A young brother who recently came to Brazil was going from the office to his lodging-place in the outskirts of the village late one evening. He heard something moving in the grass not far from the walk. He quickened his pace to the door of the house. But, horrors! the door was locked. He called to the brother within to open the door quickly, for a tiger was following him. Investigation proved it to be a goat tied to a small stump, which it was pulling through the grass. This brother had read about South America. Perhaps he had seen the picture in the old geography of a smokey with his tail twined about the branch of a tree, with one hand firmly holding onto a vine, while with the other he is reaching down to an alligator in the water below; hard by is a boa-constrictor, encircling a tree, with fiery tongue darting; while in a thicket is a tiger ready to spring; and from this had formed his ideas of South America.GCB May 28, 1909, page 195.5

This man is not the only one who has had visions of the wild, unrefined, uneducated, and half-civilized condition of this field. All these animals exist; but if you were to go in search of them, you would be more certain to find them if you looked in the zoological gardens.GCB May 28, 1909, page 195.6

In South America there are more than forty millions of people gathered in groups of from less than one hundred to more than a million, or scattered over extensive plains, hidden among the many valleys of the lofty mountain ranges, or resting in the shades of the forests and groves. Forty millions of human souls, blood-bought and precious, to whom we are indebted to give the gospel message of life and peace!GCB May 28, 1909, page 195.7

Before the Pilgrim fathers landed at Plymouth Rock, the universities of Lima and Cordoba were annually graduating numerous students, according to the standard of the times. Well-equipped universities, normal schools, and high schools on the most improved plans, with a curriculum that will compare favorably with those of other lands, may be found in most of the republics of our field. Common schools are rapidly spreading, and fast becoming general in Argentina in both town and country. There is a refinement of manners, elegance of appearance and dress, and a natural politeness not surpassed anywhere. Ignorance and superstition also are seen; but the ignorance does not always consist in not knowing many things, but in not knowing the truth. The superstition is the religion.GCB May 28, 1909, page 195.8

Buenos Aires, with its more than 1,100,000 inhabitants, is the fourth city of the New World, and the metropolis of the southern hemisphere. Because of the refinement of its manners and the gaiety of its society, it is known as the “Paris of South America.” Montevideo, across the La Plata, is the beautiful city of the continent, and one of the beautiful cities in the world. Rosario, on the Parana, is called the “Chicago of South America.” Rio de Janeiro, with its population of a million, is fast beginning to rank as one of the world’s great capitals. Sao Paulo, Santiago, Valparaiso, Lima, La Paz, and Quito, are in no sense mean cities; and cities of from ten to fifty thousand inhabitants are numerous.GCB May 28, 1909, page 195.9

EXTENT OF TERRITORY

WASe

When Elder Allen went to Lima, Peru, recently, a brother endeavored to comfort him with the thought that he and his family would not be far from their relatives, who live in the republic of Panama. Panama is eighteen hundred miles from Lima, and it would take no more time, and cost no more, to go from San Francisco, Cal., to Hamburg, Germany, than to go from Panama to Lima. For one who has never traveled in South America it is difficult to realize the great extent of our territory. To say that it has an area of more than 6,000,000 square miles, a width of 3,200 miles, and our part of South America has a length of 4,500 miles, does not seem to make a lasting impression of its extent. Our work nearly encompasses this territory.GCB May 28, 1909, page 195.10

Immigrants to the number of some hundreds of thousands every year (200,000 to Argentina alone) make this a field of growing importance. The fact that it is so extensive makes it impossible for one man to do as much active work directly for the people as in countries more densely populated, and it also makes the carrying forward of the work much more expensive.GCB May 28, 1909, page 195.11

