ST. KILDA AND THE HIGHLAND SOCIETY.
[To THE EDITOR OF THIS "SPECTATOR,] have read with deep interest an article that appeared in the Spectator headed "A Find in the Scottish Highlands," in reference to the manner in which the Society for Propagating Christian Knowledge has, since 1843, neglected the duties for 'which it was incorporated, and has allowed the money in its possession to lie unused and unaccounted for. St. Kilda is re. ferred to as an illustration of the text. Will you allow me to call attention to another benefaction which was left for the benefit of that island, and which has also been managed with "" systematic reticence amounting to distinct concealment " P The fund I allude to is comparatively small, but the principle is the same. So far as I can learn, it amounted originally to 2600, and was left by a gentleman called Kelso, about twenty years ago, to help the people of St. Kilda in seasons of emerg- ency. It is held by the Secretary of the Highland Society in trust, and that gentleman informed me in 1877 that the manage- ment of it is entirely at his discretion, and that he is not obliged to give an account of it to any one. About twelve years ago, a hull and one or two small boats were sent to the island, and were paid for apparently out of this fund, but the St. Kildans were led to believe that they were indebted to the proprietor for these gifts. He was described as one who was remarkably palms of any interference with his tenants. The name of Kelso, the real benefactor, was never mentioned. On learning that such a fund existed, I thought it my duty to enlighten my St. Kildan friends on the subject ; and recently I received a well-written Gaelic letter from one of the men, who wrote on behalf of the .others, requesting me to investigate the state of the fund and to watch over their interests. With every desire to oblige, I do not see that I can do more than to keep public attention directed to this fund, and to the "system of secrecy" and high-handed defiance with which it is managed. I hope the Spectator, which has been exceptionally well informed as to the condition of the Hebrides, and a steady friend to the down-trodden inhabitants, will give this subject publicity.--I am, Sir, &c., Bankketul Cottage, near Trament, August 7th. J. SANDS.
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