p. 16 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 25, No. 11. (3/15/1899)

International

International.—Great Britain has at last withdrawn her opposition to France building coal sheds on the coast of Oman, altho the British admiral had compelled the sultan of Oman to cancel the concession he had given France. . . . Negotiations are proceeding between England, Germany, and the United States over the settlement of the Samoan difficulty. China has refused Italy's demand for the lease of the port and Bay of San Mun, wording her refusal in such a way as to offend the Italian minister. It is supposed that England is backing Italy, and that the latter government will take forcible possession of the port she covets. Italy's demand included the cession of three islands. . . . Prince Henry, brother of the emperor of Germany, has been given command of the German Asiatic squadron in place of Admiral von Diedrichs, whose lack of diplomacy nearly occasioned a quarrel between the German and American squadrons at Manila last year.

It is reported from Shanghai that the notorious Chinese rebel Nui has been captured and fifty-two of his body-guard killed. . . . It is reported that a battle recently occurred in Northern Macedonia between Albanian Mussulmans and Turkish troops, in which several hundred were killed on both sides. The sultan has ordered the execution of all prisoners taken by the Turks. . . . All the colleges, universities, and high schools of St. Petersburg went on a strike March 1, on account of the conduct of the police toward them. . . . The Khalifa, who was defeated at Omdurman by General Lord Kitchener, has again assembled a formidable army and is marching North to meet the Anglo-Egyptian forces. . . . The rebellion in the central Chinese provinces is reported to be rapidly assuming alarming proportions. It has extended to five different provinces. In pitched battles with imperial troops 4,700 of the rebels have been killed. Viceroy Chang has a foreign-drilled regiment armed with modern small arms and rapid-fire guns, which are doing fearful execution among the rebels.

The government troops of Venezuela have defeated the rebels at Moro Cayes. . . . President Alonso, of Bolivia, has met another serious defeat at the hands of the insurgents. . . . The German school ships Charlotte and Stosch have been despatched to Tangier, Morocco, to enforce the demands of the German Government for the payment of an indemnity to certain German subjects who suffered during a riot in Morocco. . . . Italy has determined to despatch a squadron of five war ships to San Mun Bay, China, to enforce her demands for concessions there, and secure reparation for the insults contained in China's refusal to accede to her demands. . . . The Spanish cabinet, headed by Sagasta, has tendered its resignation to the queen regent, and the resignation has been accepted and another cabinet chosen. Diplomats declare that the new cabinet is founded on sand and that the kingdom of Spain is on the brink of an internecine war.

The Philippines.—Five additional regiments of regular infantry have been ordered to Manila, most of whom have had experience in Indian campaigns. Admiral Dewey has called for a number of light-draft gunboats for service among the islands of the Philippine archipelago, and, altho several such vessels are on their way to Manila, others will be sent. . . . On March 3 Rear-Admiral Dewey was made an admiral, the highest rank in the navy, a rank which was created for him by Congress, and which has only been held by two other officers in the American navy. Sampson and Schley were both made rear-admirals, with the latter two points in advance. Hobson was advanced from No. 1 on the list of assistant naval constructors to the rank of lieutenant-commander, which will make him a captain at the age of thirty. His advancement amounts to 250 numbers in the line of the navy.

Colonel Smith, in command of the military district of the island of Negros, has been ordered to form a company of 200 native police, and put them under military discipline. . . . On March 3 an American gunboat and a battery of field artillery bombarded Guadalupe, near Manila, killing about 50 of the natives. . . . On March 7 a forward movement was made by the Twentieth Infantry and the Nebraska and Wyoming troops. An engagement with the natives followed, lasting two hours, in which a large number of the latter were killed, probably about 250. Two Americans were killed and a number wounded. . . . The wives of American officers who arrived in Manila recently on army transports have not been allowed to land, except for a few hours, on account of the danger from the native Filipinos. . . . An advance was made on March 6 by General Hale's brigade on Santolan and Mariquina. The natives were driven from their position and compelled to retreat, having suffered considerable loss. Eight Americans were wounded. The natives on the same day attacked the Oregon regiment, which was guarding the water-works, but were repulsed with a loss of thirty killed.

