year 1909, for the use of the Mission Board, in addition to that paid to the laborers supported by this conference in other fields.

“We recommend, The raising of a general fund on the following plan: That each church-member be encouraged to pay one per cent of his income to the local treasurer, to be forwarded to the conference treasurer, one half of this to be paid to the union conference general fund.

“Resolved, That we raise a sum of money during this fiscal year for foreign missions equal to ten cents a week per capita for our conference membership, and thereby be in harmony with all the other conferences.

“Resolved, That it is the sense of this conference that our Sabbath-schools donate to the work of foreign missions all regular Sabbath-school offerings; and that each individual, as far as possible, provide himself with the necessary Sabbath-school helps.

“We recommend, That we approve of the plan of holding conventions, and that, where practicable, the various phases of the work be presented; as, evangelical, educational, Volunteer, and Sabbath-school.

“We recommend, That Sabbath, May 1, be devoted to the interests of Christian education, and that a suitable program be prepared by the educational department.

“We recommend, That plans be laid to place our intermediate schools and academies on a self-supporting basis as soon as possible.

“We recommend, That individuals be advised to make the conference association a beneficiary of their wills, legacies, etc., and that the association be made the executor of said wills.”

A number of other resolutions were passed, which had a bearing on the work of Emmanuel Missionary College and the reading course of the Missionary Volunteer Department, but space will not permit our reproducing them here. It is expected that all the resolutions will be published by themselves, and circulated among the churches of West Michigan, that all the members may have the benefit of them.

The officers for the coming year are as follows: President, A. G. Haughey; vice-president, S. D. Hartwell; secretary, E. L. Richmond; treasurer, G. H. Crandall. Executive committee: A. G. Haughey, S. D. Hartwell, W. R. Matthews, C. A. Hansen, E. L. Richmond. Sabbath-school and educational secretary, C. A. Hansen; missionary and religious liberty secretary, J. W. Holstra; field agent and Missionary Volunteer secretary, A. C. Haughey; medical secretary, J. M. Wilbur.

The new buildings erected for the use of the conference office and the Otsego Academy were dedicated Sunday afternoon, January 24, an appropriate program having been arranged. Prof. Frederick Griggs gave the address, and Elder Hartwell offered the dedicatory prayer. A goodly number of the citizens of the town were present, and many expressed their appreciation of the occasion. A synopsis of the address was published in the Otsego Union.

We are taking hold of the work for 1909 with renewed energy, and pray that the Lord will guide us in accomplishing his purpose in this part of the vineyard.

E. L. RICHMOND, Secretary.

The Third Bookmen’s Convention

By E. R. P.

THE third bookmen’s convention of the present season was held in Kansas City, Mo., January 11-18. Although this has been called a bookmen’s convention, it may more properly be called a publishers’ convention. Delegates were present from the General Conference Publishing Department, from the Pacific Press main office and its branches, general agents and field agents from the Central, Northern, and Western Canadian union conferences, and general and field missionary secretaries from the same territory. Several union and State conference presidents and State tract society secretaries were present; and all united in an earnest, enthusiastic study of the publishing work in all its most important interests in the field.

This was the first time these representatives from all the Pacific Press territory east of the Rocky Mountains have met together in convention. The occasion was a very profitable one, and was greatly enjoyed.

It appears that the experiences during 1908 in meeting difficulties, and overcoming them in the name of the Lord, have given new life and power to the workers, and have brought a new era of courage and confidence into this department of our work.

The most important lines of study conducted during the convention might be summarized as follows:—

Reports of progress, and outlines of general plans.
The selection of books to be handled as leaders during 1909, and a careful study of the general principles these books contain, and their best selling points.
Study of the general principles of Christian salesmanship.
Round-table council on methods of work.
Organization and plans of work in organizing the lay members of the denomination for the sale of periodicals, forty-per-cent books, and tracts.

This last item was a new feature of our convention work, this being the first time, we believe, when missionary secretaries have met together in convention. We believe that the time will soon come when the church tract and missionary work will be so revived that it will stand upon an equally sound basis of organization and education with our subscription book work.

On the night of the third day of the convention, the Kansas City church, in which the convention was being held, was badly damaged by fire. This misfortune will cause great inconvenience to the Kansas City church. The loss was fully covered by insurance, and the adjusters have expressed their willingness to adjust the claim as soon as the loss can be approximated.

The convention was transferred to the rear part of the Pacific Press Publishing Association’s office, and there was but little interference with the regular program.

H. H. Hall, manager of the book department of the Pacific Press; James Cochran, manager of the Kansas City Branch, and Carl E. Weaks, general agent of the North Pacific Union Conference, with the assistance of many other willing workers, had made thorough preparation for this convention, and all its features worked out well, and we trust will result in giving a great impetus to the already prosperous work in the Pacific Press territory.

E. R. P.

An Interesting Day Delivering Books in England

IN a recent letter from Brother Samuel Joyce, one of our general agents in Great Britain, an interesting experience is given of a delivery which he made one day during last December. The following is a portion of his letter, as published in the Missionary Worker:—

“I cycled forth with fifteen books, and after delivering these, rode back for fifteen more. Thirteen of these were delivered, and before dinner I secured two orders.

“After dinner I took twelve books with me, having eleven to deliver at an estate called —. I was conducted to the housekeeper’s room, and unwrapped three copies of ‘Great Controversy,’—cloth, gilt, and library,—and laid them on the table. They were very much admired, and were paid for by the butler, housekeeper, and footman respectively. I was invited to partake of some refreshments, and while doing so, two ladies kept me talking about the communion. I talked with them concerning the second coming of Christ, for which they thanked me heartily, and one of them gave me another order for ‘Great Controversy.’ At the stables the groom changed his order from plain to gilt cloth when he saw the two bindings together, and said he believed he could procure for me a few more orders.

“I then went to the laundry, where I delivered a gilt book, and obtained a $1.75 order. From here I went to the coachman, the herdsman, the blacksmith, two wagoners, and a laborer, and delivered a book to each of them. They were all delighted.

“Next I called upon the carpenter, and canvassed him for the book. After consulting his wife, he decided to pay for the extra copy I had with me; so I left it with him.

“Next morning I delivered three books to persons whom I had not seen on the previous day, and took another order.

“Thus out of forty-three orders, I was enabled to deliver the same number of books. One order was postponed, but I secured a deposit on it, and in its place sold a book direct. I feel very grateful to the Lord for prospering me in this work. Truly he is good and greatly to be praised.”

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH

By John Norton Loughborough

Experiences in the Publishing Work—No. 16

By the time the first half of Volume III of the REVIEW had been issued, the work had so increased that it became necessary to hire another office. Accordingly an office was rented nearer the business part of the city,—21 South St. Paul Street,—and the printing business was carried on there. Then three more thirty-two-page tracts were added to the list of publications. These were, “Seven Reasons for Sunday-Keeping Examined,” “The Seventh-Day Sabbath,” and “History of the Sabbath.” The latter was the nucleus of the book bearing the same title. This work grew from year to year as the result of Elder J. N. Andrews’s researches in libraries. In the winter of 1863-64 a fifty-two-page pamphlet—“The Two-Horned Beast of Revelation 13, a Symbol of the United States”—was prepared by J. N. Loughborough, and printed by the Review Office. This pamphlet was sold for ten cents a copy, and was the first pamphlet on which a price was set.

Up to the summer of 1854 papers and tracts had been free to all who would read them, and the expense was met by donations from our people. It was during that summer that we first began the use of tents for preaching services. The

first meetings of this kind were held in the State of Michigan. Elder James White said to me, “Brother John, I believe people would be willing to pay a small price for our books, and if so, we could double our efforts in circulating the printed page.” I said, “I will try it.” So at a tent-meeting held in Shelby, Macomb County, near Rochester, Mich., the last three Saturday evenings and First days in July, I sold fifty dollars’ worth of the tracts and pamphlets. A full set of all we had to offer amounted to only thirty-five cents; so very many of the vast crowd attending the Sunday meetings must have supplied themselves with reading-matter.

