Golden Age, August 16, 1922
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Golden
A-JOURNAL-OF - FACT HOPE-AND'CONVICTION
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Aug. 16,1922, Vol. Ill, No. T«
Published every other ■ ESI week at 18 Coneord Street,
Brooklyn, N. Y., U. S. A,
Five Cents a Copy—$1.00 a Year Owada and Foreign Countries. $LM
VOLtTMS 8 ..WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 1022 Nvmbbb 79
CONTENTS of the GOLDEN AGE
SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL
Cod volition at Cedar Point ..
In the Light (poem) .............................,.
Work Loyally (poem) ......
MANUFACTURING AND MINING “A He, a Horrible Lie” ................................................
Heventy-two Dollars per Day per Miner .....
FINANCE—COMMERCE—TRANSPORTATION
Railroads and Automobiles .....
Brazil and the Foreigner ....................................................717
POLITICAL-DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN
Boer, Briton, and Black ............
A Bird’s-Eye view ...........................................—.............. ...714
Hero Worship ................................................-
Depopulation of Franco
AGRICULTURE AND HUSBANDRY
At to Denatured Soil ................ ...715
Farmers’ Skirts not Clear ..........................................-
SCIENCE AND INVENTION Musical Science nnd Pedagogy ..................................
At the Observatory ........ .................................-...........,--719
A Big Tree ......-..........-..........-.........-
Wireless Receiving Set ....................................-.......-
HOME AND HEALTH Exploiting the Sick ----------------------------------------------------
Malnutrition Among Children
RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY ••The Death That Never Dies” (poem) .........................
What Do I Owe my Brother? (poem)
After Mr. Roeankrana’ Scalp .......................-
Anther One, Too .................................................. .— 727
“Nothing Extraordinary Happened”
Paganised Chiletlanity ..........................-
Thoughts an Gideon’s .Fleece ....................................-
Btudi® in the "Harp of God” ..................----------
Human Brotherhood (poem) -----------
Fsbllsbed firry other Wednesday at 18 Coneore Street, Brooklyn, N. L, . . . . V. s. A. by WOODWORTH, HUDGINQS and MARTIN CLAYTON J, WOODWORTH . ......Editor
ROBERT J. MARTIN ... Business Manager WK. F. HUDGINGS......Bec y and Trena.
Cntmrtnen and proprietors, Address:-18 Concord Street, Brooklyn, N. Y., - , . . U.S.A Fivb Cents a Copt — $1.06 a Year Foreign offices : British : 34 Craven Terrace, Lancaster Gate, London W. 2; Canadian: 270 Dundas St. W„ Toronto, Ontario; /ItMtrala&iitn : 495 CoDins St., Melbourne, Australia. Make remittances to The Golden Age Bntrred m Beeand-elara witter at Brooklyn. N. JL Wtar the Arf of Merob 3, 187b.
tfte Golden Age
Brooklyn, N. Y., Wednesday, Aug. 16, 1922
Number 70
GENERAL CONVENTION OF BELIEVERS IN THE GOLDEN AGE
CEDAR POINT, OHIO, SEPTEMBER 5-13.
BIRD’S-EYE VIEW OF CEDAR POINT CONVENTION GROUNDS
THE International Bible Students Association, and all others who are believers in the Golden Age about to be inaugurated by the reign of the Lord Jesus Christ in the earth, have planned for a great general convention to be held at Cedar Point, Ohio, from noon, Tuesday, September 5th, to noon, Wednesday, September 13, 1922. All who are trusting for salvation in the precious blood of Jesus Christ are cordially invited to attend and enjoy the blessings that will bo in store. An abundance of able speakers in all modern languages, and a most attractive program is provided.
Cedar Point is situated on a narrow peninsula jutting ' out from the Ohio mainland into Lake Erie. It has the advantages of the lake from three sides. For quietness and seclusion we know of no better place. The grounds are situated some two miles across the bay from Sandusky, Ohio, which is reached by ferry, as well as by a roadway; those who will attend will be people who are interested in knowing something about God’s Word, and it will be a real joy to have them present.
• In 1919 at Cedar Point, seven thousand came from all parts of the country and from Canada and foreign countries. By every method of transportation they quietly stole from their daily tasks, and for a week enjoyed a blessed fellowship that stands out in the memory of all as a time when the Lord was very close. All felt the influence of the spirit as they listened to Words of encouragement, instruction and inspiration, and as they walked and talked about the things of
God, or quietly enjoyed the beauties of surroundings that bespoke the goodness of God.
There is a special reason why many desire to be present at this particular gathering. Never before has the world been so threatened by impending perils at home and abroad—the perilous times have come. Great and earnest elTorts have been made by earth’s leaders to bring order out of the chaos created by the World War and the ensuing revolution and unrest. Publicly and privately the great are assembling to devise plans for the quieting of the disorder and the allaying of the worse things that begin to appear in every direction. But the League, the Disarmament Conference, the association of the nations, and the economic conference at Genoa have only displayed the impossibility of humanity settling its own troubles. The situation grows more difficult continually until it seems certain that the next few years must behold a crash mightier and more disastrous to the present order of things than anything yet.
Bailroad, boat and electric transportation rates are still very high, the cost of living stands at a high percentage above pre-war figures, and wages are low and work often unsteady. But so beneficial are the general conventions that it was decided not to postpone one beyond this y<>ar, and to give ample time for preparation for even the most distant friends in this and for-' eign countries.
The state of the world is such that a catastrophe may take place at any time in the not distant future. If the collapse that threatens is not promptly averted, it is not difficult to see that so disturbed might affairs become that it would not be feasible to hold another convention.
RAILWAY SERVICE
All railroads in the United States and Canada have granted a rate of one and one-half fares for the roundtrip, tickets to be obtained upon certificates presented at the time of purchase. These certificates are furnished by the Golden Age from its office in Brooklyn. Write this office, marking the envelope “Convention Committee,” giving the number who expect to attend; and we will send certificates for that purpose. Where the head of the house attends he may sign the certificate and insert the names of other members of the family who will accompany him. One certificate will do for the entire family. Where one person travels alone one certificate is required. It is better to order more blank certificates than actually needed, because at the last moment somebody else may wish to go.