Casualties and Calamities.—A powder magazine blew up near Toulon, France, on March 5, killing 54 persons and injuring 130. So terrible was the force of the explosion that buildings within a radius of five miles were wrecked. . . . Seven persons were killed in a Russia railway carriage on March 5 by the explosion of a carboy of benzine. . . . The number of deaths from the bubonic plague in Bombay, India, is increasing rapidly. Over 900 deaths have occurred in one week, notwithstanding the vigorous measures which had been taken to stamp it out. . . . On March 5 the city of Charleston, W. Va., was reported almost entirely flooded. Four feet of water surrounded the State capitol. Many are suffering from the effects of the flood, and hundreds of families have been driven from their homes. . . . A severe wind-storm accompanied with rain and hail visited Georgia and Alabama on March 5, doing much damage to property. Some hailstones were found which measured seven inches in circumference. . . . Five men and one woman lost their lives in a snowslide at White Pine, Colorado, on March 3. . . . A farmer named John Gilbert, living near Abilene, Kansas, recently beat to death his whole family, consisting of his wife and four children. . . . The British steamer Labrador, from St. John, New Brunswick, for Liverpool, was wrecked off the north of Ireland on March 1. All her passengers were saved. . . . A severe earthquake shock was experienced at Yokohama, Japan, on the morning of March 7. There is reported to have been considerable loss of life and property.

Domestic.—On March 1 the House passed the Senate Army Reorganization Bill, thus averting the possibility of an extra session of Congress. On the same day the Senate voted to reduce the amount paid for armor for battle-ships to $300 per ton, instead of $445, as voted by the House, and authorized the Secretary of the Navy, in case he could not buy armor at that price, to construct a plant and manufacture it. For this purpose $1,500,000 was placed at the Secretary's disposal for the building of the plant, and $2,000,000 for its operation. . . . The Rivers and Harbors Bill was passed on March 4, carrying a provision for the inspection of the various proposed canal routes across Central America. This provision is regarded as a small step in advance for the canal, but must delay its construction for a considerable time. The belief is quite general that the defeat of canal legislation during the present session was almost wholly due to the opposition of the railroad interests.

The sessions of the fifty-fifth Congress closed at noon March 4. The appropriations authorized by this Congress amount to $1,566,890,016.28, of which sum $484,582,083 is directly chargeable to the war with Spain. . . . Joseph H. Choate, United States Ambassador to Great Britain, arrived in England on March 1, and was cordially welcomed by English officials. . . . The Spanish cruiser Reina Mercedes, which was sunk inside Santiago harbor during a bombardment, was raised on March 2.

New Trusts.—The Consolidated Traction Company, with a capital stock of $15,000,000, filed articles of incorporation at Springfield, Illinois, March 4. This is looked upon as the first step toward a combination of all the street-car lines of Chicago. . . . The United States Cast Iron and Foundry Company was incorporated at Trenton, N. J., on March 3. Its authorized capital is $30,000,000. . . . The Union Bag and Paper Company was formed at New York, March 2. Its capital stock is $27,000,000. Many of the firms operating smelters, and refiners of precious metals, have united, with a capital of $46,000,000. . . . A gigantic casket trust is in process of formation, whose intention is to materially raise the price of coffins and caskets.

Cuba.—A despatch from Havana states that Cuban patriotism is at last satisfied. The Cubans have marched through the streets of Havana with their arms, and General Gomez has received military honors from General Brooke. A grand banquet was held in Havana on February 27, which was participated in by American and Cuban officers. There was much felicitous speech-making and expressions of good-will from both sides. . . . Between 2,000 and 3,000 men have suddenly been thrown out of employment in Santiago province, on account of the recent orders of General Brooke reducing the amount to be expended on public works.

Fires.—It is reported that in a fire which occurred at Muncie, Indiana, on February 26, twelve persons lost their lives. . . . A fire at Muscogee, Indian Territory, on February 23 destroyed nearly half of the village, entailing a loss aggregating nearly half a million dollars. . . . Two destructive fires occurred in Chicago on February 23, one resulting in a loss of $200,000, and the other in a loss of $225,000.

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It is a surprise and delight to all. It has been, and is, a blessing to every home that it has entered. In it are to be found wisdom, strength, and great spiritual blessings. Here the child of God will find help for the perilous days that are before him. You can not afford to be without it.

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Tract Prices

By Editor

Arrangements have been made by which you can obtain the tracts published in Bible Students' and Apples of Gold Libraries at reduced rates. Ask your Tract Society or the publishers for an order sheet and circular giving the new prices.

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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.

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A CARD.

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THE MILLENNIUM.

The Day of the Lord. B. S. L., No. 65. By M. C. Wilcox. The stirring events which are to take place during that important period so often mentioned in the Bible, are here given. It shows the relation which that day sustains to the close of probation, the seven last plagues, and the millennium. $2.50 per 100.

The Temporal Millennium. B. S. L., No. 121. Gives a candid exposition of those passages of Scripture which are supposed to teach the conversion of the world. It also presents briefly the Bible doctrine of the millennium. $1.50 per 100.

The Millennium Age. B. S. L., No. 136. A study of the Scriptures which locate the Millennium. $1.00 per 100.

Winning of Margaret. A. G. L., No. 53. How Margaret and her skeptical friend Ralph were converted. A well-told story. $1.00 per 100.

