Seaman's Mission, San Francisco.
By H. C. Palmer
IN reviewing the labor done in this missionary field for the past year, we can see how widely the message has been distributed. The Vigilant Missionary Societies have co-operated considerably, and have aided much in this work. Africa, India, Mauritius, Japan, France, Italy, Austria, Holland, the islands north of Scotland, Pitcairn Island, the South Sea Islands, Falkland Islands, Australia, New Zealand, and other places, have received reading matter and correspondence through the direct agency of this work. Upwards of 2,500 SIGNS have been sent. Letters have been written, and in many instances favorable news seeking for more light, has been received. The addresses have been obtained from the officers and crews of the ships visited. In addition to this there have been 15,000 SIGNS distributed on board, besides 3,000 Reviews, and 3,500 other periodicals, with 163,000 pages of tracts, exclusive of pamphlets and books. This gives us at a low average on the ships alone, 8,000 readers. Then the reading matter on board is divided between the crews at the end of the voyages, and this multiplies the number beyond calculation. The passengers on board the steamers are not included in this estimate, and they augment the number considerably. The more we look at this work, the greater importance it possesses. The message has been sent direct by vessels and steamers to Ireland, England, Pacific Coast ports, Honolulu, Australia, Islands of the North and South Pacific, New York, Mexico, South America, South Africa, and by the steamer Jeanette, and the Corwin sent in search of her, to the Islands bordering Alaska, viz., St. Paul, Onalaska, St. Michaels, and St. George. Also by several whalers to the places which may be called at by ships on the way to their several destinations. About seventy-seven persons on board these vessels have become very much interested independent of those who have accepted present truth, and some have tried to give up their engagements on board, to be with us and help the cause. They will return soon, God willing, and help to spread the light. We have many conscientious sailor readers, who are dissatisfied with their knowledge of God's word, and when they have explained to them points they were unacquainted with, their eagerness to know more rewards us for any extra trouble taken in their behalf. May the Master teach us his way to gain souls. There seems to be a spirit of inquiry, and let us be thankful that it is increasing. The result of preparing books with temperance pledge certificates, has been very satisfactory. Twenty-nine have signed the Anti-Whisky pledge in two weeks; and by these means we hope the disgraceful practices of this class of men will be lessened considerably. The law to protect the seamen in San Francisco is practically a dead letter. Officials wink at the most criminal acts, and by their silence approve of them. What the California legislative power can be thinking of, to permit this slavery to exist in their midst, and make no effort to stop it, is inexplicable. Captains say they dare not do any thing, for the boarding-house men will prevent them from getting crews if they assert their rights. Men are taken from some ships before the sails are furled. They will stay by their ships as long as they are sober, but let them once get under the influence of liquor, and then their individuality leaves them, and the boarding-house runner takes possession completely. Now look at the loss to the sailor. He looses his back pay when he deserts, perhaps ten months or more. Then he gets somehow into debt to this pretended friend of his (who is full of promises), and nearly all the advance which should be paid to the man himself, is absorbed, in other words taken by these men; for the runner receives his per centage (called "blood money") from his employer, and the boarding-house man gets the lion's share. Then after all the captain has to pay $5.00 for each man he ships. San Francisco has the unenviable reputation of being the worst port in the world in this respect; so what the law will not do, temperance must. If the sailors abstain from drink, they have a mind of their own, and stay by their ship, and do not lose what they have made in coming here. All the men who have signed the pledge are on board their ships to-day but one, and he intends to stay and work in the city. They all attribute it to having signed the pledge. We hope with God's help to have a better record next year. Let us pray for it. The past year shows us where we were not able to take advantage of opportunities, necessary to assist the spread of the truth. This year these deficiencies are not lost sight of, and we are thankful that the more we become engaged in the Lord's work, the better we can advance its interest. The coast steamers are to be supplied with portfolios of the SIGNS, packages of tracts, and what reading matter is necessary; and we hope that this will enable the passengers to take the truth to their homes and thus carry out the design of God. May this great work advance, and let us seek closer walk with God, to fit us to discharge our duties more thoroughly and well. All of us can see where golden moments have been lost never to return again. May our Heavenly Father guide and direct us by his Spirit.
H. C. PALMER.