Tickets will be on sale at all railway stations beginning September 1 and until September 7, inclusive, for the going trip. No tickets can be purchased on the certificate plan after the 7th. When purchasing ticket purchaser will present certificate to ticket agent and buy a round-trip ticket. To protect oneself in case of a lost ticket it will be advantageous at the time of purchasing ticket for the purchaser to enter in a memorandum book the number of the ticket bought and the amount paid for it. All tickets should read from starting point to Sandusky, Ohio, which is the railway terminus for Cedar Point.
SPECIAL TRAINS
The “Golden Age Special” will leave New York over Baltimore & Ohio tracks from the Pennsylvania Station at 7: 50 a.m. (8: 50 a.m., Daylight Saving Time), Monday, September 4; leave Philadelphia (24th and Chestnut Streets) 10:10 a.m.; leave Baltimore 12:10 p.m.; arrive Washington 1: 30 p.m.; rest in Washington until 8: 00 p.m., and arrive at Sandusky, Ohio, about noon Tuesday, September 5. This will enable the passengers to spend half a day in Washington, resting or sightseeing, as they may see fit. The convention of the colored brethren in session at Washington at that time will be addressed by Judge Rutherford at 3 o’clock Monday afternoon, and he will then join the special train for Sandusky.
Sleeping cars will be attached to the “Golden Age Special” at Washington for the benefit of all those who desire sleeping-car accommodations.
All journeying from points south of Washington, who expect to join this train at Washington, should have their tickets read from Washington by way of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad to Sandusky.
Brooklyn, N. Y,
All persons traveling by this train who desire sleep* ing-car accommodations from Washington to Sandusky will please notify the office at Brooklyn as soon as = possible, and not le*s than five days before starting. -the journey, in order that proper equipment may be ’ procured from the railroad company. The rate for ' lower berth from Washington to Sandusky is $6.38; and for an upper berth $5.10. Berths will accommodate two persons. The rate is the same, whether occupied by one or two persons.
All persons who desire to join this train and who expect to travel either by day-coach or sleeper should notify the office at Brooklyn not less than five days before the beginning of the journey, in order to enable the committee to make necessary arrangements for railway equipment.
AUTOMOBILES
The I. B. S. A. will have exclusive possession of Cedar Point during the time of the convention; hence it will be necessary for all persons traveling by automobile to go first to the Association’s headquarters at the dock at the foot of the main street in Sandusky, where the boat starts for Cedar Point, and there obtain from the. ones in charge the proper certificate w’hich will entitle them to enter the grounds in an automobile.
Sufficient space is provided at Cedar Point for the accommodation of 400 cars in garage, at a rate of $2.00 each for the full time of eight days; and ample space for free parking of cars.
ACCOMMODATION RESERVATIONS
On Cedar Point proper are the Breakers Hotel, Cedars Hotei, dormitories, and a few cottages. After all spape on the Point has been assigned, accommodations are provided in Sandusky for others who cannot be taken care of at Cedar Point. Those who have accommodations in Sandusky will be charged the same rate as those at the hotels at Cedar Point, but will be provided with free boat transportation to and from Cedar Point daily.
All accommodations are provided by the G. A. Boeckling Company, whether at Cedar Point or Sandusky. There will be an advantage to those who take accommodations' in Sandusky in this, that they will be less crowded and will have the privilege of a free boat ride morning and evening.
Every one should bear in mind that accommodations cannot be selected at this convention to suit one’s own convenience, but each must be content to take such as he gets. Everybody will be made comfortable, but we should bear in mind that we go to the convention to give a blessing as well as to receive one. To handle a crowd as large as is expected at Cedar Point, it is necessary to handle it systematically; and therefore each one should be glad to accept the accommodations assigned to him or her.
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August 16, 1922
■. As soon as possible after receipt of this issue write the office at Brooklyn, marking your envelope “Convention Committee,” and state in your letter practie-ally the following:
I expect to attend the Cedar Point Convention during the entire session, or----days, and will arrive——-----
----. I am married (or single), and speak the--- language. I will be accompanied by my wife and----
------. We can occupy one double bed and a cot each for the other members of the family.
If you are single, state sex, color and nationality. Information with reference to nationality or language
signmcnts previously made out; hence the necessity of adhering strictly to this rule.
spoken is necessary because the convention will be
tended by many foreign brethren, and we desire commodate them together as much as possible.
Some of the rooms are equipped for from four persons, all brothers or all sisters. It will help
to
to
at-ac-
ten
us in
making assignments if you will state whether or not you can occupy a room with several others.
The assignment to rooms will be made by the Convention Committee and a card specifying your assignment will be mailed to you in ample time. Be sure to keep this card and bring it with you to the convention; and as soon as you arrive, present the card at the headquarters of the Association at the dock in Sandusky. Upon presentation of this card you will receive in exchange therefor another card showing the amount you have paid and the days you expect to be there, which will be your identification both for room and meals while at the convention.
For convenience all will be required to state at the time of arriving how long they expect to stay, and will pay to the Boeckling Company money covering the time they expect to stay. If for any reason they are compelled to leave the convention before the time is expired that has been paid for, the Boeckling Company will refund the money for the unexpired term. Do not send any money in advance to this office or to the Boeckling Company. All money must be paid to the Boeckling Company at the Association’s headquarters in Sandusky on arrival.
Remember that the I. B. S. A. does not take possession of the grounds until noon Tuesday, September 5, and that no one can occupy a room until the afternoon, and that the first meal which will be served will be supper the evening of September 5. Any one going in advance of this time will be required to look after his own accommodations, as these rates do not begin until the hour above mentioned.
An Information Bureau will be provided at the Association’s headquarters at the Sandusky dock to advise and direct any friends arriving before the above hour.
No one can occupy a room prior to noon on September 5 and expect to hold that room thereafter. The Boeek-ling Company has contracted with the Association to deliver possession of the entire property to us at noon on September 5, to be assigned according to the as-
RATES
Room or sleeping accommodations and three meals per ’ day will be provided at the flat rate of $2.00 per person per day, payable in advance, two or more in a room. This will work advantageously to those attending; for should one lose his pocketbook he will still have his place to sleep and something to eat and a ticket to return.
Friends attending for only a part of the time of the convention will be required to pay in advance only for such time as they designate they intend to stay; and if at the end of that time they desire to prolong their stay, further arrangements can be made on the same terms at the office of the Boeckling Company. Friends residing nearby who will attend the convention during the day and go to their homes at night can procure their noon and evening meals at 50c per meal.
Do not come with the expectation of procuring your own rooms and then eating at Cedar Point at the above rate; for this would be a violation of our agreement with the Boeckling Company.
CAMPING PARTIES
Some have inquired about camping nearby. There are no camping grounds at Cedar Point. In Sandusky, however, the city provides camping grounds for a limited number of tourist automobile parties. Such camping grounds are free, but arc maintained solely for the convenience of motorist campers. The grounds are provided with all sanitary conveniences. For further information inquire at the Information Bureau above mentioned.
FEEDING THE MULTITUDE
Ample provision has been made to feed with three good meals per day all who come, up to 10,000 persons. All service will be on the cafeteria plan. By this means the hotel people arc enabled to serve better food, a greater variety, and greater quantity in much quicker time; and it will not be necessary to stand in line a long while to wait for meals.
HALLS
Seven separate and distinct halls or meeting-places are provided ; and if necessary, as many meetings may be in progress at the same time. Ample speakers will be provided for all meetings. There will be no evening
service, but the evening will be given personal fellowship.
SERVICE
As heretofore stated, arrangements with the Boeckling Company for a
over to rest and
have been made limited number
to serve in taking care of the rooms and eating department. Those who render this service will be required to work not to exceed six hours per day, and not at any time to interfere with meetings as speci-
fied in the program. In consideration for the service rendered such will receive their sleeping accommodations and meals free of charge. All desiring to avail themselves of this opportunity should write this office as quickly as possible. All persons contemplating such service must report the first day of the convention at the Information Bureau and be assigned to duty.
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MUSIC
Those who play well on the violin, cornet, and other orchestral instruments, who desire an opportunity of service in this behalf, please come and bring your instruments and report to the Chairman on arrival.
PURPOSE OF CONVENTION
Let ns. remember, that the purpose of this convention is to encourage and strengthen the friends and to build each other up in our most holy faith. Every one should attend with a view of being a blessing as well as to receive a blessing. Remembering our privilege to present our petitions to the throne of heavenly
THE DEATH THAT NEVER DIES
(From a Bible Student 85 years of age, in a poorhouse)
Within the Book, the Bible, souls abound; But no immortal soul is therein found. On all the pages we may use our eyes;
And nowhere see “The death that never dies.”
What things are lost no longer are possessed; Of life, or soul, soul loser was divest.
Refuse this precious knowledge if you can, Soul loser is a dead, or soulless man.
We read “The soul that sinneth it shall die.” A truth so plainly stated why deny? Unwise the hasty teacher who replies, “The wicked die the death that never dies.”
“A Lie, a Lie, a Horrible Lie” By Joseph Greig
WHEN the Standard Oil Company case came up some time ago in Judge Landis’ court in Chicago, this collection of American Beauty roses was fined $29,000,000 for disorderly conduct. Of course the mandate was reversed.
While the trial was under way Frank Monett, Attorney General of Ohio, proved that the cost of manufacturing gasoline was one cent per gallon. Mr. John D. Rockefeller, aged oil magnate, then active head of the oil trust, arose excitedly and demanded to testify. Granted that privigrace, let all everywhere unite in prayer to the Lord for his blessing upon the convention, that it may result to the benefit of his people and to his own glory and ■ praise.
Information has already reached us that friends are . coming from all parts of the United States and Canada, and some from other foreign countries. We are looking forward to this as the most blessed convention yet held; for we are nearer the kingdom than ever before and the Lord’s children should be more thoroughly developed than at any time in the past. All of those who are trusting in the precious merit of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be welcome. Let us come, with a sincere desire and with the prayer that the Lord may bless our fellowship together and send us back with renewed energy and enthusiasm to be his faithful and loyal ambassadors to bear the message of reconciliation at this time of great stress. If we go with this sincere desire in our hearts we shall receive the great blessing we desire.
The silly phrase “The death that never dies,” Is like a kind of fly that never flies, A giver who was never known to give, A liver who was never known to live.
Immortal soul—the serpent’s monstrous lie. Twin sister to “Ye shall not surely die.” The kind of soul the ancient pagans taught, Down to the present by traditions brought.
The blindest blind are those who will not see; Who shun the light and into darkness flee.
And, ah, how deaf are those who will not hear; Who error love, but truth both hate and fear.
lege he is quoted as saying, “It’s a lie, a horrible lie; it costs two cents a gallon.”
At this juncture the ouster proceedings of the Attorney General were squelched, and publicity on the subject ceased. It would have been interesting to purchasers of gasoline if Mr. Rockefeller would have burst into print and given us all the details about this horrible lie. The public would like to know the facts about such things; but alas! we have no newspapers that can give them to us.
Seventy-two Dollars per day per Miner By J. F. Ammon
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L. SOME time ago I sent you a clipping from
O the Benton Standard, a local paper printed *- at Benton, Illinois, the county-seat of Franklin . County, the center of the Franklin County, Illi-f nois, bituminous coal fields. This excerpt, you ~ 'will remember, stated that the “Old Ben” coal I- mine was shutting down. But from present pub-• lications it seems that this mine is running full * force, as well as other mines reported, prepar-‘ ing for what is purported to be an inevitable i coal-miners’ strike.
From the clipping enclosed you will notice that 7,241 tons of coal were hoisted in eight hours. I understand that for this coal the op> erators get $4 per ton or a little more. This 7 means about $28,000 worth of coal mined in eight hours, with 1,000 men; or an output of $28 worth per man.
But this coal costs the consumer $10 per ton here, or $72,410 for the eight hours’ work of the 1,000 men. It is not much wonder that “the boat is rocking,” if that is a sample of big business! That which God gave to humanity is interfered with from one mine alone to the extent of $72,000 in one day. I suppose that if a strike comes we should shed tears for the poor, struggling coal operators.
[The foregoing was written before the strike occurred, and the public is now engaged in the tear-shedding operation. Experts should be put upon this job at once; and if it is found that any tears which should be shed for the operators are being shed for the miners, a way should be devised to collect royalty for the tears thus improperly shed, by adding so much per ton to the price of coal.—Ed.]
Railroads and Automobiles
j THE time was, not long ago, when travel from a. J- city to city and country to country was a very difficult and expensive experience indeed.
" And even those who responded to the call of € the then wild west spent many days and months, * migrating their way through plain and swamp, * enduring untold hardship and unbelievable suffering, that they might set foot on new and better lands. Today the far western areas of the ? United States and Canada are the most pro' gressive and up-to-date sections we have. With, out a doubt the railroad has done more toward e the development and opening up of the hitherto « unknown sections than has any other one thing. - Railroads like many other of earth’s big , things have had their palmy days. No longer j are they the only avenues of transportation. ' Built by mighty men, with the earnest codpera-[ tion of the communities, and often assisted and ; encouraged by “land grants” from the Govern-;• • ment, these lines have one by one been merged " into great systems, offering through-freight and passenger service to every part of the country. Today these very railroad systems are con/’ fronted with curious and yet grave problems.
The motor vehicles have entered our midst by the hundreds of thousands and have opened up [y to the roaming populace every nook and corner of the land, to the pleasure seeker and the busi? ness man alike. Such a new and interesting mode s-y-
By S. C. De Groot '
of travel has not in any way been to the advantage of the rail systems, even with the best equipment, excellent schedules,fast trains.
The automobile takes one into the very heart of the country, where are found the tempting stream for the angler, the wood and wilderness for the hunter, the cities and villages for the merchant, and the market-places for the farmer. This all means a curtailment of the earning powers of our rail systems. Not only are rail systems feeling the result of this new mode of travel, but the church, and especially the rural church, is usually a presentation of empty pews, or more often it has been decorated by boarding up the doors and windows. People have discovered that they much prefer a little “spin” and then a visit with an old-time friend on a Sunday rather than to be obliged to listen to a minister who usually preaches about everything else but the Bible.
There are today in the process of formation gigantic trucking systems, whose aims and efforts are to establish well-connected and excellent service, both freight and passenger, between every metropolis and also between every village and the town corners over this broad land. At the present writing very few districts, cities, villages, or even states attempt to control or regulate the “bus” problem. Buses continue to ply between city and city, grinding the roads
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to shreds. Certain localities have established the maximum weight allowed to be carried over county roads. Investigation has developed that there are trucks, the weight of.which alone falls little short of the prohibitive weight. Dangers arising from accidents are gradually forcing states to demand that all truck lines and drivers be bonded for the protection of the public.
Railroads are asking permission of the Interstate and State Railroad Commissions to “junk” branch lines. Not long ago these very branches were counted as a valuable asset to the industrial life of the railroad; today they are like a millstone around their necks. Trucks, automobiles, and good roads are the cause. Unlike the ordinary business man, who if he conducts a business and finds it unprofitable decides to close out, the railroads find that when they file application with commissions to discontinue these branch lines hundreds of telegrams, letters, and personal representatives put in objections, demanding that such ideas as the discontinuing of their railroad service must be abandoned.
Very few people have any adequate conception of the railroad traffic problem. Take* the passenger end of it, which the railroads consider as a side-line. Many suppose that the rail fares are fixed and determined by the agent or the managers of the roads. Not so. A ticket agent is not permitted to issue a ticket, even though he may have figured out the correct mileage and multiplied it by the rate per mile, unless he has received authority to do so. He can sell tickets to only such places as he finds listed in rate sheets or tariffs with which he has been furnished, which show the correct fare. These rate sheets must first be carefully compiled, and then submitted to the Interstate Commerce Commission for approval. For example: On a fare from New York to Los Angeles before a ticket can be sold at the computed fare it must be filed with the Interstate Commerce Commission and the State Commissions of every State through which the passenger would
travel. These must be filed at least thirty days .3 before they take effect; and if the slightest error appears, the whole thing is rejected and the ' same process gone over again. '
Railroads have organized themselves intervarious associations, such as the New England, ’ Trunk Line, Eastern, Central, Southern, Western and Trans-Continental Associations. Each maintain their own offices, a chairman, and pub- ' lish rate-sheets for the roads involved in theik- ' territory. For instance, we have Chicago, New . York, Detroit, Cleveland, etc., rate-sheets showing fare from these cities to almost every town ' and city in the United States. These passengfer ■ associations decide as to excursion fares, tourist fares, clergy fares; as well as reduced fares for ' inmates of Soldiers Homes, charity rates, etc.
One large rail system is experimenting upon the “bus” problem themselves. They have established service between certain cities and are protecting their passengers with the same pro-teetion that is accorded to rail passengers. If the experiment is a success, it will be entered in full “swing.” A similar proposition confronted the actors, actresses, and the theatrical world in general some years ago when the “movies” were introduced. The “movies” provided a novel entertainment as such a low price that the attendance at the “regular” attractions fell off so that the best actors cried out, “What shall we do?” For a time they fought these new methods of entertainment, and finally what did they do hut enter the “movie” business themselves! Today we have the best of talent represented in the film productions. Thus they saved their lives. So it is with the railroads.
We are fast entering the new era, the Golden Age. Conditions will be entirely different. Transportation facilities will call for the travel of every human being to all parts of the earth to view its wonders. The same provision will be made for the billions that are soon to come from out their graves. Therefore with all unselfishness let all — railroads, radio, and airplane devotees — prepare for this grand day.
Petting the Animals
Bii Chas. H. Miller By Maurice Humes
WE TAKE several papers in our home, but T WISH to express my appreciation of this there is none that we like so well as The wonderful publication; for to me itAs truly . a wonder in its fearless statements of the truth
on any subject discussed.
