New-York tribune., 1896-05-26

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THE REV. DR.. JOSEPH T. SMITH
operation federation or organic union. The commit
tee feels. however. that il has inculcated spirit OF
sweet reasonableness in that its work has been bene-
fetal to the great body OF Chrstendom. although ii
has done much to solve the question for which
1t appointed.
FRIENDS OF THE BOARDS ANXIOUS.
The friends of the Missions Boards greatly
disturbed tonight by what they consider the un-
kind. not to say unchristian. treatment which the
causes dear 10 their hearts have received by the
criticism introduced this early stage 1t is mpos-
sble they say for the commissioners consider the
actual work of the Boards without having their
minds warped by the suspicion that has been thrown
over them by Dr. Hubbards paper. No matter what
action the Assembly may take. whether it adopts
the report or rejects it. the poison is at work. one
of the secretaries said to-day that Mr. McDougalls
attitude toward the Boards had them $4,000.
II not 100000 He has created the impression that the
Boards are wealthy. they could not such
a great building that which adorns Fifth-ave.
at Twenieth-st. The position of the Boards is that
they are Obliged to invest certain funds Real estate
in New York is safe investment. We,l-informed
men declare that better site could have been
lected than the chosen by the Boards, and that
they have shown commendable wisdom in investing
their funds they have done.
II Is uhuerStOO0 thdt the Assembly VIII approve
the method of home mission work adopted by Hi
nois and Indiana. which will probably lessen the
income to the Board for general work in missionary
synods This with the proposed committee over
haul the administration in the New-York offices.
VIII make the coming wear Interesting. II not bur
densome, for the secretaries. A good deal of COM
plant has been made privately. not because the
office force ia too large but because the salary list
Is too large.
EXPENSES CRITICISED.
The Home Board is not the only one. however.
that comes under Of this kind. The Freed
mans Board this morning brought up the question
of expense. Mr.. McDougan he'd that there should
be retrenchment from the highest salary TO the
lowest DR.. Breed replied that a cut OF 10 per cent
had taken place in the office Of the Board The Of
flee force had been reduced and the expenses Of
others had been provided for from private sources
In speaking OF the conventional method of reduc-
Ing expenses which is to reduce the salaries of those
receiving the lowest amounts. the Rev. Samuel T.
Clark. of Buffalo. told Of board OF bank directors
who had decided to reduce expenses After long
discussion to the best method OF cutting down
the outlay. II decided TO take the pickles of
the janitors luncheon. One Of the directors thought
what the concern needed more deposits.
There are those here who think that some Of the
other boards show spirit not unlike this bank
directory The financial question is TO
overture from the Westcheser Presbytery. which
has been approved by twenty or more. This over
says in part:
We are aware VAR that the whole matter Of the nan nan
erai Assembly. within few wears and mat the posi-
Te n also 9f ~ bs was fac adda @ e At nat
5s S"ss }s:5
o @ BearS and 9d s 3 OF %a
p from tss that a' @ w BeoP e f the tn
erai Assembly: but on the other hand: we cannot
plain statements of the printed reports
COST OF DISTRIBUTION TOO GREAT.
We cannot rid ourselves of the idea that salary
list of $4,000 aside from what is paid for printing
binding, etc. Is somewhat large for business of
this size. We cannot but feel that the expense
count makes a somewhat overloaded appearance
and one not calculated to produce the most favor
able impression upon contributors-with secre-
tary at $500 two superintendents Of different kinds
at 1900 each, another for the missionary depart
ment at the same price manufacturer at 800 a
clerks and statesmen at cost of nearly 5000 Al
any rate these & are the 4 facts Tnfn We were r In M
warranted in making absolute charges OF any Kind
given. We are warranted in saying, and think IT
Is the natural impression these facts must make on
sive of administration IN more than one Of
these boards. In the case Of some. II seems 10 u.s.
administration far exceeds what s wise profitable
or necessary; We cannot believe that the salary list
Of Board should be 10 per cent Of its total work
ing income; as in the case Of the Board Of ChuTch
any Board of the Church to cost for its running
ana sbb Work Il iG and Ad for
Colleges do. We cannot why 1t should cost $l0
900 to distribute less than $1,000 among the young
men preparing for the ministry. We doubt very
much II all these small Boards need full equip
Anent OF secretary at 1900 $500 treasurer at
s. 800 TO 81 800 one more clerks OF assistants
$1,000 or 5000 each In times like these. In any
times. the money given for the Lords work is
sacred trust and ought to be so administered that
there should be no room for criticism, and every
dollar far possible go directly into the work
And say. further, not only that the cost ap
pears excessive, but that it seems to us there is
much appearance of excess, and that If there be
any the matter Is serious TO Justify the
request on the part of this Presbytery that the
General Assembly make that complete and search
ing inquiry II a.one can institute.
CONSOLIDATION SUGGESTED.
Possibly something could be gained by searching
scrutiny and ruthless pairing down Of expenses. with
the boards as at present constituted. We believe