p. 19 | Review and Herald, Vol. 79, No. 51. (12/23/1902)

British Central Africa

By Joseph Booth

Cholo.— We are now fairly at work, and though there have been some serious discouragements, the encouraging features very largely preponderate. Many new stones of Ebenezer have been made visible, while at other times we have had to say of some events, “An enemy hath done this.” The Branch family were objected to by the British officials without the slightest cause, but finally they prevailed over the prejudice aroused. The small body of Sabbath keepers—a little over forty—have fallen away during the past fifteen months to about half that number, owing largely to the “no-law” or “changed-law” theory of our missionary opponents. Some have become polygamists, arguing that if the law is done away or changed, they may adjust the law as to adultery to suit their former customs, just as white men make the Sunday-keeping custom to suit themselves. At present, therefore, we can count only twenty baptized Sabbath keepers, and of these we have yet to see how many will receive the fuller advent teaching which Brother Branch is quietly unfolding to them.

A most cheering feature is that about thirty new students have come voluntarily from Sunday-keeping missions, in face of the fact that they are called “seceders,” struck off the books of the missions they leave, and are not allowed to mix freely, even as visitors, with their friends at home, lest they infect them with the seventh-day heresy, etc. Almost daily there are new arrivals of this character. One of these is an intelligent, English-speaking youth from the Atonga tribe, from three hundred and fifty to four hundred miles north of this place, from Bandawe, Lake Nyassa, Northend. Most of these are married, since it is the custom here to marry early. Two dollars a month clothes, feeds, and provides a clean, plain home for these students. Fifteen dollars is the cost of a neat, whitewashed three-room house, thatched with grass; or fifty dollars for a four-room brick house, thatched, with a good plot of land attached. Fifty such carefully selected students are sufficient, constantly renewed, to provide for the eight tribes of British Central Africa, reached by the Chinyanja tongue. We have five Yao students, and through their tongue, called Chiyao, we hope to reach some Swahili-speaking tribes. On the whole, it is an advantage to have married students, as we can then train the wife in womanly duties at the same time, and in due course plant them in out-stations, fit to become a modest, cleanly, Christian object lesson to those to whom they are sent.

We all are persuaded that there are

many good Seventh-day Adventist brethren or sisters who would like to make an extra and special effort to support one of these students as their proxy in the field; that is, if the Mission Board see no serious objection to specific offerings of this kind. A native student should not have less than three years’ Bible training. We jointly and separately ask for the support of fifty students at two dollars a month, from individuals or Sabbath schools or churches, as an extra offering. Perhaps some would like to make a gift of a teacher’s brick house, costing fifty dollars. The bamboo and clay houses costing fifteen dollars each, stand only three years, and then have to be rebuilt.

In a former letter I stated that we had two students’ from the Chipeta tribe. Yesterday two men from that people arrived, sent by their chief to ask us to reopen a school at a river called Diampwi, which flows into Lake Nyassa. It is a fourteen days’ journey from here. I say “reopen” because two years ago two of our Sabbath-keeping families asked to be allowed to make a school there, and did so; but for some inscrutable reason the British officials, who do not like to have the ten commandments taught, ordered it to be closed on pain of being burned down.

There is a story in connection with that place, which some might like to hear: In September, 1899, I was a fugitive, as I had taught the laws of God to the natives, telling them that those laws are binding on black and white men alike. This was held to be seditious, so I was hunted for five months. The country around the Diampwi River was notorious for wild beasts, and for a long distance the country was uninhabited and forsaken, so we chose that as a good place to stay. We arrived one afternoon on the banks of the stream, and began to make a sleeping place by cutting down large white thorn bushes, and heaping them close together in a semicircle, using the river at a deep part as one line of defense. In process of clearing away the brushwood we came to a heap of bones, and found we had chosen the lair of some wild beast, but it was too late to change; so we cleared them away, and cut grass to lie upon, making fires inside our thorn fence. An aperture was left for egress or ingress, closed from the inside by a thorn bush, drawn in by the last man to enter. I was tired, and slept well. The natives said they heard lions roaring; I heard hyenas once when I awoke in the darkness, the fires being nearly out; and I heard something else which surprised me. It was two boys—our two present Chipeta students—singing very gently to each other the hymn:—

“We are but little children weak, Nor born in any high estate; What can we do for Jesus’ sake, Who is so high and good and great?”

They sang in the Chinyanja tongue. I did not speak, but felt very grateful; for it seemed to me an angel’s message, which made it quite a pleasant place, and good to suffer a little for the truth. We slept there for some time, and afterward went into Portuguese territory to the Kami wilderness, where we were fed in a wonderful way at a place we called “Cherith,” as a memorial of God’s goodness there. In June, 1900, two teachers asked permission to go back to the Diampwi wilderness to make their homes by the spot where we slept, intending to open a school, in faith that people would come.

Now there are three chiefs who have built many villages there, who followed us from the regions beyond British occupation. A good school was built, and well attended until the officials ordered it to be closed. These chiefs now send the message that they have obtained permission to open the school again. We hope this may be the end of the opposition.

I am delighted to see the gladness of the natives of different tribes to see that Brother and Sister Branch have a visible and acknowledged relationship to them. Plainly they must increase while we must decrease in influence. I think this is as it should be. I sought for friends for the native whom he could at sight receive, and the reception of our colored brethren—so called—is very gratifying; indeed, the interest and confidence is mutual. The daughter and mother seem to be a perfect and unending source of wonderment to the native women. Often strangers—mothers and girls—will come and sit down in silent amazement to watch the movements of Miss Branch or her mother; it seems like a revelation of new possibilities to them.

My last word is, Send clothes; we are besieged for shirts, cotton coats, trousers, women’s and children’s clothing, like the samples left.

JOSEPH BOOTH.

Responses from Our Brethren Concerning the Financial Policy of the General Conference

SINCE the little tract, “Statement and Appeal,” was sent out announcing the financial and missionary policy of the General Conference, and since a statement of that policy by the president of the General Conference appeared in the REVIEW, letters of approval and thanksgiving from our brethren have been coming to the general office. These have been very cheering, and have strengthened the conviction that this decision is of God, and that his people were anxiously waiting and praying for such a stand to be taken. We publish below a few extracts from some of these letters, for the encouragement of our readers:—

THE REVIEW of December 9 reached me this morning. God bless the General Conference Committee for the noble stand they have taken on gospel finance as outlined in your editorial, and in the report of the council. A TRACT SOCIETY SECRETARY.

I praise the Lord for the policy which the resolutions indicate. I believe that it will be an honor and glory to the cause we love. It is not the Lord’s will that we continue to be involved as we have been of late years. The Lord wants his people to be a free people, and not the servants of others. A CONFERENCE PRESIDENT.

I have read with much interest and satisfaction what has appeared in the REVIEW, and also in the “Statement and Appeal.” I am sure that the position taken is sound, and I am also sure that the believers everywhere will rally around the General Conference Committee in carrying out the resolutions. They are tired of the old debt-making way. A MINISTER.

I have been studying what appeared in the REVIEW of December 9 regarding the financial plans of the General Conference Committee. I am glad to know that the committee has come out publicly on that principle. The Lord has been trying for years to lead his people to get out of debt, and I rejoice that they are beginning to see that in God’s light. If each one who takes the name of Christ would pay a full tithe, how much money would come into the cause! AN AGED VETERAN.

