f our governmental victories have, however, been won in
Switzerland and Germany, where we were for so many years looked upon as
a dangerous, if not harmful, influence, owing chiefly to the gross
calumnies of "Christian" teachers and writers. The results of our work
upon those whose lives had been a disgrace and burden to the community
could not be hidden, however, and there is now scarcely a cantonal
government in Switzerland which does not subsidise some one or other of
our Institutions. The cities of Hamburg and Elberfeld, in Germany, have
led the way in granting to us similar assistance, and it can only be a
question of time before we gravitate into an equally honoured position
elsewhere. For although we continue to keep as far as possible aloof
from all parties, and party feeling, and have not, therefore, the means
of influencing and obtaining grants from politicians in the ordinary
way, we compel attention by what we do, and have, undoubtedly, done more
than any other religious community to create that inclination towards
intelligent care for the criminal and outcast which is almost becoming a
fashion, in governmental circles, nowadays.

It begins to look as if, had The General lived, some of the South
American republics would have been the first, after all, to gladden his
heart by a hearty and handsome co-operation. For twenty years he pleaded
for an opportunity to show what could be done for those whose life and
character have been wrecked amidst the breakers of modern life, if they
were removed from their old surroundings and compelled to live under our
influence in country air. We have come so far in this direction, in New
Zealand, that we have bought islands, where former inebriates and their
children can be kept completely severed from their old temptations, and
so have every opportunity to begin a new life if they will. Men, as well
as young people, are frequently handed over to us by the authorities;
but there is not yet anywhere a sufficient power given to detain those
who are disinclined to hard work.

And recently, The General was promised, in the course of interviews with
authorities, a considerable extension in the United Kingdom of the
liberty to deal with prisoners, which we have long enjoyed in America
and Canada. The long night, when prisoners were treated only as
troublesome animals against whom society needed protection, seems to be
passing, and with the new, earnest resolve to try and fit them f