This plan was arrived at only after the police had seen the work carried out by our people with an ambulance which required the services of two strong men.  But there is reason to suppose that our cordial relationships with the authorities in Cologne and elsewhere are largely due to the good impression made upon them by The General himself.  Of his great Meeting in Cologne, attended by many officials, and other persons of influence, he wrote:—­

“I had certainly a remarkable Campaign, and my Meeting in Cologne was one of the most remarkable in my history.  Oh, it was a moving, hope-inspiring affair.  Oh, what wonders the dear Salvation Army may yet accomplish in the Fatherland!  I am sure it will be so, whoever lives to see it.”

Thank God that he was spared to see another seven years of progress in that direction since this was written.

In Japan, which cannot be supposed to be specially favourable to any Christian Society, we have long had opportunity regularly to visit all persons in custody, and as we have already seen, to invite all girls living an immoral life to come to our Institutions.

Why is there still difficulty in the way of our work for the prisoners, and other needy ones in Christendom?  Chiefly, because there are chaplains and others specially appointed to deal with such needs, and who, naturally, do not wish to see others “interfering,” as they think, with their parishioners.  In very many cases nowadays there is a much better feeling than formerly, and such persons heartily welcome our help, knowing that we never wish to meddle with any one’s work, but only to work where others can gain no entrance.

In a certain Australian jail, at the time when men there could be sentenced to death for many crimes other than murder, a condemned man was in such agonies of remorse that none of the warders could get any rest.  The help of one of our Officers was greatly desired, but the chaplain would not consent, so that our Officer could not be admitted.  In another part of the prison, however, one of our Soldiers was a warder, and those who knew this sought him out and brought him to the distressed sinner, whom he very soon succeeded in leading to the Saviour, who gave him a peace as complete as that which He gave to His companion in crucifixion.

It is by this patience and efficiency that our Officers, wherever they get opportunity, win the favour of authorities, prisoners, and sufferers of every kind.  Therefore, we reckon that it can only be a question of time before our way is opened to do far more than ever for the friendless of every land.