, 1873-03-23
TIE sWEDENB0RGlAN RELIEF FUND.
To The Editor Of Tie Chicago Tribune:

To The Editor Of The Chicago Tribune:
E1R: read your article upon 11r. J. Young Scam
mons connection and doalings with the Swedeutor-
gans of Chicago with the deepest pain and mornca-
ton. A Swedenborgan mygelf, and long and inti-
mately acquainted with this distinguished Christian
gentleman, venture few words n bis defense It
must be admitted that tho facts stated in your article
Ill regard to h1a church influence md dIcation his
real estate operations with tho church property ere In
the main correct; that tue article the whole Is mild
and moderate in tone; indeed, We fear the whole
truth might warrant little stronger statement But
you do Brother scannon great injustice in speaking
Of his connection with the Swedenborgian relief fund.-
This fund resulted from tho generous contributions
OF swedenborgan friends aud societies through
out the country for the relief Of individuals
suffering among the members Of tie Chicago Society,"
If anJ, End such other might bo brought
under the immediate notice Of that Society. Largo
contributions, both in clothing and money, were re-
ceived; the money naturally found its way into Mr.
Scamnon's hauds; the exact amount cannot bo escer-
tained except from him. Bis innate moaesty forbids
any public statement but it has leaked out that there
Te7o several thousand dollars in money and large
amount Of clothing. Now, you ehou1d mike
known to 4au1t-hndlng public that our brother
scamnon, In order to protect this noble charity to sec
that 1t was distributed strictly in accordance with the
wishes OF the donors, constituted himself the official
Trustee Of the Fund for tha Relief OF the Sufferers
b5 the Great Fire" 1t must be admitted, however that
uAfB pOhseaS1on o& hucn trustee. helEeQ
this sacred fund shout with 60 many complicated rues
and regulations that It 'as found next to impossible
for any one to obtain aceess to for the RELIEF Of
any real case Of suffering. Death would relieve euch
cases long before this fund could be reached. But
you can readi'y see that these red-tapo barriers
were tnterposed By Brother seanlmon from
q good motive e-hie great an1iety to pro-
tect noble charity fund. He felt under strong
personal obligation to see TINT nota dollar devoted
to improper uses. With the same view Mr. scsmmon
or bis employees personally supervised and directed
the distribution Of the clotsiag, quite unwilling to
Leave tho details and management Of that business to
the excellent sud devoted adiea Of the Society," selected
to make such distribution II Il true these 1adies
were much annoyed BY this 1mpersnent interference
aud dictation but without reason ~ you Will readily
see. the motive Is good the act should not he
damned; It may be attributed IT,. to n individual
only the result Of his great anxiety properly fulfill
his important and arduous, but selfposed, dutiea is
trustee and alnoner Of sacred charity in strict
cordauce with the intentions Of the donors He e1er
eised the same watchful vigilance which he tad be-
slowed upon the funds Of tho Mutual Security, and
with substantially the same happy result.
kt the annual meeting Of the Chicago Society IN