The policy of the General Conference, as outlined in a recent REVIEW, of doing business on a cash basis, not only in the home fields, but in the foreign countries, has brought comfort to my own heart, and to a number of others as well. I was personally convinced that this was the right policy, and have been resting contented on that point; but it was a great comfort to see such a clear statement of the matter, and a flat-footed stand on this righteous principle. You can be fully assured that this conference to a man will stand with you in this matter. It will bring confidence as nothing else would. That answers the question that I have had to meet all over the conference, whether or not we shall have other debts to pay on schools, sanitariums, etc., when we have paid the present debts by selling “Christ’s Object Lessons,” and in other ways. Some have said that if they could be assured that the present debts would be the last, they would willingly take hold and help pay them; but for fear that they would not be, some have held back in the work with “Christ’s Object Lessons.” So I am sure that you have adopted a wise policy, and one that all the true, thinking brethren and sisters will indorse. They will stand by those who not only adopt this policy, but live up to it at all hazards. Personally, I believe that it is as truly our privilege to exercise faith in God to raise the money before the debts are made, as it is after they are made to have faith that the Lord will help us raise the money. We have been trying to work here on a cash basis, and shall be glad to indorse in our conference such a policy as has been outlined in the REVIEW. A CONFERENCE PRESIDENT.

I have read with much interest the report in our good REVIEW for December 9 of the council lately held in Battle Creek. I am much interested in the financial policy adopted by the council, which is so plainly stated in the resolutions. I praise the Lord with all my heart that this important decision is made, and I believe that it will encourage all who love the work of the Lord, which we have so long hoped to see close in glorious triumph.

The idea has prevailed among us that when we saw something which ought to be done, it should be done, whether we had the money with which to do it or not, if the money could be secured by loan. Conference committees have thought that they had to do the work faster and on a larger scale than was warranted by the money they had at their command. Thus large debts have

been contracted almost everywhere. This has led us to look to money lenders for help, rather than to God. Then when the money should be paid, we were often in great perplexity, and the burden of raising or borrowing it was generally left to a few. This led some to doubt the love and sincerity of their leaders, and brethren began to criticise one another, which only made matters worse and increased the perplexity.

It is easy to go into debt; the common expression, “to run in debt,” describes it vividly. It is like rolling a snowball downhill on a mild winter day. It is not so easy, however, to get out of debt. It goes slowly. This I have experienced personally as well as in regard to the cause. Debt is a tyrant, and like the Midianites in the time of Gideon, it takes all; and it is also a reproach. Therefore the Lord, who loves his children, and desires that they should be happy, has said: “Thou shalt lend unto many nations, but thou shalt not borrow.” Deut. 15:6; 28:12. And again, “The borrower is servant to the lender.” Prov. 22:7.

We have, indeed, through sad experience, learned the truthfulness of these words; but now that the General Conference Committee has been led to take such a firm stand, I will take courage, and look for better days. May the Lord greatly bless his people, and enable us all to follow his direction in all things, so that the work may soon be accomplished, and the blessed hope realized. A MINISTER.

Christian Greetings:

By A Layman

I have read with much interest your good article in the REVIEW AND HERALD, and would like to express my full sympathy with the points as you have brought them out there. I am much pleased to notice your decided stand that the old debts on our schools should be paid off by the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons” before any other use is made of money from that source.

I am sure our officers will be watched eagerly by the lay members — at least I shall do so — to see whether or not they will keep strictly to it. Many have run headlong into debt without having any just knowledge as to how they would get out of debt in a straight, honest way. Surely, if our people should find out that the same old dance was going on, they would get discouraged, and would entirely lose all interest in the payment of debts, and the good of co-operating in wiping out our denominational debts would be lost. I was forcibly impressed with the hint in your article that something of that kind was coming on us again. It would surely be too bad if it were so. I am glad to say (and I thank God for the privilege) that I, too, am taking a hand in wiping out the debts, having sold about one hundred and twenty copies of “Christ’s Object Lessons,” besides contributing to the Material Fund; so I believe I am entitled to an opinion on this question, even if my opinion is wrong. The Lord knows my heart is in his cause. This debt of ours is a reproach upon his work. This point of being so largely indebted struck me awfully when I first took a stand for the truth. I was almost struggling then whether or not the Seventh-day Adventists could be God’s people with debts to such an enormous extent. Excuse my bad English. I am German, so I cannot do any better. I just thought a hint from lay members might sometimes help more in clearing away mists and clouds, etc., than any help which might come from those who are right in it.

May God bless you and all the workers, and make them chosen vessels of God to do his work.

I always read with great interest the good articles which appear in our papers, and am always eagerly watching and looking for them.

Yours in the blessed hope, A LAYMAN.

No Want in Him

“O FEAR the Lord, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.”

God often lets his people reach the shore as on the planks of a shipwrecked vessel. He deprives us of the cisterns, in order to make us drink out of the fountains of waters. He frequently takes away our supports, not that we may fall to the ground, but that he may himself become our rod and our staff. The embarrassments of his people are only the festive scaffolding on which his might, his faithfulness, and his mercy celebrate their triumphs.—Krummacher.

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” Matt. 7:7, 8. “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.” John 14:13, 14. “Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?” Matt. 6:25–34.

Alexander the Great had a famous but poor philosopher in his court. Being pressed for money, he made application for relief to his patron, who commissioned him to draw whatever cash he required from the treasury. The philosopher presented a request for ten thousand pounds, but the treasurer refused to honor it until he advised with his royal master, adding also that the amount was exorbitant. Alexander replied, “Pay the money at once: the philosopher has done me a singular honor; by the largeness of his request he shows the high idea he has conceived both of my wealth and munificence.” We cannot honor God more than by believing

what he says, and acting under the faith in all our requests at his throne. “Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.”—Anon.

From that time, in the heyday of a splendid young manhood, till the golden glory of a hallowed eventide closed around him, George Müller remained steadfast in his walk of faith. No fixed income had he. Not a penny did he ever ask of man toward his support; yet in the gracious providence of God he wanted “no manner of thing that is good.” The barrel of meal and the cruse of oil were always miraculously supplied. Yea, more, to faith as concerned himself be joined faith as concerned the work of God; and, upon the noble foundation of a childlike trust in the promises, was enabled to rear that enduring memorial of God’s bounteous goodness, which, starting in a small, humble way, grew and increased until it became a marvel in Christendom.—Warne’s Life of George Müller.

Field Notes

Brother G. M. Alway reports four additions to the church at Leadville, Colo., two being by baptism.

Miss Marcella A. Walker reports a pleasant voyage to Rotterdam. She expected to sail from that port for Sumatra, November 29.

In a letter from Rio Janeiro, Brazil, Brother A. B. Stauffer writes that a family in the city have decided to keep the Sabbath, and that others are interested.

Two families have recently accepted the message of present truth at Avinger, Tex., mainly through the work of Brother Somerville at this place last winter.

Dr. W. W. Hills reports ten baptisms at Colorado Springs, Colo., December 3, five of them being members of the Sabbath-school class taught by Sister Finch. There is a call for another series of meetings at that place. Five persons were baptized on the occasion of a recent visit by Dr. Hills to the company at Florence.

Brother W. H. Anderson writes that a prominent missionary in South Africa has petitioned the government to have our mission banished from the country, because they teach the seventh-day Sabbath and other heretical doctrines that unsettle the native mind. Now is the time to carry our work quickly to all these fields.

Since the recent dedication of the new church building in Kansas City, Mo., meetings have been held each evening until December 7, with the result that on December 6 eight persons announced their intention to unite with the church in observing the Lord’s Sabbath. Others had previously reached a like decision, so that during the meetings sixteen additions to the church were received, three of these being by letter.

Our paltry gifts, so out of proportion to what we are spending on ourselves, belittle missionary work. No wonder that the world doubts our sincerity; we must have gifts to match our professions. We say continually that the greatest work in the world, the cause nearest the heart of Christ, is that of foreign missions, and then we back up our statements by an average gift in five of our denominations of one cent a week per member, not one quarter of what we spend for newspapers!—Hon. Samuel B. Capen.

Anywhere, My Saviour

By E. C. Ellsworth

ANYWHERE, my Saviour, lead my willing feet, Only let me clasp thy hand, feel thy presence sweet; Thorns may pierce and snares beset, I will follow thee, Anywhere, my Saviour, if thou leadest me.

