VOL. XXXIII. NO. 5.
THE
AMERICAN MISSIONARY.
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“To the Poor the Gospel is Preached.”
* * * * *
MAY, 1879.
_CONTENTS_:
EDITORIAL.
PARAGRAPHS 129
THE LAND—ITS WEALTH AND ITS WANT 130
WAR OR MISSIONS 132
THE NEGRO HEGIRA 133
WOMAN’S WORK FOR WOMAN—CONGREGATIONALISM IN THE SOUTH 135
ITEMS FROM THE FIELD 137
GENERAL NOTES 138
THE FREEDMEN.
TOUR INTO THE SOUTHWEST: Rev. J. E. Roy, D. D. 140
GEORGIA, ATLANTA—Lady Missionary Needed 143
ALABAMA, MONTGOMERY—Tenantry, Promising Field, &c.: Rev.
F. Bascom, D. D. 143
ALABAMA, MOBILE—Emerson Institute: Rev. D. L. Hickok 145
MARION—Revival of Education; Rev. Geo. E. Hill 146
LOUISIANA—Straight University: Prof. J. K. Cole 147
TEXAS—CORPUS CHRISTI—Revival 148
TENNESSEE—Yellow Fever Fund 149
AFRICA.
NATIVE PREACHERS—ADVANCE CALLED, &c. 150
THE CHINESE.
SOME POINTS ON THE CHINESE QUESTION: Rev. W. C. Pond 151
RECEIPTS 153
CONSTITUTION 157
WORK, STATISTICS, WANTS &c. 158
* * * * *
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Published by the American Missionary Association,
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American Missionary Association,
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PRESIDENT.
HON. E. S. Tobey, Boston.
VICE-PRESIDENTS.
Hon. F. D. PARISH, Ohio.
Hon. E. D. HOLTON, Wis.
Hon. WILLIAM CLAFLIN, Mass.
Rev. STEPHEN THURSTON, D. D., Me.
Rev. SAMUEL HARRIS, D. D., Ct.
WM. C. CHAPIN, Esq., R. I.
Rev. W. T. EUSTIS, D. D., Mass.
Hon. A. C. BARSTOW, R. I.
Rev. THATCHER THAYER, D. D., R. I.
Rev. RAY PALMER, D. D., N. Y.
Rev. J. M. STURTEVANT, D. D., Ill.
Hon. W. W. PATTON, D. D., D. C.
Hon. SEYMOUR STRAIGHT, La.
HORACE HALLOCK, Esq., Mich.
Rev. CYRUS W. WALLACE, D. D., N. H.
Rev. EDWARD HAWES, Ct.
DOUGLAS PUTNAM, Esq., Ohio.
Hon. THADDEUS FAIRBANKS, Vt.
SAMUEL D. PORTER, Esq., N. Y.
Rev. M. M. G. DANA, D. D., Minn.
Rev. H. W. BEECHER, N. Y.
Gen. O. O. HOWARD, Oregon.
Rev. G. F. MAGOUN, D. D., Iowa.
Col. C. G. HAMMOND, Ill.
EDWARD SPAULDING, M. D., N. H.
DAVID RIPLEY, Esq., N. J.
Rev. WM. M. BARBOUR, D. D., Ct.
Rev. W. L. GAGE, Ct.
A. S. HATCH, Esq., N. Y.
Rev. J. H. FAIRCHILD, D. D., Ohio
Rev. H. A. STIMSON, Minn.
Rev. J. W. STRONG D. D., Minn.
Rev. GEORGE THACHER, Ll. D., Iowa.
Rev. A. L. STONE, D. D., California.
Rev. G. H. ATKINSON, D. D., Oregon.
Rev. J. E. RANKIN, D. D., D. C.
Rev. A. L. CHAPIN, D. D., Wis.
S. D. SMITH, Esq., Mass.
PETER SMITH, Esq., Mass.
Dea. JOHN C. WHITIN, Mass.
Rev. WM. PATTON, D. D., Ct.
Hon. J. B. GRINNELL, Iowa.
Rev. WM. T. CARR, Ct.
Rev. HORACE WINSLOW, Ct.
Sir PETER COATS, Scotland.
Rev. HENRY ALLON, D. D., London, Eng.
WM. E. WHITING, Esq., N. Y.
J. M. PINKERTON, Esq., Mass.
Rev. F. A. NOBLE, D. D., Ct.
DANIEL HAND, Esq., Ct.
A. L. WILLISTON, Esq., Mass.
Rev. A. F. BEARD, D. D., N. Y.