Elder White published in the REVIEW the result of our three Sunday sales of books in the Michigan tent-meeting, and urged all our ministers to make it a point to sell books to all who would buy. It was indeed the dawn of a new era in the book business. Book sales, with a fund for the free distribution of tracts, gave a more substantial backing to the publishing business.

In the summer of 1853, Brother Uriah Smith, of West Wilton, N. H., having embraced the present truth, joined his sister Annie in labor in the Review Office, where he rendered efficient service for over fifty years, even up to the day of his death. When at last smitten down by a paralytic stroke, he was on his way to his editorial work in the Review Office at Battle Creek. His first production in the REVIEW was a series of articles entitled, “The Warning Voice of Time and Prophecy,” a poem of great merit. The first of this series appeared in the REVIEW of March 17, 1853. The next year these articles were issued in book form. It was an excellent addition to Seventh-day Adventist literature. His first labors in the Office began May 3, 1853. Let it be remembered that he and his sister Annie put aside an offer of one thousand dollars a year, with room and board for three years, and that they labored in the cause of present truth for little more than their board and clothing during those three years. Such were some of the sacrifices made to establish the work of the third angel’s message in its early days.

The first three volumes of the REVIEW were issued gratuitously,—given to any one who would read them,—and the expense of publishing was met by donations from the brethren. The receipts were accurately reported in each number of the paper, and occasionally a statement of the finances was given. As a sample, we quote from No. 7, of Vol. III, “$30, in advance on the REVIEW;” from No. 21, “Each number costs $55;” from No. 25, “$118.91 behind on the REVIEW. No paper next week.” With the opening of Volume IV it was stated: “To those wishing to pay, $1 for a volume of twenty-six numbers.”

With the issuing of the sixth number of Volume IV the REVIEW began to be published as a weekly, and from that date—Aug. 4, 1854—its influence was greatly increased. During the publication of this volume Elder White published his book, “Signs of the Times,” which had a wonderful sale, and led scores to the truth. About the same time he published that excellent tract, “Elihu on the Sabbath,” written by Benjamin Clarke, a Seventh-day Baptist, of western New York.

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH

Sunday a Work-Day

BROTHER JOSEPH BRANDT, one of our ten canvassers who were sent to Great Britain seven years ago this spring, writes the following report of his work in selling papers and small books one Sunday.

Brother Brandt believes that work should begin on the first day of the week, and he has put his belief into practise. He began Sunday work by selling papers only, and found that the people did not object except in rare instances. Little by little he has added the sale of small books, and succeeds, as his letter will indicate. If the reader will figure carefully on the amount of work done in one day, he will discover that this was a busy Sunday for Brother Brandt. He says:—

“I will tell you something of my day out on Sunday. I took with me two copies of ‘Friendly Talks,’ six of ‘His Glorious Appearing,’ two of ‘Christ’s Object Lessons,’ twenty-five of ‘Sufferings of Christ,’ twelve of ‘Scripture References,’ and two hundred forty-four papers. The Lord helped me to sell all these without raising or finding any prejudice, save on the part of three persons. While I have sold scores of small books on Sunday, it was a new experience to take ‘Christ’s Object Lessons.’ I have now sold four of these books on Sunday.”

“I should like to do more with the papers if I were nearer to suitable territory. On this Sunday I rode thirty-three miles. I do not know when I have enjoyed my work better than on that day.”

The Publishing Work

Conducted under the auspices of the General Conference Publishing Department.

C. H. JONES - - - - Chairman E. R. PALMER - - - - Secretary H. H. HALL - - - - Assistant Secretary

Report From the Washington Sanitarium

By D. H. KRESS, M. D.

We believe the readers of the REVIEW have an interest in the Sanitarium at Takoma Park; and in view of the substantial way in which they have shown their interest, they are entitled to an occasional report regarding the prosperity of the institution.

