Earlier text: Confession the Pathway to HealthReport of Pennsylvania Camp-meeting
By R. A. Underwood
No doubt others will give a report of the Pennsylvania camp-meeting held at Kingston, but as most of the general laborers left before the meeting closed, I wish to notice a few points in connection with this important gathering in Pennsylvania. Those from abroad who assisted at the meeting were Elders Daniells, Cottrell, and Mattson, also Professor Griggs and Brother S. N. Curtiss. Elder Miles was present also during the last few days. It was thought wise by the brethren at this meeting to divide the conference, forming two conferences to occupy the territory formerly known as the Pennsylvania Conference. Owing to the action of the Conference in the division, there was considerable labor brought into the conference, in committee work, etc., in making adjustments of conference property, etc., dividing the laborers to carry forward the work properly in both new conferences. Our brethren and sisters, who were representatives from nearly all parts of the State, entered heartily into the arrangements to make a proper distribution of labor and an equitable disposition of the property between the two conferences. Owing to the fact that our headquarters have been, and are now, at Williamsport, and we have a property there not disposed of, it was decided that the tract society should continue as heretofore, acting for both conferences until such time as some disposition can be made of the property at Williamsport. In the Western Pennsylvania Conference there will be three tents occupying the field during the summer. These will be located at Pittsburg, McKeesport, and Port Allegany. In the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference it seems a necessity to carry forward more than our financial condition would warrant, but we have undertaken the work, trusting the Lord to raise up means to sustain it. One tent will be pitched in Kingston, to follow up the camp-meeting interest. Elder Shrock, assisted by other workers,17will have charge. Elder Schilling will conduct an effort at Reading; Elder Fitzgerald will be in North Philadelphia, Elder Lukens in West Philadelphia, Elder Smith in Harrisburg, each minister having assistants to aid in the work. This will mean quite an outlay of means, considering the resources from which we shall now have to draw in the eastern conference. Our population in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference is equal to, or greater than, that of the Greater New York Conference, which receives quite a large appropriation from the General Conference, and also from the Atlantic Union Conference. In making the division of the conference, the expense of running the work has necessarily been increased; but the advantages to be gained by the division seemed, in the minds of the brethren generally, to overbalance the disadvantages. Our camp-meeting, from the beginning to the close, was an excellent one. There were five persons baptized the first Sunday, and the last Sunday twenty-two were baptized. Owing to the fact that heavy rains visited our camp and all this vicinity during a considerable portion of the time, and the weather was very cold for this season of the year, our attendance from the city was not large. However, on the first Sunday, both in the afternoon and in the evening, the tent was fairly well filled, and on the last Sunday in the afternoon the attendance was larger than at any other meeting. Just before this meeting began, some written questions were handed in by those not of our faith, touching the Sabbath question; this made it necessary to dwell largely upon this question during the closing meeting. The people seemed deeply interested, and we are certain that a general interest has been awakened. We hope that a considerable number will be gathered in as the fruit of the camp-meeting and the labor which will follow; and we desire that God's people, not only in this State, but everywhere, will remember the laborers in Wilkesbarre and Kingston, as they follow up the work already begun. Our brethren much appreciated the good counsel of Elders Daniells and Cottrell, as well as their labors during the time they were with us. Professor Mattson, of South Lancaster, was with us during the entire meeting, and his talks were much appreciated by all, both young and old. There are now two field secretaries in charge of the canvassing work in the State, one in each conference, also two Sabbath-school secretaries. These departments of the work will have some advantage from the labors of those who have engaged in the work themselves. Our brethren enjoyed the camp-meeting, although