The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-10-17
THE CASE OF MISS STONE.

The repeated appeals for contributions TO
the ransom fund for Miss Stone indicate
an unusual degree of apathy in the matter
on the part of the public. The last appeal
showed that up to date only a little more
than half of the requisite sum had been
subscribed-s6O,OO 600 Of a necessary $1,000
and the contributions seemed to have
ceased. The sum is nothing to the Amer-
lean people. There are hundreds Of per-
sons who could contribute the whole
amount without feeling it. A really great
cause or an appeal that reaches the heart
Of the people never fails 10 bring forth
a quick and liberal response. The slowness
of action in this case is unusual, and may
be due to several causes. An appeal for
the rescue of IN individual is not as strong
as one for the relief of a mass Of people,
as in the case Of flood, fire or famine. 1t
is not based on as broad grounds and does
not carry with 1t the same obligation Of
humanity. Again, some persons doubtless
feel that our missionaries in foreign coun-
tries who put themselves in exposed posi-
tions. on the firing line as it were, without
any call to do so except emotional zeal,
should do so at their own risk. Many per-
sons feel that there is missionary and char
liable work enough to do at home, and
that as long as the followers of Mahomet,
Buddha and Confucius are happy and con-
tented in their religions we are not called
upon to try and proselyte them to ours.
This aggressiveness on the part of our mis-
sionaries had much to do with the recent
outbreak in China. without questioning
the motives of our foreign missionaries
who thus expose themselves many persons
question their wisdom and do not recognize
any personal obligation to come to their
rescue when they get in trouble. Without
defending or indorsing this view it can
be stated as a fact.
Again, many persons who take a prac-
ticaI. business view Of the case doubt the
wisdom of paying a large ransom for the
return Of Miss Stone. They think it will
establish a dangerous precedent and en-
courage the seizure Of other missionaries
for ransom, causing perhaps a frequent
repetition of appeals like the present one.
The American Board of Foreign Missions
has already expressed this view, and If
it is a correct position for the board, why
not for the public? Every self-respecting
person revolts against the idea of black
mail or enforced tribute Of any kind, and
everybody knows that a single concession
in such cases is always followed by other
demands. Therefore, many persons feel
that by contributing to Miss Stones re-
lease in the present circumstances they
would help to establish a dangerous prece-
dent.
All this is matter of conjecture, but it
may account, in part at least, for the re-
markable slowness of the public in respond
ing to the repeated appeals for contribu-
tons. 1t is very evident that for some rea-
son the case of Miss Stone does not appeal
to the Nation or touch the popular heart
as hav many other appeals in cases Of
fire, food or famine. Meanwhile there is
every reason why the government should
continue to use it's best efforts for the pro-
lection of one of its citizens.