# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1884_S77
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

Fourth Delegate Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and Other States. 1884.   77

with the preceding period; for in the preceding 8 years the agent,
taking everything together, received only 1661 persons, received 1421
letters and cards, and wrote 1239. So in the last three years, 1124
more persons were received, 504 more letters received, and 495 more
letters written, than in the preceding 8 years combined.

    "In money, about $20,000 was deposited with the agent in the past
3 years and paid out again to or for the passengers concerned. —
Cash advances were made in the amount of about $1500; part of this is
still outstanding at present. — To the poor and needy about $125 was
given from the relief fund. — Many of those who had to remain behind
here in the city were provided with lodging and honest work. — In the
past year, moreover, board and lodging were paid for 523 adults and
257 children, for periods ranging from one day up to three and four
weeks. With doctor's and pharmacist's costs, the sum spent for this
came to $1746.10. This money came from the tax of 50 cents per
immigrant levied by the state, and had been handed to our agent by
the executive authority concerned for this so-called head-money fund,
for this purpose. How long, however, our agent's services will
continue to be used in this way, and thus how long he can draw on
this fund, is uncertain and doubtful.

    "The report of our treasurer, Mr. W. Schaumlöffel (205 N.
Fremont St.), from 1881 to 1884, shows — including a treasury balance
(as of January 1, 1881) of $3.88 — receipts amounting to $922.10 and
expenditures of $768.02. Treasury balance as of January 1, 1884,
$154.08.

    "Unfortunately we took in over 100 dollars less last year than
the year before, even though immigration was almost the same. We
therefore ask the dear congregations not to grow lukewarm and slack
off, least of all now, when their help is most needed and so much
good can be done.

    "It may also be fittingly noted and recalled here that, besides
prayer and the individual collections that should be held from time
to time in our congregations, the work can be advanced in no better
way than if all those who have immigrants come over, or who travel
abroad themselves, have their tickets over land and sea arranged not
through strangers but through our own agent — since the profit that
railroad and steamship companies grant our agent for arranging
tickets flows into the fund of the 'commission fees,' and thus
benefits the mission alone. The income from such commission fees
amounted, in the last 3 years (including a treasury balance — as of
January