DIVISIONS OF THE SOUTH AMERICAN FIELD

WASe

From the beginning of our work there were three divisions of the South American field, Brazil, River Plate, and the West Coast. In 1906, at the time of Elder Spicer’s visit to South America, these were subdivided; the Argentine, Rio Grande do Sul, and Santa Catharina-Parana conferences were organized; the Chile-Bolivia and Uruguay organized mission fields were formed; and North Brazil, Sao Paulo, Alta Parana, Peru, and Ecuador were set apart as mission fields. A year later, Chile and Bolivia were separated, the former being organized into a conference, and the latter made a mission field. Since then the North Brazil and Sao Paulo missions have been organized by the appointment of committees to assist the superintendents. These arrangements have been most beneficial and satisfactory to the work. Responsibilities have thus been divided, and those who have been in charge of the work have been brought into closer continual contact with the people. This has resulted in greater confidence, and a more careful organization and looking after details. Local interests have been more carefully guarded, and it has been possible to give a steadier and sure support to general interests. Under it the tithes and offerings have materially increased, and numerically and spiritually the work has grown and become more healthy.GCB May 28, 1909, page 195.12

STATISTICS

WASe

There are in our union 62 churches, with a membership of 1,836. Including those in companies and isolated, the total number of Sabbath-keepers is 2,673, a gain of 967 during the last four years. In 1904 the tithe was $7,846.66; in 1908, $23,208.19—a gain of $15,361.53. The tithe paid during the four years was $70,520.43, and the total tithe and offerings for the general work amounted to $83,520.43. Including donations for special and local work, the amount given for this cause during this quadrennial period is in the neighborhood of $100,000.GCB May 28, 1909, page 195.13

BRAZIL

WASe

Elder F. W. Spies, who is vice-president of the South American Union Conference, and has special charge of the work in Brazil, will report for that field. A few statements will be in place from me.GCB May 28, 1909, page 196.1

This great country, having a territory as large as the United States, has 22,000,000 inhabitants. It is the only government of the New World where the Portuguese language is used. Rio de Janeiro, its capital, is the great Portuguese-speaking city of the world, having one million inhabitants. The work begun in behalf of the third angel’s message in 1894 has grown until we have there two organized conferences, which have been self-supporting from the beginning of their existence in 1906, and with the surplus tithe have lifted in the German work, and two organized mission fields. The work began among the German colonists. At present it is making its principal conquests among the natives, and they are manifesting a commendable firmness in the truth, and are giving it a hearty financial support.GCB May 28, 1909, page 196.2

The publishing work has been enlarged and more firmly established. At the General Conference held in Takoma Park in 1905, we asked for $5,000 for both the Brazil and the Spanish South American publishing work. Failing to secure this, serious problems presented themselves in doing what the conditions demanded. Property has been secured as a permanent home for this work, and we ask for means to place it in a position to work to advantage. The project of a central training-school, very much desired and needed, is receiving earnest consideration by the Brazil brethren. An appeal for means for this enterprise is also made. More field help is greatly needed.GCB May 28, 1909, page 196.3

CHILE

WASe

Chile has five ordained ministers, one of whom is engaged in school work. The only licensed minister is engaged in office work. Thus the preaching field force is limited to four persons. There are several canvassers holding missionary licenses. A strong effort has been made to get our literature into the hands of the people, with excellent results. The Senales de los Tiempos has been a large circulation. The results are seen in new interests, and new people, accepting the truth. The brethren are faithful and self-denying in the performance of their duties, and the tithe is steadily increasing. The conference was organized in 1907, composed mostly of native Chileans, and they have shown a commendable spirit of faithfulness to our principles and plan of organization. Elder F. H. Westphal has been the president from the first. Fire and earthquake visited our tract society and the small printing plant with annihilation, but both arose triumphant from the ashes. The tract society secretary has been overwhelmed with the work of the office, printing, and serving as local editor. The request for proper help—help that will develop into men who can bear responsibility—is urgent.GCB May 28, 1909, page 196.4