The Kingdom of Christ, Its Nature and Subjects, When and Where Established. B. S. L., No. 119. By C. P. Bollman. This tract exposes the fallacy of National Reform theories concerning the reign of Christ. $1.00 per 100.

Christ as Prophet, Priest, and King. B. S. L., No. 127. By M. C. Wilcox. Christ's attitude toward civil laws, and the relation which He desires His followers to sustain to them, are carefully dwelt upon. $1.00 per 100.

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WONDROUS LOVE

By Editor

This beautiful piece of music which first appeared in the Centennial Number of this paper is now published in sheet form. An attractive cover has been added, and the price placed at twenty-five cents post-paid.

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A NEW TRACT.

By Editor

Spiritual Gifts. By Elder J. N. Loughborough. B. S. Library, No. 156; 40 pages; price, $2.50 per 100.

Especially good for general distribution, as it deals with principles only. It explains what the Spirit of prophecy is and how it is manifested. It contrasts true and false manifestations, and tells how to distinguish them. It gives the meaning of "open visions" and "night visions;" it speaks of "women as prophets;" of "prophecy in the early church," and the reason for its discontinuance, etc., etc. The main object, however, is to show from the Scriptures that this gift will be prominently connected with the remnant church. It is the very best publication ever issued with which to introduce the Spirit of prophecy.

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THE GENERAL CONFERENCE.

By T.

The meetings of the General Conference have continued to grow in importance and interest. On the 7th inst. the meeting in Massachusetts adjourned to Battle Creek, Mich., in order to transact some legal business in connection with our leading institutions there that could not be done outside the State in which they are incorporated.

The time at South Lancaster was largely spent in considering the principles that underlie all Christian work, believing that if the real Christ of the Bible is allowed to govern and guide us wholly, so many resolutions and plans defining every minutia and detail of the work are unnecessary. And not only are they unnecessary, but a positive hindrance to the cause; for where plans are defined so particularly and in full detail, no room is left for the worker in the field to use his discretion. He is not thrown into the place where he feels called upon to rest upon God for His active and ever-present wisdom, but the worker falls back upon the details of some old plan that may not be at all suitable.

There is no more encouraging feature in connection with our work than the spirit of freedom and the manifestations of the purest brotherly love that have completely taken possession of our General Conference. We know that Satan will make his most masterly efforts to turn aside this order of things, but he will be defeated. God is at the helm, and the brethren have wholly committed themselves to Him for His guidance. It seems evident that human planning in our work from now on will be the full acceptance of the divine order of things, for God and His sure Word are given their rightful place in the work.

This condition has been brought about by the brethren in conference uniting to study God's Word for the principles that should govern in all plans of Christian work. And the grand and uplifting and soul-satisfying truth that has been brought out as the result of this study reminds one of apostolic times. Surely the Lord is hastening to prepare those who will follow Him to proclaim in all the world His coming and kingdom with power. And we have the promise that when this work is done "then shall the end come." And bear in mind that it is the end of sin, but the beginning of the eternal reign of righteousness.

Christian people everywhere should unite to study God's Word. It is full of light and life and power for all who believe. The barriers that have stood between men in the form of creeds should be torn down, and we should together come to the open Book of books, and allow God to teach us His wonderful truth.

Many Christian ministers go to the congregations that will pay them the largest salary, and, seemingly, without any regard to the question as to where they can do the most good. But it seems that this spirit is not confined to the Christians. Rabbi Hirsch, who officiates at the Jewish Sinai Church in Chicago, is asked to go to New York, and one inducement that is offered is a salary of $14,000 a year. When any form of religion reaches the place where a few men connected with it have princely salaries that afford them every luxury, you may depend upon it that its vital power for good is gone, and that it is on the rapid decline. And any parade of imposing ceremonies or boast of great numbers does not change this fact.

Portents of Armageddon

And now it is the little nation of Italy that has stepped in and demands a portion of Chinese territory. How wonderful are the developments that a single day now brings forth! And how complicated are the broils of the nations becoming! With all the din of war that is in the world, how long can the nations be held back from the great and final charge of Armageddon? How thrilling are the times! Who can fail to see that they are portentous?

SIGNS—BOUND VOLUMES FOR 1898.

By Editor

If you have not preserved your copies of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES published during 1898, and wish to secure a complete set, you can have it, bound, with an accurate index, conveniently arranged, heavy manila paper covers, post-paid, for $1.50; or in half-roan (cloth with leather back and corners, stiff covers), at $2.50 post-paid.

