The inquiry is sometimes made as to the reasons for the steadily increasing support given to the A. M. A. In answer we suggest:—1. The increasing prosperity of the country. People have more to give and they give more. 2. The careful management of the affairs of the Association has probably given it a stronger hold upon the confidence of the public. 3. The great reason, we believe, is that the nation, after many fluctuating opinions in regard to the Freedmen, has settled down to the conviction, voiced repeatedly by Pres. Hayes and reiterated so emphatically in Pres. Garfield’s inaugural, that the only safety for the nation and the Freedmen is in their thorough education. The A. M. A. is now seen to have steadily pressed forward from the beginning in this only true method, and hence its work has come to be more fully appreciated. The rapid growth of the colored population gives emphasis to the demand for their Christian education. 4. Another reason is the awakened conviction in Great Britain and America that the freed people are destined by Divine Providence to take an important part in the redemption of Africa. Our schools and churches, so well fitted to prepare them for this work, are felt to deserve not only support but enlargement.
FINANCIAL—APPEALING FACTS.
One year ago we asked our constituents to enlarge our receipts twenty-five per cent; the generous response was nearly thirty per cent. We increased the appropriations of the year, but kept safely within the income. At our recent Annual Meeting the appeal was made for $300,000 this year—an increase over last of $56,000, or 23 per cent. This appeal is based on no random figures. The appropriations for this fiscal year are carefully made on the basis of last year’s income, but in addition we most pressingly need the means:—1. To finish and furnish two buildings, not provided for by the Stone fund. They are nearly ready, but will be useless unless completed. 2. To provide additional teachers, boarding and student aid for the increased number of students in the new buildings in Atlanta, Talladega, Tougaloo, New Orleans, Austin, Athens. 3. To erect a boy’s dormitory at New Orleans, and a new building at Memphis. As to the latter, Prof. Steele writes: “All the desks in the lower rooms were filled at the end of the first week, and we have been refusing admission to pupils in these rooms every day since. Early last week the last seat in the Normal room was taken. We seat 102 there. Since then I have placed small tables and chairs in every foot of available space in the Normal room, raising the number enrolled to 118. I am every day receiving letters from young men and women in the country who wish to enter the school, but I can in no way take more than two students in addition to those now in the room. Of the 120 in the Normal department, 50 have taught school and all the rest expect to become teachers.” Must we refuse education to more of such students and teachers? The unexpended portion of the Stone fund is already appropriated and is not available here. 4. To meet the urgent demands for enlargement in the church work. 5. To increase our expenditures for the Indians. The nation is aroused in their behalf and Congress is ready to help. Now is the time for us to enlarge. 6. To double our appropriation for the Chinese work. No outlay yields better returns. 7. To build the John Brown steamer for the Mendi, and to complete the $50,000 fund for the Arthington Mission.
These facts are our appeal. We add no words. The day has gone by when our friends will be content with good speeches and resolutions at the Annual Meeting. The hour has come for steady and effective work. We are ready for it, and the tone of the meeting at Worcester shows that our friends are also.
ABSTRACT OF PROCEEDINGS AT THE ANNUAL MEETING.
The Thirty-fifth Annual Meeting of the American Missionary Association was held in Plymouth Church, Worcester, Mass., on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, November 1st, 2d and 3d, 1881.
As the bells in the church-tower finished chiming the “Missionary Hymn,” at three o’clock Tuesday afternoon, Secretary Strieby called the meeting to order, and in the absence of the President and Vice-Presidents, Rev. S. R. Dennen, D.D., of New Haven, was chosen to preside. After devotional services, Rev. Marshall M. Cutter, of Medford, was chosen Secretary, and Rev. John L. Ewell and Rev. C. P. Osborne Assistant Secretaries.
A Nominating Committee was appointed consisting of Rev. E. H. Byington, Rev. E. P. Marvin and C. L. Mead, Esq.; also a Business Committee consisting of Rev. Geo. M. Boynton, Rev. G. R. M. Scott, and Geo. P. Davis, Esq.