The school at Pua, though unfinished and poorly equipped, has been well attended, mostly by children. The brethren have gone to the limit of their powers to erect this school building, and they certainly have done nobly. What has been done will suffer if it is not finished. They should by all means have help to complete it, that it may fill a daily growing necessity. To this end they request a gift of $3,000.GCB May 28, 1909, page 196.5

The brethren in Chile are desirous of having a medical worker in their conference. With the constituency that this conference has, it certainly seems as if the time has come for such help. Chile has 11 churches, 339 Sabbath-keepers, and the tithe last year was $1,827.86.GCB May 28, 1909, page 196.6

PERU

WASe

Previous to the last General Conference, intermittent work had been done by canvassers and others in Peru, a liberal supply of seed had been sown in many places in the form of literature, principally the Senales, and a nucleus of believers had been formed at Lima, besides a few scattered Sabbath-keepers. The South Dakota Conference kindly gave us one of their laborers, Elder F. L. Perry, and his support, and he became the Peruvian Mission’s first superintendent. Effective work has been done in the circulation of our literature, and as a result believers have sprung up in different places. Some of these have never yet seen the living preacher, while others have had but little instruction. On the shores of Lake Titicaca there are about a dozen Aymara Indians, descendants of a great subject nation of famous Incas, who are keeping the Sabbath, indirectly as the result of our literature, directly as the result of the work of an Indian school-teacher who had received the Sabbath from our brethren at Puno. These have not yet been visited in their homes and instructed. Calls for help come from various places.GCB May 28, 1909, page 196.7

From the beginning Elder Perry has been assisted by a native, Julio Espinosa, and two years ago he received further help in the person of Ramon Beltran, a native Ecuadorian. The superintendent has felt obliged to leave on account of failing health, but we have received a valuable substitute in the person of Elder A. N. Allen.GCB May 28, 1909, page 196.8

A small tract society office has been developed, and of late a decided interest has been taken by a number in the canvassing work. This makes it necessary that a promising young person be supplied to take charge of the office, who might devote the remainder of his time to work in the city of Lima. Elder Allen would thus be left free to visit the scattered brethren, to instruct them more fully in the truth, and to lead his helpers in the field work and in developing the several interests. This is most important, and should not be delayed. As southern Peru is a field by itself, cut off to a large extent from the remainder of the republic by lofty, barren mountains, difficult to cross, and since some of the Sabbath-keepers and interests are in this territory, it is most desirable that a laborer be secured to locate in southern Peru, perhaps at Arequipa, to carry forward the work of the message.GCB May 28, 1909, page 196.9

ECUADOR

WASe

Brother T. H. Davis, who came to Ecuador in August, 1904, was our pioneer laborer in that republic. The Upper Columbia Conference generously supplied this field with a second laborer and his support in the person of Elder George W. Casebeer, who, on Ecuador’s separation as a mission field, became superintendent. Two years ago Sister Davis died, and was laid away in the Ambato Cemetery to await the coming of the Life-giver, as a herald of whom she had come to Ecuador. Elder Casebeer was called to take charge of the Chile School a little later, and Brother Davis to take charge of the canvassing work on the West Coast. Brethren William Steele and Octavio Navarette were sent to take their place, but the former was soon compelled to leave on account of the serious illness of Sister Steele, leaving Brother Navarette alone. Elder W. W. Wheeler came about February 1 of this year to supply his place, but as he has first to learn the language, he can not for the present do very effectual labor. These changes have necessarily impeded the work in this republic.GCB May 28, 1909, page 196.10

As in Peru and Bolivia, the people are fanatically Roman Catholic; and, as in Bolivia, very little Protestant, and no third angel’s message, seed had ever fallen on Ecuador’s soil before the arrival of these laborers. These great things were hardly to be expected at the beginning. One has been baptized; another, previously baptized, has identified himself with us; and several others (two at Ambato and two at Machola, near the coast) profess to keep the Sabbath, and some of them desire baptism. At Ambato the prejudice is wearing away, and the few meetings held there on our way to General Conference were well attended by interested listeners.GCB May 28, 1909, page 196.11