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Boer, Briton, and Black By P. J. de Jager {Transvaal)
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N The Golden Age, December 7, 1921, page 151, a slanderous statement is made by Henry Rickards, viz., that the Boers of this country have a well-known saying where blacks are concerned—“If I want a slave I beget him.” He says that this is just what happens. This remark in your excellent magazine, to which I am a subscriber and also ardent admirer,—because truly it is epochal in its message and I am sure the only magazine on earth today that can give the true explanation of the significance of the events of our day {The Watch Tower of course excepted)—this remark, I say, gave occasion to a Socialist paper of this country to refer to you as “those Biblical liars” or words to that effect.
By way of correction of this statement I wish to state that I myself am the son of that section of the inhabitants of this land termed Boers. I am therefore of that section which some time ago would have been termed “Boer,” especially since settling down into the two provinces of the Union which formally constituted the Boer Republics before England deprived them of their independence in the Boer War of 1899-1902.
I was born in Cape Colony, a British subject; was brought up among the so-called Boers (a word meaning farmers), have traveled much in all the provinces of South Africa; but from Mr. Rickards I had to learn for the first time that degrading statement. It is well-known that peoples of other lands have generally been very badly misinformed concerning the Dutch of this country, so that one sometimes comes across the story how that when the British officers during the Boer war first were brought into touch with an ordinary Dutch lady of the average educated type they were surprised to hear such a one proudly claim to be a Boer herself.
The reason for this can to some extent be sought in the fact, of course, that South Africa has a wealth of mineral deposits, especially gold. It therefore suited the capitalistic wing other black tribes till the Boers known as the “Voortrekkers” (pioneers) broke their power. One of the annual public holidays of this country is Dingaaus Day, on the 16th of December, in celebration of the day when the power of the Zulu king of that name was shattered by a few hundred of these “Voortrekkers” in 1838. <
of what constitutes the “unholy trinity” in England today, in former days to misrepresent those who had preceded them in gaining possession of the territory already occupied by the black-skinned races who at the beginning of the 19th century were murdering each other on a huge scale. Specially did the Zulus and Mata-beles prove dreadful marauders against the
As to "the well-known brutality of the Boers,” it is also a well-known fact that the stories circulated on this matter, especially in past days, were invented or vastly exaggerated. I say well-known—a statement which must be limited to those who have taken the trouble to look into the history of this country as written, e. g., by Dr. Theal, a writer of great fairness and impartially. For the little history of this country taught up to quite recent years in the schools of the Cape Province was very limited in its extent and by no means noted for its partiality toward the Boers.
Recently matters have changed for the better. It is true that the Boers are considered very strict disciplinarians in their attitude towards' the black peoples of this land. Individual cases of brutality will naturally have taken place. But that they are specially brutal as a people towards the colored races is surely not claimed by those who have taken the trouble or had the opportunity to find out for themselves.
I have not the statistics here at my disposal to substantiate my statement now following, yet from a general knowledge of the history of this country, I make bold to say that more blood has been shed under British domination among the natives of this land, than under Boer domination. .
Air. Rickards is very badly informed. So have you been when you in your article of May 26, 3 J 920, gave circulation to certain statements about pass laws and regulations and lack of native education in this land.
A on made those statements about the Cape Colony, now Cape Province, where politically the colored races have equal rights with the white races, as far as is known to me, in that they can vote and may even have a native representative in the Cape Provincial Council; they once actually elected one who had session in that Provincial Council. For the Union Parliament they can vote but not send a native representative (the Union Parliament is representative of all the Provinces of the Union).
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In fairness I shall state that these privileges in the Cape were secured mainly through the agi- ’ tation of English negrophilists in the earlier part of the nineteenth century. These privileges are forbidden them in the two Provinces that formerly constituted the Boer Republics. There it is that the pass laws prevail, though I doubt whether all you say of these laws is correct. Let it be noted, however, that in the Province of Natal, which is predominantly English as far as the whites are concerned, these pass laws and regulations are also prevalent and they are not a dead letter of the law.
A question closely allied to this one is the Indian problem. In Natal the Indians, though constituting a very big portion of the population—I believe over 100,000 — are deprived of political rights. There is a movement now to deprive them even of their municipal vote. I do not discuss the fairness of this treatment here. I am only mentioning these facts to prove - that as for trying to keep the colored or black races out of the privileges enjoyed by the whites, the predominant white races of the land can hardly afford to bring up accusations against one another—the pot can hardly afford to call the kettle black.
I am on a tour through the country, and therefore write from memory, not having even your May 26, 1920, issue with me for reference. If you desire a detailed article on these questions I may be able to secure an expert’s statements on them for you. I guarantee, however, that my statements are substantially correct, and that as far as I remember some other of your statements in that article of May 26, 1920, are incorrect inasfar as they concern this country- .
Knowing your fairness and your desire to publish the truth and nothing but the truth, and that in your case misstatements are only due to the fallibility of all human undertaking I beg a little space in your columns for these corrections.
5*
A Bird’s-Eye View l. d. names
THE old hatreds between Catholics and Protestants still remain. Everywhere lines of battle are drawn. In Ireland the fight is on and imminent. Anti-Catholic Societies are forming and appealing for help. Catholics are retaliating with the black list.
The R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company has closed its doors to all Protestant help. Protestants, therefore, are boycotting all tobaccos and cigarettes bearing the R. J. Reynolds tag. This includes some of the most popular styles such as Prince Albert, Camels, R. J. R., etc. Large shipments have been returned and orders canceled, it is stated.
We do not use the weed, do not believe that an earnest Christian would continue its use, much less manufacture it to dope his fellows with and create a disagreeable stench for the nostrils of the more cleanly people. A man who uses tobacco is not fit to kiss a goat, in my opinion.
The greatest day will be the day after the wiping out of religious turmoil, and the useless and expensive habits of uncleanness that go along with it. “Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit.”
Depopulation of France
TAEPOPULATION of France is feared,” says a headline. At the present rate of degeneration, French authorities say that in forty years’ time their numbers will be reduced to twenty-five million. To offset this, prizes are offered to working men wdio father the largest number of children, “legitimate or illegitimate, annually.” They w’ant soldiers; and with them “a baby is a baby, whether born in wedlock or not.”