the attendance of our people was small, owing to various causes, among which we might mention the continued drought, which has brought a measure of discouragement to our brethren in the western part of the State, especially to the farmers. But this condition was thoroughly changed during the camp-meeting, when the rain poured down in continued showers from day to day. Although the laboring brethren take up their work full of courage, yet there is a feeling of sadness in connection with the division of the conference, as the brethren who have heretofore met annually in conference and camp-meeting will hereafter be in different conferences. But we trust that the Lord will bless the step taken, and that it will prove an advantage to both fields in developing men and women to bear responsibilities and carry forward the work more rapidly. My own relation to this field in which I have labored for several years is somewhat changed. Our Western Pennsylvania Conference has selected Elder E. J. Dryer as their president, with a good, strong committee to carry forward the work in that field. I expect to see the work advance rapidly in that conference. The eastern field is more conservative, being settled by the Quakers and sects of a similar character, and a large section occupied by the Pennsylvania Dutch. However, when these people are once reached, they form a good, substantial people. This eastern field will require faithful, untiring labor. It will require more means and more labor to raise up Sabbath-keepers in the east than in the west, owing to the conditions already mentioned. At least, this has been our experience for years. We earnestly solicit the prayers of God's people in behalf of the brethren who will labor in these two new conferences. One of the most favorable features of our camp-meeting is that very few indeed left the grounds without realizing that God had made them free in him, and the brethren and sisters return to their homes to labor in their own churches, or in the field, as Providence directs, with increased courage and strength. May the Lord greatly increase the number of believers, and may many precious souls be added to the church of Christ during the coming year. OSWEGO COUNTY.—Since my last report I have been seeking to encourage our people of this county in the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons,” by going out myself and selling that book to people not of our faith. Although the time of year was very unfavorable, forty-seven orders were obtained. Wherever I have been among the churches, it has been my earnest endeavor to speak faithfully and wisely the “word in season,” and I trust it has been with good results. Although our churches are often obliged, for the glory of God and the good of his cause, to accept and make the best of situations brought about by wrong-doing on the part of some of their members, they ought never to be left without witness against the wrong and for the right. It was with this end in view that the Pulaski church, which has been passing through a critical period, recently passed, without a dissenting vote, a resolution to the effect that the building erected for a church be used as a place of meeting, with the understanding that the church disavowed all sanction of, and responsibility for, the wrong course of action pursued in its erection. The writer also had the pleasure of addressing upon a number of occasions the people not of our faith who attended the Sunday evening prayer-meetings held by the Minetto church. Five or six for the first time in public signified their intention of living for Christ. The credit is due, not to the writer, but to the members of the church, who, together with Miss Jackson, the church school teacher, have labored most heartily in the endeavor to make the school what it should be,—a means of reaching the people at large, as well as the children under its immediate care. E. A. RAYMOND. Iowa Conference Proceedings
By Flora V. Dorcas
