. _Women are often the
must successful agents._

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* * * * *

THE AMERICAN MISSIONARY

VOL. XXXIX. February, 1885. NO. 2.

* * * * *

American Missionary Association.

* * * * *

$365,000

NEEDED FOR THE CURRENT YEAR.

* * * * *

Your Committee are convinced that not less than a THOUSAND DOLLARS a
day are imperatively demanded to perfect the admirably organized
plans of the Association, even for the present, to say nothing of the
pressing needs of the early future.--

[FINANCE COMMITTEE'S REPORT ADOPTED BY ANNUAL MEETING AT SALEM.]

* * * * *

THE FIGURES.

_Receipts._ Col. and Don. Estates. Total.

Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, 1884 $43,627.90 $7,714.00 $51,341.90
" 1 " 31, 1883 48,299.79 4,536.51 52,836.30
---------- ---------- ----------
Decrease $4,671.89 Inc. $3,177.49 Dec. $1,494.40

* * * * *

The receipts published in this number bring us to the end of the
first three months of our fiscal year. The summary given above shows
how we stand as compared with last year. Total compared with total,
we are behind. May we not, however, hope that the turning-point will
soon be reached, and that all through the rest of the year it shall
be our privilege to chronicle a steady increase? We are out in the
current of our work. We cannot turn back. The thirteen thousand
dollar deficit from the last year adds to our solicitude. We ask our
friends to keep their eyes upon the figures as we publish them from
month to month. They will prove to be very suggestive teachers.

* * * * *

The papers are having a good deal to say these days about "hard
times." Capital is sensitive and seeks cover at the slightest alarm.
People hesitate about investing when they feel uncertain as