Poor, sterile France! A thousand years under the influence of popery has not been very uplifting. And this is the France that influences the course of Christendom, so-called. This is the France that the resources of the American people are plighted to “save.” The strong and virile peoples of Germany and Russia are discounted for that. England and America hang on her word and policies. Her suicidal military mania drags them down, down, down! “Her house is the way to hell, going down to death.”
Hero Worship
A GREAT ado about nothing was recently pulled off in France. It was about Joan
of Arc, who is reputed to have “saved France” in the fourteenth century. The headlines of newspaper articles state that Joan was glorified by all Paris. The chief glorifier, the Bish, op of Paris, was dressed in his most gorgeous robes, and took the occasion to bless all the glorified throng that glorified Joan.
Such reports are disgusting. Dead heroes and heroines are looked back to as gods. No wonder the Prophet exclaims: “Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils; for wherein is he to be accounted of?”
And hero worship is still practised here. “Tribute to the soldier dead of three wars” features Decoration Day. The cause of war is still hallowed, and few will admit that war is wrong as far as our part in it is concerned: “We did it! And we did the right thing at the right time! These noble men laid down their noble lives in a noble cause! And say, but my, they were fighters!”
Under Christ’s kingdom they will look back in amazed horror at the heroes of today. The Fochs and the Pershings, now lionized, will be, next to the preachers, the smallest pebbles on the sea shore of humanity. “The Lord of hosts hath purposed to stain the pride of all glory, and to bring into contempt all the honorable of the earth.”
High-Church Protest
THE Church of England and the Church of
Rome protest to Lenin against the jail and threats of execution for the “Most Rev. Dr. Tikhon, once patriarch of all Russia.” Doubtless England and Rome see the handwriting on the wall. The expose of the old Russian State Church, with its frauds practised for centuries, is only an intimation of what is in store for all man-made, and man-controlled churches.
Lenin deserves the plaudits of the universe for opening the “shrines” and exposing the sawdust bodies claimed by the Russian Church officials to be genuine imperishable bodies of “saints.” That was a rank odor. “Of all the smells we ever smelt, we never smelt a smell that smelt like that smell smelt.” The same odor of death is in all of these systems, and they will be exposed and destroyed.
Religious liberty and protection of church property in Russia is also asked. Liberty to proselyte, and not liberty for the Russian Church is what is meant. What does England or Rome care for the church and church prop-ery in Russia, except to thwart divine justice and protect their own church property?
Lenin is an instrument of the omnipotent God to destroy the rotten church government of Russia, even as Napoleon was used to break the temporal power of popes in France. Let others take notice and warning: “I will cause the arrogance of the proud to cease, and I will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.”
Prayers Unheard
THE Pope’s request for prayers for the suc--*• cess of the Genoa Conference seems to have been unheard. The trouble is that the world that did the fighting is still unrepentant, and the efficacy of such prayers would be nil. A gun in the pocket and a Bible on the table make access to the throne of grace impossible. Even the Pope, who aims well, at least, has much to learn and unlearn. No well-informed Christian would tell the Almighty what to do. Success— as we might view it—would likely antagonize the divine plan. Thy will be done, not ours, is the proper attitude of mind. “What hast thou to do to take my Word into thy mouth?” “Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself but shall not be heard.”
As to Denatured Soil
Mb. Editor: Every time nature is inter, fered with, we interfere with God Him
’ self. In reference to a small article, “Something t for the New Earth,” in the February 15th issue ’ of The Golden Age, it might be pointed out ■ that to deplete the earth of any agency which
£ prevents gluten in wheat, and which will “keep
- blood from coagulating”, is not a service, but a handicap on nature. How will blood cease
By Frank E. Dorchester,, N. D., 8. P., D. C.
flowing if its ability to coagulate is destroyed ?
“The wonder worm,” etc., with their instinct for things natural to them, avoided earth of this character.
Artificial improvement of the soil may or may not help man. But as our knowledge of nature’s laws is small, we are very liable to injure the race by interfering too much with nature’s private laboratory.
Farmers’ Skirts Not Clear
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ONE of the many admirable features of The Golden Age is, in my opinion, the open i . forum which it affords for the discussion of . matters of public interest. I note that in your magazine you have presented some articles praising the farmers’ contributions to the wel-■ fare of society, and that you have also publish" ed occasionally something in the way of criti-
i cism. The latter position is unusual, but it is ' just; and as I chance to have considerable acquaintance with this subject, I wish to add .. something along this line, so that, if it should
’ come to the attention of any of the class criti-
: cized, he may do what lies in his power to b:d-
ance his own interests with those of his help. ; The position is this: The farmer is a petty
capitalist and a skilled workman — an expert agriculturist. The floating laborer has merely 1 his strength to sell, which he sells, like any
; other business man, in the best market. The
farmer resents this, considering that the labor-5 er ought to consult the farmer’s interest rather than his own, by working cheaply.
The farmer is a small capitalist, with all a capitalist’s anxiety to make profits. lie refuses ■■ to recognize his employe’s right to do the best possible for himself. The floating worker is i skilful at many trades, but expert in none. The exigencies of his occupation require him to _ jump from job to job. 11 is periods of employ; ment are intervaled by longer ones of idleness.
He is perpetually haunted with the nightmare “ of physical breakdown, sickness, accident, with the almshouse at the end of it, mendicancy, the squalid dreariness of the “flop-house,” a living gleaned from garbage.
y The farmer is a member of the “comfortable
classes,” well-fed,warmly-clad,well-housed. The - casual laborer, when he is worn ont, drifts to
j- hideous hopelessness of life in the slums.
Our industrial system exists on a surplus of casually employed labor. They have no opportunity as a class to obtain exportness or steady work. Tiie farmer cannot dispense with this < surplus, but he hates the necessity. When the harvest season is ended he is anxious for the “hoboes” to be gone. He cannot use them in his regular farm routine. Some few genuine farm; hands he can use: but such of these as go to the
, harvest fields go generally for the experience,
■ and then return to better jobs in their home
y ' neighborhood.
(Contributed)'
The farmer is notoriously prejudiced against labor. When the w ar took away his sons he invited any kind of help to come and live with him. When they came he was unwilling to make reasonable allowance for their inexperience and physical inferiority to himself.
When the war was over, he jumped to the conclusion that men were plentiful and frequently got men out of the employment offices to try them out, just to indulge himself in the gratification of hiring and firing several men in succession. Many of these men were familiar with farm work, but left it in disgust, swearing they would never work for the farmers again. Many of them were men familiar with farm work hut not so expert and up-to-date in it as the farmer and his sons. The farmers grew more exacting and unreasonable as time went on.
In former times, farmers generally treated their men well and much as equals. They regarded “working out” as a kind of apprenticeship to farming, as the “hired man” generally nourished the ambition of some time farming for himself. Today few of them expect to do so; for land values are too high, and modern farm equipment is too expensive.
Today there exists more or less of a social chasm between the farmer’s family and the “hired help”; and the latter are made to feel it. They may eat at his table, but are plainly regarded as social inferiors. Many farm-hands prefer the systematic methods of the factory, where their time after working-hours is their own, to the petty tyranny of farm life, where often their very sleep is begrudged them.
JMost people realize that farming is no sinecure, that the farmer is one of society’s most valuable members, and that his business is more or less of a perpetual gamble with the elements. He has been undervalued, exploited, cheated, and defrauded to a scandalous degree.
I consider that Pastor Russell’s estimate of the farmer was a very just one as applied to past conditions. Since it was written the farmer’s character has deteriorated, and in direct ratio to his prosperity. He is now class-conscious. His sympathies are restricted to his own class. He has all a capitalist’s intolerance for labor, and the expert’s contempt for the unskilled.
His creed is to keep a sharp lookout that no
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fc t
one takes advantage of him. He drives the hardest bargain he can with his “hand,” but disputes the latter’s right to do likewise. He is apt to be perpetually jealous that the hand is not earning his keep.
He complains that he cannot get steady, dependable hands, but will hire men by the month when he only wants them for extra hands during a rush season, so that he can get them cheaper. He claims the right to discharge arbitrarily, but expects his hands never to quit when it inconveniences him.
Under the inspiration of farm literature and his various associations he is systematically copying the attitude of big business toward labor, demanding greater speed and accuracy, greater expertness and efficiency. No matter what the prices of farm produce are, he habitually tries to keep wages down to the old levels. In his small way he imitates big business’ enslavement of labor and applauds the same.
Perhaps the strongest indictment against the farmer is that the system of individual farming is inutilitarian and wasteful. It is surprising that big business has not taken over agriculture and organized it to eliminate this quite archaic, wasteful system. Of course this probably would not benefit the public much under the present profit system.
It is natural that every class should see its own side of the case more clearly than the other. The farmer has a valid grievance and a right to present it, but he is fully as unfair to his labor as any other class of employers, or as big business is to him. He is also as avaricious and self-centered as any other class. In other words, he is no whit better than his neighbors and has helped to sow the crop of discontent which culminates in universal anarchy.
The farmer's attitude toward his help is so familiar to me, and covers so much abuse, unfairness, and sheer piggishness, that it is difficult to make allowances for the farmer’s point of view, without balancing the same by his obtuseness concerning his own unfairness. I think that society is in the way of being destroyed by its own debris, and that the farmer contributes to making this human debris. He also is an oppressor of the poor, wherever he himself enjoys prosperity.
Brazil and the Foreigner By Mrs. E. Whyte
THERE is no country on earth where the foreigner is so free as he is in Brazil. Foreigners are allowed every privilege. Most of them acquire immense wealth, and conditions are most favorable for them.
Most of the important companies here are financed by foreign capital; and it seems that foreigners have taken control entirely of the business and industry of this country. American business here has been injured more than any other, caused principally by exchange and by their way of doing business. German business just now is very prosperous; they seem to have full control of the market. They also have a better way of doing business than have the American and Britisher. When they present a sample, the purchaser knows that the article he receives will be like the sample. On the other hand, the American is more exacting in payment; but when the article arrives, it is generally far inferior to the thing ordered. When complaint is made the reply is: “We were out of that particular grade, at the time of filling the order.” And that is all the satisfaction given. This is destructive to trade. The British article is always considered the best, but their prices are also exorbitant; and the British are very haughty in their manners toward the Brazilian. Such an attitude, though despicable in itself, is of much importance where the good-will of trade is concerned.
There are many firms that have closed, and many persons are out of employment in Brazil. But no one is starving, and those who are unemployed could find something to do. Here as elsewhere people like the cities, like the comfort and amusement found in the town, but have not the moral courage to go into the virgin forest, face its perils, and make homes of their own.'
The failure of some firms was inevitable, caused by exchange and after effects of the war. But others failed for lack of foresight on the part of the directors. Some “packing houses” are closing; why? Scarcity of live stock for butchering. Why did they not start stock farms twenty years ago?
Musical Science and Pedagogy By H. e. Coffey
TO ALLUDE to musical science is no more out of the ordinary than to make mention of mathematical science, pedagogical science, mechanical science, or some of the numerous other branches along which truth may grow and develop. All the branches of human learning and skill have made much progressive improvement in recent years. Thus it has been with the science of music. Music is more than “the concord of sweet sounds.” Those who think of it in the light of such a definition have only a hazy idea of what music is. This point I will seek to clarify in this article.
It is mainly because the science of music has been so obscured by the mist of superstition, ignorance, and credulity of past centuries that many people regard its study as something exceedingly difficult and at which only a few— the talented—may hope to make a success. This idea is not based upon intelligent information. There is a strong correspondence between the art of literature and that of music. It is only ‘ by careful study and application throughout childhood that the average person learns to read and interpret the thought of various writers. Only a few’ become literary geniuses. So it is in music. Only a few' under present impediments may hope to become great musical performers and composers. However, almost any one possessed of an average mind may learn to play and interpret written music with no more effort than he learned to read intelligently.
