, that our expenditures
during the last nine months have been $21,828.95 greater than for the
same months last year. These facts point inevitably to the
trilemma--debt, curtailment or increased receipts.

It is easy to say "retrench," and if it is the unmistakable call of
the churches, we must do it. But we wish to present another aspect of
the subject. In a case where enlargement in the way of new or
improved buildings is imperatively demanded to ensure the usefulness
of the school, and where there comes to us Providentially, and
without solicitation on our part, the proffer of the money to make
those enlargements, is it our duty to refuse that money? If our
constituents have the facts before them, we, as their agents, will
cheerfully abide their decision. To this end will be found below the
sketch of a conversation, not imaginary, but which actually occurred,
and which will present some of these facts. We ask our patrons to
read it and then to decide whether our action in these cases was
right, and, if so, whether it should be a guide for the future.

* * * * *

*A CONVERSATION--ITS RESULTS, ITS LESSONS.*

About two years ago a gentleman came to this office, and said to one
of the Secretaries:

"If a person has eight or ten thousand dollars which he would like to
devote to some good object, where would you advise him to give it?"

To this the Secretary promptly replied: "To the American Missionary
Association, of course."

"All right," said the gentleman, "but to what special purpose would
you advise it to be applied?"

"Our great need," said the Secretary, "is to meet current expenses,
and I would advise that it be devoted to that."

A little further conversation revealed the pleasant fact that the
gentleman had that sum of money at his disposal, but that he had a
very decided wish that it should be used for the erection of
permanent buildings. The Secretary suggested the obvious fact that
added plant meant increased expense, and that we hardly dared to
promise to meet that.

"But," said the gentleman, "are there not places in your work where
new buildings are greatly needed?"

"Most assuredly," the Secretary replied, "there are many places where
such buildings are needed."

He was asked to give details, which he did.

Among the schools mentioned by him was one in which the scholars were
inadequately provided with dormitory and recitation room facilities,
and where the