We must say God has greatly blessed the work at Takoma Park; we can but be impressed as we view the grounds, and the buildings, and the work now being done, that a divine hand has guided in the selection of the site and in the erection of the buildings. Influential men of the world who visit the place are impressed in the same way. The superintendent of the United States Botanical Garden, who is supposed to be as good a judge of natural beauty as can be found in the city of Washington, in a letter which appeared in one of the leading daily papers, said: “The Adventists’ association must have evoked the numerical power of seven. Some seventh son must have been inspired to lead them to the healthiest spot on God’s footstool, to say nothing of the soul-elevating beauty of the stream above and below the bridge for a mile each way.” In speaking of the new bridge that is now in process of erection, he says: When completed, “it will aid in making one of the most delightful rural drives through the healthiest region around Washington; in fact, it is not surpassed anywhere.”

The mayor of Takoma Park, in his address at the opening of the institution, said: “Twenty years ago I visited this identical spot in company with Mr. B. F. Gilbert, the founder of Takoma Park, who pointed out to me its many attractive features.

“I remember that he called my attention to the peculiar fact that the sound of the rippling waters of the beautiful Sligo can be heard much more distinctly from this point than from any other of equal distance; but what is of especial interest on this occasion is the fact that he made the statement at that time that nature had designed this place for a sanitarium; and that it was his intention to reserve it for that purpose.

“For years this was a cherished plan with him, and he constantly sought to enlist the interest of the medical fraternity in such a project. He finally succeeded in securing the co-operation of a celebrated physician of New York to build such an institution, but the financial troubles of 1893 prevented the consummation of his plan.

“However, it was a source of the greatest satisfaction to Mr. Gilbert in his declining years to know that persons skilled in the treatment of disease, who have made a success of sanitarium work throughout the whole civilized world, should verify his judgment in selecting this as an ideal spot on which to erect a sanitarium.”

It appears from this that God had especially reserved this spot for just such a work as we now see, and divinely guided our brethren in selecting it.

The Seminary and Sanitarium are one in aim and purpose, and are in complete harmony. Co-operation exists between them in their efforts to develop missionaries for the field.

The winter months have been regarded as the least promising time for sanitarium work at Takoma Park, but we are pleased to say the Sanitarium has had nearly every room filled during the past four to six weeks. Sometimes it has been difficult to know where to place the patients; at present we have twenty-seven patients and ten guests. We have had to find rooms for workers outside of the Sanitarium. The dormitory, which has just reached completion, will enable us to keep our workers together under one roof. This will be much more agreeable and orderly.

The good accomplished by our sanitariums the day of God alone will fully reveal. The following extracts received from patients show that the effort of the workers at the Washington Sanitarium has been appreciated. A lady in writing to a friend said: “We can not be too thankful to God for this peaceful place to be sick and get well in. It has been a wonderful spiritual uplift to me.”

Another wrote: “If it were possible, I would like to write to each member of the sanitarium family, expressing my thanks for the loving-kindness shown us during our stay with you. It will forever be a bright spot in our lives, and at the same time a revelation. I firmly believe it was the all-wise guiding hand of providence that placed us with you; for had I not witnessed it, I would not have believed that such a people lived in these days of selfishness and greed. Again and again I thank you for your interest and help, both spiritually and physically.”

Another, a government official, writes: “I wish to express to you my grateful appreciation for the care and attention my wife received during her stay at the Sanitarium. I am glad she had the sense, intuition, or whatever it may have been, to place herself under your care.”

A letter written by a gentleman patient to a friend, reads as follows: “To tell you the truth, this is the best religion I have seen. There is no difference between man, maid, or servant, rich or poor. I have watched them, and find them consistent in every way. There is no hypocrisy, no angry words, of any kind on the whole forty-one acres of their land. It is peace and quietness all the time.”

