habitations, and the reader seems brought closer to Masters than ever before. All this in the unsurpassed diction of Col. Olcott, the grave and the gay alternating, as in the excessively comic story of the kiss and in the pregnant lesson after an anecdote of the Platonist: "So emotions may, like beauty, be sometimes but skin deep. Sins, also: think of that!" What a profound truth is here! Dr. Weisse's analysis of the sources of words used by ten renowned English writers shows that H. P. B. in Isis used 46 classic, 51 Gotho-Germanic, I Celtic, and 2 Semitic, almost the same as Dr. Johnson. Herbert Burrows's lecture on "Theosophy and Life" is noble both in its thought and its language, noble enough to be by his old friend and teacher, Mrs. Besant, and strikingly like her in both. "Sorcery-Mediæval and Modern" exhibits abounding faith in talismans and witchcraft, and considers the mediaval laws against witchcraft to be proof of its reality, but it is a readable paper and by no means a mere revival of defunct superstitions. "Modern Indian Magic and Magicians" and Astrology under the Cæsars" are most interesting, and Mr. Old's White Lotus Day address at Adyar is grand.—[A. F. ]

THEOSOPHICAL SIFTINGS, Vol. VI, No. 7, is mainly of "Emerson and Theosophy" by P. C. Ward, an intelligent and pains-taking exhibition of likenesses. Then comes a reprint of the Theosophist article, "The Qualifications needed for Practical Occultism", an article of enormous value as clearly stating the exactions indispensable to every one before beginning the first exercises of a real training.—[A. F.]

OCCULTISM, Mr. Joseph M. Wade's new monthly, dispels none of the misgivings aroused by its prospectus. It is a meandering rivulet of words, quite without any definite purpose or meaning, and free from the restraints of grammar. An opening ode to "The Deity" is said to have been "done in the astral", and certainly its indifference to metrical structure is unlike anything in terrestrial spheres. The Theosophical Society seems to be the bête noire of Mr. Wade, possibly because of its stress on intelligibility and sound sense. Occultism impresses one as a sickly babe, with several symptoms of paresis, and its parent most truly predicts on page 20, "This magazine will never grow old.”—[A. F.]

THEOSOPHY AND CHRISTIANITY is a reprint by Atma T. S., New Haven, Conn., of Branch Paper No. 29 by Rev. Wm. E. Copeland, F. T. S. It refutes the notions that Theosophy is hostile to genuine Christianity and that members of the Theosophical Society need to abandon their churches and religious rites. Coming from a minister it has the more cogency, and its diffusion through religious circles will help to set right a very common error. (For sale by PATH, or M. S. Wadham, 998 Grand Ave., New Haven, Conn. 2 cts a copy, $1.50 a hundred.—[A. F.]

Mirror of the Movement.

AMERICA.

THE GENERAL SECRETARY reached New York safely on the evening of July 21st, the City of Paris having made an unprecedented run from Southampton. His health is better, but his voice has only slightly improved.

ARYAN T.S. LECTURES on Sunday in July were: 2d, Theosophy and Ethics, Jos. H. Fussell; 9th, The Nature of Man, H. T. Patterson; 16th, Practical Theosophy, Miss A. M. Stabler; 23d, One Life or Many?, Burcham Harding; 30th, Concentration, Claude F. Wright.

“H.P.B.” T.S. Sunday evening lectures in July were: 2d, History of the Soul, B. Harding; 9th, Is Theosophy Practical?, Geo., D. Ayers; 16th, Concentration, Claude F. Wright; 23d, A.B.C. of Theosophy, H. T. Patterson; 30th, Harmony, Miss A. M. Stabler.

THE PROGRAM for the Theosophical days in the Parliament of Religions at Chicago in September has been sent out with the Forum in order that it may reach all F.T.S. in good standing, and is given at end of PATH. One thousand copies have been sent to the Adyar Headquarters for distribution, and twelve hundred to the Headquarters in London.

BLAVATSKY T. S., Washington, D. C., has elected Mr. Geo. M. Coffin as President and as Secretary Mrs. Marie A. Watson, 413 G st., N. W. There is a slight improvement in the condition of Mr. J. Guilford White, who has been for weeks so dangerously ill. Mr. White has been not only the devoted President of the Branch, but for long time a most faithful and earnest worker. The loss by death of Capt. Boush and Mrs. Carey is serious, yet prompts to more zeal in those left.

WORK AT CHICAGO Headquarters goes steadily on in spite of warm weather and numerous "counter attractions". Attendance at Branch meetings and Sunday evening lectures continues good, while even a perceptible increase of enthusiasm is manifested. One of the pleasantest features of the summer is the coming among us of so many members from outside points. Toledo, O., has sent several, among them its Branch President, Brother Wheeler, and his wife. Mrs. Manning of Minneapolis was with us several days, and lectured Sunday, June 25th, on the "Universal Brotherhood of Man". July 3d a conversazione was held at Headquarters, when visiting Theosophists from many centers were present. Among our guests were friendly natives of Ceylon and four Hindus. Chicago cordially invites to its Headquarters and meetings all members and friends who may hereafter visit the city.

