§ MR. RENTOUL (Down, E.)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Presbyterian and other missionaries in Morocco believe that they are at present in a position of great danger owing to the threats of the natives; and whether he can take any steps to secure the safety of the missionaries, or give any assurance which may allay the fears which the friends of the missionaries in this country entertain; whether he knows of any conduct on the part of the missionaries in any sense calculated to provoke hostility; and if he can point out any methods by which mission work could be carried on with greater safety in Morocco than at present?
§ *SIR J. FERGUSSONIt is unfortunately the case that the injudicious proceedings of certain missionaries have aroused the fanatical feelings of the native population in Morocco City and elsewhere and given rise to complaints from the Moorish Government. Her Majesty's Acting Charge d'Affaires has taken steps to warn them of the danger to which they are exposing themselves and others. It would be well if the societies with which these gentlemen and ladies are connected would support the action of Her Majesty's Representative, as he reports that—
That it is much to be regretted that the want of tact of a few of the Protestant missionaries in this country should in a great 133 measure counteract and undo the really good work that is being done in a quiet and unostentatious manner by others, who, by their tender ministration to the poor and sick have been steadily gaining the respect and esteem of all.