FREDERICK BILLINGS, Esq., Vt.
JOSEPH CARPENTER, Esq., R. I.
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY.
REV. M. E. Strieby, D. D., _56 Reade Street, N. Y._
DISTRICT SECRETARIES.
REV. C. L. WOODWORTH, _Boston_.
REV. G. D. PIKE, _New York_.
REV. JAS. POWELL, _Chicago_.
EDGAR KETCHUM. ESQ., _Treasurer, N. Y._
H. W. HUBBARD, ESQ., _Assistant Treasurer, N. Y._
REV. M. E. STRIEBY, _Recording Secretary_.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
ALONZO S. BALL,
A. S. BARNES,
EDWARD BEECHER,
GEO. M. BOYNTON,
WM. B. BROWN,
CLINTON B. FISK,
ADDISON P. FOSTER,
E. A. GRAVES,
S. B. HALLIDAY,
SAM’L HOLMES,
S. S. JOCELYN,
ANDREW LUSTER,
CHAS. L. MEAD,
JOHN H. WASHBURN,
G. B. WILLCOX.
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* * * * *
THE
AMERICAN MISSIONARY.
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VOL. XXXIII. MAY, 1879. No. 5.
* * * * *
American Missionary Association.
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We wish to remind our readers that the offer of Mr. Arthington,
as it has come under our consideration by the report of the
Foreign Committee, and as it has been put before them by its
publication in the MISSIONARY for April, is still commended to
their consideration, and open to acceptance or declinature, as they
may decide. We are well aware that such great things are not to be
lightly or suddenly decided. It is a subject which demands careful
weighing, and all the light which may be gained from earthly
as well as from heavenly sources. The first offer was not made
suddenly or unadvisedly. Dr. O. H. White, of the Freedmen’s Aid
Society of England, writes us that he conversed with Mr. Arthington
about it more than a year ago, who said then, “_I will think of it,
and you pray earnestly that Robert Arthington may be led to a right
decision._” We can say nothing better now. Do you, friends, think
about it, and we will pray earnestly that you may be led to a right
decision.
* * * * *
We have just received from the estate of the late Charles Avery, of
Pittsburgh, Pa., $12,000 as an endowment, the interest to be used
in the work of African evangelization. As the money has just come
to hand as we are going to press, there has been no opportunity for
action on the part of the Executive Committee as to its specific
appropriation. It may be deemed advisable to use it in furtherance
of the mission proposed to us by Mr. Arthington, of Leeds, England.
In behalf of Africa and her descendants on two continents, we
cannot forbear another tribute to the memory of Mr. Avery, and to
his executors who have so faithfully carried out his benevolent
wishes.
* * * * *
Rev. W. H. Willcox, of Reading, Mass., and his brother, Rev. G.
B. Willcox, D.D., of Stamford, Conn., have returned from a tour
among our institutions of the South, in which they have been
accompanied by District Secretary Pike. It is with no small degree
of pleasure that we record their great satisfaction in what they
saw and their hearty approval of the work, and the proof they have
given of their sincerity in it. It is well known that Mr. Willcox
has been acting in behalf of Mrs. Daniel P. Stone, of Malden,
Mass., in the distribution of a large fund among the educational
institutions of our land. As a result of his observation of the
work done at Atlanta and Fisk Universities, he has appropriated
one hundred thousand dollars to be divided equally between these
two institutions. This affords aid, which is greatly needed, for
the enlargement of the work at these most important places. It
will go into buildings and other permanent equipment. We devoutly
wish that men and women who have money to give would go and do
likewise,—visit our institutions for the education of the Freedmen,
see the work which is being done, and the work which needs to
be done, and then act in the light they have gained from actual
observation.
* * * * *
Rev. B. C. Church, of Goliad, Texas, who has been long and
faithfully occupied in our service, needs a _buggy_, not for
pleasure-driving, we assure our readers, but that he may be able
to visit not only his immediate field, but the new station at
Flatonia, as often as may be needed for the supervision of that
new and promising work. He says “the running part will do, and a
second-hand one at that.” Surely that is a modest request. Is there
not some one of our readers who has such a vehicle to spare for the
Lord’s work, _top and all_?
* * * * *
Two months ago, among our _Items from the Field_ was a plea,
condensed into less than two lines, for an organ for the church at
Orangeburg, S. C. A few days after, Mr. S. T. Gordon generously
offered to give us the needed instrument, and it is now helping
“the service of song in the house of the Lord” in that place.