The fortieth annual session of the Iowa Seventh-day Adventist Conference convened on the camp-ground at Colfax, Iowa, May 29 to June 7, 1903. At the first meeting the following motion was passed: “That the conference appoint a committee of fifteen to act in connection with the conference committee in the preparation of business matters to be brought before the conference at this time, and that the chairman of said committee be selected by the committee itself; also that the subcommittees on nominations, credentials, and licenses, plans of labor, and any other committees it may deem advisable shall be appointed by the above committee.” This committee and the subcommittees were appointed. The president’s address, and reports from those leading out in different departments of work, spoke encouragingly of the interest and the progress during the year. Six of our workers had gone to foreign lands, and our conference is supporting seven workers in other fields. The treasurer’s report showed a cash balance on hand of $6,843.42. The following recommendations were adopted:— “Whereas, The definite call that we should now rise and finish the work of carrying the third angel’s message to the world is also a call to us as individuals and churches to support the foreign mission work by our prayers and by our offerings; and,— “Whereas, The work in foreign fields is languishing because of our lack of support; therefore,— 1. “Resolved, That we will definitely work to the end that our mission contributions shall reach an average of ten cents a week for each member in each church, and that we urge ministers and church officers to agitate the matter until this plan is regularly and systematically carried out. “Whereas, To receive only is to become like the stagnant waters of the Dead Sea; and,— “Whereas, God has said that if there is one work more important than another, it is to get our publications into the hands of the people,— 2. “Resolved, That we urge all our people to be zealously active in selling and loaning books and in distributing tracts and papers, and that we ask our laborers to instruct and encourage them in this work. 3. “Resolved, That we urge our president and laborers to be on the lookout for suitable persons to enter the canvassing work and to use every proper effort to induce them to take up that work. “Whereas, God has plainly spoken concerning the importance of the education of our youth in the Word of God and in industrial pursuits; and,— “Whereas, The work of establishing an industrial academy is already begun,— 4. “Resolved, That we recommend that the work be pushed without delay, and that great care be exercised that the instructions given by God in the Testimonies be carefully studied and followed, and that we pledge our moral and financial support to make it what God would have it be. “Whereas, The General Conference has called an educational council to meet at College View, Neb., June 12-21, one of whose first duties will be to devise a feasible method of supporting our church school teachers; therefore,— 5. “Resolved, That we request our conference committee to study such plans as may be devised, and at an early date adopt such a plan for Iowa as may seem advisable. “Whereas, The principles of Christian education are vital truths at this time,— 6. “Resolved, (a) That we urge that a vigorous effort be made to instruct our churches in these truths; (b) That we request the conference committee to make diligent effort to obtain a properly instructed and trained corps of church school teachers. 7. “Resolved, That the conference committee be requested to provide a chaplain for our sanitarium who shall be competent to instruct the nurses and others in the great truths of the third angel’s message. 8. “Resolved, That the needs of the mission fields be kept before our Sabbath-schools as an incentive to liberal contributions. 9. “Resolved, That our Sabbath-schools set apart the contributions of one or more Sabbaths in each quarter, as may be necessary for the expenses of the school, all contributions of the remaining Sabbaths to be given to missions. It is understood that this does not affect the established plan of giving to the Orphans’ Home two yearly donations. 10. “Resolved, That we approve of the plan that Sabbath-school officers be elected by the church. 11. “Resolved, That the plans for the home department work and branch Sabbath-school work be pushed as vigorously as possible throughout the field.18 “That the conference committee be requested to appoint a religious liberty secretary, and that they assist him in stirring up our people on this important subject.” Credentials were granted to L. F. Starr, C. A. Washburn, L. F. Trubey, E. G. Olsen, B. E. Fullmer, B. L. Dieffenbacher, J. H. Kraft, C. T. Adams, T. H. Jeys, F. A. Washburn, W. B. Everhart, U. P. Long, E. E. Gardner, J. O. Beard, C. F. Stevens, W. E. Frederick, N. C. Bergersen. Ministerial licenses were granted to N. L. McClintock, J. W. Dorcas, Wm. J. Johnson, Mrs. G. R. Hawkins, Arthur McClintock, J. W. Crouse, Calvin Starr, Clarence Rentfro, Arthur French, George H. Skinner, Paul Curtis, F. M. Corbaley, Floyd Brailliar, H. L. Stenberg, G. A. Larson. Missionary licenses were granted to Mrs. Flora V. Dorcas, W. H. Cox, Earl D. Hahn, Katie Earle, Jessie Welsh, Della Wallace, J. N. Moore, Lloyd Manfull, A. F. Ferguson, Ed. Swap, J. C. Clemens, Margaret