Brother Wheeler needs more help. He is desirous that a missionary physician should come to work on the plan of our Saviour, when on earth. The most urgent need is a few hundred dollars immediately for the purchase of small tracts covering important points of faith for free distribution at an international exposition to be held in Quito, beginning August 10. This will afford an opportunity to sow the seeds of truth in the hearts of many in this dark land, and prepare the way for future labor. A considerable quantity of literature has already been circulated in some of the provinces of Ecuador.GCB May 28, 1909, page 196.12

BOLIVIA

WASe

Bolivia is the youngest, though not the smallest, child of the South American Union Conference, and the most neglected. On the subdivision of the several fields in 1906, it was part of the Chile-Bolivia Mission. When the former became an organized conference a year later, Bolivia was set apart as a mission field. Elder Eduardo W. Thomann, who had made a successful tour of the principal cities in the interest of Senales de los Tiempos some years before, and who consequently felt a special interest in, and burden for, the people of this republic, volunteered to make it his field of labor; and he has since been the superintendent and only laborer. Meanwhile he has also been the editor of the West Coast missionary paper, and had other translating work to do, so that only a fraction of his time could be devoted to his chosen field.GCB May 28, 1909, page 197.1

The situation calls loudly for a change. The high prices of living in Bolivia hardly justify retaining a man who can devote only a portion of his time to the work of the field, while editorial responsibilities require a closer touch with the Santiago office. He should be relieved from either the Bolivian or the editorial work, and the demands clearly indicate the former. Another should be sent to take charge of the Bolivia Mission, but he should not be sent alone. The nature of the country, the methods of travel, and the character of the people require that two should go together for mutual protection and encouragement and frequent counsel. As the result of work done, several profess to keep the Sabbath, but they have not fully identified themselves with us as yet.GCB May 28, 1909, page 197.2

WEST COAST PRINTING PLANT

WASe

This plant has done excellent work in disseminating the principles of truth on the West Coast, principally through the medium of the Senales de los Tiempos. It owns a good press, a good supply of type and ornaments, and an excellent paper-cutter, all purchased at a bargain after the Valparaiso earthquake and fire. In 1907 a property at Espijo, a suburb of Santiago, was purchased, and the publishing work moved to this place. This property has since been improved, but is still far from what is desired in room, conveniences, and appearance, that it may properly represent our message and work. One or two thousand dollars is needed to complete this plant.GCB May 28, 1909, page 197.3

THE INCA INDIANS

WASe

In the plateaus and mountains of Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador, at an altitude of from 7,000 to 15,000 feet, reside some 5,000,000 Quechua and 500,000 Aymara Indians, the remnant of the once proud and populous Inca empire. From their ancient sun-worship they were by force of arms converted to the papacy; and for the mild though absolute rule of the Incas, they reluctantly exchanged the tyrannical yoke of the white man. For centuries they have known little else than degradation and oppression. Docile, patient, and industrious by nature, it is not strange that they have largely lost their independence and self-respect, and have thought that they were born to be the slaves of others, to be tyrannized over and exploited by and for the benefit of their spiritual (not teachers, for they have never been taught) masters, and sometimes even by the civil authorities and uncivil white neighbors. The ignorance, superstition, and idolatry of the pagan African are not greater than that of the Roman Catholic pagan Indian of South America.GCB May 28, 1909, page 197.4

Is it not strange that practically no effort has been made by Protestants to evangelize these millions? Missionary efforts have been made in these countries in a small way, it is true; but they have been put forth in behalf of the Spanish-speaking white man. As far as the writer knows, the only work begun in behalf of the Inca Indians is only just launched by the “Regions Beyond Missionary Union” in the vicinity of Cuzco, the ancient Inca capital, and by several American ladies in Ecuador. The Gospels, the Acts, and the Epistle to the Romans have been translated into the Quechua language; but the Indians have not been taught to read it, nor have there been missionaries to read it to them. This is a virgin territory in which the third angel’s message may press to the front.GCB May 28, 1909, page 197.5