Much depends, however, upon the method of instruction. As usually taught, pupils become mere mechanical or gymnastical performers. They may play correctly familiar melodies or airs which they have heard one or more times, but they are unable to play and interpret music with which they are unfamiliar. That mode* of instruction is best, which, as soon as practical, teaches the pupil to become independent of his instructor and to teach himself. To accomplish this end in musical pedagogy the pupil should at the beginning be taught the reason for each step taken and how music is constructed and interpreted. It is a mistaken idea to claim that musical expression is merely a matter of emotion or feeling. No one can correctly interpret a musical selection until he first has a knowledge of its construction.
In music notes are grouped into divisions
called motives, phrases, periods, etc. The performer must interpret the last note of a phrase so that his hearers may recognize it as such, and not as a part of the phrase following. To do so wrould be much the same as reading a sentence and pronouncing the first word of the sentence following as though it were part of the preceding sentence. In musical expression one cannot be guided by expression marks alone, as these are merely warning signals. Hence one must first understand the law’s which govern expression in all music. For example: One should know that the measure-bar conies between the two chords which form the final cadence of every musical selection. If this law is understood one can determine for himself whether or not a piece is correctly barred. The purpose of this bar is not to divide music into motives, but rather to indicate the melisma note, i. c., the note to be accented in the motive phrase. Z ’
Thus I might continue to point out the erroneous and hindering faults of the average musical instruction. But the foregoing is sufficient to awaken the mind of the thinking individual to a greater appreciation of what the future surely holds forth. The ability to play and interpret music is not only a great pleasure and satisfaction to the individual, but also furnishes pleasure and enjoyment to those among whom he lives and associates. This is true because there are so few who can play music with expression. Yet every individual has a many-sided mind, capable of development, under proper conditions, along all sane lines of human endeavor. Shortly, in the Golden Age now dawning, each individual will become no less a musician than the very greatest of our musical performers-—he will be their superior in every way. He vull be enabled to excel these past geniuses not only because of the change in environment, but also because of the superior instructor whom he will have—the Christ. There > will at that time be every incentive to man’s growth and development. His instructor will be absolutely reliable and will take as careful interest in his most backward pupils as in his most brilliant ones. Thus progress will continue until there exists the greatest to be desired equality—the equality of intellect.
When this glad time for which the whole creation now groans in travail swings into opera-718
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tion, the people throughout the earth will break forth into, singing, welcoming their righteous King, saying: 'This is our God, for whom we have long waited.’ (Isaiah 25:9; 35:10) The ransomed are the people in general. When the glorious work for which the kingdom was inaugurated is completed then every individual will he enabled to sing praises to His name. Thus when the kingdom is delivered to God the
Father, earth’s whole creation may join unitedly in a hymn of harmonious melody and there will be no discordant notes to mar its beauty. Hasten the day when earth’s tumultuous dis- -cords may cease—when its inhabitants will have a listening ear for the ten-string Harp of God. Then will follow the climax of musical science when earth’s cadence blends harmoniously with the music of the spheres.
At the Observatory By E. Schutzbach {Switzerland)
£ ENERALLY speaking, night is not man’s t kJ friend. It unfolds, however, when drop-
L- ping down cloudless, a wondrous beauty. In
Z solemn splendor it vaults its starry canopy over f weary earth; for night also would like to bring P joy into man’s heart, as radiant sunny day likewise does in its own fashion. While the latter 'f' is able to instil into man a joyous and happy frame of mind, the effect produced by the starry J4' heavens at night is of a well-nigh fascinating kind. It could not be otherwise; for men, in s viewing it, have some foreshadow of the infinity of the universe and with that, at the same time, * some of the majestic wisdom and greatness of the Creator.
k But if just the starry heavens, even when ?- viewed with the unaided eye, elicit admiration, Z what a rapture then will be evoked by the won-
/ ders of creation, opening up by means of a
great telescope!
c- It affords, indeed, particularly great delight / to be ■ stationed at an Observatory, and from there to be given an insight into God’s sublime . wonderworld and workshop. The mind is soar? ing upward into the infinite spheres of the ex-
k panse of the universe — laying aside all the smallness and narrowness of everyday life, for? getting time and space.
v It was nine o’clock in the evening at the Ob-=' servatory. Night had just lit her magnificent - celestial luminaries, the glittering constellations sending down, as it were, friendly greetings—
1 majestic Orion, with its striking giant suns: Betelgeuse, radiating in wonderful roseate _ light, and sparkling Rigel; furthermore, Taurus > with its reddish glowing iris Aldebaran; the ' lovely Pleiades group with the fourfold main . star Alcyone, Great Leo with Regulus, the “re' gal one,” etc.
The telescope was adjusted at magnificent Vega, the main star of the Lyra constellation It offers a wonderful sight. The star sparkles as brightly as gold out of the violet-blue glory surrounding it, so that the eye can hardly break away from this giant brilliant in the heavens.
Now the rubicund gleaming Arcturus, the principal star in the Bootes constellation, had to suffer observation: a red-sparkling sun, the first of the fixed stars to become visible in the early nightly heavens. Bootes is one of the most resplendent constellations and is easily discerned, owing to the fact that Arcturus, in connection with two other stars of the same constellation and the nearby principal star in the Crown —Gemma—form a distinct Y.
Then the Professor called attention to the planet Jupiter, encompassed by the telescope. It shines forth like a sun, and its brilliant radiancy bespeaks a light of its own. This gigantic celestial body which, according to its cubical contents, is 1,270 times greater than the earth, and of five times greater distance from the sun than the earth — namely, 480,000,000 miles — offers an enchanting sight with its interesting zones and the four visible moons, resplendent like miniature suns. The moon next to this mighty planet seems to be surrounded by a bank of clouds; it is a little larger than our earthly moon. The second and smaller one glimmers in bluish fashion; the third one is the greatest and also brightest satellite, of a yellowish color; the fourth one outshines at times the other ones, and is encompassed by a beaming veil of aqueous vapor. In addition to these four moons there are five smaller Jupiter satellites. All these were assigned their rotary orbits by the Creator. Jupiter, this mighty celes-, tial body, resplendent in golden radiance, together with his numerous company of moonchildren, revolves round our sun, his period of revolution equalling nearly twelve earthly years, his astronomical day, however, being only of 9 hours and 55£ minutes duration.
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