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undertake such a responsibility.

The scheme now recommended to the Local Government Board by the commission referred to, is an adaptation of the "family idea" to the necessities and requirements of a large section of the population who naturally live outside the range of ordinary family life, an adaptation which, as our readers are well aware, has for some years been actively tried in the case of various institutions of a voluntary kind. The idea is to form the children into "families," of from twelve to twenty or thirty in number, according to circumstances, under the care of "housefathers" and "housemothers." In groups thus limited, it is believed that many of the advantages of ordinary home life can be secured, and the training, especially of the girls, can be so conducted as to prepare them with some degree of efficiency for the duties of their after-life-for the most part, probably, as servants and wives of working men. The general education, it is suggested, might be conducted in a larger central school in connection with each group of such homes. The Commissioners reply by anticipation to the objection that the proposed method would greatly add to the already heavy expense of training pauper children. They think that if certain judicious limits were observed, the expense would not be very much greater than that of the present system, and are of opinion that, so far as it was in excess of this, it would be "wisely and profitably incurred." Certainly a scheme which might be expected to lift children more completely and successfully than at present out of the ranks of pauperism deserves the consideration of the community, and might turn out to be really cheaper than one which in the first instance cost somewhat less. That such a scheme should thus be officially placed before administrative authorities is a significant note of the times in which we live.

PROPOSED GENERAL CONFERENCE ON MISSIONS.

Among the many announcements of congresses and conferences for the present season of the year, we note with interest and pleasure that of the "General Conference on Foreign Missions," to be held in London in October. The date fixed for the commencement of the proceedings is Monday, the 21st, and the proposed place of meeting is the wellknown Mildmay Park Conference Hall, a building extremely well adapted for such a purpose. It is announced that "the Conference is intended to be a gathering specially of those concerned in the direct conduct of missions. These will consist of―(1) The Members of the Executive and General Committees of this Conference, and its officers; (2) The Members and Directors of the Committees of all Protestant Evangelical Missionary Societies; (3) Of the Trea- | surers, Secretaries, and officers of the same; (4) Of Delegates from Foreign Missionary Bodies and Christian Churches; (5) The Missionaries of all such societies." Persons not included under any of these heads, desiring to be present, will also be admitted to certain portions of the hall. The proceedings will

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be opened on Monday evening, at half-past six o'clock, with a devotional service. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, there will be two meetings each day for papers, discussion, and conference; and on Friday, one such meeting. In the course of these engagements a large part of the great missionary field-the whole world-will be brought under consideration, and a great many points of deep interest in relation to missionary effort and success will be reviewed. We may quote, for example, part of the programme for one day, which is as follows: "(1) Growth and position of Christianity in India, both with regard to the increase of Christian Churches and its influence on the general population. By the Rev. M. A. Sherring, M.A., LL.B., Benares, the writer of the paper on Missions in Benares,' in the Sunday Magazine of November last. (2) How far the various systems of education pursued in India promote the spread of true Christianity. By the Rev. J. Barton, Cambridge. (3) To what extent is the spread of Christianity assisted, or otherwise, by the truths or principles which underlie the systems of Hinduism and Mohammedanism, and which are presumed to correspond with the truths and principles of the gospel? By the Rev. E. E. Jenkins, Secretary, Wesleyan Missionary Society. (4) What impression has the gospel made on the people of China, and what are the prospects of its success in relation to the opposing forms of unbelief existing there? By the Rev. Dr. Legge, Oxford University. (5) Missions in Japan. By the Rev. Dr. Hepburn, Japan.” We have made this quotation from the circular, not because it is the most interesting part of the programme, but because it gives a fair idea of the scope and character of the proposed conference. One only fears that time will fail in which to do justice to such a wealth of profoundly interesting themes. Several public meetings of a more general and popular character, including one at Exeter Hall on Friday evening, are also arranged. We understand that the secretary to the conference is the Rev. E. Storrow, of Brighton.

YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATIONS.