A DAYTON BROTHER has arranged for a Theosophical badge in form of a button with shank, which may be put in a button-hole on the coat. It is simply the seal of the Society, neatly made and colored, of course without the motto. The price thereof will be $1.50, and it may be ordered from the PATH. It is purposed also to make the badge as a pin for women and as a charm for watch-chains.

PACIFIC COAST.

DR. GRIFFITHS arrived in Portland, Or., June 15th. He was met at the dock by a number of Brothers and given a cordial welcome. Branch and private meetings were held; and public lectures given in auditorium of A.O. U. W. Block, June 20th and 25th. Large audiences and full press reports. The Oregonian printed a column interview. Great interest was manifested at the Lectures. At the last one, Conclusions upon Reincarnation" was the subject. Written questions were answered after the lecture. It was 10:45 o'clock when the audience dispersed. The Willamette Branch has done good work in Portland. Wherever and whenever a local Branch does persistent and good

work, good audiences in number and intelligence invariably attend lectures given by speakers from afar. A general lecture on Theosophy was given by Dr. Griffiths in Vancouver, Wash., June 27th. The mayor, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, and the two editors of the local press attended. After the lecture the mayor remained and was introduced to the lecturer, saiyng he had read Theosophical literature and was interested in Theosophy. A party of Theosophists from Portland accompanied the Lecturer to Vancouver and formed the acquaintance of many present with a view of carrying on the work begun by Dr. Griffiths. Routes and dates for a Willamette Valley tour had been arranged by the Pacific Coast Lecturer, but upon the eve of starting he received a telegram from home stating his daughter was dangerously ill with typhoid fever, and for him to return to San Francisco at once. Thus the Willamette Valley trip is deferred for the present, to be taken a little later.

SAN FRANCISCO T. S. has just added five new members to its roll, present number being twenty-three. Excellent work is being done, and the new additions to membership are a proof.

PUBLIC LECTURES have been delivered at Headquarters by Mrs. Sarah A. Harris on The Astral, Mrs. Vera S. Beane on Man, Abbott B. Clark on Theosophy, and Miss Marie A. Walsh on The Progress of Theosophy.

SAN DIEGO T. S., formed by uniting Gautama and Upasana Branches, has elected as President Sidney Thomas, and as Secretary Eli T. Blackmer, 1232 F. street.

LONDON LETTER.

The American General Secretary, Bro. Judge, arrived at Southampton June 24th, where Dr. and Mrs. A. Keightley met him, and he got to Headquarters on the evening of the same day. The most interesting object he brought is the original precipitation upon white satin by H. P. B. which Col. Olcott has described in "Diary Leaves". It was given by Gen. Lippitt, to whom H. P. B. gave it, to Annie Besant, and Bro. Judge brought it over, after keeping it a while to show his friends. It will probably be hung upon the wall in H. P. B's room at 19 Avenue Road. We all supposed that Bro. Judge's voice would not permit any talking and certainly no speeches, but were delighted to note a great improvement.

Blavatsky Lodge met as usual on June 9th, the subject being Adepts as Facts and Ideals. This is the title, slightly altered, of a recent article in the PATH. Annie Besant discussed it at the meeting, which was literally packed. Bertram Keightley and George Mead followed her, and then Bro. Judge spoke for half an hour as Chairman on closing the meeting.

On Saturdays members of the B. T. S. who desire to study meet in the Hall, as the regular meetings are too crowded by the public. Whenever Annie Besant is to speak, then each member gives away so many tickets that there is always a larger audience than the Hall will hold.

A working man's club started by Bro. M. U. Moore and now self-sustaining exists near by in Henry Street. It is called the Lotus Club. No liquors are permitted; they have billiards and other games, and a piano. It is generally crowded.

A Hindu lectured in London just before Convention at Essex Hall, attempting to belittle Theosophy. His name is Nagarka, of Bombay. Being a

member of the Brahmo Somaj, he could not well go very hard against Theosophy, and only succeeded in showing that the latter had really a good hold on India. Bro. Geo. Mead was given the platform at the close, and really turned the meeting into a Theosophical one.

The PATH prophecy about the Queen's death has had confirmation from a clairvoyant, who on examining the palm of the Prince of Wales said his mother would die at the date as given by the Hindu correspondent of the PATH. New lodges have been formed from centres at the following places; Middlebury, Edinburgh, Bristol, Bow. At Bow the Working Girls' Club is still in good order and doing well. There is no change in the general arrangements of the Avenue Road Headquarters, and everything seems full of the interest and activity inspired by H. P. B.

Bro. Judge spoke at the meeting of the Blavatsky Lodge preceding the Convention on the subject of Theosophy and Spiritualism, on which I believe he has lectured in New York. He said among other things that it was a pity that the misuse of the term spiritualism by those who had run after mediums had made it necessary for theosophists not to use the name, but that it was a good one and that Theosophy was in fact real spiritualism.