Anywhere, my Saviour, only on me smile; Strengthen, guard, and comfort me, let not sin beguile; Dark and toilsome though my way, I will never fear, Anywhere, my Saviour, if thy presence cheer.

Anywhere, my Saviour: only this I pray, Keep me in the narrow path, never let me stray; Sin may plead with siren voice, help me answer, Nay; Kept by thee, my Saviour, I will hold my way. — E. C. Ellsworth.

Silent Messengers

By Editor

Our Books, Tracts, and Periodicals

E. R. PALMER Editor

The Missionary Acre

Money Received on the Missionary Acre Fund

Total cash received on the Missionary Acre Fund previously reported, $1,744.59.

NAME	AMOUNT
Maynard Surber...	$ 10
Haskell Downs...	05
A. L. Haggard...	1 00
Charles Overhiser...	5 00
Elvira Phillips...	2 60
E. A. Collard...	8 50
D. Hildreth...	1 00
Mrs. J. Neall...	5 00
Mrs. G. W. Howland...	5 00
Alice M. Cook...	10 00
Mrs. E. A. Strode...	5 00
Elzzie Buckley...	5 00
Alice Aitken...	2 00
Laura E. Young...	2 00
Mrs. J. G. Green...	1 00
Emma Fitzgerald...	25
Lettie Brock...	25
Ruby Parry...	2 00
Mary A. Wick...	15 00
H. Burgess...	1 80
S. A. Fitch...	18
S. H. Greer...	3 00
E. M. Strong...	8 40
C. M. Excell...	5 00
Mary Miller...	2 00
Mrs. A. K. Thiel...	2 00
Laura B. Weller...	15 62
Stella B. Lowery...	1 00
Verna Miller...	7 00
B. A. Hamilton...	1 00
Sarah A. Yates...	10 00
James Schee...	125 00
Florence Miller...	75
J. H. Miller...	1 00
A. A. Voth...	1 00
A friend...	1 00
A friend...	1 00
A friend...	1 00
Pearl Cheney...	25
O. P. Norderhus...	2 00
Fred Nelson...	5 00
Louis Nelson...	25 00
M. C. Frederickson...	5 00
Lucy A. Pennell...	1 50
Eliza J. Lattin...	50
Mabel Hendrickson...	75
F. D. Starr...	2 00
Edwin Tucker...	1 00
C. Reiswig...	1 00
O. Tronson...	50
A. P. Peterson...	50

Brother Brandt Sells 428 Papers

A PRIVATE letter from Brother Brandt, of Hull, England, states that he sold 216 papers one evening after the Sabbath, and in the course of the following forenoon and afternoon brought the total number up to 428. Among the papers were copies of Good Health and of Present Truth, Brother Brandt preferring to sell both together. With love for souls and a strong determination to reach and help as many as possible, great things can be accomplished.— The Missionary Worker.

Blessings and Difficulties

By Sec. Victorian Tract Society

A Good Word from Australia

In spite of drought, strikes, hard times, and every other trouble which is at present causing men's hearts to fail them for fear, we realize the blessing of the Lord in our work. In these times it takes a living faith in God and his work to stand firm. Satan would turn our hearts and minds to things which are apparently more easy, but now is the time to show our loyalty to heaven, by pushing forward with all our energy, and hastening this work to a glorious finish.

Our canvassers have realized the need of a deeper consecration on their part, and the Lord has blessed their labors accordingly. One writes this week:—

“While delivering, I gave a lady and her husband a Bible reading, and talked with them. The woman was an unconverted person, making no profession, but she decided to serve the Lord. Praise the Lord.”

What a joy it is to the worker to be engaged in “winning souls”! May heavenly wisdom be given to each of us to do this work more effectually. “He which converteth the sinner from the error of his way, shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” Another agent writes:—

“The packet of tracts you sent me came to hand, for which I am very thankful. On Sabbath I had a good talk with some young men who were using tobacco. I gave them tracts on the subject. After a while two of them broke their pipes, and said they would not use tobacco again. I feel sure that these tracts will prove a great blessing. We know not which will prosper, ‘either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.’”

