The election of Benjamin Harrison as President of the United States, and the restoration of the Republican party to power, awakens special attention to the probable attitude of both towards the great Southern problem.  We have no opinion to express on the subject, and we have no interest in it as a mere party question, but only as it may lead to the sober and earnest investigation of that transcendently important problem which requires the unbiased and honest consideration of the patriot, the statesman and the Christian.

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The combination of the Christian powers of Europe for the suppression of the nefarious African slave-trade is a measure sanctioned by Christianity and humanity, and is in the interest of the world’s commerce.  The effort can be hopefully undertaken.  The abolition of slavery in the Western Hemisphere—­once the great slave mart—­confines the outlet of the traffic to the eastern coast of Africa, and the blockade can be made more effective than when both sides of the great continent had to be guarded.

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An esteemed Christian brother, who made his wife a Life Member of the Association in 1854, and who has added a member to the list each year since by his personal gift, speaks of the pleasure he finds in thus contributing to our treasury, and at the same time enlisting others in our work.  We commend to our patrons this helpful and agreeable way of doing good.  Try it.

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ITEMS FROM THE FIELD.

From a teacher in one of our schools in the mountain country: 

“As I go among the homes I continually see something new which shows me how great are the needs of the people here.  The primitive ways and simplicity of the mountain people strike me and I sometimes imagine that I am in a country a century behind the times.  Last week I made a call at the home of one of my pupils whose mother was sick.  As I entered the room I could not distinguish the faces of those who sat about the fire, for the room had no windows.  The only light that came in was through a door in an outer room, and it seemed to let in more cold than light.  I wondered how much work or enjoyment could be got out of such dark, small quarters, while the sick woman told of her struggle with sickness and poverty.  She also gave me some history of her early life, which showed a great lack of necessary instruction in what are the best things.  The children of this home look like sickly plants which have always lived in the dark and which have never felt the invigorating influence of God’s beautiful sunshine.  We are praying that the sunshine of God’s love may be felt in the hearts of this people, even if there are no windows in their homes to let it in.”

From a pastor in Kentucky: