246 ROBERT MOULTON GATKE
the preacher to his work, and of course an entire support from the Gospel. Bro. Wallar is thus entirely supported, perhaps Bros. Parrish and Helm receiving $450. each, would think they are not. Bro. Wallar now lives on his circuit. But suppose it were necessary for him to go to Mary's river next year The nearest appointment would be 20 miles from his place of residence, and much of his time must be spent away from either his family or his charge. When I conversed with him he gave the following reasons among others. He has been at the Dalles 3 years, outside of all civilization, has had no ad- vantages of school for his children since he has been in the country, and now desires to place his 5 children close by a school for a little time where they may be educated for God and his church.
He adds this was the course substantially advised by Bro. Gary and that when he thus gets his family so they can be comfortable that he can attend to his work better, spending more hours in labouring among the people, than if he were to move from circuit to circuit leaveing his children without school, family without comfortable quarters exposed as they must be in the Country at present. There is a force in these reasons which you cannot feel so powerfully as myself. I know of no better plan than to urge the principle that every man to live in and about his work and then if exceptions occur, why, endure them as best you can.
If you can relieve this question by further instructions or advice please furnish it forth with. Farther thoughts in rela- tion to this matter in the Annual Report which must be forth- coming shortly.
It will doubtless be desirable to the Board to know how nearly the support estimated by their committee accomplishes its object. I heard Bro. Wilbur remark a few days since that circumstanced as he now is, he can get along quite comfortably indeed with the amount appropriated to him. Bro. Wallar says there is no proper proportion between his support and that of others. (Say Bro. Wilburs.) The latter receives $600 having one child (i. e. a daughter aged 16). The former receives $688. with a family of 5 children 1 under 7 the other 4 over 7 but under 14. This is very disproportionate, were the support exceedingly ample I would say nothing about the disproportion, but it is not and I advise the board to revise the estimate and bear in mind that children eat as well as