These volumes, containing the valuable matter they do, bound in substantial form, are invaluable to the Gospel worker for loaning, and will make a good addition to any library. Our supply is not large, so order early if you wish to secure a copy. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

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This is the season of the year when the people in a very large section of the country are looking about for the best garden seeds to sow. Vick's garden and flower seeds have been before the world for fifty years, and this is one of the best and most reliable firms with which to deal. You can depend upon it that their seeds will grow, and also that they are purely what you order. The Vicks are celebrating this their fiftieth anniversary by the publication of a specially beautiful, finely illustrated, and valuable Garden and Floral Guide. Their Guide not only gives you a fine list of seeds and plants, but gives you many useful hints in regard to raising them. Send them fifteen cents for their Garden and Floral Guide, and on your first order for seeds or plants, they will give you a credit for twenty-five cents. Address James Vick's Sons, Rochester, N. Y.

Pope Leo and Infallibility

By Editor

Much is being said nowadays about Pope Leo's views on various subjects. He has recently sent a letter to Cardinal Gibbons which, among others of his acts, is attracting public attention. At the same time the news is also coming to us that Leo is seriously ill and his life is despaired of. Now how can an old man on a sick bed at the point of death carry on such a vigorous and constantly active campaign, even to the extent of taking a hand in the politics of every nation on earth? It must be that some one else is doing this in his name. And, that being so, are these documents and decisions infallible that are coming from Rome? Infallibility certainly can not come from a mortal man who is lying in the throes of death. This query is raised with the kindest of feelings toward all our friends of the Catholic Church, with the desire that they will think candidly on the situation. No one can afford to allow prejudice or early training to continue to mislead him because of his failure to think just as critically about the questions that arise in his own church as in any other.

Human Strength and Greatness

HUMAN strength and human greatness Spring not from life's sunny side; Heroes must be more than driftwood, Floating o'er a waveless tide.

CLASS LEGISLATION.

By W. N. G.

THE present constitution of the State of California has done good service ever since its adoption in preventing or annulling special or class legislation. Many vicious measures have been estopped before enactment, or on the first test in the Supreme Court after enactment, by this wise provision of the fundamental law. But the class of people who have endeavored and still desire to profit by special legislation have chafed under the prohibition, until at last an effort is boldly made to get it out of the way. Gambling with the forlorn hope that the people may have changed their minds upon this subject, an amendment to the constitution is proposed. Senate Constitutional Amendment No. 20 proposes to the people the following provision:—

"That a new section be added to article fourth, to read as follows:—

"SECTION 36. The Legislature may, by a concurrence of four-fifths of all the members elected to each House, pass a local or special law, or make an exception or exceptions to the operation of a general law."

It seems hardly probable that it will pass even one House, but there is no telling in these days what a Legislature may bring forth, or what the people may indorse. The appearance of a picture in a morning paper passed the Anti-Cartoon Bill, which had been previously defeated in the Senate; and the appearance of the Catholic archbishop in the capitol sent the Church Tax Exemption Amendment through both Houses with astonishing unanimity. Yet the Legislature has denied approval of several bad measures, and there is strong probability that this one will be added to the number. W. N. G.

ABOUT EMPIRES.

By Editor

You have often, in reading the Bible, wondered about the names of ancient kings and kingdoms mentioned there. You have often read the prophecies and again wondered what kingdoms or dynasties were under review in the prophetic vision. You may have read history to see if you could not get the clue that would guide you to the key that would throw open the storehouse of this knowledge.

But the chambers of this knowledge must be approached from the side of the Bible itself. The Bible must furnish the light that guides you into the field of history that will reveal to you the truth you desire to know. And the only one who can assist you in your research is one who has studied the Bible closely, in order to know, when he meets it, the history of those nations and kings mentioned in the Bible.

We have sought for many helps in this most interesting and profitable field of study, but none that we have seen are equal to two books recently published from the pen of Prof. A. T. Jones. One of these books is called "The Empires of the Bible," and every empire that the Bible mentions, from the confusion of tongues to the Babylonian captivity, is carefully traced out in history, and a series of maps enable the reader to know the boundaries of these nations, and to follow them with accuracy. The other book is entitled "The Great Empires of Prophecy," and, like its companion volume, it starts with the prophecies of nations that should arise, and follows them through the histories that describe what the Word of God revealed beforehand.

If you want a concise, terse, and interesting history that shows you at once what and where the empires of the Bible and its prophecies are, these are just the books you are looking for. And if you want to read exhaustively upon the subject, these are still the books you want, for they will refer you to about one hundred of the best standard authors, whose writings you can read as fully as you may have the time or desire. Taken together, they are two of the most fascinating yet helpful works that we have seen. And the books are entirely unique in their field, for no other author has conceived the idea of setting forth these facts of Biblical history in such a simple, attractive, readable, and yet masterly manner.

Both volumes are in neat cloth bindings. "Empires of the Bible" sells for $1.50, and "The Great Empires of Prophecy" sells for $2.00. They are handled by the Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal.