FROM the evening of Jan. 7 to Jan. 9, I spoke four times in the Oakland meeting-house. My stay there was necessarily short, as it was simply an appointment thrown in after my other arrangements for the trip were made. I tried to fit my subjects as nearly as possible to the condition of the people, but their true condition, in every respect, I did not exactly know. I found by inquiry that there had been some doubting in the minds of some, relative to this cause, whether the hand of God was really manifest in leading out this people with the third angel's message, or whether the message might not be true, and the gift of prophecy as manifested with the message be false. The extent of doubting on this subject, however, I did not learn till the meetings were over. But, had I known precisely their condition, I don't know as I could have made any better selection of subjects to fit their condition than those to which the Spirit of the Lord seemed to guide me.
I can see no way in my own mind to separate the gifts of the Spirit of God from the work of the third angel's message. But, as presented in Isaiah's prophecy, those in the last days who will not hear the law of the Lord, say “to the seers, See not, and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things,” &c., Isa. xxx, 10. Paul, in his address to the people who are not in the dark concerning the coming of Christ, says: “Quench not the Spirit, despise not prophesyings, prove all things, hold fast that which is good.” 1 Thess. v, 19–21. Greek critics tell us that the word which is here rendered prophecy, literally signifies “exercising of the gift of prophecy.” Then there is to be in the last days an exercising of the gift of prophecy that is good: people will be in danger of letting go of it—despising it. So we are exhorted to hold fast to it. Where shall we look for true manifestations of this gift in these last days, if not with that people who have the light of the law of the Lord? a people who are trying to keep that law? trying to get nearer, and still nearer to the Lord? trying, instead of quenching the Spirit, to cherish it, love its fruits, and regard its teachings? trying in their lives to exemplify the true principle of that law, in loving God and our fellow-men? These two things in these prophecies of the last days are connected together: the law of God, and the gift of prophecy. Here is a people proclaiming these truths of the last days; and in their work they have pressed steadily on the last fifteen years; why, is this not the work of God?
Somewhat on this wise we tried to exhort the wavering ones, and encourage the faithful ones at Oakland. We trust our effort was not in vain there. We enjoyed some freedom in speaking, and the church, for the most part, seemed to feed on the word. There was a good representation from those without, at our meetings. We are glad to learn that there is an increasing interest to hear the truth, and some are embracing it. If the church gets into good, working order, undoubtedly a number might be gathered into the truth there.
We also introduced the Health Reform. This, with the other topics, met with a good reception. In all places on this trip we have given this topic some prominence in our remarks. The church are gradually coming up to the work of reform; but how few realize, or, as yet, have entered fully into the real spirit of the Health Reform. We want to make this a matter of conscience. It is a means to help us on in the great work of preparing to go and dwell with holy angels.
May the Lord arouse us all to a sense of the greatness and holiness of the work in which we are engaged. May we be enabled to press together, to press on with the body of God's people, be found in our place to bear our part of the burdens and responsibilities of the work, that finally, like a perfectly-organized and drilled body of soldiers, we may move on in unison and strength to the last conflict, be among the victors, and share a victor's crown.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Battle Creek, Feb. 1867.
Report from Iowa.
By D. T. Bourdeau
SABBATH and first-day, Jan. 20 and 27, we held meetings with the church at Anamosa according to appointment, and, among other things, dwelt upon the proper observance of the Sabbath, the right use of the tongue, and the proper course to pursue in order to meet our Systematic Benevolence pledges. In treating these subjects, the following thoughts rested with weight upon our mind:
While we bear the name Seventh-day Adventists, because we believe in the seventh-day Sabbath and advent near, how important it is for us to come up to our faith by keeping the Sabbath-day according to the commandment, that we may enjoy the blessings of those who do God’s commandments, and exert a better influence than we should by talking the theory of the Sabbath without living it out. It is as sinful to use the first hour of the Sabbath for our own purposes, as it would be to use an hour in the midst of that holy day. Sabbath-keepers would feel condemned if they were overtaken in the act of working for themselves an hour between the meetings on the Sabbath. Uneasiness would arise from the fact that others saw them. But this is not worse in the sight of God, as far as its being a sin in his sight is concerned, than it would be if you were to work in the dark part of the day. For “all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” Mistakes arise on this point from worldly-mindedness, and a want of planning with reference to meeting the Sabbath when it comes. And our sisters who have to prepare three meals a day, must necessarily work on the Sabbath. For the third meal is either taken near the commencement of the Sabbath, or after it has commenced, making it necessary for them to crowd their work into the Sabbath. Brethren, if our wives are in this dilemma they have not an equal chance with us. Should we not love them as we love ourselves? These difficulties and the one of preparing an additional meal on the Sabbath, are removed by the two-meal-a-day system, which gives our sisters a chance to get their work out of the way before the Sabbath, and relieves them from burdens on that day. Thank God for the Health Reform.
