New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-09-16
Mly1GEuEyT or FOREIGN MISSIONS.
A PROTEST AGAINST CHARGES OF MALApMINIsTRA-
TON AND PLEA FOR MISSIONARY INTER

A PROTEST AGAINST CHARGES OF MALApMINIsTRA-
TON AND PLEA FOR MISSIONARY INTER
PRISE.
To The Editor Of the TrtJune.
SIR; On the boat from Ncw-York 10 Troy
last week found band of children enjoying the benefits
Of The TRBUN Fresh Air Fund At the supper table IN
tie saloon overheard three gentlemen comment
ing upon the enterprise fayoraby othersquito the
reverse one conspicuous critic pronounced the whole
thing a. mOneymakmg device, only part OF the funds
being devoted the real end in view He was reminded
that the character Of such men those who conduct
THE TRIBUNE ought to be sufficient warrant for the
thorough honesty and wise management OF the scheme,
but be s insisted that money in some shape was at the
bottom Of it, Two weeks before had another band
Of ninety children the Drew, all brnful Of happiness
at the thought Of going TO the country ana had been SO
impressed 10y what that on reaching my hotel IN
the Adirondack- had, with few friends, made up Il
contribution Of SOB, which YOU duly acknowledged
was therefore prepared defend the Fresh Air scheme
earnestly But at the time was reminded Of an
article published in your columns three months ago on
Foreign Missions and conveying the idea tina, the funds
contributed for that object very largely consumed by
the managers in the home administration. Having de-
Tended the honor Of the Fresh AR management Will you
allow me, secretary Of Board OF Foreign Missions
to say word Oh that subject also
Ever since the publication Of "Ginx's Baby" some
years ago. char Of waste misuse of funds by
siOuary societies have been very The author
Of that book ike Dickens, these surs merely
spice his book and the other day when certain Boston
paper, having made similar charges implying the maj.
feasance of missionary board. wH- threatened with
prosecution for libel, 1t made the lame apology
that 1t was only joking The Presbyterian Board with
which am connected, published IN May last an annual
report, showing administrative expense including
salaries, publications. postage taxes etc, Of about
per cent OF its receipts, while 90 per cent had been
given the actual work the field This report after
i.t .I, ttfIff .1 gy4. cont In
where large and Influential committee, embracing
bankers and practical business men, with an exJudge
Of the supreme Court Of the United states Tor chair
man, carefully examined it before is approval by the
assembly Reports Of this Kind thoroughly examined
and atested, widely published by all missionary
boards from year year No enterprise the world
more thoroughly transparent.
But with those who do take the trouble to inves
gate the facts may the same argument that
urged in the defence Of the TIE TRIBUNE Fund
viz, that the character Of the ia charge should
afford prcsumptyc proof Of honest administration
Tho implication Of tho current charges Is who
dsbursc the trust funds Of the church reserve large
proportion for their But by the laws Of New
York salaried officer Of any benevolent society f.
allowed to vote questions OF funds. The voting
members Of the Presbyterian Board are fifteen in nun
Der, seven prominent cergyunen and eight laymen
They are without salary enOuments and by their de-
cisOus every expenditure, great small - made As
10 presumnble ability and good Judgment three are
bankers one a Judge Of the Superior Court, and one
publishers others are successful merchants aud direc
tors OF railroads or other financial enterprises The
missionary boards Of the Methodist Baptist. Episcopal
Congregational and Reformed churches Of this country
arc represented Ny men Vi equal emDenee and ability.