The pastor writes: “We have received that invaluable gift, the
cabinet organ donated by Mr. S. T. Gordon in aid of the day and
Sunday-school and church work in this field. For this goodness
the children, the congregation and ourselves unite in sending
Mr. Gordon and the A. M. A. ten thousand grateful thanks. And we
beseech the Lord to abundantly reward this labor of love. It will
afford us very great aid indeed.” It is encouraging to receive such
prompt responses to wants thus simply made known. We are emboldened
to call attention to a similar petition for an organ, in the letter
from Corpus Christi, Texas. What other generous and prompt friend
will be moved to answer, “_Here it is?_”
* * * * *
THE LAND—ITS WEALTH AND ITS WANT.
Among the explorers of the eastern part of Equatorial Africa no
other has given us so full descriptions of the land, its wants and
woes, and its brilliant possibilities, as Sir Samuel Baker. And he,
too, in his “Ismailia,” traverses largely the territory suggested
for our occupation by Mr. Arthington. The following paragraphs are
from his description of the natural scenery, and of the beauty and
fertility of the land on the east side of the Nile above and below
Fatiko. Is this not a pleasing picture of a portion of our proposed
field?
“I reveled in this lovely country. The fine park-like trees were
clumped in dark-green masses here and there. The tall dolape-palms
(Borassus Ethiopicus) were scattered about the plain, sometimes
singly, at others growing in considerable numbers. High and bold
rocks, near and distant mountains, the richest plain imaginable in
the foreground, with the clear Un-y-Amé flowing now in a shallow
stream between its lofty banks, and the grand old Nile upon our
right, all combined to form a landscape that produced a paradise.
The air was delightful. There was an elasticity of spirit, the
result of a pure atmosphere, that made one feel happy in spite of
many anxieties. My legs felt like steel as we strode along before
the horses, with rifle on shoulder, into the magnificent valley,
in which the mountains we had descended seemed to have taken
root. The country was full of game. Antelopes in great numbers,
and in some variety, started from their repose in this beautiful
wilderness, and having for a few moments regarded the strange
sights of horses, and soldiers in scarlet uniform, they first
trotted and then cantered far away. The graceful leucotis stood in
herds upon the river’s bank, and was the last to retreat. * * * * *
Magnificent trees (acacias), whose thick, dark foliage drooped near
the ground, were grouped in clumps, springing from the crevices
between huge blocks of granite. Brooks of the purest water rippled
over the time-worn channels, cut through granite plateaux, and as
we halted to drink at the tempting stream, the water tasted as cold
as though from a European spring. The entire country on our left
was a succession of the most beautiful rocky undulations and deep,
verdant glades, at the bottom of which flowed perennial streams.
The banks of these rivulets were richly clothed with ornamental
timber, the rich foliage contrasting strongly with the dark gray
blocks of granite, resembling the ruins of ancient towers.”
But this land, so rich and beautiful, is all going to waste. Its
game and cattle are doomed to as swift destruction as the countless
herds of buffalo and antelope which only fifteen years ago thronged
the prairies of Dakota. We copy from the same source this picture
of the waste which is the sure precursor of want.
“By the Nile traders’ arrangements the companies of Abou Saood
receive as their perquisite one-third of all the cattle that may be
stolen in successful razzias. The consumption of cattle by these
brigands is enormous. All flour is purchased in exchange for flesh,
while flesh is also necessary for food: thus the cow is being eaten
at both ends. The frightful drain upon the country may be imagined
by the following calculation, which is certainly below the truth:
“If 1,000 loads of ivory must be carried to Ismailia,
2,000 cows are required as payment of carriers;
1,000 belong to the brigands as their perquisite;
300 are necessary to feed the native carriers and soldiers during
the journey;
—————
3,300 cows are required to deliver 1,000 loads of ivory a distance
of 165 miles from Fatiko to Ismailia (Gondokoro).
A station of 35 men consumes daily 700 lbs.
In addition they require to exchange for flour 350 lbs.
——————————
Daily consumption of flesh 1,050 lbs.
The oxen of the country do not average more than 170 lbs.
cleaned.
2,255 beasts are thus required annually.
—————
5,555 oxen are necessary to feed and pay for the transport from a
station only 350 strong, according to the customs of White
Nile brigandage.
“It must be remembered that at least a thousand, and sometimes
double that number of slaves, are prisoners in each station. All
these must be fed. The same principle is adopted in the exchange
of flesh for flour; thus the expenditure of cattle is frightful.
