The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-12-03

Many of the vessels used as auxiliaries
to our navy are now to be sold or dis
posed of, at figures. which, as compared
to their cost and worth are really nomi-
nal, as our country needs them 10 lon
GER Referring to this condition of af-
fairs, why is it that you could not call
together II meeting made up of reprcsen-
tatives from all the Missionary and Bible
societies of the world and of all the 9th
or organizations whose object is the edu-
cation and civilization of heather nations
and races, and discuss with them the idea
of leasing, renting or selling to them just
so many of these vessels as could be used
in carrying the word of God to the be-
nighted ones of the earth? The vessels
might, also. be serviceable in carrying all
freights necessary i'm this work, and being
under the control of these organizations
they would be the means Of penetrating
and opening up cornes of the earth, which
heretofore were without reach of infiu-
cnces that would save souls. Such sug-
gestiOn, coming from you, would secure.
Immediately, the earnest cooperation and
the most hearty approval of nj those en-
gagged or interested in such work, and the
matter once started in this way, advised
and sanctioned by the President of the
United States would soon assume pro-
portions that would awake the world,
and the support which would most
naturally follow will soon carry light,
civilization and education among those
who most need it, spreading His name
among them, teaching them the way to
salvation, and thus demonstrate to all ma
tons that such methods are more potent
for good than all the soldiery that could
be sent and that the pruing hook would
son replace the sword that is now being
welded in the hands of the unenlightened
people.
You will, | believe. pardon this intru-
sion of an old Tar Heel Quaker-in his
SSth year-a direct lineal descendant OF
John Carver. the first Governor of Ply
mouth Colony, and of old Tristan Coffin
and Nathaniel Starbuck of Nantucket.
Nv grandfather moved from Nantucket
TO Guilford county, this State, settling in
the vicinity of the old Meeting House
which was used as Il hopsital for our
troops who were wounded in the battle
of Guilford Court House, and often have
| examined, speculated and wondered at
the many shot holes in the walls of the
church. which were made there during
this memorable battle. 1t was i'll this
building that the principles of peace were
instilled into me, and now in my declining
years | am addressing you in the cause
of humanity. Christianity and peace as
feebly set forth above, believing firmly
that if such measures are taken they will
lead to other things. including, eventual
". universal arbitration in their far
reaching. world embracing bonds of fell
lowship and brotherly love.
ann fully aware of the great burden
of official duties and gave responsibilities
resting upon you, and understand quite
well that you have little time for other
things, but do trust that you will spare
few moments for consideration of this
appeal of an old man, who is near the
other side but who hopes that our glo-
rious victory in war may lead to that
other more glorious achievement,-tha
o conuuering the evil of ignorance of His
word and the sending of men, women and
means TO the uttermost parts of the
earth, spreading knowledge, Christianity
and civilization therein, and establishes
the love of humanity and peace in the
hearts of the people of all the earth.
With sincerest wishes for your own
welfare and happiness, and thanking you.
ain anticipation, for your kindly consider
alton, | am,
Very sincerely yours,