New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-01-07
CORN FOR THE STARVING HINDOOs.
THE PROJECT STARTED BY THE METHOD
IsT BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS DAILY
GAINING sTRENGTH-CO-oPERA-
TON HOPED FOR

The project of sending shipload OF corn TO ind'a
for the relief of the famine-strcken people OF that
country is gaining strength daily. The boaro OF
Foreign Missions Of the Methodist Episcopa'
Church received letter recently from the he'' ~
G. Hobbs OF jacksonville. ILL.,, to the effect that
there was an enormous quantity OF corn III ina,
locality for which there was market, and that, II
funds sufficient to pay the cost Of transportation
to India could be raised, Illinois farmers wouio
gladly contribute the grain In abundance since
that time the Rev A. B. Leonard. corresponding
secretary OF the Methodist Episcopal Board OF For
eign Missions, has agtated the question by means
of circulars. and through the columns OF the relig-
Gus press and contributions. have already been re-
ceived. which encourage those in charge OF the
scheme put forth every effort for its speedy ac-
compshment.
There will be a meeting Of the secretaries Of the
principal missionary societies Of every denomina-
ton throughout this country and Canada at the
PRESBYTERIAN Building. No 1S Fifthave. on
Wednesday and Thursday Of next week AT that
time the subject OF Indian relief Will be ruby as
cussed and II is expected that all denominations
will engage In the work of raising funds. In view
of the fact that much OF last years corn crop IL
not yet in suitable condition for shipment to so re-
mote a point as India. whatever corn may be con-
tributed by the farmers throughout the West VIII
be disposed of at Chicago and other Western mar
kets and the money thus realized will he USED 10
buy corn already in storage at this port whicn Is
much more thoroughly seasoned ana pe''er SUM-"
to undergo a long voyage. Mr. Leonard mas
already corresponded with shipping agents IN re-
gard TO cost of transportation of corn TO lndia' a
cargo of 10000 bushels he sent by way or the
Suez Canal at about 22ia cents bushel OF sixty
hounds ship of larger capacity could be cnar
tered at a slightly lower rate and II l.Doo or l'o"o
bushels can be the cost will not he mucn over
90 cents bushe Thus II will be seen tnat from
500 to $50 600 must he collected before the schee
can be undertaken -,
I'm order that 1t may be of much service to the
starving people in India" said Mr.. Leonard yes,
terday. this cargo OF corn ought to be started
from here within tho next six weeks Ever mai
brings contributions. and I confident that the
necessary funds will be quickly raised IL certainty
Is not right that farmers in different parts OF the
West should be using corn for fuel because IL Is
cheaper than coal or wood. while people are starv-
ing in India. Then. too overlooking the all-phiIan.
thropc side OF the question and considering IL
wholly from a doar-and-cents point OF view. tnls
shipment of corn should be undertaken our ms
sionares in India inform us that little OF what we
call corn Is used there This shipment VIII nave
the effect OF opening market IN lnula: ana as
there Is no other corn growing country IMAM tns'
such market would mean much to our farmers.
I'VE do not want IL to appear that the Methodsts
are ACKNOWLEDGING this matter We have simply
taken the initiative because We are perhaps IN A
better position distribute relief than any otner
society because there are over luvp native Meth-
odlsts in India II Is TO be hoped that all denomlna,
tions will unite In the movement just as All united
with the Congregatonalists in the Armenian
troubles This union will doubtless he obtained
through the conference OF next week