There have been signs of late of an awakening of the Indian. He feels his degradation. He is beginning to realize the wicked insolence, immorality, and selfish, covetous work and purpose of the priest, and is therefore losing confidence in the virtue of the church. He is beginning to appreciate that he has rights that no man may insolently trample underfoot. Knowing nothing of the gospel, he naturally seeks his goal in the securing of his civil rights. Men among them are educating themselves with the expectation of devoting their lives to the emancipation of their race. This is the time for the last message to do its educating, uplifting, emancipating work for this people.GCB May 28, 1909, page 197.6

Schools should be started on the plan of the schools among the negroes of Africa. Young men should be brought in, and taught, converted, and trained, that they may carry the message to the people of their own race. Faithful, patient, unselfish, self-sacrificing work must be done for them. Broad plans must be laid that will involve the carrying of the last gospel message to the entire race. Young men and women will find here a field that will call into requisition their youthful enthusiasm, endurance, adaptability, ingenuity, and Christian patience; and none who come should expect to turn their backs upon the field until the work is done. A fund to begin work among these people has been started. This fund has now reached $500; and it has been recommended that our South American youth make this the object of their gifts. To start the work will require several thousand dollars, and this enterprise will have to be financed indefinitely by the general work.GCB May 28, 1909, page 197.7

We believe that the time has come to begin this work in earnest. Missions are started for the negroes in Africa. Why should we delay in beginning a work among the neglected Indians of South America? This is a matter worthy of consideration by this Conference. The acceptance of the Sabbath by a number of Indians near Puno is an evidence that the Lord is going out before us, and in their experience we have a hint of the proper methods of labor in their behalf.GCB May 28, 1909, page 197.8

Although Peru forms the center of the Indian population, Ecuador and Bolivia have within their borders one half of this people, and our brethren in these several fields are equally interested in this question.GCB May 28, 1909, page 197.9

ARGENTINA

WASe

For more than four years Argentina has labored under the disadvantage of having no president to devote his time and talents to its interests. During most of this time the president of the union conference has also been the president of the River Plate of Argentine field. There is probably no union conference in the world, owing to our great distances, where such a doubling up of responsibilities would be attended with so much difficulty. It is keenly felt that the work has suffered under such an arrangement. Under these disadvantages the conference is still laboring to-day, although numerically and financially it is the strongest and most important South American field. The tithe for 1908 was over $8,500. In the recent arrival of Elder Knight and two nurses, it has received valuable help. Besides Dr. Habenicht, there are 3 ordained ministers, and 3 other persons free for field work. The field is a large one, some 2,000 miles in length, and 1,000 in width. As soon as we have proper help, it should be divided into smaller sections, in order to accomplish the best results. The message is steadily making progress, and the truth is reaching out into new places. The brethren are giving a steady, hearty support to the work.GCB May 28, 1909, page 197.10

URUGUAY

WASe

This organized mission field, although weak numerically, has been more than self-supporting from the beginning of its separate history; and before this it was a strong support to the River Plate work, although the republic received but little help in return. It has anxiously desired more laborers, and has recently received assistance in the arrival of two nurses. Besides the superintendent, Elder J. V. Maas, there is one licentiate, another having left public work to engage in church-school work. The work has been opened in several new places, and a number have been baptized during the last three years.GCB May 28, 1909, page 197.11

ALTA PARANA

WASe

Elder Luis Ernst has been the superintendent of this mission field, consisting of the republic of Paraguay and the territory of Misiones in Argentina, from the beginning. Owing to previous superficial work, the number of churches and members was diminished for a time, but the work has been materially strengthened. Souls are steadily coming into the truth, and in proportion to the help, the message is moving faster than in any other River Plate field. Most of the time the superintendent has been the only laborer. He now has the assistance of a licentiate and a local helper. The brethren are poor, but loyal, and they show a commendable spirit in supporting the work.GCB May 28, 1909, page 198.1

