In the November number of THE MISSIONARY last year we were enabled to present at the head of our financial article the glad words: "ANOTHER VICTORY OVER DEBT." This year we place in contrast the words at the head of this article. Last year we frankly admitted that our victory was due in large part to legacies; this year the debt comes from the falling off of legacies. We rejoice that even in these times of great financial depression our collections from churches and individuals have increased over those of last year $6,450.46. On the other hand there is a decrease in the legacies of $95,624.66-a decrease of more than twice the amount of our debt, which is $45,000.

We rejoice in the continued and increasing support from the churches, and although the times are trying, and the end seems not near, yet we have such faith in the good hand of our God that hath guided us thus far, and in the abiding interest of the friends of the poor and despised races of our land in the welfare of those who so much need continued and increasing assistance, that we go forward with courage and hope.

OUR ALASKA MISSION.

The sad breaking up of our mission at Cape Prince of Wales, Alaska, is widely deplored, not only by the officers of the Association but by the many friends who had formed the personal acquaintance of Mr. Thornton. We present on other pages of the MISSIONARY a pathetic sketch from the lips of Mrs. Thornton of the dreadful murder scene, and we also give an article from Mr. Thornton's pen, which was in type before we heard of that event. This latter article contains interesting items respecting the life of missionaries in Alaska, and will be read with interest by those who wish to know all that can be known respecting the mission.

MOHONK CONFERENCE.

The Eleventh Annual Meeting of this singularly interesting Conference was held October 11, 12 and 13. We should delight to make mention of the beauty of this remarkable place, and the unusual brilliancy of leaf coloring, of the pleasant and cordial welcome of Mr. and Mrs. Smiley, of the great enlargement in the buildings (accommodating one hundred more guests than heretofore), of the attendance at the Conference larger than ever, and of the varied yet harmonious discussions; but the crowded state of our columns absolutely forbids, and we must content ourselves with reproducing the clear-cut recommendations of the Conference, unanimously adopted:

"We believe it is no longer a question of what ought to be done for the Indian, but what shall be done. Public sentiment is formed. It should be carried into effect. We therefore recommend that a permanent committee be constituted by this Conference, consisting of five persons, of whom the President of this Conference shall be Chairman, whose duty it shall be to prepare an appeal to the American people embodying these accepted principles: To secure the indorsement of them by representative men of all religious bodies and geographical sections, and to urge them upon the public through the press, and upon Congress and the officials at Washington by personal appeal. Among these principles we include:

"First-The extension of the rules or the principles of civil service, so as to remove utterly from party politics the appointment of Indian agents, allotment agents and inspectors.

"Second-Appropriations sufficient to equip and maintain a system of schools adequate to provide for all' Indian children of school age not otherwise provided for, and compulsory attendance of children at these or other schools.

"Third-The protection of Indian trust funds against unjust claims, and their expenditure, so far as possible, for the education and civilization of the Indians.

"Fourth-The breaking up of the reservations as rapidly as the interests of the Indians will allow, and the incorporation of the Indian in the mass of American cities.

"Fifth-Due provision made by Congressional appropriations, or from trust funds, for the maintenance of legal protection for schools, roads or public burdens in counties where Indians have received allotments of lands which, by protected Indian title, are exempt from taxation, in order that no unjust burden may be put upon other resident citizens of these counties."