* * * * * A FALLEN IDOL.—By F. Anstey. This is a novel devoted to a plot in which _Theosophy_, _Chelas_, _astral bodies_, _currents_, and what not, figure on every page. It tells of the power and wanderings, the evil deeds and influence of a strong bad man’s shell, attached to an eastern idol. There is a German _Chela_ included, and also a fraudulent message. THEOSOPHICAL ACTIVITIES. THE AMERICAN THEOSOPHICAL COUNCIL.—In the July _Theosophist_, it was announced that the General Council had resolved to organize the American Branches upon a better and more permanent basis, than previously existed, and that instructions to postpone the Board of Control meeting had been sent. The formal orders have arrived, and are in brief, that all the Branches here are to be formed into the American Council, which is to be the Western Section of the General Council, but subordinate to it, whereupon the Board of Control goes out of existence; all Branch presidents and the present members of the Board of Control are to be _ex-officio_ members of this Council which the orders direct to be formed on call of the Board of Control as soon as possible after receipt of advices. Other members of the Council, to be selected from the whole body of American Theosophists, may be elected, and the Council is to meet in time to forward reports to the regular Council at Adyar in December. This action is eminently wise, as the term _Board of Control_ was misleading, inasmuch as the very foundation of the Society is democratic in its nature, and _control_ savored to much of form, ceremonies, discipline, officers, secret reports and all the paraphernalia of an established church. In all other respects the routine is unchanged by the orders. With 14 Branches and others contemplated, these great United States ought to stand in fair way of being soon theosophized. * * * * * MALDEN.—Members are working and studying. They enjoy advantages in having a few who thoroughly understand the subject. NEW YORK.—The ARYAN THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY meets regularly. Not many open meetings have occurred in August or July, but frequent private ones have been held, and the members are deeply in earnest. The library has received several additions, and the books are regularly used by members. * * * * * RUMORS—are afloat that some very learned and distinguished theosophists from abroad will be here in the fall. If so—and we think our information is reliable—the whole host of newspapers, critics, and Conways, may expect to hear a few more final “last words on Theosophy.” Gentlemen of the opposition! the cycle runs its course, the terrible wheel of Karma turns round resistlessly, and you cannot stop it, astonishing as may seem to you to be the senility of people in running after Theosophy. * * * * *