With only a limited amount of funds, together with sums generously donated by the temporary tourist or traveler, the Association has accomplished a vast deal of good. But much remains to be done. A hospital is now being constructed under the auspices of the society, but the scheme is too great for its resources.
The hospital cares for the homeless, sick and unfriended stranger, for whom every comfort is provided. But there is another great and imperative need for the strong and healthy—for deserving and industrious young Americans, cut off from social privileges and from the softening and refining influences of home.
Comparatively few American families live in such a way as to enable them to offer those hospitalities which would be a safeguard from the many allurements and temptations that naturally fall in the pathway of these young men. To meet this want and avert the danger, Reading-Rooms or a Friendly Inn should be established, where evenings may be passed with comfort and profit. The business engagements and limited means of these young men preclude the possibility of accomplishing this for themselves. Connected with railways, telegraph or telephone, or mining enterprises, they are constantly shifted about from place to place. Others would come in for the benefits they had received and the good work be continued. A wide field exists for the philanthropist, in providing for the comfort and welfare of our countrymen in Mexico.
The Protestant churches, including Episcopal, Methodist, South and North Presbyterians, Baptists, Society of Friends, are all established and have in successful operation excellent day-schools, employing the best teachers, both men and women.
To me no music was sweeter than the young voices of these dark children of the Mission Sunday-schools, singing in their own tongue, in perfect harmony, "O, Paradise! O, Paradise!" and "Nearer, my God, to Thee," with other hymns, their sympathetic natures responsive to these inspiring melodies.
Among the teachers engaged in the mission schools, I found "Clara Bridgman," the charming correspondent of the New Orleans
