The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-10-30

of allegiance and friendly consideration,
and pledged the surplus OF it's mission
airy receipts beyond the necessities of its
missionary work for the year. In con-
sequence. we have received its donation
of S400.-The Rhode Island Convention.
the steadfast friend of Missions to For
eign Lands from the beginning. con-
tributed 5000 for japan. making it's
seventh such contribution for that
interest.-The Convention of Vermont
and the Province OF Quebec at its
session of 1885, considering the situa-
ton, pledged $3.50 to the General
Convention, toward the reduction of
it's Indebtedness; and the pledge has
been redeemed. - The Indiana Con-
vention at its recent session, which was
the 50th anniversy of it's organization.
it's Golden Jubilee, instructed its treas
urer to pay to the General Convention
the sum of $50, which has been done.
The Illinois Convention, likewise, has
paid in 800 in recognition of the Gen.
eral Conventional The Pennsylvania
Convention, too remembered the General
Convention by small donation for the
Mission TO Japan-Such remembrances
are gratifying to the trustees, and. it is
believed, welcomed by the church at
large.
SCHOLARSHIPS.
There has been paid, on account of
scholarships, it will be seen by our
Financial Statement, the total sum of
$4,000; supplied by Income of the Schol-
arship Fund, 81 238, Income of the
Ryder Fund, 81 $50. one-half of the re.
turned Scholarship Loans, less an APP
preparation of 5000. referred to elsewhere
81 ,906 and gift of $500 from the Ma
tional Young Peoples Christian Union.
leaving about $1,000 to be supplied by
other moneys from the General Account.
There has been received from returned
Scholarship Loans the sum of IS 613.50.
the largest return in any year of our
history. exceeding that of 1892 by 1892.
1t is hoped that the ratio will at least
be maintained. Measures have been
taken to bring more closely to the atten-
ton of students the nature Of the obliga
ton they take upon themselves in apply
ing for and accepting the loans. and to
remind such as are delinquent, from
time to time. of their duty in the prem
ises. The most difficult cases are those
in which the Secretary's letters are
systematically left without reply. May
we not suggest that not merely the law
of business, but that of ordinary cour-
tesy, demands the prompt acklowledg
ment of business and fraternal COM
munications?
The Board has very seriously pondered
the whole matter of the granting of
scholarships to theological students, and
confesses it's profound doubts of the
present policy, and the disturbances OF
some change in method which shall tend
to discourage the continuance in the
schools of the less promising studente,
and to make scholarship. faithfulness
and prospect of usefulness more promi
nent as conditions OF the continuance OF
the loans. 1t has under advisement
plan by which. after a given year.
scholarships shall be granted only at
the close of each school year. aud then
only to those whose work justifies the
bestowal. 1t is felt that some steps
ought to be taken to prevent the ex-
penditure of the conventions funds in
supporting students who so soon aban
don the ministry. or so poorly qualify
for its work.
THE TEMPERANCE CAUSE.
In October last, an invitation was re-
ceived from the American Anti-Saloon
League to send delegates to the annual
session in Washington D. c., December
$40. 1896. Deeming it appropriate to
secure a representation of our church at
the session, the Board appointed num-
Der of delegates. some of whom we're in
attendance
During the last summer our conven-
ton. in common with other superior
ecclesiastical bodies, was invited to be
represented at the 18th National Tenn.
perance Convention, held at Saratoga,
N. Y. August 18th, under the auspices
of the National Temperance Society.
Under an alternative of the invitation,
and by the authority of the Board, the
President and Secretary of the Conven-
ton, the number of delegates assigned
to the convention was appointed. includ-
ing Hor. Henry B. Metcalf, who had the
opportunity to read an able paper.
The principal denominational bodies
have found it expedient to provide a
permanent or standing committee for
the promotion of temperance interests
in the community and for the provision
of representation at general assemblies
in the interests OF reform. such as those
above mentioned. The trustees recon-
mend that such committee or commits
sion be appointed by our General Con.
vention; and it is suggested that it
consist Of two clergymen and two laymen.
and be chosen for term of four years,
except that at the present session one of
each class shall be chosen for two years;
at each following session one of each
class to be chosen.