At Geneva the Triennial Conference of Young Men's Christian Associations has been held, during a week in the month of August, and the occasion seems to have afforded great satisfaction to those who had the opportunity of being present. Thirty delegates came over from the United States to take part in the proceedings, and the same number, or rather more, attended from Great Britain and Ireland. There were also representatives from Australia, Belgium, Canada, the Cape of Good Hope, Denmark, France, Holland, Italy, Spain, and Sweden. The reading of the Scriptures and devotional exercises were conducted each day in the English, French, and German languages; and the polyglot constitution of the assemblage does not seem to have interfered with the harmony and enthusiasm of the proceedings. Although one would suppose that most of those pre

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sent would find themselves now and then somewhat at a loss to understand what was being said, the meetings as a whole no doubt illustrated the fact that there is a language of the heart-a sympathy arising out of common devotion to the one Lord and the one faith of the gospel, which has a wonderful power to remove the barriers created between men by diversity of tongues. The Swiss hosts of the assembled delegates seem to have been overflowing with kindness and thoughtful hospitality. The subjects dealt with by the conference related chiefly to the personal religious life and to practical methods of increasing the efficiency of the work of the associations. One subject was "The Creation of Effective International Ties," and the discussion of this was followed by the appointment, amid great enthusiasm, of an "International Central Executive Committee." At a time when we have so many international associations on a political, social, commercial, or philanthropic basis, there is a propriety in the establishment of such an association between young men of various countries on a distinctively Christian basis, and we wish this "International Central Committee" a successful and useful career.

It has often struck us as needing a fuller explanation than we have yet heard, to show how it is that Young Men's Christian Associations in England seem to have found a less congenial soil than kindred institutions in America. Is it from difference in social conditions, or in national temperament? Is it the fact that upon the whole the Christian young men of this country are really doing the same work which is being done in the associations of the United States, but are doing it in connection with more general organizations, such as are supplied by the churches? From all that we read and hear, we conclude that the Young Men's Christian Associations of America may be regarded as a distinct and special form of Church life, and if so, one would infer that they must withdraw a most considerable and valuable element from that ordinary Church activity, one glory of which is that it represents, upon a larger scale, the family life, in which "old men and children, young men and maidens," mothers in Israel, and every type as well as every age, have their appropriate place. Whatever the cause may be, and whether it is desirable or otherwise, it is the fact that the position of Young Men's Christian Associations is in this country comparatively obscure, although to our knowledge a good deal of good, useful work is being done in connection with them. In London, however, notwithstanding the popularity of the Secretary, and the wealth and influence of some well-known officers and supporters, the Association seems to be unable to get out of its somewhat dingy and narrow quarters in Aldersgate Street, although for many years the importance of obtaining more commanding and convenient premises has been felt and discussed.

FRENCH AND ENGLISH SUNDAYS.

Some observations by a writer in the Times upon the appearance of the English department of the

Paris Exhibition on Sunday, when it is closed, or at least not exhibited, as contrasted with that of most other departments, which on what we call the Day of Rest are generally even more animated than on other days, has led to a considerable correspondence in the leading journal. On the one hand, there has been a chorus of contemptuous reflections upon our English hypocrisy and folly in pretending to be so much better than our neighbours, and most unflattering pictures have been painted of the way in which the British workman spends his Sundays-drinking and loung. ing, with nothing to do and nowhere to go-as contrasted with his Parisian brother, with his abstemious, frugal habits, and all the galleries, museums, and other places of amusement open to him. On the other hand, there have been the advocates of Sunday observance, who have pointed out how "one thing leads to another," and how desirable it is on every ground that Englishmen should maintain, as far as it lies in their power, the privileges of the Day of Rest intact. To us it is clear as noonday that the opening of "museums and galleries" on the Sunday, so far as it attracted visitors at all, would lead to an immense increase of business, both in the way of travelling and of procuring refreshment. To speak plainly, the "working man" does not care for museums and galleries. It may be an anomaly that beer-shops and gin-shops are open on Sundays whilst museums and galleries are closed, and doubtless the anomaly is a great evil. Some well-meaning people fancy the museum would be a counter-attraction, and so far diminish this evil. For our part we think it would greatly increase it. It would lead to an immense increase of drinking at the bars of taverns and gin-shops. How any one familiar with London and our large cities and towns can doubt this we cannot imagine, and how men who know what a curse this would be can be willing to run this risk, or to face this certainty, for the sake of such an advantage as the opening of museums and galleries would confer, passes our com. prehension. However, the argument on both sides seems to be threshed out. Both sides will continue to hold opposite opinions, each unconvinced by the arguments of the other. It must, however, be the care of those who love to "keep holy" this day, to adopt a mode of advocacy and a plan of life which at least will show that it is not with a view to conform men to an outward deference to Christianity that English Sundays are by law made days of rest; but solely in the interests of the physical and moral life of the community at large.

READING FOR SAILORS AT SEA.

Commander Dawson, whose regard for all things affecting the welfare of the British sailor is well known to those who have had to do with efforts in that direction, has lately appealed to the public to render a service to the men employed in the mercantile marine of this country, which involves no outlay and very little trouble. He asks that people of all classes should gather together their old books, maga

zines, and illustrated newspapers, and send them to him, in order that they may be distributed among the merchant vessels which are continually coming and going between these shores and all parts of the world. In the hard life of the sailor there are many hours when he is at sea which hang heavily on his hands, and a suitable supply of literature serves very happily to relieve their tedium. We have no doubt that Captain Dawson's appeal has already brought him considerable supplies; but there is not a single society for the benefit of sailors which would not at any time welcome assistance of this kind. Of course friends who come forward with their help should use discretion. They will not think that "any rubbish " is good enough for the purpose; nor will they make the mistake of forwarding abstruse treatises on philosophy and science, or other "dry" subjects. There are, however, plenty of capital story-books, histories, biographies, travels, and hundreds of bright, pleasant old magazines, which would be a mine of wealth to the poor sailor when he has nothing to do but to sit and think of home and far-distant friends, or when, in the absence of something to read, or something which one of his mates could read to him, he would be likely to spend his time very miserably or very unprofitably. Any one who wishes to act upon this hint need only put himself or herself into communication with the nearest secretary or agent of any society and happily there are several of them-for the benefit of sailors.

II.-GLANCES ABROAD.

THE YELLOW FEVER IN THE UNITED STATES.

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A deep gloom has been thrown over the United States by the outbreak and prevalence of yellow fever in the Valley of the Lower Mississippi. Thousands of persons have fallen victims to this mysterious and terrible scourge, and we fear that the number will yet be largely increased. Several towns have been all but depopulated by the flight of their inhabitants. New Orleans, Vicksburg, Grenada, Memphis, and many other places are mentioned as having been severely stricken by the disease, and indeed the accounts we receive of dead bodies left unburied, and of the general dismay and alarm manifested in many districts, recall the dreadful stories of "the plague which in former days has so many times ravaged Europe. All ordinary business is of course brought to a standstill in the infected districts, and the mass of the population is reduced to terrible extremities. A noble band of doctors, nurses, clergymen, and other volunteers have come from different parts of the States in order to render such help as is possible, and contributions have been poured most liberally into the fund for providing for the impoverished and afflicted people. England too, in the midst of many claims from calamities and sorrows nearer home, has shown readiness to stretch forth a sympathetic and helping hand in this case also. Medical skill seems to avail little against yellow fever, and it seems all but impossible to prevent its being spread over a

wide area. The malady is extremely contagious, and the absolute isolation of the sufferers is essential to general security. The check upon which chief reliance seems to be placed for arresting the disease is that afforded by colder weather, and it is expected that the outbreak will subside as the autumn advances. Meantime, it is feared that large numbers must perish, and that the disorganization of trade and consequent lack of the necessaries of life from ordinary sources will continue. Our prayerful sympathy is strongly claimed by those upon whom this sad visitation has fallen. But it is also well for us to remember that it is only by increased and increasing cleanliness that our own country is freer, and will soon become more free, from similarly frightful scourges. The spirit of our Christianity is against all degrees and all manner of uncleanliness.