Another sends in a report showing orders to the value of $118.60 for four days' work, and says:—

“These figures are very gratifying. It is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in my eyes. By keeping to the Testimonies I have always been blessed. Early Monday morning it was raining heavily, and I was tempted to run away, but remembered that this is one of the canvasser's troubles, so I pushed on and took six orders. I ask an interest in your prayers. I believe in prayer. When I rely upon God, and self is kept out of sight, I know of a truth that God fulfills his promise. This gives me courage, and my peace is sweet.”

One of our tract societies which has struggled hard for years to get out of debt was enabled to sing the jubilee song this week. The librarian worked hard and continuously to that end, and is now happy in an accomplished work.

We thank God for what we see, and desire to do our own part in hastening his work forward in the earth.

Sec. Victorian Tract Society.

More Practical Help

By A. J. Breed

COLLEGE PLACE, WASH., Nov. 9, 1902.

E. R. Palmer, Battle Creek, Mich.

DEAR BROTHER: I drew an order to-day for one hundred dollars, which you will receive as soon as the mail can take it to you, for the traveling expenses of the canvasser to England. I presume it will be sent to the Mission Board, but I suppose you don't care so long as you get the money.

It did me good to draw the order; for I felt sure that we could do so all right, although we do not have an overflow of funds here; but I trust the liberal heart will be made fat, and we want to be as liberal as we can, and thus assist in carrying on the work.

We are pushing the sale of “Christ's Object Lessons,” and while we have set our stakes, and shall try to close up the work by Jan. 1, 1903, yet if we do not succeed in finishing the work by that time, we shall keep at it until it is done.

With kind regards, I remain, as I always have. Yours very truly, A. J. Breed, President Upper Columbia Conf.

Letters from Canvassers

THE following extracts are copied from an exchange:—

“I am still selling that good book, ‘Patriarchs and Prophets,’ with good success. The evenings are long now, and almost every evening finds me at some fireside, explaining God’s Word to a listening family, or praying with them. I certainly enjoy these seasons, and my soul is watered and kept alive.

“Thus, with ‘the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,’ in my heart, and a tired body from the walking and talking of the day, I am well prepared for sleep. So ‘he giveth his beloved sleep,’ and how sweet it is! With his angels watching over me, I ‘fear no evil.’ Then ‘he waketh [me] morning by morning’ for another day’s work. On bidding the family good-by, I am almost always invited to come again. O, it is good to work for the Lord!”

“I have found out that if we ever get any one else interested, we must first become interested ourselves. We must convince the people that our book contains something which they have not; and in order to do this they must see something in us which they have not seen in any one else; that is, earnestness, the Spirit of God, and a love for their souls. Whether I sell a book or not, I show them that the book was written to save their souls, and that this is just what I am in this work for. I know it has its effect for good. Every evening about four o’clock I find a place to stay all night. I tell them I will canvass their neighbors, and I will be back. I then go to as many homes as I can before it gets dark; and after dark I return to the place where I am to spend the night. In this way I get in eleven hours every day but Friday. This early and late work proves to the people that we are in earnest, and it will prove a wonderful blessing to us both spiritually and financially. The world works early and late, and we have a greater work than they have; so let us push it with all the power that God gives us.”

Current Mention

— Six persons were killed in a railway wreck near Minneapolis, Minn., December 12.

— “Sixty-three persons in Hungary have been frozen to death in the last three days,” says a Vienna telegram dated December 17.

— About one hundred and fifty lives have been lost this season on the Great Lakes. One third of this number perished on Lake Erie.

— A petition signed by 3,500,000 Roman Catholics was presented in the Italian Parliament, December 5, opposing a divorce bill which is under consideration by the government.

— Thirty-three persons were drowned by a sudden inundation of Tamis, a village in the Cape Bon district of Algeria, December 16, consequent on heavy and long-continued rains.

