The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-11-09

the late war to the amount of some seventy mill
ions of dollars and by its refusal to receive its
own deprecated silver currency in payment of
taxes. save at a discount, so as to get the taxes
substantially in gold-n these ways the Turkish
government, in the short period of three years,
virtually robbed its own subjects of from one
hundred and eighty to two hundred millions of
dollars-a great part of the capital of the people
of the country
The industrial enterprises of the country have
also been seriously crippled by the competition
of Europe and by the policy of the
Turkish government, which levies a
uniform per cent. tariff on all articles of i'm
port. All theories about protection or free trade
aside, the simple fact in Turkey is that in the
face of the competitor of Europe, and without
protection, all of the native industries of the
country are going to the winds. The great mass
of the people live by their daily toll az cultva-
tors of the soil, but even in agriculture there is
little or no gain. for owing to the absence of
railroads. and even of decent wagon roads. the
cost OF transportation is SO great that wheat the
chief product of the country, cannot be sold in
the places where it is grown, or else must be sold
for mere pittance. Now, while the people on
the one hand are thus without sources of gain
live from hand to mouth, and are often in eX-
treme want. on the other hand it is estimated
that the taxes of the Turkish government con-
one-ffth of the scantv earnings of the people,
and not infrequently the cruel tax gatherers seize
and sell at auction for taxes the cooking utensils,
and even the beds of the miserable housenoders.
ne missionaries nave very Iodrl6SSY CaleO
upon the oppressed and impoverished evangel-
ical Christians of Turkey-not to contribute to
the American board or to pay the salaries of
American missionares-but to sustain their own
schools and churches. AS result one fourth of
the organized churches are already self support
ing, and the remainder receive aid from the
American board, only to the extent of from one
fourth to oneha.f the salary of the pastor or
preacher.
In 1882 the contributions of the Protestants in
mr. knU for pht.pa md al Soo
general benevolence, amounted to $50. OOO an
average of 81 06, or from ten to twenty days
work for every church member, male and female.
Tho success of the missionary work in Turkey
appears in the development of the native min
istry. Sixty eight evangelical churches in
Turkey have pastors installed, and the remainder
are supplied with native preachers. as yet unor-
dained. In 1882 the total number of native
pastors preachers, teachers and helpers was
COL. The success of the missionary work in
Turkey appears in the establishment of schools
and colleges. These number at present 81
common schools, 20 high-schools, 10 female
boarding schools, 8 theological schools, and
American colleges with about IL, 900 pupils in
them ALL
The success Of the missionary work appears
in the extent of Christian literature provided for
the people of the country. The Bible has been
translated into all the leading languages of the
country; and the titles Of the editions of the BIZ
BILE, and of the religious and educational books
for sale at the book depository In Constantinople
number 1852 Up to 1852, two million copies of
the Scriptures, and 2 $50 600 copies of religious
and educational books were put in circulation.
These books are sold at price sufficient to cover
the cost of publication and distribution. The
success OF the missionary work appears also in
its civlizng influence and in its material benefits.
The prime question with many Americans is
and it is fair question-"Do missions pay9"
TO such we unhesitatingy answer-they
do. The introduction of Schools the gen
eral advance of knowledge, the abolition of many
hurtful customs in society the elevation
of women, the improvement of the morals of the
people. the heightened sanctity and love of
home, the introduction of the arts and influences
of other lands-in short. many secular advant-
ages are following in the train of pure gospel
in Turkey. The good seed of the word has been
scattered broadcast in Turkey. The first fruits
have been already gathered and the one thing
Christian laborers in that country need, in order
to secure an immediate and glorious harvest, is
the descent of the Holy Spirit of God.
Dr. Green will address meeting Of ladies in
the parlor of Mayfiower Congregational Church
this afternoon at o'clock, on "Woman's Work
in Turkey"