THE DECAY OF ABORIGINAL RACES.

The decay and disappearance of aboriginal races before the advance of civilised nations is a subject which has often occupied the attention of Christian philanthropists. It is beyond contradiction that many tribes who have been found by the white man in what is called "a savage state," have received greater harm than benefit from their contact with "civilisation." Vices and diseases have been introduced among them by those who ought to have brought elevating teaching and example, and disastrous results, both physical and moral, have ensued. The Tasmanians have altogether become extinct, the Sandwich Islanders are dwindling away, and many other islands of the Pacific are almost depopulated. In Australia the natives seem to be rapidly diminishing in number, although, so far as we are aware, there is a lack of exact information upon the subject. In New Zealand there is reason to believe that the Maori tribes are also becoming thinner from year to year. It has generally been accepted as a matter of certainty that a similar process was going on with regard to the North American Indians. There appears, however, to be good ground for at any rate modifying this view. Considerable attention has been paid to the subject by well-qualified inquirers in the United States and Canada, and great care has been taken in collecting trustworthy statistics, and in tracing various lines of evidence and inference. Professor Wilson, of Toronto, read a paper at the recent meeting of the British Association, in which he maintained that the Canadian Indians were being to a large extent absorbed by friendly amalgamation with the white population, and that it was probable that this absorption would at length become complete. With regard to the Indians of the United States, there is evidence to show that the process of extinction is by no means going on at the rate which has been often assumed, if, indeed, it can be said properly to be going on at all. It is all but certain ou many grounds that the numbers of the Indian tribes were formerly greatly exaggerated. Colonel Mallery, a United States official, who speaks with authority upon the question, expresses the opinion that when

Columbus discovered America there were not more than 500,000 Indians to the north of Mexico, and that now, in the United States and Alaska alone, excluding Canada, there are something like 300,000. A considerable intermingling of the white and coloured populations has taken place since the time referred to; and when this is allowed for and the Canadian Indians are added, it is probable that the entire number of the North American Indians has not decreased at all. Colonel Mallery and Professor Wilson both look hopefully upon the future of these interesting people, who, after all, whatever allow ances and deductions be made, have suffered at different times and places fearfully at the hands of the white men. The course of progress from a savage to a civilised condition is always slow, and it is stated that "in Canada many so-called Indians are really as settled and civilised as the English peasant-perhaps, on the whole, more so; and if the Indians in the States had as fair play as their Canadian brethren, the process (of civilisation) would be much more rapid than it is." The story of the contact of the races of Europe with the "red men" of America has so much that is tragic and mournful in it, so much that is a reproach and a shame to the superiors in the struggle, that we are glad to get such gleams of light upon dark pages as these facts afford, and we trust that the wiser and more Christian policy of the white governments which has been pursued, especially in Canada by our own authorities, during recent years, will be persevered in with happy results.

THE SLAVE TRADE ON THE EAST COAST OF AFRICA.

Some statements which have lately been made on the subject of the slave trade of the East African coast are worthy of attention. First, there is a report of the Commander-in-Chief in the East Indies for the twelve months ending May 28th, 1878. During that period 15 vessels had been condemned on the East Coast of Africa for slave trading, as against 27 condemned during the year preceding. Sixty slaves were liberated, as against 438 in the previous year. Protection was afforded to six fugitive slaves, as against nine in the previous year. Eight ships have been employed on the East Coast, and have been constantly on the watch for suspicious dhows cruising up and down the coast line and between the mainland of Africa and the island of Madagascar. Their efforts have been so successful in paralyzing the sea traffic in slaves that the number of vessels employed on that coast has been reduced to two, besides the London and her boats.

To these cheering statements, we regret to have to add a few sentences from a published letter of the Rev. Horace Waller, supplying some items of intelligence of a less gratifying kind from letters bearing so recent a date as July 25th. Mr. Waller states that these letters show that "a sudden revival has taken place in the exportation of slaves from the vicinity of the Portuguese port of Mozambique," and "the traffic is at present actively carried on between that neighbourhood and the Madagascar coast. One

dhow was recently wrecked on the passage, and of her cargo of one hundred slaves but a few were picked up alive; three other dhows, it is said, sailed at the same time." Mr. Waller gives a few more particulars illustrating the discreditable part which the Portuguese of that coast, in accordance unhappily with the character which they have long borne, take in upholding this dreadful trade, and then observes:

"In one form or another such reports as those which relate to the Portuguese have not ceased to find their way into the Times at intervals during twenty years. It seems as if the Portuguese are casehardened against the remonstrances which they have called forth diplomatically and otherwise. Few have any conception of the distressing nature of the naval service which is necessitated in keeping up a vigilant watch, at very great cost indeed, to neutralise the effects of the corruption of the Portuguese officials and the ever-ready villainies of the convicts transported to the east coast and there allowed to prey upon the unfortunate Africans. There are English naval officers who have recently passed over a year cruising in open boats and subjected to all the hardships and extreme peril to health and life which such work, under a burning sun, entails. It is in this tremendous training that our sailors get the keen edge of self-denial and endurance put upon them, and it is child's play for them to "go anywhere and do anything" else after a commission in these waters, where honours do not count, and promotions are as hard to find as icebergs. But surely at this late hour it is not search and see if there be not among its own fine too much to ask that the Lisbon Government should sailors some one capable of going to the East African coast determined to tear out this ever-deepening stain upon its flag, and, when there, enduring enough to carry out his good intentions. If the disgust and never-ceasing irritation felt by both English and French at Portugal's thwarting lukewarmness produce no result, will not self-respect arouse her when it is shown that the Mohammedan Sultan of Zanzibar on the one side, and the Queen of Madagascar on the other, are frustrated in their Christian-like efforts by the rôle which a Christian Power will hardly raise a finger to touch or alter, however prodigal she may be those who expose these deeds?" of fair words to diplomatists and indignation against

Our readers will fully sympathize with the generous indignation of these words, and we trust that measures may be taken by the English Foreign Office once more to bring these facts under the notice of the authorities at Lisbon.

III.-MISSION JOTTINGS.

A NATIVE TESTIMONY FROM ABEOKUTA.

A negro missionary, the Rev. James Johnson, now superintending, with intelligence and ability, the mission of the Church Missionary Society at Abeokuta, West Africa, has lately sent home the first instalment of an elaborate report of the past and present state of Christian work in that benighted spot. The town itself is described as large, but extremely irregularly arranged, and not kept with any regard to neatness, decency, or sanitary laws. The people of Abeokuta are united in a confederacy with certain other townships, for mutual defence against invasion,

and the actual population of the city at present is probably about 150,000, which on account of a war now going on is about 20,000 more than the ordinary number. The Church Missionary Society began its work at Abeokuta in 1845, and was very liberal in its expenditure of men and means. Mr. Johnson says:

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dition of Christianity in Abeokuta, a story of decline from early prosperity of a very marked character. This decline is attributed chiefly to three causes. 1. To the influence of native immigration from Sierra Leone and other Christian settlements, many of these immigrants having had a very imperfect acquaintance with Christian truth, and many of them being open apostates from the faith they once professed. 2. The political complications with the British Government, which in 1867 led to a general rise of native heathen rulers against European missionaries and their native adherents and sympathisers. 3. The periodical raids made by the warriors of Dahomey, whose ferocity

