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January 6, 1909. THE THE POLITICAL CRISIS IN THE CONGO. A cablegram has just reached us that the Congo State has been taken over as a colony by Belgium. We do not yet know any of the conditions, and, what more concerns us, we do not know what the attitude of the new government will be toward the natives and the Protestant ^!celnne If (o nlmnot # iiiiooiuiio. ac AO ailliuot Ulipuosium IUI pt'U* pie in the home land to realize all that this change may mean to us. For a number of years we have been praying that some relief would come to the poor natives and that the door which had been closed to the spread of the true Gospel might be again opened. The cup of punishment for the Congo Free State and for those who have made it a stench in the nostrils of God and man for these twenty years is full, and we believe a brighter day is dawning in this great <larkness, which has been the seat of so much cruelty and oppression and double dealing. I am sorry to say that the relief has come too late for many thousands of unfortunate natives. Just at this time, owing to the system of forced labor which has been put into operation by the great land company which is operating in this district and in which the State owns a controlling part of the stock, there is great suffering, especially in the Bakuba country. Dr. Sheppard, who has only recently made two extensive trips into that region, asserts that the conditions are indescribable. The poor people are even prohibited from working their fields, they are told that they have nothing else to do except make rubber. The result is that famine is threatened. Many have ol-ao,l.r ? 1 ~~ * x??vu aacauj uum vanuua taUBCb LlttUC* able directly to the forced labor in making rubber. For many months we have been protesting to the officials of the company about the situation of affairs, but all has been in vain. They indignantly deny the existence of such a state of affairs. The government itself must be in sympathy with the company, for certainly this could not go on for so long without their knowledge. Officials of the government and of the company are in that region now, following up the heels of Dr. Sheppard and the British consul, but we do not believe that any relief will come from them. In this time of crisis we ask the prayers and the interest of all God's people. It seems that the hand of God is here and that he has determined to display his power. Not only is he crushing, as we believe, this iniquitous government, but he is opening up before us wonderful doors of opportunity. Two of the greatest chiefs in all this region, both of whom had always maintained a stern spirit of opposition to the Gospel, have now had their hearts softened. To the village of one of these we are sending three evanirolloln /V 1 1 * o?oio. uuo laui. woru: ?-ray ior me brighter day in this darkness! W. M. Morrison. Luebo, October 20, 1908. No man can be provident of his time who is not prudent in the choice of his company.?Jeremy Taylor. All is spirit for him who Is spirit; all is matter for him who is only matter.? Arnold Guyot. : PRESBYTERIAN OF THE SOUT] j Uneeda What makes tl soda crackers vAv What makes tl \xjy choice of i |i || What makes t as the Natioi U/ National-Biscui OfCoi Fj only in Js&V Moisture Pro ?$) Packages NATIONAL BISC $196.00 Mill FREELTo.T.S The original saw mill giving two motions from one engine guaranteed to cut 2000ft. board lumber In ten hi proportion. Friction set works and receder. Triples Steel spreader whtel, screw saw guide. J. A. Hodges, Oaky, Oa., Is now nslng first DeLoach ago) and says It Is still doing good work. Send for catalog of the celebrated De Loach line of S Mills, Planers, Water Wheels. Com Mills, Engines. Hoi Agents wanted In every county. IMoMh Mill M. Co., H And the life or usefulness of a vain mal is ruined, unless Dr. Tichenc septic is applied promptly?if this is ? wounds will not inflame and will r heal promptly leaving but IfS^I little scar. liSriEwsll Always keep a bottle in In WW I the stable. At all Druccists 25 and 50 Cents Alto in quilt bottle*. Ega t> H. 21 Biscuit I iem the best ever baked ? iem the only nillions ? . XgX hem famous lal Biscuit ? t-Goodncss? M iirse!^ 5C I UIT COMPANY 0 can offer an Improve- J LOACH SAW MILL. t , y . 1 disc. Four horse-power Ij ~>urs, and larger sizes in ?ni null, UUUUUIH WK*) 11111 ever made (21 years aw Mills, Edfrers, Shtnprlo lers and Gasoline Eglneg. VW^^M , Box 777, Bridgeport. Ala. >' table ani- yj V ^H^Jv&7#V|l >r's Anti- I f ^ lone, the -?ii ?* ? ?