Not only oxen, but all the breeding cows and young calves are
killed without the slightest reflection. No country can support
such wilful waste; thus, after many years of ravage, this beautiful
country has become almost barren of cattle. The central districts,
occupied by the slave-traders, having been denuded of cattle, it
has become necessary to make journeys to distant countries.”
But this is not the worst aspect of affairs. For by how much a man
is better than a beast, by so much his life is more sacred, and
to be guarded with more jealous care. Read this story of a slave
raid, its treachery, its brutality, its capture not only of slaves,
but its slaughter of many times the number led away to sale. But
this is not all; for in the pages of “Ismailia” follows the record
of a dreadful retribution in which the whole 103 of Abou Saood’s
men are put to death and 150 of their allies. This is but one of
many like scenes which have helped to make the slave regions of
Africa as degraded as they are found to-day.
“A man named Ali Hussein was a well known employé of Abou Saood.
This ruffian was an Arab. He was a tall, wiry fellow, with a
determined but brutal cast of countenance, who was celebrated
as a scoundrel among scoundrels. Even his fellows dreaded his
brutality. There was no crime that he had not committed, and as
his only virtue was extreme daring, his reputation was terrible
among the native population. He had arranged to make a descent
upon the Umiro tribe, about six days’ march to the southeast. He
accordingly sent natives as spies with specious messages to the
Umiro, announcing his intention of visiting them to purchase ivory.
With a party increased by volunteers from other stations to a force
of about 300 men, he arrived at Umiro. The simple natives received
him gladly and showed extreme hospitality. The country was thickly
populated and abounded with vast herds of the finest cattle. After
a week’s sojourn among the Umiro, during which he had received
large presents of elephants’ tusks and seventy head of oxen from
the confiding natives, the treacherous ruffian gave an order to
his brigands at sunset. They were to be under arms an hour before
daybreak on the following morning, to set fire to the adjacent
villages of their generous hosts and to capture their large herds
of cattle, together with their women and children.
“At the time appointed, while every Umiro slept, unconscious of
approaching danger, several villages were surrounded, and volleys
of musketry were poured upon the sleeping inmates. The straw huts
were ignited, and the flames rapidly spread, while a massacre
commenced similar to the butcheries to which the slave-hunters were
so well accustomed. The Umiro, thus taken by surprise, and appalled
by so dastardly a treachery, were easily defeated. Their children
and wives were captured, together with large herds of cattle, which
are celebrated for their size. All these were driven in triumph to
Fatiko.”
We only ask, in conclusion, is not this a field for Christian
men to occupy—this fair land, with such means of supporting life,
and with horrors like these enacted year by year, against which
the presence of even a few white Christian men would be a most
effectual check?
* * * * *
WAR OR MISSIONS?
Christian England is at war with the Zulus, not altogether
successfully, we fear not altogether justly. It seems to be about
the same question which is at issue perpetually between the United
States Government and the Indians—a disputed strip of territory
lying between Transvaal and Zululand is, by arbitration mutually
agreed upon, decided to belong of right to the Zulus. But the Dutch
Boers who had settled therein decline to give up their claims. The
English Government, to whom that territory had been transferred,
defend them in maintaining their resistance to what had been
declared to be the rightful owner, and because King Cetywayo is a
small sovereign, the Queen on whose dominions the sun never sets
proposes to compel him. This is about the story as it comes to us.
So Christian England and America—not the Christianity in England
and America—treat their poor neighbors.
Now, in the prosecution of this Zulu war thousands of men are
sent out to do battle—generals, captains, common soldiers. Money
is freely spent, millions of dollars, to keep a rude race from
acknowledged rights. Blood is spilt and lives are sacrificed, not
by the one or two, but by the hundred. But there is another battle
to be fought in Africa, in the interests of the Christianity that
is in England and America; a battle against superstition, and all
the ignorance and violence included in it, against the slave trade
and its demoralizing influences. It, too, will cost men and money.
In its accomplishment, lives will be laid down. Already in the new
fields opening, one and another have fallen, until six, perhaps,
have thus far given up their lives in this cause. The advance
guard, the scouts, have not all escaped the perils of such service.
It costs money, too; but it will not cost half as much to convert a
savage African as it will to kill him. Missions are cheap compared
with war.
And then, look at the end of it all. Money and blood to extend
territory, to defend a flag! Where is the treasury, and where the
lives ready to be laid down that the banner of the Prince of Peace
may be set up in Equatorial Africa, and its inhabitants be made
subjects of Him whose dominion hath no end?