Young, Arthur Rhoads, Tillie Earle, Nellie McWilliams, Minnie Hahn, Anna Burke, Otis M. Kittle, E. J. Dietel, M. H. Serns, Fannie Black, A. A. Zipf, Emma Poch. H. Rorholm and G. R. Hawkins were recommended for ordination and credentials. The following conference officers were duly elected: President, L. F. Starr; Vice-President, B. E. Fullmer; Conference Committee, L. F. Starr, B. E. Fullmer, N. C. Bergersen, B. L. Dieffenbacher, C. A. Washburn, J. W. Dorcas, J. H. Kraft; Conference Secretary, Mrs. Flora V. Dorcas; Treasurer, J. W. Dorcas; Corresponding Secretary of the Sabbath-school Department, Mrs. Flora V. Dorcas; Assistant, Nellie McWilliams; State Agent, J. W. Crouse; Church School Superintendent, Floyd Brailliar; Corresponding and Field Secretary of the Young People’s Society, Della Wallace; Secretary of the Tract Society, J. O. Beard; Assistant, Mrs. Nettie Shaw; Stenographer and Office Helper, Teckla Nelson, Trustees of the Seventh-day Adventist Association, L. F. Starr, C. A. Washburn, C. G. Johnston, C. W. Smouse, J. W. Crouse, J. H. Kraft, N. C. Bergersen. MRS. FLORA V. DORCAS,
Secretary. Among the Churches in Kansas
By R. W. Parmele
ON account of severe illness with typhoid fever last summer, I was out of the work during the fall and winter. From January 20 to February 2 my wife (formerly Dr. Lydia E. Kynett) and I were with the church at Altoona. The doctor gave instruction in health principles, and I preached fifteen times to the church. Three were baptized, and we believe the church was encouraged. From February 2-26 we visited Topeka, Ozawkie, Pittsburg, and Ft. Scott. February 27 we arrived in Hutchinson to attend the missionary institute which had just begun. We remained in that city until April 7, holding evening services in our church with a good interest. During the first three weeks of the time Dr. Parmele gave instruction in the institute in the principles of healthful living, and I in Bible. In many respects this was the best institute that it has ever been my privilege to attend. About thirty men and women, ranging in age from eighteen to sixty, went from it to labor in the great harvest field. During the meeting twenty-one were added to the Hutchinson church, twelve of whom I baptized. We then visited Halstead, Newton, Elk City, and Humboldt. At all these places we enjoyed much of the Lord's blessing in laboring for souls. Three were baptized at Newton. April 28 we came to Ft. Scott, and began housekeeping in comfortable quarters, where the doctor could have an office in connection with our living rooms. Just two doors north of us we have a hall rented, located on the first floor, where we expect to hold our regular Sabbath meetings, and where my wife is at present conducting a school of health. The school is quite well attended by some of the best people in the city, and it is exerting an influence for good. June 5 we began a series of tent meetings on a vacant lot just south of our residence. The attendance has been good from the first, and the prospect is most encouraging. Last Sabbath I baptized two, who will unite with a church here as soon as an organization can be effected. Last night (Sunday, June 28) I spoke on "The Seal of God and the Mark of the Beast" to a congregation of about two hundred of the best people in the city. At the close of the discourse eight publicly promised for the first time that they would obey the truth that they had heard. During the winter four Bible workers have been engaged in the work here, and there is considerable fruit of their labor manifest. Our present force consists of four Bible workers, two canvassers, Brother V. W. Robb, who has charge of the singing, and also cares for the tent, Dr. Parmele, and myself. The permanency that our residing here gives has a good effect upon the people, and the medical work that the doctor is doing gives us influence not always enjoyed by our tent companies. But we realize that this is laying upon us added responsibility, and we are all seeking God for wisdom to be able to bear it. Brethren and sisters, will you not aid us by your prayers? R. W. PARMELE. Healdsburg College
By H. G. Lucas
