Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1890-03-04
Jerusalem AWAKENING.


JERUSALEM AWAKENING.
4 correspondent OF the Christian
World writes as follows TO that IA
per:
Anything indicative Of an
awakening and n revival OF energy
in the Holy Laud, especially at
Jerusalem, must prove of special in
tenest to every Christian who Is
watching the ''signs of the times"
\ Being row on visit to the Holy
| City for the seventh time, after n
considerable interval, l find the
changes that have recently occurred
SO marked and suggestive that l am
induced 10 indicate some Of the most
prominent for the Information OF
your large circle ofreaders, many of
whom, feel sure, are deeply inter
ested in the future Of this land OF
sacred memories.
On approaching the city from the
west in former years there were
scarcely any buildings, except the
Russian convent and the Monte
fore almshouses, to intercept the
view of the city walls; now the
whole plain is covered with private
residences and colonies Of Jews,
whilst near to the Jafia Gate are
large numbers OF shops already ten
anted and numerous others in course
Of construction. This extension be-
yond the walls has become necessary
on account OF the rapid increase OF
the population. | am informed by
Mr.. Moore, British Consul here,
that within the last three or
four years about 20, coo Jews have
come To Jerusalem for permanent
residence in anu around the city,
and that Of the entire population Oi
aoOut 10000, il is estimated that
nearly 10000 are Jews. He also
stated that the influx of Jews into
other parts of Palestine during re-
cent years has been entirely with
out precedent. The principal streets
which but few yesrs since were
almost impossible in rainy weather,
have been paved with stone, 4 new
wide street has been opened up
through a densely populated quar-
ter, and five hotels are now open
for the reception Of the annually
increasing number Of visitors and
traders from all lands. Public works
of importance have been erect
ed, and others are in prog
ress. The road from JaiIa
TO Jerusalem, ut one time all
but impossible, has been recon-
structed by an eminent engineer
over it our own and other carriage
services are in full operation-a good
road has been formed from Jerusa-
lem to Bethlehem, and another from
Jerusalem to Hebron; several others
are rapidly approaching completion
from Jafia TO Nablous (Shechem).
30 miles; Jerusalem 10 Jericho, -
miles; Caipha TO Nazareth, % miles:
and Nazareth 10 Tiberias, is miles.
Jerusalem has hitherto been
almost wholly dependent for its
water supply upon its large under
ground cisterns for the reception
Of rain water, which, after n sum
mer's drought, often proves insult |
ficient inquantity, and almost unfit |
for use. The government is now
about to introduce an unfailing sup
ply from n spring Of pure water be- |
yond SolOmOn's PoOls-about nine |
miles distant. a large flour mill,
established 10y the A1essrs. Bergheim, !
having proved both great benefit !
and n financial success; others with |
large steam power are in progress of |
erection; soap factories have com |
menced operations, and ut Jaffa steam |
saw-mills have been established. Col |
onies of Jews following agricultural |
pursuits, stated to he successful, are |
located, one about five miles from |
JafIa, and 4 larger one at Limerin.
near Cesarea, originated and assisted /
by the Rothschild family. The be-
fOre-named road to Jericho is being |
constructed by the government, who |
have taken upall the land available
in the best parts OF the valley for |
the development Of an extensive
scheme OF agricultural operations,
which, with such temperature. 50
fertile 4 soil, and well watered hy
the cOpious stream from Elisha's
fountain, SHOULD furnish abundant
and remunerative crops. Grapes.
bananas, sugar cane, cotton. and
various fruits and vegetables. have
for some time past been cultivated
here with much success. The in
creased amount of rain which has
fallen the last few years in Pales-
tine has had a most marked effect
in larger and more abundant harry
ests than hitherto known.
The most important results. how
ever, of all may be anticipated from
the railway about to be constructed
between Jaffa and Jerusalem. As
in former years have pre-
vailed which have never been
called upon Mr.. Fruit
ger, the banker, to whom the
has been granted by the
Turkish government, and was as
.ured by him that the necessary
saIital had been subscribed, and |
hat the works would commence
upon the close Of the
Amy season in early spring, and
lnshed on urgently to completion.
The influence such a line Of COM
between Jerusalem and ,
he coast may be expected TO
.xert is incalculable, for as :
natural sequence the harbor. :
which is now inaccessible 10 Medi- !
eranean steamers, must be deep }
ned and enlarged and the rocky
'arrier which prevents iDgress re- !
moved. 1t is contemplated to subse- =
uentiy extend this line via GAIA :
nd El-Arish over the short desert 7
0 Port Said and Ismalia on the :
Maritime Canal, thus connecting !
With the railway system of Lower +
Egypt for Cairo, Alexandria and a
uez, and to the Fayoum and Upper !
.gypt- Such important action for n
ne improvement Of the Holy CITY n
nd the development of the re- !
1urces Of Palestine, and opening !
p of the country to commerce, aIe 4
-ithout precedent in modern times.
iewed in connection with the n
numerous and active efforts being |.
lade by various religious agencies @
iroughOut the country for the h
Of the people and the :
OF the Jews, these facts :,
lust encourage every lover Of Gods n
1c'ent people to hope that His set :
me to favor Zion is fast approach #
e. a
Sewer Stake Conference. T.
The Quarterly Conference of the il
evier Stake convened in Richfield u