In order to meet our S. B. pledges, we should plan with reference to them; make them a matter of conscience between ourselves and God, and attend to our128duty in regard to them first,—before attending to our own interests. If these points are borne in mind, there will be no trouble in rendering unto God what is his due in this matter. It is in overlooking these points that some fail to come up to duty with regard to S. B. First, they do not plan to meet their indebtedness to God, as they do to pay what they owe to men. This shows that God is not first in their affections, to say the least. If he were, they would remember to begin by rendering unto God what belongs to him, in harmony with the apostolic injunction: “Upon the first day of the week, let every one of you lay by him in store, as the Lord hath prospered him.” In doing this they would give unto God the first fruits of their thoughts and labors. Having enjoyed themselves in the contemplation of his exalted perfections in resting the seventh day according to the commandment, they would feel to attend first, to the duties they owe to God at the commencement of another week.
If Christ were literally to come to our doors each first-day of the week, and knock, saying, Give me my due, to help advance my cause, who of us would fail to be ready to say, in our plans, if not literally, I have remembered thee, and have laid aside what is thine? Yet Christ as truly comes to us by his word, as if he were literally to come to our doors. It is with God that we have to do in this matter, not simply with man. It is when this principle is overlooked that there is negligence, and a feeling that whatsoever is paid on S. B. is simply paid to man, and is the same as lost.
Our social meeting was excellent. In these meetings we were favored with the presence and assistance of Bro. Geo. I. Butler.
Last Sabbath and first-day we had four profitable meetings at Lisbon. There was a large gathering from the churches of Lisbon, Marion and Anamosa, and from other parts of the State. The Lord gave especial liberty and strength in preaching on self-examination, the wiles of the Devil, etc., and particularly in dwelling on the duties of the Conference Committee, and how that they, owing to their judgment, experience, and well-balanced minds, which are, under the blessing of God, adapted to take a calm, general, and comprehensive view of intricate matters, should be consulted in all important matters with which the cause is connected in the State.
These were important meetings to the cause in Iowa. About fifty spoke in our social meeting, and at our business meeting, clogs and hindrances were removed, three united with the church, and one was received as a candidate for baptism.
D. T. BOUREDEAU.
Lisbon, Iowa, Feb. 7, 1867.
Quarterly Meeting in N. Y.
By R. F. Cottrell
Our Quarterly Meetings in Rochester and Olcott, in January, were interesting and, I trust, profitable. Bro. Andrews was present at the former and Bro. Fuller at the latter, to aid in the good work by their faithful testimonies. Although it is to be feared that some fail to appreciate the testimony of the servants of God, yet we trust the work is advancing in many hearts, and we hope that all may come up to their duty and privilege. We had a season of deep interest in celebrating the Lord's supper at Olcott,—a season of refreshing such as has seldom been enjoyed by us. Bro. Fuller remained to labor through the week, while I returned to my home appointment at Shelby Basin. Here we had a meeting of considerable interest. In these meetings the Health Reform was not passed by in silence, but received especial attention. It is an important part of the work of fitting ourselves for the abode of the Spirit, and for passing through the great time of trouble that is just before us. We need to know how to live physically and spiritually in order to glorify God in our bodies and spirits which are his; and in order to be sanctified wholly and preserved blameless to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. May we prove faithful in every part of the good work of reform.
R. F. COTTRELL.
Monthly Meeting in Vassar, Mich.
By S. A. DOUD
THE Monthly Meeting for Tuscola Co., Mich., was held at Vassar according to appointment. A goodly number of friends came from Watrousville and Tuscola, and we were glad to meet with them. We hoped to have the presence of a messenger to teach us, but as Providence had otherwise ordered, we did the very best we could by ourselves. Our elder read for our benefit several texts out of the Word, and gave his mind on the same, after which we had a social meeting, nearly every one taking part. We believe that all were satisfied and felt that it was good to wait before the Lord, judging from the expression of a brother who was invited to have some refreshments before he went home, who said, “No, I am full; I have had a whole loaf.” It was our secret prayer that none might go empty away while there was enough for all and to spare.
We feel to thank God that through his goodness, Bro. Waggoner came this way. He did us much good. Our hearts are yet warm with the good feeling he created among us, and our prayer is that God will bless him and restore his health and strength, that he may do other churches the same good.
We feel more than ever to thank God for the light of present truth, and it is our determination by his assisting grace to be more faithful in the future, and live nearer to him.
Continue to pray for us all. S. A. DOUD.
Vassar, Mich., Feb. 7, 1867.
News and Miscellany.
Can ye not discern the Signs of the Times? Matt. xvi, 3.
Twenty-Seven Hundred Murders in a Year.
The following paragraph is floating in the papers, like a frightful corpse on a gay and busy stream:
“Senator Roberts, of Texas, paints a horrible picture of affairs in that state. He says that twenty-seven hundred freedmen have been murdered within a year, and the persecution of the unfortunate blacks is so fearful that they are praying for a restoration of slavery as a protection against the murderous hate of the reconstructed white rebels.”
Who has paused as he read this item to reflect on the state of things which it suggests? Texas had a population at the last census of 420,000; Connecticut of 450,000. Supposing then, instead of Senator Roberts, of Texas, it read that Senator Dixon, of Connecticut, says that twenty-seven hundred Irish laborers have been murdered in his state within the year. We could then faintly conceive of the horror of horrors that overwhelmed that state. * On this same ratio Massachusetts should report three times that number murdered in a single year, or over eight thousand of her poor, peaceful, and industrious citizens. New York should report nine times, or twenty-five thousand persons murdered! What horror would freeze every soul at such an announcement. Well might the people, thus driven as sheep to the slaughter, pray for bondage as a protection against such merciless massacre.
Think, too, of the harmless conduct of these slaughtered ones. It is another Massacre of the Innocents. They open not their mouths. They give no provocation. They were taken thither by their masters, who now turn upon them and butcher them. They are faithful, affectionate, laborious, attentive to all the impious demands of the dominant and tyrannizing race, doing all in their power to ward off the terrible fate that hangs over them.
Think, too, of the friends who order or allow this massacre! These white men and women surpass the ancient murderer in hate and cruelty. He ordered but one execution, and that of babes, and for a day. These rage in devilish malice against babe and mother, especially against the fathers and husbands and brothers, by whom their scanty pittance of food is secured. They pursue them not in a single city and for a single day, but from town to town, from plantation to plantation, day and night, year after year.
Who can tell the agonies that have rent those victims’ hearts; the cries and tears that have gone up to God from these his bleeding and dying children? Who can imagine the shuddering with which they lie down at night or go out at day? Every bush is a murderer. Every eye burns coldly and hellishly upon them. Every step they take is into destruction. Twenty-seven hundred bodies bereft of life by open assassination in a single State, in the circuit of this year of grace—the year which many believed, and yet believe, to be prophesied by Daniel and John as the dawn of the millennium. The voice of our brothers’ blood cries to us from the ground; how multitudinous, how awful that wail! Will the nation hear it, and obey the will of God in putting its power into hands that will decree life and liberty to all the inhabitants? “How long, O Lord, how long?” these perishing millions of our brethren cry. Shall we answer, “Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate?” If that is his vision and declaration, be assured this nation will not escape his just and terrible displeasure. As for their thousands annually perishing before the war, we atoned by our tens of thousands slain during the war, so this multitude, daily destroyed by the permission, and therefore by the very power of the government that the North, thus chastised, has erected and allows to exist, will bring upon us further and more dreadful tokens of His judgment. Take heed, O America! for with what judgment ye judge these murderers ye shall be judged, and what measure ye mete to these victims and their slaughterers shall be measured to you again! —Independent.129
Condition of the Papal Treasury.—A Rome correspondent of the Boston Post writes: The Papal Treasury is now bankrupt and has been so for a long time. With increased demands upon it, ruin cannot be long deferred at farthest. The “main nerves,” not of war merely, but of every thing else nowadays, are iron and gold. During the twenty-one years of Pius Ninth’s pontificate the debt of the States of the Church has increased from sixteen millions of scudi (a scudi is one dollar in gold) to one hundred and twenty millions. This is gigantic for a population of seven hundred thousand souls to bear, and in fact it could not be borne were it not for the charitable aid that the Pope receives from without. With the departure of the French and the increase of papal forces rendered necessary by that event for the maintenance of temporal power this debt will be of course enormously increased and cannot be long supported. When Napoleon’s troops were here, Pius Ninth paid no part of their expenses, and did not contribute a sous for their benefit, except providing the men with barracks in old disused monasteries and other localities which cost him nothing. He did not even furnish the officers with lodgings, but they were obliged to pay for them out of their own pockets. The French government defrayed all the expenses of these ten or fifteen thousand soldiers for seventeen years, and it will thus be seen how great was the devotion of that nation and its Emperor to the church. Now these troops are gone and the Pope is suddenly called upon to prepare for the payment of nearly ten thousand new troops. How this is to be done it is hard to understand. If in spite of this giant aid from France, this assumption on its part of so large a share of the annual expenses of the Papal government, the Roman debt has increased to 120 millions of dollars, how long will it take to double this debt now that the yearly expenses are so vastly augmented?
