The Indians.
The necessity of changing agents has made much unexpected work, and the difficulties of supplying their places are referred to. The work of Rev. Mr. Eells at S’Kokomish is spoken of. The Indians show increasing interest in education, but the unsettled condition of their affairs prevents the best success. The recommendations made by the representatives of the various religious denominations to the Board of Commissioners are recited. The possibility of a transfer of the Indians to the War Department is alluded to, and deprecated as a long step in retreat.
The Chinese in America.
The outcries against the Chinaman, and the abuse he receives on every hand, are alluded to as having had already an influence in diminishing the number of those coming to our shores.
The Association has sustained eleven schools during the year, with 1,492 pupils. The Chinese Congregational Association and the Bethany Home have been kept up, with increasing usefulness. Seventy-five have been hopefully converted during the year. The indebtedness of the Association to Rev. Wm. C. Pond, its superintendent in that work, is heartily acknowledged. The desire of the Chinese converts for the conversion of their own people in their native land is referred to as a convincing proof that they have entered into the spirit of the Master. The new Chinese embassy to this country is spoken of as full of promise in regard to all the questions affecting that race.
Finances.
The receipts of the year have been $195,601.65; the expenses have been $188,079.46, leaving a balance of $7,522.19. The current receipts are not equal by $13,063.23 to those of the preceding year, the falling off being mainly in legacies; and the $17,904.92 in cash (and $6,950 in pledges) for the debt may have somewhat lessened the regular gifts.
The debt, two years ago, was $93,000; one year ago it was $63,000; what has been received and saved for it together this year amounts to $25,427.11, which has reduced it to $37,389.79, and pledges are held for $6,950, which, when redeemed, will further diminish it to $30,439.79.
The Committee recognize the hand of the Lord, and the hearts of His people in this good showing. The Report makes special mention of the gifts from the field for this object, and yet the remaining debt is deeply deplored as preventing the enlargement of the work. The careful and wise use of the funds in its hands encourages the Association to ask for the removal of this its last hindrance.