New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-05-21
THE DUTY OF THE CHURCH.
CLASSES THAT NEED IT'S AID.
TO CARE FOR FREEDMEN, IMMIGRANTS
AND AGED MINISTER'S
THREE IMPORTANT REPORTS DISCUSSED By rHn
GENERAL AssEMBLY-AcTIoN DEFERRED
ON ONE OF THEM-THE PROGRAMME
FOR ToDAY-"rHE TRIBUNE Ex.
TRA.''

OENEHAL DISQUALIFICATION sUEF6hshED
ON ONE OF THEM-THE PROGRAMME
FOR To.DAY-"THE TRIBUNE EX.
IRA"
Although many Of the Commissioners to the
General Assembly preached on Sunday, some OF
them twice, yesterday was not their blue Mod
day." to judge by the amount of work that was
accomplished In every religious body there are
men who are confident that the one feature in
which they particularly interested is the one
important subject to be considered. Some of theso
wellmeaning brethren are members OF the present
Assembly, and so it was not surprising TO hear ono
speaker solemnly announce in the forenoon that
the work among the freedmen was the most i'm
portant subject that would come before the As
sembly this year. An hour later second speaker,
filled with the importance Of his subject, made tho
same identical assertion in regard 70 the immigrans
population. The other subject presented, the re
lief OF aged ministers, in the minds
of some Of the commissioners was fulU
as pressing anything else that will come BEFORE
the body. No one, however, was disposed 70
question the statement of the minister who was
impressed with the vastnesS Of the race problem.
A rcople released from slavery, who receive the
ballot, by which they ar, in the majority politically
in some States, while they hold the balance o.
power in other States, demand the thoughtful
attention Of every American Add TO this the
fact that they are rapidly increasing, 500 being
born every day, according to the statement OF
one who was formerly a STAKEHOLDER, and the
problem is still more complicated. What shall
be done with the negro? II is no wonder thas
several hours are given by this influential BODY
OF ministers and elders in their efforts rightly
10 devise methods by which the race may be
lifted The secretary Of the board which devotes
all its interests 10 the colored people is no doubt
right; they are here 10 stay. Emigration 70
Africa cannot be accomplished. They are here
TO remain, and whether they prove blessing
o. a curse to the Nation depends, as their friend
showed yesterday, largely upon the instruction
that they receive in the schools and the churches
provided for them.
But if this is t:ue of the colored race, what
shall be said Of the many foreign races that are
pouring their thousands and millions into THIS
country? The Assembly is dealing with questions
of great moment. The figures taken from the
Government tables of immigration may be studied
with great profit By those who are Interested in
the future OF this country. It is often believed
that few Of the leading Eastern cities contain
the bulk OF the foreigners who land here, but
nearly so per cent IL is confidently asserted
in the report settle west OF the Mississippi.
The future of the new States and the Territories
viii depend largely upon the influences brought
to bear upon these strangers The future gen.
erations will bear the impress Of the present. lt
is no wonder therefore, that the Assembly listened
patiently to the long array Of statistics showing
what had been accomplished. and the m'Ihty
work that lies to-day az the doors OF the Church.
Many of the ministers in every Assembly are
aged men not a few have passed the three-scose
ycars To such who feel that they must soon
lay down their work the appeal for the rehet
OF the veterans in the service appeals with
peculiar pathOs. The secretary's impressive ad.
d.esS will not soon be forgotten by those who
listened 10 his eloquent appeal for justice 70
those who have served the Church long and faith.
fully His alusion to the burial of Aristidas
by the appreciative Athcnians was made pertinent
when he declared that If this mark OF respect
was paid 10 one who died poor because he had
turned away from the business pursuits by which
he might have obtained honest wealth, what
should the Christian Church do for its noble
veterans worn out IN its service? Nor should 10
wait till death came Let them feel now in their
old age that their lives Of toll and self-sacriica
are appreciated,
The venerable DR.. Scott, of Kentucky, the
fathcr-in.law OF President Harrison, was an in
tcrcStcd listener during part of the discussions
AT DOth sessions. lie Is nearly ninety years OIu,
but looks twenty years younger.
popular meeting was held in the even.
ing in the interest OF the Freedmens S
Board. The women began their series Of meet
ings yesterday, and interesting reports were made
from various parts of the mission 8 ID. The As
sembly adjourned at an early hour 70 allow the
10 visit the Union theological
Seminary, on LenoX Hill
Several important topics are 10 be discussed
to-day. At 0:30 a. m. an important resolution
held over from last week will be moved for
adoption. DR.. Dckcy, of Philadelphia, and DR..
Hamln, Of Washington, had spirited debate over
the resolution which formed a part OF the report
of the Special Committee on the work OF the
Freedmen's Board. DR.. Hamlin opposed the reSolu-
ton vigorously, because il heartily commenced
the fidelity, patience and devoted service OF the
officers and members OF the Board expressed
" fuII confidence in their ability and recon-
mo nJed that details OF management ana au-
p,inlstration under the instructions OF Jhe aiS-
scr,hlr shal be left to their judgment lhe
or,iar 81 the ,ay at 10 o'clock Is " Home MISSIONS
An . 40 u NJ the important report on INN grams
IopuIati0n,n submitted Yesterday, VIII ne us
cusscd further and at o'clock the polru "i AIa
for Colleges will present Its annual report IN
,Sa evening there will he popular meeting IN tho
LIr,b Ayenuc PRESBYTERIAN Church, al which the
,ri.,nr the Rev DR. John Hall, Will preside.
. Home Missions will be discussed by Dr; D D:
NiroiIs of ST. Louis and Warner Van NOrden, OF
,his citv, The women will hold meeting today
IN the Madison Square Church.
r1KyNG ZIP THE RACE PROBLEM. ,