Another Meteor.—On Tuesday night about half-past ten o’clock another meteor was visible from this city, which was of uncommon brilliancy. It made its appearance suddenly in the northern sky, and lighted up the horizon very brightly and entirely eclipsing the rays of the gas lamps, which, of course, is not saying a great deal. The light emitted was of a bluish tinge, and by its vibratory character only differed from that of a powerful reflection.—Detroit Tribune.
Poverty and Destitution Abroad.—Short crops and dullness in trade are making the winter a hard one for the poor in England. The Liverpool papers state that 20,000 persons are receiving parish relief in that city, and there are fears of a bread riot. In East London 130,000 workmen are out of employment, have sold and pawned their last available property, and are suffering in cold and hunger, or getting a meager dole of parish relief. The deaths in London in a single week from cold and hunger were over four hundred, according to official reports. In the manufacturing districts there is great suffering. In Italy the poor are starving. At Venice, 30,000, out of a population of 110,000, are dependent on charity. In the Island of Sardinia the peasants are reduced to eat herbs and roots, like wild beasts. An Italian paper says, “Italy is hungry from the Alps to the Adriatic.” With tens of thousands at home and millions abroad begging for bread, we may realize more than ever before the truth of the Master’s admonition, “The poor ye have with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good.”
The Work in Vermont.
By A. S. Hutchins
The first Sabbath in this month I spent at Sutton, and spoke to the brethren as the Lord gave strength. The next Sabbath I was at Charleston, where I had the pleasing privilege of speaking to, and hearing from, a goodly number of the brethren and sisters. The following Sabbath I was at Irasburgh where we expected a gathering of the brethren from different towns, but a very severe blow and blocking up of the roads, prevented this.
A good and commendable stand is being taken by a portion of the brethren and sisters in these churches on the Health Reform. Others need to feel more on this interesting point, and take a stand where their light can shine. In love we ask, Can any Sabbath-keeper, and especially those who have been long in the truth, eat pork and drink tea to the glory of God? If not, why use them?
We have not felt to press or drive any on these nor any other points of truth; but we affectionately invite all to enter into the work of reform, spiritually and physically, let us correct our wrong habits, appetites and desires, let us form such principles as are health and life-giving, lay hold of the whole truth, walk in the light, that we may ultimately be found with the overcomers, and gain the unspeakable reward of life eternal.
A. S. HUTCHINS.
Quarterly Meeting in Wisconsin.
By William Russell
OUR Quarterly Meeting held Jan. 19 and 20, was well attended by the brethren and citizens of this place. A few brethren came in from other parts. Bro. R. F. Andrews was with us to preach the word. The Lord gave him good liberty in presenting the truth.
Meetings commenced with the Sabbath, opened with prayer by Bro. Gilding of Dell Prairie, followed by a few others, after which Bro. Andrews made some general remarks pertaining to the duty of Christians.
Sabbath forenoon he spoke to us from the parable of the “Ten Virgins,” showing its application to the Advent people in the past, and its connection with other scriptures, thus showing the fulfillment of prophecy in the history of God’s people. This was indeed meat in due season. We felt much strengthened in faith, and more fully determined to see the end of the Christian race.