The religious experience of the students of Healdsburg College for the year just closed was gratifying. The Holy Spirit brought deep conviction, and many were converted during the last six or eight weeks of school. Prayer-meetings were held almost every day at chapel hour, and at the college home in the evening. From day to day the interest increased, and it was a cheering sight to see our youth take their stand for right and truth, and by voice and the change of habits confess an indwelling Saviour. Instead of having commencement exercises, the faculty advised a change that proved most pleasing. Class recitations and examinations were carried on without interruption during the last week of school until Friday morning, May 29, at ten o'clock, when all the students and their friends assembled in the college chapel for the closing exercises. These consisted of a grand social meeting in which students, teachers, and friends took part, and many spoke, telling of their love for God, of their failures and successes, and of their hope for the future. Hearts were touched, the Spirit was guiding the meeting, and it was good to be there. When the final call was given for those who loved God, and for those who would yield to him, to rise, the response was unanimous. It was an inspiration to the teachers as they saw all the students stand on the Lord's side, and they knew that their work was blessed of Heaven, and that its influence would be felt throughout all eternity. Then in a few well-chosen words, Professor Cady presented certificates to those who had finished their courses, sixteen in all,—one from the normal, three from the preparatory medical, seven from the teachers', four from the business, and one from the shorthand courses. This meeting lasted about three hours, and all felt that this school had closed, as every school should close, in the power of the Spirit. We have a noble army of young men and women in this denomination whom we can take into our confidence, and through whom God will do great things for the uplifting of humanity. Sister White came from St. Helena the last day of school, and spoke to the students and teachers at the Sabbath morning services. She advised all to become “fishers of men,” taking Luke 5: 1-11 as the basis of her remarks. Evening after Sabbath a musicale was given by Professor Beardslee. The students were invited to enter the canvassing field, and an institute was held during the last few weeks of school. At least eighteen students and teachers are going out to canvass for, “Great Controversy,” “Bible Readings,” “Home Hand-Book,” “Education,” etc. May the Lord prosper every canvasser. Our summer quarter will open July 6. A six weeks' course for church school teachers will begin August 3. Another Dedication in Jamaica
By Hubert Fletcher
THIS (the John's Hall Company) is the fourth company of Seventh-day Adventist believers that has been raised in this parish. As in other places in the island, the truth found its way to their hearts through reading and the influence of brethren from other places. In the year 1900 this company began to hold their meetings in the houses of Brethren Burke and Paul. In August, 1901, a spot of land (the present site) was given by Brother Edward Allen for a church, and a cocoanut-thatched booth was built, in which services were conducted for a little more than a year. Plans were then laid for the erection of a permanent place of worship. The wood and a place for a lime kiln were kindly given by the United Fruit Company, on the Golden-Vale estate, one and one-half miles away. In October, 1901, the brethren went to the woods and sawed the uprights, rafters,19sills, plates, etc. The stones were gathered principally by the sisters, and other materials were bought. All these—the lime, lumber, stone, and materials bought—the brethren had to carry on their heads from far distances, and over difficult places. Thus the whole church has been carried on their heads. We laid the foundation last September, raised the building in October, and completed it in May, 1903. Not one farthing has been paid for labor, all the work being done by the brethren. God's will was in the builders' thought;
God's hand unseen amidst us wrought;
Through mortal motive, scheme, and plan,
His own eternal purpose ran. Through persistent efforts money has been raised from time to time, and our bills have all been paid. The 31st of May was chosen for the dedication. Thirteen days before that date, it began to rain, and continued until the morning of the 31st. John's Hall, being high upon the mountains, is a healthful place, and is almost surrounded with rivers. These, being flooded by the continued rains, prevented the attendance of a large number who were expected to the dedication. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Elder Richardson, and the prayer was offered by Elder Beckner. The occasion was enjoyed by all. Praise the Lord, another beacon-light is set up to shine forth the praises and glory of Jehovah. T. H. PAINTER
By T. H. Painter
LYNCHBURG.—We began tent meetings in Lynchburg June 7, with a fair attendance. There are quite a goodly number interested, but it is hard to move them to take their stand on the side of truth. Still I think there are some who will accept the truth. There are about forty Sabbath-keepers here and in the country near by, as the result of our meeting here last year. Elder Hottel is with me now. There is a good interest in Bedford County, where I held meetings in March and April. Some are keeping the Sabbath there, and are calling for a laborer. BROTHER M. B. VAN KIRK, who is elder of the church at Eagle Lake, Minn., reports ten accessions to the company there by baptism. ELEVEN souls were baptized at Kingston, Jamaica, and eight in the San Juan River, three miles from Port of Spain, Trinidad, during April. AT Cleveland, Tenn., June 13, eight persons were baptized by Brother G. W. Wells. The same day two others, a man and his wife, began the observance of the Sabbath. A LETTER written from Calcutta about the middle of May reported the arrival of the type and cutter and stitcher for their printing office. An office has been secured near the present headquarters, where they have set up their press. THE new church building in Georgetown, British Guiana, was dedicated in March. The mayor of the city gave an address, in which he welcomed Seventh-day Adventists to Georgetown, stating that he believed they were doing a good work in British Guiana. A CABLE has been received announcing the safe arrival of Brother and Sister J. H. Watson and their little son at our Nyassa Mission station. They spent almost three weeks in Cape Town, between boats, becoming acquainted with the work in South Africa. ELDER HARRY ARMSTRONG and his wife arrived in Calcutta, India, May 25. These friends have been laboring in England for several years. Our workers in India were very much in need of the additional help. It is probable that Brother Armstrong will make Bombay his field of labor. At present they will be located in Calcutta. BROTHER W. M. CUBLEY reports six persons keeping the Sabbath in the vicinity of Grosvenor, west Texas, as the fruits of a course of meetings which at the time of writing were still in progress. The opposition encountered was very great, but the interest manifested was excellent, and many others appeared to be on the point of deciding for the truth. THE following notes of progress in the Oklahoma Conference come from the president, Elder G. F. Haffner:— “The work of God is moving forward in Oklahoma. We have received some very encouraging reports from different parts of the conference, telling how the Lord is working. More calls for help are coming in than we can fill. Our tent companies have good prospects for success this summer, and we hope that many souls will accept the truth through their efforts. Dear brethren, pray for them. It does my heart good to look over the excellent reports of our canvassers. It seems they are doing well. Our people are building several churches this year. A few weeks ago a house was dedicated at Cooper, at Woodward another is about ready for dedication, and a third is nearing completion at Gage. In Perry a church was dedicated shortly before the General Conference. There are prospects of several more being erected in the near future.”20 AT Star, Tex., a church of twenty members has been organized under the labors of Brother C. Sorenson. The prospect is bright for a number of additions at an early date. THE Sabbath-schools of the South African Conference are devoting the offerings of the first six months of this year to mission work in Barotseland. ELDER M. H. GREGORY writes from Panther Creek, I. T.: “Our work at Panther Creek is still on. Four were baptized last Sabbath and joined the church. We are still looking for others.” Receipts of the Mission Board Treasurer for the Quarter Ending June 30, 1903
WEEKLY OFFERINGS.— Atlantic Union Conference, $449.06; Canadian Union Conference, $51.07; Central Union Conference, $562.67; Lake Union Conference, $716.30; Northern Union Conference, $86.00; Pacific Union Conference, $1,212.46; Southern Union Conference, $85.16. Total, $3,162.81. SECOND TITHE.— Northern Union Conference, $594.18. GENERAL FUND FOR MISSIONS.— Atlantic Union Conference, $384.45; Bay Islands, $1; Canadian Union Conference, $10; Central Union Conference, $1,266.04; Lake Union Conference, $582.40; Northern Union Conference, $1,587.70; Pacific Union Conference, $2,542.07; Southern Union Conference, $2.50; Southwestern Union Conference, $33.76. Total, $6,409.92. ANNUAL OFFERING.— Atlantic Union Conference, $1,705.13; Central Union Conference, $306; Lake Union Conference, $474.88; Pacific Union Conference, $3,175.75. Total, $5,661.76. SABBATH-SCHOOL DONATIONS.— Atlantic Union Conference, $544.07; Canadian Union Conference, $80.27; Central Union Conference, $1,054.91; Lake Union Conference, $706.33; Northern Union Conference, $122.45; Pacific Union Conference, $910.60; Southern Union Conference, $74.27; Southwestern Union Conference, $95.57. Total, $3,588.47. CHINESE FIELD.— Atlantic Union Conference, $5; Central Union Conference, $81; Lake Union Conference, $27.02; Northern Union Conference, $1.85. Total, $115.77. INDIAN FIELD.— Atlantic Union Conference, $52.15; Brazil, $2.49; Central Union Conference, $29.12; Jamaica, $10.27; Lake Union Conference, $102; Northern Union Conference, $2.93; Pacific Union Conference, $2.75. Total, $201.71. EUROPEAN FIELD.— Atlantic Union Conference, $307.79; Central Union Conference, $105; Lake Union Conference, $42.30; Northern Union Conference, $109.90; Pacific Union Conference, $1,033.52. Total, $1,598.51. AFRICAN FIELD.— Atlantic Union Conference, $8.10; Canadian Union Conference, $2.50; Central Union Conference, $95.80; Lake Union Conference, $6.50; Northern Union Conference, $372; Pacific Union Conference, $41; Southern Union Conference, $3.50. Total, $529.40. WEST INDIAN FIELD.— Atlantic Union Conference, $29.28; Northern Union Conference, $23.86; Pacific Union Conference, $6. Total, $59.14. SOUTH AMERICAN FIELD.— Atlantic Union Conference, $19; Central Union Conference, $200.54; Northern Union Conference, $5; Pacific Union Conference, $21.30. Total, $245.84. POLYNESIAN FIELD.— Atlantic Union Conference, $2; Central Union Conference, $13.50; Lake Union Conference, $219.83; Pacific Union Conference, $88.96. Total, $324.29. CANADIAN FIELD.— Canadian Union Conference, $263; Central Union Conference, $1. Total, $264. JAPANESE FIELD.— Central Union Conference, $14.10; Lake Union Conference, $5.86; Northern Union Conference, $6.68; Pacific Union Conference, $4.38. Total, $31.02. SOUTHERN FIELD.— Central Union Conference, $20.43; Lake Union Conference, $25; Northern Union Conference, $3.75. Total, $49.18. SCANDINAVIAN RELIEF FUND.— Atlantic Union Conference, 61 cents; Central Union Conference, $24.75; Lake Union Conference, $30.40; Northern Union Conference, 50 cents; Pacific Union Conference, $211.59; Southwestern Union Conference, $1. Total, $268.85. AUSTRALIAN FUND.— Central Union Conference, $1,007; Lake Union Conference, $7. Total, $1,014. SKODSBORG SANITARIUM.— Atlantic Union Conference, $17.50; Central Union Conference, $96.61; Lake Union Conference, $2.21; Pacific Union Conference, $100. Total, $216.32. GREATER NEW YORK FUND.— Central Union Conference, $8. Weekly offerings ............ $ 3,162.81
Second tithe ................. 594.18
General fund for missions .... 6,409.92
Annual offerings ............. 5,661.76
Sabbath-school donations .... 3,588.47
Scandinavian Relief Fund ..... 268.85
Skodsborg Sanitarium ......... 216.32
Australian Fund .............. 1,014.00
Chinese field ................ 115.77
Indian field ................. 201.71
European field ............... 1,598.51
African field ................ 529.40
West Indian field ............ 59.14
South American field ......... 245.84
Polynesian field ............. 324.29
Canadian field ............... 264.00
Japanese field ............... 31.02
Southern field ............... 49.18
Greater New York Fund ....... 8.00
English sanitarium ........... 1,907.30
Washington (D. C.) church .... 509.04
$26,759.51 — A new city hall is projected in New York City, to be forty-five stories in height. — Twenty persons lost their lives by a cloudburst in southwestern Texas, July 2. — Great damage was done to property at Peru, Ind., and vicinity by a rain storm, July 2. — There is growing hostility between Austria and Hungary, and grave apprehension is felt that an open rupture will be the outcome. — Bulgaria has sent a note to the European powers asking that Turkey be restrained from military operations on the Bulgarian frontier. — The completion of the Pacific cable line between the Philippine Islands and San Francisco is announced from Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands. — President Loubet of France recently refused to receive a visiting delegation of English Catholics whose object was to protest against the expulsion of the Catholic religious orders from France. — Snow flurries were reported from all parts of Montana, July 2. There have been recent cold rains, and the crops are generally in a bad condition. — The reform element in the Jewish church are considering the advisability of drawing up a new creed, the outlines of which were submitted to the gathering of Jewish rabbis at Detroit, July 2. — Grasshoppers have completely devastated a section in Montana around Forsyth, seventy miles long and fifty wide, and the plains are dotted with