THE RIVER PLATE PRINTING WORK

WASe

At the time of the last General Conference our printing work began. It was an experiment to all. A year later, the property of Brother O. Oppegard, located in Florida, a suburb of Buenos Aires, was purchased for about $1,060, a bargain. The building has been enlarged and improved at a cost of at least $1,000 more. Adjoining lots were purchased from Elder F. H. Westphal, at a cost of $638, which was considerably less than the market value. The printing equipment was purchased without debt, but on the other property we have an indebtedness of about $1,200. In the buildings of the printing establishment are the offices of the Argentine Conference, the union conference, and the River Plate Tract Society. The printing plant is small, having but one small press, and the most economical and best work can not be done, as a result. For two years two persons have been kept busy, but of late more help is required. A good practical printer has been secured in Brother Warren, of England. With proper help to push the work, there is no reason why an important work may not be done with our literature in the River Plate Field.GCB May 28, 1909, page 198.2

It seems clear that there should be at least one printing plant in Spanish South America, where heavier printing work should be done; and for some reasons Buenos Aires would seem to be the place to locate such a plant. For this purpose one or more large rooms should be added, and the proper press and other machinery secured. In considering this question, it should be borne in mind that we are at the southern circle of the globe, away from the great thoroughfares of travel, so that an Adventist missionary, in traveling to or from the many mission stations, has never come near our shores.GCB May 28, 1909, page 198.3

THE RIVER PLATE SCHOOL

WASe

To the school farm of forty acres, an eighty-acre tract has been added at an expense of about $1,700. A new two-story school building, 50 x 50 feet, with an entrance 15 x 15 feet, has been erected. We found ourselves so cramped for room that this seemed an absolute necessity. It is not yet wholly completed, and it lacks seats and almost every equipment necessary to conduct a good school. For the first time in our experience all the teachers may conduct their work in class-rooms instead of in the dining-room, private rooms, and even in the entry. With the five additional living-rooms in the new school building, we find ourselves as cramped for room as ever, the attendance ever keeping in advance of our capacity to accommodate. The dining-room is overcrowded; and we find ourselves under the necessity of building a larger one, and completing the plan of the old building, which will add four or five students’ rooms to our present capacity. Other minor improvements that will involve considerable expense, urge themselves upon us. Already there are a number of efficient laborers in the field as the result of the work of this institution, and in the providence of God it is surely destined to become an important, if not the most important, factor in preparing laborers for the finishing of the work in South America. The total indebtedness above liabilities is about $3,000, the total value of the property, $10,000.GCB May 28, 1909, page 198.4

For several years our teaching force has been entirely inadequate. Through the arrival of Prof. Walton C. John, who now has charge of the school, we received important help. The work of the school has been more thoroughly organized, systematized, and graded. After the first six grades a four years’ missionary course has been arranged for; and we hope in every way to raise the standard and extent of the work to be done.GCB May 28, 1909, page 198.5

SANITARIUMS

WASe

The first physician to come to South America was Dr. R. H. Habenicht, at the close of 1901. He located with his family in the vicinity of our school in the province of Entre Rios, and intermittently engaged in medical practise. This practise steadily grew until it demanded all his time, and later the ever-increasing work grew entirely beyond his time and strength. In the meantime he received patients into his home, and the demands for room soon grew beyond his capacity to meet them. It was at this juncture that it was finally decided to erect a small sanitarium within two blocks of the school buildings, on property purchased for the purpose from Dr. Habenicht at a sacrifice to himself. At the same time it was decided to open sanitarium work in the school buildings during the summer vacation, hoping that the sanitarium building would be in a condition to receive the patients at the opening of the school.GCB May 28, 1909, page 198.6

