The Portland daily press., 1893-11-25

Need of Help-Result of the Observations
Made by Rev. Mr.. Southworth on Re.
cent Trip-Honest and Hard Working
People Who Are the Victims of Circum-
stances.
Within the past few weeks the condi-
ton of people living along the Maine
coast, has attracted the attention of the
churches in this city. Rev. D. M. Pratt,
called public attention to the matter in
a recent sermon, his information having
been based on a report made by Captain
Lane, the noJed cuastwise missionary.
Mr.. Pratt suggested that in some way
there should be an effort made to reach
and assist those who stand in need of
assistance. Capt. Lane described many
cases of great restitution, where imme
diate aid seemed necessary. Rev. F.
So,tthworth, of the Bethel church, here
has for several years been one of the
most active of the co-laborers with Capt
Lane, and it was suggested that in the
interest of the Portland churches, and
benevolently disposed people, he should
make tour of observation along the
coast, and among the islands, and report
the result of his visit. He was also as
far as possible to ascertain to what de-
gree aid could be afforded the people of
tine islands in sustaining religious insti-
buttons. 1t should be said here, that
Capt. Lane, the faithful sailor mission
AIRY, who has long labored with the
people along the coast is unfit by reason
of wounds received in the service during
the war, for much travelling at this sea-
son of the year, and that his yacht, in
which he makes his trips duringsthe sum
mer, is4not the proper craft for winter
navigation along the coast.
Mr.. Southworth went on his mission
airy and friendly visit to some of the
islands, and stayed there several days.
He reports that there is immediate and
pressing need of assistance in many cases,
while as a whole he belives that there
has been an advance in the general con-
dition of the people They are ready to
do all they can for themselves. The
people who require help at this season of
the year, are honest and handwriting
citizens, but fortune has been against
them for years, and they have kept up a
good fight against adverse circumstances.
For example, the closing of SO many of
the once numerous small ship yards,
the many out of employment, and the
somewhat unsatisfactory state of the
fisheries for several years add to their
! j.: 90 Jok, hoe
upward movement, and Mr.. Southworth,
who is keen observer and good bust
ness man, believes that the worst is over,
and that from this time forward there
will be constant improvement in the
condition Of affairs there. He found
some good religious workers, speaking in
special terms Of praise of woman who
has for several years taught school on
one ofssthe islands, and who has shown
herself to be very devoted to her work.
Mr.. Southworth has since his return gone
about in a quiet way, giving information
regarding some of the most pressing
cases, and has already got together warm
clothing and other articles, and hopes to
be able to make second trip today, and
expects to remain over Thanksgiving at
various points along the coast. This
time he thinks that he shall go further
than he was able to do on his first trip,
and if possible ascertain what should be
done for the needy at other points.
The people are anxious for schools and
churches. There is good prospect that
one church may be built next summer,
and pastor settled. 1t may be that it
will be the head quarters for the work
Capt. Lane has been doing. It is not as
yet certain that this church will be
built, but the prospect is that it will be.
The people are eager for the gospel. Mr..
Southworth was more than pleased with
what he saw and.heard.. while with them.
AT present a small school house is the
best hall and church that any of the
islands can baast of, but they are ready
to come out. Mr.. Southworth believes
that prompt aid should be extended in
every case where it is greatly needed, but
that case should be exercised in the dis
tribution. There, is nothing resembling
general restitution, but there are cases
that can not be reached locally. There
seems to be every prospect that the visit
of Mr.. Southworth will lead to the ex-
tending ofssall necessary help. There are
some who are now laboring in what ap
pears to be promising field. For ex-
ample, there is a young lady who some
months ago started Sunday school, that
is now furnishing well, and of course
the devoted coastwise missionary is not
to be overlooked.
To Preach His Farewell Sermon.
Rev. Alfred T. Clark, who was called