carcasses of cattle which have died of starvation. — Silver ore from the mines of Chile, South America, is shipped to the United States for smelting. Fifty-two car-loads of such ore came through Texas recently, for Colorado smelters. The ore was valued at $8,000,000. — A report from Walla Walla County, Wash., stated recently that vegetation in that section was menaced by army worms, which were observed traveling in a column one hundred and fifty yards wide and three miles long. — Russian troops have entered Korea, according to a dispatch from Seoul, dated June 28. — The State of Texas has begun actions against labor unions under its anti-trust law, such unions being regarded as labor trusts. — Ten persons were killed in the Heron Lake region of Minnesota by a cyclone which swept over that region June 30. Near Wilder, Minn., the same day, a cyclone destroyed property for a distance of eight miles, three persons being killed. — The English education act which stirred up the opposition of the non-conformist churches in England, is being enforced by the seizure and sale of household effects wherever people refuse, as some are doing, to pay the education dues. — A bug which is an exterminator of the cotton weevil is reported to have appeared in Caldwell County, Texas. The bug does not injure the cotton plant, and if reports of its work are true, will be worth many millions of dollars to Southern planters. — Count Cassini, the Russian ambassador, has returned to Russia, and it is rumored that he may not resume his political position in this country, his government being displeased at his failure to prevent the action taken by the United States over the Kishineff affair. — An automobile race of 370¾ miles in Ireland, July 2, was run by the winner in six hours and thirty-six minutes. England, France, Germany, and America were represented in the race. Only one machine was wrecked, the occupants being severely hurt, but not killed. — The Jewish petition to the czar in regard to the Kishineff massacre will be forwarded to the Russian government, it is stated, notwithstanding the objection of the latter to receiving it. Relations between the United States and Russia are somewhat strained, but the chief difficulty is in regard to the “open door” in Manchuria. — The present year is a record-breaking one as regards foreign immigration to this country. The New York Times says: “The number of immigrants coming through the port of New York for the fiscal year ended last night [June 30] was 125,133 greater than for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1902. The totals are 604,924, as against 479,791.” — There is considerable excitement at Tien-Tsin, China, over the gathering of the British, American, and Japanese fleets in the northern part of the gulf of Pechili, and it is believed that much significance is attached to their movements. It is asserted that no less than fifty-seven Russian war-ships are assembled at Port Arthur. The Japanese reserve officers, who were on leave in north China, have been called home. — The Methodist Protestant, Congregational, and United Brethren churches in Pennsylvania are trying to effect a union, and subcommittees from each were appointed to meet and decide on a plan of action, to report the same at a meeting of the advisory committees of these churches in Pittsburg, July 1. It is expected, however, says a Pittsburg dispatch, that the Congregationalists will make demands which will prevent the union from being realized.21 — A shocking mine disaster is reported from Hanna, Wy. By an explosion of fire-damp in one of the coal mines there 200 miners who were under ground at the time are believed to have been killed. Twenty-eight dead bodies were recovered soon after the explosion. — A terrible railway accident is reported from Spain. Between Bilbao and Saragossa, June 27, a train which was filled with passengers fell from a bridge over the Nejerilla River, and a large proportion of the passengers were killed by the fall, or drowned in the river. One report states that one hundred dead bodies have been recovered. — Prohibition in Maine is at last to prohibit in the strictest sense of the word according to a Bangor dispatch of July 1. The State supreme court is responsible for this change in the situation. The judges of that court have given notice that the possession of a United States internal revenue liquor stamp will subject the possessor to a jail sentence, instead of the customary fine, and the result is that “all over the State hotels and restaurants last night [June 30] closed their bars, and wholesalers went out of business.” How long this condition will continue remains to be seen.