Decoration of the ceiling of the B. T. S. Hall has been done by Bro. Machell, who painted many allegorical scenes and figures upon the wooden roof. It is very effective. The next improvement will have to be a larger hall and better ventilation.

A traveling van under charge of Bro. Campbell assisted by Reginald Hodder has started for the South Coast. It will carry Theosophical literature, the two members in charge will talk Theosophy to all as they go on, and good is expected to result. If the U.S. were not so wide the same thing might be done there. This work takes a good deal of courage to perform.

The precipitated picture on satin made in 1874-75 in Philadelphia by H.P.B. and then given by her to Gen. F. J. Lippitt was brought to London by Bro. Judge, as Gen. Lippitt had presented it to Mrs. Besant. It has been very fully described by Col. Olcott in "Old Diary Leaves" for the month of June, 1892, in Theosophist. The picture now hangs in H. P. B.'s old room at 19 Avenue Road, and though eighteen years old shows but slight traces of change in color or brilliancy. It is a remarkable object because of the manner in which it was made. THE WITNESS.

CONVENTION EUROPEAN SECTION.

The Third Annual Convention of the European Section assembled in the Hall of the Blavatsky T. S. in London at 10 a.m., July 6th. Bro. G. R. S. Mead as General Secretary called the meeting to order and organized the Convention by calling for delegates and proxies. Bro. Mead was made Secretary, with Bros. Hargrave and H. T. Edge as Assistants.

Brother B. Keightley represented India, Bro. W. Q. Judge America, two from Spain, Xifre and Roviralto; Dunlap, Wing, and Russell from Ireland, Mesdames Meulman and de Neufville from Holland, M. Coulomb from France, Count A. Wachtmeister answered for Sweden. England was fully represented by the various members of English lodges, and Scotland sent its delegates also. Mrs. L. A. Off from Los Angeles, Calif., was also present as a visitor. The meeting therefore in its members presented a wide field of theosophical activity. Blavatsky T.S. had thirteen votes and Sweden ten votes, those two being The two largest bodies.

Bro. William Q. Judge, Vice-President T.S., was elected Chairman of the Convention. On taking the chair he drew attention to the idea of unity, so that the Convention should not consider itself as acting only for Europe; and also said that thought should be given to the best method of activity for the next twelve months. A telegram was read from Col. Olcott, the President, reading :

Best wishes for a successful Convention.

The General Secretary then read his Annual Report. It showed great activity. Of books, magazines, and pamphlets, the record is 240 in all: seventeen in English, eleven new pamphlets; seven in Swedish; five Dutch; six translations in Dutch; one in Italian; seven in German; two Bohemian; five in French; four in Spanish. The total number of lodge meetings was about two thousand in all or more. Annie Besant delivered during the year 223 lectures, including those in the United States.

The meetings of the first day were all crowded and lively interest was shown.

A subscription was opened for expenses of the Chicago Theosophical Religious Congress, and some $450 were subscribed. The following persons were appointed to represent the European Section at Chicago: Annie Besant, Miss F. H. Muller, B. Keightley, H. Burrows, to act in case they can attend. Mrs. Besant and Miss Muller are pretty sure of coming. Very great interest was shown on this subject.

A debate took place on the question of voting on general T.S. questions, and it was recommended that the alternative system, called Hare's, be used. Delegates from different points of Europe addressed the Convention in French and Spanish.

A photograph was taken in the garden of No. 17 of nearly all present. The second day's sessions were two in number, and just as crowded as the first, notwithstanding great heat. At 4:30 the chairman, Bro. Judge, brought the meetings to a close and dwelt upon the need for harmony, and adjured the Section to avoid "red tape" or else they would cramp all effort. He also spoke of dogmatism, advising against it, but warning them not to speak of it as existing when it did not prevail, for if they did that would produce it. He had not found it, but saw the contrary, and advised all not to mistake earnestness, devotion, and loyalty for dogmatism. Private meetings were then held and preparation made for the public meeting in the city.

PRINCE'S HALL MEETING. At 8:30 p.m., July 7, a large public meeting was held at Prince's Hall, Piccadilly, Bro. Judge in the chair. The speakers were the chairman, Bro. Mead, A. P. Sinnett, Bro. Burrows, Dr. A. Keightley, B. Keightley, and Annie Besant. The first gave an account of some of our work: Mr. Sinnett dwelt on the new instruments for Science found in the inner faculties of man; Mr. Burrows paid a tribute to H. P. B. and denied that Science had given its last word; Dr. Keightley spoke of the conditions of life, including something on Karma and Reincarnation; B. Keightley took up Ideals; and Mrs. Besant closed with a magnificent address, showing that Science would lead us, on its own admission, only to death by ice or fire, with selfishness over all, but that Theosophy upheld the immortality of man. The hall was completely filled, although the evening was intensely hot and the attraction of illuminations on the marriage of the Prince's son were all about that part of London. This gave the finale to the convention meetings and proved that the movement is marching steadily forward every year. Harmony and energy marked all the meetings and discussions.