The work was begun with results beyond our fondest hopes. Dr. A. L. Gregory, of Brazil, was called in, and both doctors had more than they could well attend to. Unhappily, because of a lack of funds and for other reasons, the new building was still far from completion at the opening of the school, and so the work must in a large measure drop for the present.GCB May 28, 1909, page 198.7

On the property purchased from Dr. Habenicht there is a brick building that will serve the purpose of a dormitory. When the new building is completed, the patronage we have had in the past in the school building (during the vacation) will overcrowd its capacity.GCB May 28, 1909, page 198.8

A nurses’ course has been begun, and it is hoped that the sanitarium will be a valuable auxiliary in the preparation of workers for the South American field.GCB May 28, 1909, page 199.1

RESOURCES

WASe

With the exception of $2,000 given by the General Conference to the Chile School and printing plant; some “Christ’s Object Lessons” given to each of the three fields,—Brazil, River Plate, and West Coast,—and a few donations raised by private means, all the South American institutions have been established with local funds. They have struggled with poverty and inconvenience at every step. It is only with the strictest economy of means, even to parsimony, that we have what we have. And while some of our institutions are already in debt, none of them are complete. In most cases the demands are urgent to enlarge even before the work begun is finished. As an illustration we give you our experience in the erection of the new River Plate school building. We first planned the building 35 x 50 feet, one story and entry. Before the building was begun, we found it necessary to enlarge to 50 x 50 feet. After it was well under way, we felt obliged to enlarge the entry, and build two stories. And, not yet finished, we have already been called upon to “lengthen our cords.” When I tell you that we have no reception room, and no business office; that in a room 13 x 16 feet Professor and Sister Lude, with two children and children’s maid live and sleep, have all their things, and also the business office; that Professor John’s family and all the students are equally crowded, it will be seen that the picture is not overdrawn. There is no complaint on the part of the teachers. They have been willing to sacrifice in the interests of those who wish to attend the school. But it is not justice to the teachers, the students, or to the work that the school represents, that this condition of things should continue. And is it not too much to expect that the River Plate Field, with a constituency of eight hundred, many of them very poor, should financially develop three institutions simultaneously,—a school, a sanitarium, and a publishing plant? We believe that these institutions should be placed on a reasonably equipped and solid footing, so that the liberality of our brethren in these fields may be turned in other directions. We have as yet practically no church buildings, and none in our cities. These and other things should at once be made the object of their endeavor.GCB May 28, 1909, page 199.2

It may be in place here to add that building, furniture, and machinery are not cheap in South America. Everything, from a nail to a railway engine, is imported, as is also all good furniture. In Argentina ordinary lumber sells for ten cents a square foot. Some of our buildings have been erected cheaply because they are cheap buildings, the brick-making and building having been done by teachers, students, and donated labor.GCB May 28, 1909, page 199.3

In view of these conditions, we earnestly ask and hope that the General Conference will give consideration to the needs of this great field. In making this request we would call attention to the fact that we are not engaging in untried experiments or untried adventures. The institutions are there, called into existence by necessity, and their needs and the needs of the work are there, compelling us to move forward.GCB May 28, 1909, page 199.4

CANVASSING WORK

WASe

The canvassing work in South America needs strengthening. We must have men who will give their time and talents to this, who will instruct and organize and lead out in it. Brother T. H. Davis has been chosen to take charge of this work on the West Coast. Our last union conference voted a request for two general men—one for Brazil, and the other for the River Plate Field. We should have these without delay. But owing to the great extent of the field, we should have others who will lead our local canvassers into the field, and help them to succeed.GCB May 28, 1909, page 199.5