"The result of the work done is to be seen in the existence of a Church community of about 2,000 persons, all told, in connection with our Society within the heathen town: six churches and chapels, six elementary schools and one high school, containing together 283 scholars; the three farm churches .. which promise soon to become centres for other churches of their description; the churches of Ebute Metta and Aroloya in the Lagos district, which reand destructiveness are a by-word. These and other tired from this on account of the outbreak of 1867; trials have led, in Mr. Johnson's opinion, to a sad native Scripture-readers, schoolmasters, catechists, falling away, although he describes the Church still and ministers, from amongst Egba converts or their as a plant which, although it has received some inchildren, serving either the Abeokuta Church, or some other churches of the Society; a very large number jury, has stood the test and proved that it has its of believers who have died in the faith of the gospel, roots firmly fixed in the soil. Polygamy, slavery, and many of whom have left behind them rich testimonies the love of worldly gain seem to be. besetting evils; of triumphant hope through Christ; an ample voca- and, most sad to say, indulgence in intoxicating bulary and grammar of the Yoruba language, with a liquors which have come from Christian countries, nice collection of Yoruba parables; a complete trans- has wrought great and increasing havoc both in the lation of the New Testament, and a considerable por-churches and among the heathen. tion of the Old; the Church of England Liturgy, with its Thirty-nine Articles; Barth's Bible Stories,' The Peep of Day,' such tracts as The Sinner's Friend,' The Way of Peace,' and some catechisms; the power to read and write and to improve, increase and print translations or original books; a measure of self-support in school-work; an entirely native school-board; a native Church Council administering local funds for a measure of pastoral and missionary work. An Anglo-Yoruba newspaper, now defunct, was in publication for some years. A superior knowledge of carpentry has been imparted; some knowledge of brick and tile making exists; native buildings amongst converts show some idea of proportion and regularity, and some sense of the value of light and air. An increased and active cultivation of cotton, preparation of palm-oil, and the collection of palm-nuts, ivory, and other native produce for foreign markets, are now the chief sources of income to the people. English machines for ginning cotton are in common use, and some native establishments keep presses also. Love for agriculture, and the legitimate trade carried on with the coast and Europe, has succeeded, in a very considerable proportion, to love for desolating warfares, kidnapping, and the foreign slave-trade."

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The writer is, however, compelled to put in the shadows of the pleasing picture. He tells us, for one thing, that the love acquired by the people for trade and for the industries they now follow, is so intense in almost all alike-Christians, Mohammedans, and heathens-that it is producing a mischievous love of money, depriving the people generally of their simple honesty and confidence, and impeding the progress of the gospel. He proceeds to give a glowing description of the state of the Christian Church at Abeokuta in the first years of its existence, when it seemed to realise much of the simplicity, sincerity, and joy which characterized the first Church at Jerusalem.

Regarded as a whole, indeed, Mr. Johnson has to tell a somewhat painful story of the present con

This evil, Mr. Johnson fears, will prove to the country, if unchecked, a more disastrous evil than the hellish horrors of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, and he entreats those concerned in the traffic to consider its influence upon the people.

A CHRISTIAN CONVERT IN NORTH CHINA.

A graphic and singularly touching narrative of the conversion of a Chinese gentleman of education and ability has been lately given (in the pages of the United Presbyterian Missionary Record) by the Rev. John Ross, who is engaged in mission work in the North of China. Writing from the city of Moukden, at the close of last April, Mr. Ross says:

"It is now nearly two years since I occupied a large room in a temple in Chienshan, along with a great, well-painted idol, in whose company I passed two nights and the greater part of a Sabbath day. Among the visitors who came into this room to see me, was one with whose pleasant smile and intelligent face I was at once prepossessed. He was about fifty years of age, with a forehead unusually high for a Chinaman, an equally unusual rounded eye, and his pale, thin, oblong face with finely cut features, combined with the peculiar neatness and cleanliness of his dress, His manner was at once modest and self-reliant, two would mark him a gentleman wherever he appeared. qualities which are rarely combined in the Chinaman appearing before a western barbarian' for the first time. He spoke with the politeness due to a stranger, much of the world. He had been there some time to yet with the ease and freedom of a man who has seen gather health from the fresh breezes and fine scenery of this splendid range of mountains--health which he had lost two years before by renouncing the opium pipe, which, however, no consideration, not even the fear of death itself, would tempt him to re-light. A foreign gentleman had been there some days before me, of whom he had asked some questions in astronomy, but as his questions were not understood he could have no response. He then stated his difficulties one by one

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