The Miss Stone Ransom Appeal
The appeal to the sympathy of the American people to raise money for the ransom of Miss Stone, the missionary now in the hands of Bulgarian “brigands,” raises the query, Where is the benevolence of some of our noted millionaires at this critical juncture? But there is another side to the question. They may be among the number who doubt the policy of thus encouraging the missionary kidnapping industry. The rescue of Miss Stone and her companion, Mrs. Tsilka, would be a desirable consummation, but the encouragement of success would no doubt stimulate “brigands” to further deeds of the like character. When Paul was in prison at Cæsarea, the governor hoped to receive money for his release, and Paul’s friends could have raised means for the purpose; but for some reason they did not do so. In connection with the Miss Stone incident, it is proper to mention the fact that the Chinese Minister at Washington has given $100 to the fund for her ransom.