LABORERS LOST AND GAINED

WASe

During the period covered by this report and up to the present time, 6 ordained ministers and 1 licentiate have left our field, one of the former apostatizing. Nine ordained ministers, and 10 other laborers, including a doctor, nurses, secretary, and printer, have come, a total of 19, making a balance in favor of the field of twelve laborers. Since nearly all who have come must learn the language before they can work to advantage, the immediate help received is more apparent than real.GCB May 28, 1909, page 199.6

YOUNG PEOPLE’S WORK

WASe

As yet little has been done in this work. We greatly feel the need of it, but men selected for the purpose are too busy with other pressing work, until there is left no time for this. There is hardly a question that it would be profitable in souls, and eventually in workers, could it receive proper attention. There should be one or more men who could devote their time to it.GCB May 28, 1909, page 199.7

MEDICAL WORK

WASe

In addition to the request for medical help for Chile and Ecuador, Peru and Brazil are also desirous of a physician and nurse, to prepare the way for more decided medical missionary work.GCB May 28, 1909, page 199.8

FURTHER DIVISION

WASe

In addition to the divisions suggested in the consideration of individual fields, with which this Conference can not deal, except in the way of providing more laborers, there are other divisions that are necessary and inevitable. A continent can not, in justice to itself, remain within the bounds of a single union. By the extent of its territory and the strength of its work, Brazil is entitled to a separate existence. The remainder of our territory is still large, and awkward to handle. Imagine North America as one union conference with 2,500 Sabbath-keepers scattered from Alaska to Panama and Maine, and you will get some idea of our situation. Even in this comparison the advantages would be in favor of the North American Union. With the passing of each year the perplexities increase. Yet I am constrained to believe that some tie of union, of counsel and harmonious action, and mutual interest among its several parts, is desirable. These are matters that should be studied and decided on the ground.GCB May 28, 1909, page 199.9

THE “NEGLECTED CONTINENT”

WASe

It is now seventeen years since the message began its work in our field,—a field whose difficulties are varied, and many of them peculiar to the field, and which can not be appreciated from a distant and necessarily imperfect view. About ten years ago three missionary papers were begun—two Spanish and one Portuguese. Seven years ago two conferences were organized. We have to-day 4 organized conferences, 3 organized and 4 unorganized mission fields, and of these fields 4 are self-supporting. There are over 60 churches, and nearly 2,700 Sabbath-keepers. We have 3 publishing centers, 3 missionary papers, 3 small church papers, and a bi-monthly youth’s paper just begun. There are 4 general school interests, and a fifth is planned. Sanitarium work has been successfully begun, and a sanitarium building is in process of erection.GCB May 28, 1909, page 199.10

Besides other laborers, there are more than a score of ordained ministers. Yet South America has never been visited but by a single General Conference representative, and this visit was limited to the Atlantic Coast. In 1906, Elder W. A. Spicer attended the South American Union meeting, and took a leading part in the organization of the South American Union Conference, and in further dividing and organizing our extensive territory. His counsel and help have been invaluable to our work, and remind us that more frequent visits and a more personal connection of the General Conference with our work would be a great help both to it and to us. We need a personal acquaintance with the men who stand at the head of the work, and with their policies and ideas. And they need to be acquainted with us, our plans and needs. At the time of Elder Spicer’s visit the question of first importance was the division of the field and plans of organization. While this work is not yet complete, there are other important questions pressing themselves upon us to which we could give no attention then. In some of these we have had no previous experience; in all we need counsel and help.GCB May 28, 1909, page 199.11

At the close of Elder Westphal’s report, a chorus of South American representatives (Brethren Habenicht, Town, Westphal, and Perry, and Sisters Habenicht, Town, Gregory, and Perry), sang a hymn in Spanish, “Mi Mano Ten, Senor” (“Take Thou My Hand”).GCB May 28, 1909, page 199.12

(Report of twenty-fifth meeting concluded in next issue.)GCB May 28, 1909, page 199.13

Conference Proceedings. TWENTY-FOURTH MEETING

CAUSES AND TREATMENT OF STOMACH DISEASES