Sianfu, writing on conditions in Shensi says:—
"But things here are becoming serious. The people have been very patient round about Sianfu, but the little resources they had are becoming exhausted' now and hundreds of families close about us are absolutely without food. Today on our own account we called together 500 poor people and gave them a good feed in the mission premises. It was sight. It only cost us about $40 and it gave such unbounded delight. But what about to-morrow and the next day and so on—and) the thousands represented by these 500! One's thoughts went out to the crowds of destitute all around. Still in thin garments (in the falling snow) pinched and worn and hopeless. It made me sad. Can you get help for special work such as this from Christian people? We could take in children—say 100, and feed them and teach them for $4.50 each monthly. Our Christians are patient and do not ask for special help, but gifts from Christians to Christians would be welcome and appreciated. The amounts sent hitherto from the coast have been distributed equally to all, but they have only amounted to a very small portion for individuals, What are $50.000 among so many hundreds and thousands?
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.