— A conference of several State boards of health will be held in San Francisco during the holidays to consider the situation arising from the presence of bubonic plague in that city.

— Two volcanic craters in the Samoan Islands, which were long supposed to be extinct, broke out into eruption on November 2, following several earthquake shocks. No loss of life has been reported.

— Prohibition was defeated in Ontario, December 4, by popular vote, under the referendum system, about 200,000 votes being cast in its favor, which was 12,700 votes short of the number required for its success.

— A Havana capitalist asserts that on account of the duty on sugar and tobacco imported into the United States from Cuba, it is costing the latter country about $40,000,000 yearly to remain in a condition of independence.

— The city of Andidjan, in Asiatic Russia, was destroyed by an earthquake, December 16, all the houses being leveled to the ground. There was great loss of life, and thousands of the inhabitants are threatened with starvation.

— Two persons were killed by an explosion in the Cleveland waterworks tunnel under Lake Erie, December 14, others being severely injured. This makes fifty-nine victims of the tunnel since the first work was done in its construction.

— The great Nile reservoir at Assuan was formally opened Wednesday, December 10. It is predicted that the irrigation made possible by this dam will double the productiveness of Egypt, and make that country one of the chief granaries of Europe.

— Colombia is reported to be planning an attack on Nicaragua, for the double purpose of seizing the Mosquito strip of territory through which the projected Nicaragua canal would pass, thus obtaining control of territory necessary to either the Nicaragua or Panama route; and of giving employment to the Colombian army, within which another revolution might easily start.

— Secretary of the Treasury Shaw has notified Wall Street that the United States Treasury can loan the New York banks no more money, and whatever further funds may be required by the volume of business must be provided from another source. Many are predicting a money stringency, and some even a panic, in the near future, among the latter being J. J. Hill, the railway magnate. Meanwhile New York bankers have raised a fund of $50,000,000 to meet the anticipated emergency.

— Twelve “poison eaters” have begun a course of experiments at Washington under the direction of the Department of Agriculture to determine the effects upon the human system of the substances with which foodstuffs are commonly adulterated in this country. They will first eat wholesome food carefully prepared under a medical inspector, and the physical characteristics of each one, with the exact amount of food required for health, will be accurately determined; and after a two weeks’ diet on this plan, half of them will begin eating food which contains adulterants, preservatives, and coloring matter, such as are in general use in foods sold in the American market. After being kept on this diet for a period of sufficient length to note its effects, they will be put back on to a pure food diet, and the other six will begin their “poison” diet. The experiments will be continued about six months.

— International attention has been chiefly centered the past few days upon the hostile demonstrations on the coast of Venezuela, where German and British war vessels had gathered to await the result of the ultimatum sent to President Castro, demanding an immediate settlement of German and British claims against that country. Upon President Castro’s refusal to accede to the demands made, two Venezuelan forts at Puerto Cabello were bombarded and destroyed by the hostile naval force, the garrison of one fort being made prisoners; and several vessels of the Venezuelan navy were sunk and one captured by a German cruiser. The United States notified Germany and Great Britain that it would not consent to a war by them upon Venezuela, and United States Minister Bowen at the Venezuelan capital was instructed to do all in his power to effect an agreement between the belligerent parties. Meanwhile Italy joined with Germany and England in demanding settlement of indemnity claims against Venezuela, and the Italian consul was recalled from the Venezuelan capital. Next, France and Belgium were heard from with claims against Venezuela, France asserting that her claims antedate all others. Public sentiment in Great Britain seems to be suspicious of Germany, the impression being that the alliance is calculated to benefit Germany more than England. In some quarters the demonstration is regarded as an effort to test the Monroe doctrine, and determine to what extent acts of aggression on the lesser American republics by European powers will be permitted by the United States. On December 17 President Castro, at the instance of the leading business men of Caracas, the Venezuelan capital, authorized United States Minister Bowen to effect a settlement with the European allies, and it is hoped that on this basis an arrangement for peace will be effected.

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