Still another patient who considered his case hopeless, after a stay of two months regained his health, gaining seventeen pounds in weight. After being at home two weeks, he wrote: “I am glad to say I am now enjoying good health; in fact, I am like a sixteen-year-old boy. I have continued to live the simple life, and have gained four pounds in weight since leaving the Sanitarium. I enclose you a check for five dollars as a small contribution to your missionary fund. Some time in the future when my demands are not so great, I may do more. I have a tender spot for every one connected with the Washington Sanitarium.”

The wife of a prominent business man

who was a patient, writes: “We are trying to live strictly vegetarian, and not only our immediate family have profited by our experience, but some of our friends as well. I am glad to say my son is perfectly well, and is the picture of health. I attribute it largely to the proper diet. My husband still continues to improve. He has not smoked since he left the Sanitarium. He often talks of the pleasant time we spent with you; he is really homesick to go back to the Sanitarium.”

We feel thankful that these things can be said of our work at the Washington Sanitarium, and trust that more and more Christ may be revealed in the ministry here. D. H. KRESS, M. D.

Medical Missionary Department

Conducted by the Medical Department of the General Conference

W. A. GEORGE, M. D. Chairman

W. A. RUBLE, M. D. Secretary

The Proposed Sunday-Law Amendment to the California Constitution

By W. A. C.

THE following is the proposed amendment to the State constitution of California recently introduced into the California Legislature with the view of making Sunday legislation constitutional in that State:—

“A Resolution Proposing an Amendment to Article XX of the Constitution by Adding a New Section Thereto to Be Known as Section 21, Relating to a Day of Rest.

“The legislature of the State of California, at its thirty-eighth session, commencing Jan. 4, 1909, two thirds of all the members elected to each of the two houses of said legislature voting in favor thereof, hereby proposes that Article XX of the constitution of the State of California be amended by adding thereto a new section to be known as Section 21, to read as follows:—

“Section 21: The necessity of encouraging and fostering the observance of one day in seven as a day of rest is hereby recognized as essential to the welfare of the State, and to that end it is hereby provided:—

“(1) That the keeping open of bars, saloons, race-courses, and coursing-grounds on the first day of the week is prohibited; and the legislature shall provide penalties for the violation of this provision, and for the proper enforcement of the same.

“(2) That the legislature may provide that stores, workshops, banking-houses, and other places of business, of any class or calling, shall not keep open on the first day of the week, and shall provide penalties for the violation thereof.

“(3) That the legislative body of any city, city and county, or county, may provide by ordinance that stores, workshops, banking-houses, and other places of business, of any class or calling, shall not keep open on the first day of the week, and shall provide penalties for the violation thereof; provided that such ordinance may enlarge, but can not restrict or limit, the scope or penalties of any provision enacted by the legislature on the same subject; provided, further, that whenever a petition is presented to the legislative body of any city, city and county, or county, signed by ten per cent of the voters thereof, asking that any ordinance authorized under this subdivision to be passed by such legislative body set forth in said petition, be submitted to the qualified voters of said city, city and county, or county, for their approval or rejection, the said legislative body must submit the same to the voters of said city, city and county, or county, for their approval or rejection at the next general election held therein, or at a special election called by such legislative body for that purpose. At least two weeks’ notice shall be given of such election by publication in some newspaper published in such city, city and county, or county. If approved by a majority vote of the voters voting thereon, the same is thereby adopted, and becomes binding as a valid ordinance of said city, city and county, or county, as the case may be, and supersedes any ordinance in conflict therewith, and can only be modified or repealed by a majority vote of the voters of said city, city and county, or county, voting upon the question of the modification or repeal thereof.

“(4) Provided, however, that any law or ordinance passed or adopted under the second or the third subdivision of this section shall not apply to persons who conscientiously believe that the seventh day of the week should be observed as the Sabbath, and who actually refrain from opening their places of business on that day.”