Met again in the afternoon to commemorate the death and sufferings of the dear Saviour. In the evening, I, by the urgent request of Bro. A., and a desire to give him rest, spoke to a full house on the subject of “Health Reform;” and although intending to speak only a short time, before I was fully aware of how time was passing, an hour and forty minutes had elapsed. I felt obliged to close, leaving the people still anxious to hear.
What a theme the Health Reform presents! How full of interest to all! Yet many still cling to their idols and prejudices, professing to see the hand of God in all other moves his people have made, but do not quite see it in this. Is it not because their god is their appetite, and their senses so benumbed and appetites so perverted from a normal standard, that they cannot see how anything can be good, or health and strength preserving, unless containing a mixture in some way of hog’s lard, or some equivalent, and made strong with salt, pepper, and similar ingredients? Such know not the natural taste of the many good things God has given them; they stand in the way, they will neither go in themselves nor suffer others to enter.
Sunday forenoon and in the evening, Bro. Andrews spoke with much freedom to a full and attentive house, on the evidences in favor of the Sabbath, contrasting them with evidences for the first-day as a Sabbath. We think much prejudice was removed, and all were left without excuse. None but the willfully blind could help seeing how very forcibly it is enjoined on all who would enter life, to keep the commandments of God, which emphatically enjoin the observance of the seventh day. Notwithstanding we had heard and read much on this subject, it never seemed so clear before, and the assumed evidences for Sunday looked absurd in the extreme. We think all truth will look clearer as we merge further and further into the glorious light now shining forth both from the laws of nature, which are also the laws of God, and from the Scriptures of truth, concerning our spiritual and temporal, or physical good. May we all become fully cleansed, purified and sanctified, soul, body and spirit through obedience to the whole truth, is my prayer.
WILLIAM RUSSELL.
Mauston, Wis.
Conference Department.
Exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching. Heb. v. 25.
This Department is designed to fill the same place in the paper that the Conference or Social Meeting does in the worship of God. Speak often one to another to comfort, edify and aid each other in the way of holiness and true Christian experience.
From Bro. Ells.
Bro. Smith: Having been a reader of the Review for the last five years, and a firm believer in the sacred truths it advocates, I deem it my duty to add my testimony with those of like precious faith, scattered abroad, in favor of present truth. There is, in this place, a little company of seven; and we deem it our first duty to try to get ready for the soon coming of our dear Saviour; and to this end we are striving by grace divine, to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. We heartily adopt, and are trying to live out the Health Reform, believing it to be the means which God has appointed to prepare the saints to stand through the time of trouble that is just before us.
We have prayer-meeting and Bible Class every Sabbath, and feel that the Lord meets with us. The Review is nearly all the preaching we have, and we hail its weekly visits with joy. Oh how thankful I am that I have had the privilege of hearing the third angel’s message, and have a disposition to live so that I can claim the promise to the overcomer.
Yours striving for the kingdom.
LEWIS H. ELLS.
Kenyon, Minn., Feb. 3, 1867.
Papal Intolerance.
Suppression of Protestant Worship in Rome—Threats of the Inquisition.
DR. PRIME, editor of the N. Y. Observer, writes to that paper from Rome the following account of the action which preceded the removal of the American Chapel outside the walls of Rome:
ROME, JAN. 4.
For six years and more, the Scotch Presbyterians have had a station here. Indeed, they have two; one the Free Church, the other the Church of Scotland. The chaplains have held service every Sabbath, in their own apartments, with a few of their countrymen, rarely more than thirty or forty being present. These services disturb no one, and the authorities do not notice them. They affect to ignore their existence altogether.
On Saturday, Dec. 29, 1866, the chaplains of these two missions were served with the following warning, issued by the British Consul. I copy it verbatim from the original, now before me:
BRITISH CONSULATE AT ROME, DEC. 21, 1866.
Sir: It is my official duty to inform you that Monsignore Randi, Governor of Rome, has just communicated to me that you are holding illegal religious meetings in your house, which you must know are prohibited by the Roman law, and that you have thus placed yourself in the power of the inquisition, both for arrest and imprisonment.
But as the Monsignore permits me to give you this notice, I would seriously advise that you at once put an end to these innovations, and that you visit Monsignore Randi at Monte Citorio, and assure him that you will never again repeat these illegal acts. I hope in this way you may possibly suspend your exile, which is now hanging over you.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
(signed) Joseph Severin.
To Rev. Jas. Lewis. British Consul.
One of them, Rev. Mr. Williamson, was also informed by the woman whose apartments he had hired, that she would not allow the people to come into the house for public worship any more, and, of course, he had to submit to the woman power and close his chapel.
The other minister, Mr. Lewis, called upon the Duke of Argyle, Mr. Caldwell, Mr. Gladstone, Mr. Odo Russell, and other distinguished British gentlemen here, and took counsel of them, but it was not prudent for them to interfere. He then went directly to the Governor of Rome, in whose hands this matter would lie, and laid the case before him. The result was that Mr. Lewis became satisfied that the Roman government would rather not know anything of his movements, and he might preach and pray in his own house as much as he liked, if he did not make a noise about it. He returned home, and the next day held his usual service; and I had the pleasure of hearing him preach from the words, “And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house (in Rome,) and received all that came in unto him, preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.” Acts xxviii, 30.
If Mr. Lewis gets into the hands of the Inquisition, I will let you know. He has asked me to preach for him next Sunday; and if these letters suddenly come to a close, you may guess what’s the matter.
SATURDAY, January 5, 1867.
Worse than our worst fears—the blow has been struck, and Presbyterians are ordered to desist from public worship in all the Papal dominions.
Yesterday, Mr. O. Russell, as the acting representative of the British Government, had an interview with Cardinal Antonelli, the Prime Minister of the Pope. Mr. Russell expressed his surprise, on being informed that an order had been issued requiring the Scotch Presbyterians to desist from the worship they had been holding in the private houses of their pastors. He asked the Cardinal if he was aware that these meetings had been held for six years past, without objection being made by any one, and if there were any special reason why they were now so summarily suppressed. The Cardinal intimated, in reply, that the Government had for many years past been under restraint; but now that foreign protection was removed, they would administer it according to their own views of duty; that one English chapel was open, and that was enough for the English in Rome.
Mr. Russell said the Cardinal must be aware that the suppression of Presbyterian worship would produce a great excitement in Britain, and the action of the Pontifical government would be loudly condemned. This suggestion, however, produced no effect, and Mr. Russell remarked that the Americans are allowed to have a place of worship. To this the Cardinal answered that the government would attend to that also. Finding argument and remonstrance vain, Mr. Russell retired and reported the result of his interview. The two places of worship are, therefore, peremptorily closed. There is, therefore, no place in Rome, or in the Papal dominions, where Presbyterians are admitted for divine worship.
Paul could preach two whole years in his own hired house, in Pagan Rome. But Papal Rome forbids the Protestant follower of the Apostle to worship God with his friends in his own hired house. Pagan Rome was more tolerant in Paul’s day than Papal Rome in ours.
The Indians.
A scout who has just arrived at Junction City, Kansas, from the West, reports the Cheyennes and Arapahoes Indians, to the number of 1,200 warriors, now on the war path. . . . Late Omaha papers mention the murder by Indians of a number of settlers at the Lawrence Rancho, about 50 miles north-west of Julesburg. The Montana Gazette of the 5th ult. reports that Mr. Rassiel, his wife and two children, and Joseph McKnight, sutler at Camp Cooke, and an Indian guide, were attacked by Indians at Eagle Creek; the latter was killed and Mr. Rassiel was severely wounded. Mrs. Rassiel, who is a squaw, and her two children were taken prisoners, and a waggon, four mules and a saddle-horse were carried off by the Indians. McKnight and Rassiel escaped. . . . Another massacre by the Cheyennes is reported near the head of Smoky Hill River a few days since, under the following circumstances: Wallace’s train, with sixty men, were in camp, when a party of fourteen Indians came begging of the teamsters, who refused to give them anything. The Indians then fired upon them without any effect; the teamsters returning the fire, killed eight of the aggressors. About eight o’clock that night the camp was surrounded by some 200 Indians, who massacred 59 out of 63 men. The man who brought the news had an arrow through his shoulder, and was wounded in the hip. He claims to be one of the four men who escaped. A party of Omaha and Kaws subsequently made a raid on the Cheyennes and captured several head of their stock. One Kaw was killed. . . . A letter received from a soldier at Fort Phil Kearney says the Indians are still hostile and very threatening in that vicinity. It was with difficulty that the bodies of the victims of the late massacre could be buried, owing to the presence in the immediate neighborhood of bands of savages. . . . A San Francisco telegram says that Gen. Crook is actively carrying on war against the Indians in Idaho. It confirms the report of the capture of 100 Indians and a large number of horses.