The free press. (Poplarville, Miss.) 1890-19??, 1919-04-10

North Observation-Disclosures, 1O2, 100000; other
faiths, 1926 600; total. 112,935O0
South Observation-Disclosures 36,6O00O0; other
faiths, 100000; total, 38,0OO000.
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES, IL 900; other faiths
42, 929 900; total, So 625, 900.
1t may safely be said that the allie% Christian
nations will celebrate Easter this year with I'M
usual solemnty The life immortal is comfort
Ing belief just now, when the world has been
brought face to face with death by the great war
as never before. Probably also it will be cele-
brnted as usual In Germany, for the Germans make
much ado Easter.
Easter in Russia.
Even in distracted Russia Easter will be OBJ
served, for the Greek Catholic church makes much
of the celebration and Easter observance Is part
Of the national life. Certainly Easter of 1918 was
observed as usual In many parts Of Russia, al
though the anarchist disorders were we'll under
way. Here is bit of description from a letter
written from Kief in 1919
Easter Is the greatest festival of all the year
Infinitely more so than Christmas. At I" o'clock
We drove out to the Larva' the oldest monastery
and the richest In all Russia. Can you imagine
huge courtyard surrounded by 40-foot wall and
immense covered gateway. groups of large white
buildings all ablaze with light with the snow for
q background; the center building the church.
doors open, the inside lighted by thousand can
dies, and the chanting of 1900 priests. In the
open courtyard were thousands of soldiers with
uncOvSrAd neauS eacn bearing O lighted candle.
To the right stands the bell tower, a wonderful
structure over 200 feet high. At the stroke Of IL
the meat wonderful bells in Russia peal forth as
you hive never heard bells In America Thousands
of vo,ees cry Christ is risen and the priests come
forth and march around the building"
In she days before the great war no festivals In
Europe attracted many foreigners as the cele-
brHtfon In Rome of the holy week. 1t was not
unusual for more than 10000 visitors to be pres
ems a large proportion of them being English and
Aclericans-and also PrOtestants Doubtless there
VIII be many visitors this Easter season. Easter
Sunday is the elimination of the ceremonies. The
Sope himself ofhciates at high mass In st. Peters
with the moss gorgeous ritual. 1t is after he ex-
tends his blessing that the papers containing pray
ers are thrcwa down from his balcony to be
scrambled for by the congregation.
Jerusalem, the Holy City.
The celebration Of this Easter in Jerusalem will
probably be noteworthy 1t is the first Easter In
seven consecutive centuries which finds the holy
city permanently freed from the misrule of the
Moslein. Mohammedan misrule and oppression
had their beginning 10 centuries ago, but the Cru
saders held possession of the city twice-once
under Godfrey of Bouon (1099-11S7) and again
under Frederick II (12241244). The British, I'M
der General Allenby were In possession at Easter
of 1918, but fighting was going on In all the
rounding region and the fate Of the city was still
In the balance.
In normal times business In Jerusalem comes to
q stop at the Easter season and religious cere-
monial Is the dominating interest. 1t Is
sort of fourfold celebration. The Moham-
medans contribute by holding pilgrimage to the
tomb Of Moses. The Jews celebrate the passover.