This piece of proposed constitutional Sunday legislation is the product of Rev. George L. Tufts, the Pacific Coast secretary of the International Reform Bureau, of Washington, D. C., of which Mr. W. F. Crafts is the founder and superintendent; was drafted by Mr. Chauncey H. Dunn, a Sacramento attorney; and introduced in the Assembly Jan. 8, 1909, by Hon. G. L. Johnson, of Sacramento. A hearing on the measure was held before the Assembly Committee on Constitutional Amendments, Thursday afternoon, January 21, which resulted in the committee’s unanimously deciding, after about five minutes’ deliberation, to report the measure back adversely.

Several things in connection with this proposed amendment are worthy of note:—

1. It is religious, emanating from a clergyman who is the avowed emissary of a religious organization whose headquarters are in Washington.

2. The observance of one day in seven as a day of rest is declared to be essential to the welfare of the State.

3. The first day of the week is the day designated as this day.

4. Business, labor, and trade are to be prohibited by legislation.

5. According to a provision under subsection 3, local municipal bodies can enact additional repressive Sunday ordinances to any State Sunday law if they choose, enlarging upon the same to any limit,—a most dangerous provision, as it practically takes the question of legislation upon this question out of the hands of the State, and places it in the hands of local authorities, and leaves the people without any redress beyond the local authorities.

6. Ten per cent of the voters of any city or county can force a vote of all the citizens upon any Sunday legislation for which they may choose to petition.

7. Subsection 4 exempts those who conscientiously observe as the Sabbath the day God in his law commands to be kept as the Sabbath.

All this as a part of the constitution of a great commonwealth! To such extremities have the friends of Sunday legislation gone to find a basis for such legislation in the State of California.

The text of the Sunday bill proper which has been introduced along with this proposed constitutional amendment, and which this amendment is supposed to guard, will be given in a later number. The result of the efforts against it will also be reported.

W. A. C.

Findings

Dr. A. H. Larson was in Washington a short time ago on his way to Skodsborg, Denmark, where he will be associated with the sanitarium work. He planned to spend a few weeks in Melrose before going to his field of labor.

The Christmas number of the English Good Health has had the widest circulation of any number ever published. The entire edition of seventy-five thousand copies was disposed of in a few weeks. This great success was due to the hearty co-operation of all the workers and Sabbath-keepers throughout the kingdom.

The Leicester Sanitarium has enjoyed good patronage during the past autumn, not only of in-patients, but also of outside patients from the town. The Leicester physicians are taking an increasing interest in the sanitarium, and frequently send patients for treatment. Mr. Wm. M. Scott acts as local manager, and Mrs. Scott is the matron. Both of these nurses are graduates of the Caterham Sanitarium Nurses’ Training-school.

The Rostrevor Hills Hydro has been under the management of Dr. and Mrs. H. J. Williams during the past year. This institution was formerly located at Belfast, and was then known as the Belfast Sanitarium, but it was soon found advisable to move it into the country, and the change was made about two years ago. The institution has had a fair patronage, but it has not yet been sufficiently brought before the notice of the public. As it becomes better known, the patronage will doubtless increase. The situation of the Irish institution is delightful in every respect.

Dr. A. B. Olsen visited Scotland recently, and gave lectures on the following subjects: December 7, before the Edinburgh Vegetarian Society, “Errors in Diet;” December 8, before the Edinburgh Health Culture Society, “Germs, Friendly and Otherwise;” December 9, before the Glasgow Health Culture Society, “Nerves and Worry;” December 10, before the Scottish Vegetarian Society, “A Healthy Man’s Ration.” These lectures were well attended, and much interest was manifested by the people. In each case an hour or more was spent in asking questions and answering them after the lecture. The Glasgow Health Culture Society had secured a large hall with a gallery, and that, besides the platform, was packed full of health culturists and those interested in the subject. Sir Samuel Chisholm, formerly lord provost of Glasgow, presided.

Christian Liberty

Reports, Notes, and Comments Pertaining to the Current History of the Rights of Conscience

Conducted by the Religious Liberty Bureau

K. C. RUSSELL — Chairman

W. A. COLCORD — Secretary

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