THE INDIAN RELIEF FUND.
[TO TEl EDITOR OF THZ "SPECTATOR.")
Sin,—It seems to me that it would be very undesirable to attempt the formation of a second fund for the relief of the distress in Bengal. All Englishman have but one desire, to do the very best in their power for the help of their starving fellow-subjects. But may we not hope that the able and distinguished men who administer the Famine Fund will see the wisdom of giving it more and more the character of a Distress Fund, as they learn that the Government is now doing its very utmost to grapple with the famine, that money is not at all what is wanted, and that the dis- tribution of this private charity may very seriously add to the burdens of a class of men who are already terribly overtasked. One trembles to think what the staff may come to before the strain of the next six months is over.
I confess that I should feel very great difficulty in appealing to my congregation for aid to the Famine Fund, for the reasons which I have glanced at. I could appeal to them with my whole heart for aid to a Distress Fund, and should, I am confident, meet with a generous response. I believe that there are very many clergymen and ministers in the same case. Could not the Anglo- Indians who have addressed you press their view on the London Committee ?—I am, Sir, &c., Kent Villa, Brixton Hill, April 7. J. BALDWIN BROWN.
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