Read these emphatic words of _David Livingstone_, so well
illustrated by his own quietly heroic life:
“We talk of ‘sacrifices’ until we fear the word is nauseous to
God. We have no English female missionary biography worth reading,
because it is all polluted by the black man’s idea of sacrifice. It
ought not so to be. Jesus became a missionary and gave His life for
us. Hundreds of young men annually leave our shores as cadets. When
any dangerous expedition is planned by Government, more volunteers
apply than are necessary to man it. On the proposal to send a band
of brave men in search of Sir John Franklin, a full complement
for the ships could have been procured of officers alone, without
any common sailors. And what thousands rushed to California from
different parts of America on the discovery of gold! How many
husbands left their wives and families! How many Christian men tore
themselves away from all home endearments to suffer and toil and
perish by cold and starvation on the overland route! How many sank
from fever and exhaustion on the banks of the Sacramento! Yet no
word of sacrifices there! Our talk of sacrifices is ungenerous and
heathenish.”
* * * * *
THE NEGRO HEGIRA.
It is not many months since we had to record the Liberian exodus
fever. The movement which excited so great hopes among the deluded
blacks has passed out of sight, and the holders of ten-dollar
shares in the barque Azor are no nearer the tropical shores of
Africa than they were a year ago. From those who went out in so
ill-advised a manner, for a long time almost nothing came back to
us but their wail of suffering as they reached their journey’s end.
And now another impulse has seized upon thousands apparently of the
negro population of Mississippi and Louisiana, to leave the places
where they were born and reared and seek new homes. As early as
the middle of March probably fifteen hundred had found their way
to St. Louis under the impression, it is said, that they would be
supported in that city and provided with free transportation to
Kansas, where, on arrival, they would receive from the Government,
lands, mules, money and agricultural implements. A small proportion
of them appeared to be in comfortable circumstances, and proceeded
by steamer or rail to Kansas City or Topeka. Others were entirely
destitute and dependent from the first on charitable aid.
Thousands more were reported as only deterred from coming by lack
of means to pay their way up the river. The mayor and citizens
of St. Louis were in quite a panic over their visitors. What
should they do with them, or how keep them away? But the feeling
of kinship led the colored people of the city to give them such
welcome as they might. The basements of three colored churches were
opened to them, and food and shelter were generously given by their
brethren according to the flesh, and they were helped toward their
destination as far as might be.
Thus another is added to the many strange, sad stories in the
history of this dark-skinned race. This sudden impulse moving upon
this great mass of men and women may not have been reasonable,
and yet it must have had a reason. Kansas seems to be to them a
magical name, synonymous with freedom, friends and happiness, in
their crude thought. It was sought to turn some of them to Iowa,
where work and pay were offered; but no, Kansas was the goal from
which they could not be turned away. There seems to be no possible
interpretation of this so general migration, other than that they
have given up in despair the thought of peace or prosperity in
their old homes. For of all the inhabitants of our soil they are
the least migratory in their nature; they cling to the old State
and the old homestead on which they were reared. But repeated
wrongs have worked at last on their slow minds the conviction
that better things can only be in store for them far away. Not
political deprivations, for they seem easily to have given up that
contest, and they “don’t vote much;” but the wrongs of a hard
tenantry system, by which they have been compelled to rent land
at $10 an acre for the year—land worth not much more than that at
sale—with various other extortionate charges by the way, bringing
the laborer out at the year’s end no better, but rather the worse
off for all his toil, and with no liberty even of complaint; these
are the things which have at length wrought out their natural and
inevitable result.
The consequences of this movement, if it be suffered to go on—and
who can stop it?—are manifold and of most serious import. The
planters are already alarmed at the lack of laborers for the year
which is just opening upon them. A desertion of “hands” is a most
dire calamity in an agricultural community. Political changes
may follow those of population, and if this hegira goes on, the
proportion of representation may be seriously changed between
Louisiana and Kansas.
There can be no question but that the negro can, if he be well
treated, do better in the Gulf States than in the cold climate of
Kansas—at raising cotton and the sugar-cane than wheat and stock.
Is there no serious warning in this movement to the people of those
States?—a lesson not political so much as industrial; an intimation
that fair treatment even of the lowest, poorest and most ignorant
classes, especially if they are held by no artificial bond like
ownership, is essential to a rendering of the service for which
they were valued once as slaves, and for which they are no less
indispensable as freemen. There is policy as well as right in
justice, and the law of gravitation is as real and as irresistible
in masses of men as in the realm of material things. The South
needs the negro quite as much as the negro needs the South; and
unless its leaders of thought and action help its people to
recognize their mutual dependence, and teach them to conciliate and
not to abuse the arm that is ready to sow and gather their crops,
they will have to do without it. The present hegira is but a hint
of what may be. Is it not a hint, also, as to how so great a loss
may be avoided? For, after all, dislike the truth who may, the
negro is “a man and a brother.”
* * * * *
WOMAN’S WORK FOR WOMAN.
Every once in a while a feeling prevalent in the churches gets
voice in the question: “Cannot women find some recognized method of
doing more for the elevation of the freed women of the South than
they are doing now?” There has been an unwillingness on the part of
many to agitate this question lest there might be in it a seeming
antagonism to the work of the Woman’s Board; a work that in origin
and development is so clearly providential. Still the want has
been keenly felt. Some attention has been given it, and in a few
instances the thought has developed into action.
Nearly two years ago Mrs. Zachary Eddy, of Detroit, interested a
number of ladies in Eastern Michigan in the matter, and the result
was that these ladies became responsible for the support of a lady
missionary, to be appointed by the American Missionary Association,
to work exclusively among the freed women; and the work then begun
has been steadily sustained ever since by Miss Hattie Milton, at
Memphis, Tenn. It is no longer an experiment, it is now a success.
Miss Milton, in a letter, not long since, says: “This has been the
happiest year of my life; for this work has its own reward, both to
the missionary and those who send her, which is more valuable than
silver or gold. I sometimes think the angels might almost envy us
in this work.”
Within a few months the ladies connected with the First and Second
Churches of Oberlin have united to support a lady missionary
among the freed women. The money is already provided for, and the
missionary will soon start on her mission of love. And now I learn
that the young ladies connected with the Congregational church
in Waukegan, this State, have organized a society for the same
purpose, the aim being to work chiefly through the Sunday-school.
Monthly meetings, called “mission parties,” are held. A profitable
programme is prepared, consisting of an essay, information from
some mission station, brief addresses and singing. To these
meetings invitations are issued by card, with the understanding
that everybody invited will come. Thus far two meetings have been
held, and they give promise of great popularity.
May there not be in the organization of this young ladies’ society,
designing to work through the Sunday-school, a suggestion that the
ladies might take up everywhere? Why not, after first defining the
word young to have reference to feeling rather than years, organize
young ladies’ missionary societies in all our churches, to work
through the Sunday-schools for the support of lady missionaries
among the freed women?—SCROOBY, in _The Congregationalist_.
* * * * *
CONGREGATIONALISM IN THE SOUTH.
2. Since the War.
DIST. SEC. C. L. WOODWORTH, BOSTON.
The denomination which took possession of this country in the
name of Christ, which brought in the cabin of the Mayflower the
model of a democratic state, as well as of a democratic church,
was, practically, ruled out of the South for two hundred and fifty
years. Only since 1865 has it been possible for her to enter the
South in all the largeness of her freedom and of her faith. If it
now be asked, What has she to show for these thirteen years of
opportunity among the poorest of the poor, we answer, “Something of
which she need not be ashamed.”
Within five months from the time when the first gun of
the rebellion sent its shot at the heart of the Union,
Congregationalism, through the American Missionary Association,
was at Fortress Monroe with bread and clothing, with books and
Bibles, with teachers and preachers. Nor was this the only channel
of its charity to the needy. It maintained a vast work of physical
relief _during and after the war_, through the New England and
National Freedmen’s Aid Societies, and through agencies of more
private bounty. And not alone in the way of physical relief, but
a large number of teachers were sent out by these same agencies,
and kept in the field for years and years. They have passed away,
indeed, but the amount expended by them was very large, how large
we will not try to estimate even approximately.
The Society first in the field alone remains to do the work for the
Congregational churches. No sooner had General Butler established
himself at Fortress Monroe than the Association pushed in its
workers among the unhoused, half-clothed, half-starved thousands of
contrabands that had flocked inside his lines. From that beginning,
in 1861, the work has spread into every Southern State, and though
its income and its working force are scarcely half what they were
in 1870, yet it is among the great societies which our churches
cherish and love. It has just completed seventeen full years of
labor on the Southern field, and the number of laborers sent out
year by year are tabulated below:
Teachers, 1862 15 Teachers, 1872 346
“ 1863 83 “ 1873 323
“ 1864 250 “ 1874 273
“ 1865 300 “ 1875 260
“ 1866 353 “ 1876 206
“ 1867 528 “ 1877 203
“ 1868 532 “ 1878 209
“ 1869 532 —————
“ 1870 533 Total No. of Teachers 5,267
“ 1871 321
The tangible results of this work, as they appear in permanent
Christian institutions, and their natural outcome in the South,
will be seen in the statement below:
DETAILS OF SCHOOL WORK AT THE SOUTH.
_Chartered Institutions_, 8.—Hampton N. and A. Institute, Hampton,
Va.: Number of pupils, 332; boarding accommodations for 180. Berea
College, Berea, Ky.: Number of pupils, 273; boarding accommodations
for 180. Fisk University, Nashville, Tenn.: Number of pupils, 338;
boarding accommodations for 150. Atlanta University, Atlanta,
Ga.: Number of pupils, 244; boarding accommodations for 150.
Talladega College, Talladega, Ala.: Number of pupils, 272; boarding
accommodations for 100. Tougaloo University, Tougaloo, Miss.:
Number of pupils, 193; boarding accommodations for 90. Straight
University, New Orleans, La.: Number of pupils, 287; no boarding
accommodations. Normal Institute, Austin, Texas: Number of pupils,
146.
_Other Institutions_, 11.—Normal School, Wilmington, N. C.:
Number of pupils, 126; Washington School, Raleigh, N. C., 435;
Avery Institute, Charleston, S. C., 294; Brewer Normal School,
Greenwood, S. C., 58; Storrs’ School, Atlanta, Ga., 701; Lewis High
School, Macon, Ga., 93; Trinity School, Athens, Ala., 158; Emerson
Institute, Mobile, Ala., 117; Swayne School, Montgomery, Ala., 436;
Burrell School, Selma, Ala., 421; Le Moyne School, Memphis, Tenn.,
184; Common Schools, 18;—total, 37.
Whole number of pupils, 7,229. Scholars in the South, taught by our
former pupils, estimated at 100,000.
Whole number of churches in the South, 64.—Virginia, 1; North
Carolina, 5; South Carolina, 2; Georgia, 12; Kentucky, 7;
Tennessee, 4; Alabama, 13; Louisiana, 12; Mississippi, 1; Kansas,
2; Texas, 5.
Whole number of church members, 4,189.
From this exhibit it will be seen that eight of the schools are
chartered, and contain nearly two thousand students. Four of them
are of college grade, and are doing regular college work. The
other schools are of Normal grade, and designed to bring forward,
as rapidly as possible, the teachers for the untaught millions.
They are all children of the Association, and in them are gathered
up the fruits of Congregational liberality and labor in behalf of
the colored race. These schools are an enduring investment for
this work, and hold property in buildings, lands, apparatus and
endowments, to the value, probably, of eight hundred thousand
dollars. It should be said, however, that many of the buildings
were put up by aid from the Freedmen’s Bureau; but this aid was
set apart as the proportion of the public moneys which should
appropriately flow through Congregational channels. The churches
established in the South are a result of the same effort. Their
chapels and houses of worship represent a money value of fifty
thousand dollars more. What Congregationalism has to show is in
these permanent institutions for the mental and moral training
of the colored people. It is not all that is needed, but it is
an investment of inestimable value, and one which will compare
favorably with the work of any other denomination, for thorough
educational and religious work among the enfranchised race.
* * * * *
ITEMS FROM THE FIELD.
DUDLEY, N. C.—“We have quite a class of teachers in the school,
and I have spent a part of each day with them. I induced one of
the young men I found in Woodbridge to come here for the present.
He has had but little schooling, but is far ahead of all the young
people here and has taught several terms. He is now commencing
Latin and Algebra. He desires to fully fit himself for work among
his people, and his present idea is to devote himself to teaching.
He has a splendid voice and has never had any drill. One great
object in bringing him here was to train his voice and give him
instrumental lessons, and he is doing finely. Another was to secure
him, if possible, to us, and find a chance for him in one of the A.
M. A. Colleges. Is there any way of getting help for such a young
man?”
MCINTOSH, Liberty Co., Ga.—“Nineteen persons united with the church
last Sunday on confession of faith.”
WOODVILLE, Ga.—The annual examination of the school was held March
28th. From 400 to 500 persons were present. One conversion from the
Sunday-school during the month.
The St. Philip’s Society, Sengstacke’s Band of Hope, and Sons and
Daughters of Jerusalem, celebrated emancipation, Jan. 1st, in the
Congregational church. Rev. Mr. Markham, of Savannah, addressed
them on the results of freedom and the work of the A. M. A. A
thank-offering was sent in the form of a contribution to the
Association.
TALLADEGA, Ala.—Nine young men, students at Talladega, after
examination, were approved to preach by the Alabama Conference.
MONTGOMERY, Ala.—A deep religious interest has been manifested
during the last month. Some of our pupils are trusting in a
newly-found Saviour. A Sabbath afternoon Bible-reading at the
school-house has been blessed.
MARION, Ala.—There are thirty subscribers to the New York _Witness_
among the colored people in this place—a fact which speaks well for
their general intelligence.
MOBILE, Ala.—“God is pouring out His Spirit on our school. Several
have expressed a hope in Christ and many more are inquiring.
The interest is among the older scholars. We have a daily
fifteen-minute prayer-meeting just before school, and a half-hour
prayer-meeting after school on Friday. Pray for us.”
ANNISTON, Ala.—Sabbath-school very interesting, especially to the
older people. One conversion.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas.—The church has been revived. Six members
thus far have been received on profession.
FLATONIA, Fayette Co., Texas.—This young church has twenty-five
members, and several are waiting an opportunity to unite. It is
negotiating for a church building.
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.—“The Sabbath-school is well attended. We had
a concert last Sabbath evening; the house was crowded and the
exercises went off quite well, after which a collection for the A.
M. A. was taken.”
INDIAN AGENCY, KESHENA, Wis.—From the report of the school at the
Green Bay Agency we extract the following: “Our school closed on
the 20th, and we are happy to report that this has been the most
favorable term since the opening of the boarding-school. We have
had very little sickness and very few changes, nearly all who came
at the beginning of the term remaining till its close. In this
respect, of steady, persevering work, we notice great improvement.
It is so contrary to the habits of the Indian that we note it with
pleasure. The progress, too, in studies is very satisfactory.”
* * * * *
GENERAL NOTES.
The Freedmen.
—In commenting on the Windom Emigration Scheme, the _Atlanta
Constitution_ says: “In Georgia the colored people are doing as
well as could be expected. If they are to remain citizens they
ought to be educated, and they ought to have constantly before
them the example of the whites. They are beginning to appreciate
the responsibilities of citizenship; they are thrifty enough to
accumulate property, and they are anxious to take advantage of
the educational opportunities afforded them.” The colored man is
valuable to the South. The white people know it. The above is
important testimony to his worth and increasing usefulness.
—The Bainbridge _Democrat_ gives, unwittingly, testimony to the
industry and thrift of the colored laborer: “The ambition of every
negro man is to have a home of his own; and it is no mean ambition;
yet, if something is not done, this generation will live to see
the day when this class of labor cannot be obtained at any price;
and if we cannot supply it with labor just as good, there will be
no other alternative for the white man but to ‘go.’ People have no
use for lands when there is nobody to cultivate them; and as the
colored people set up in their little cabins upon their poor and
sickly lands, just in proportion will our finest and best acres
depreciate in value. This is a question big with interest to our
people, beside which others sink into nothingness.” Application:
The colored laborer is becoming a settled, independent property
holder, and his own master. When he can work, buy and sell for
himself, and own his cabin, he is emancipated from domineering
dictation. Whoever owns his own labor must control the market.
—After all, there is an inclination to block this aspiration of
the colored man. The _Atlanta Constitution_ holds that it is an
open question whether this effort should be encouraged. It holds
that there are two solutions of the labor problem which is now
vexing the farmers. Either the negro must be made comfortable as a
tenant, or he must be encouraged to provide himself a home. Either
something like the English tenant system must be adopted or the
system of small farms will prevail. There is something peculiarly
attractive in this English system. Whether it could be made to fit
the peculiar needs of the present and the contingencies of the
future, is a question that the editor is not just now prepared to
discuss.
—The colored man being an American citizen, it is improbable
that the English tenant system can be made to fit his case. The
rights of citizenship will secure to him the rights of labor.
The homestead delivers him from serfdom, and secures to him the
independent ballot.
—Many influential colored men are advocating colonization as a
remedy for the evils that afflict their race. One says, “We cannot
get equal rights in the South before the law. A white man will
pay ten dollars for the same offence that a negro will go to that
second death, the chain-gang, for.” He also says, “There are some
counties in Georgia, and in every one of the Southern states, where
a white man will whip a negro just the same as formerly.” Again, a
certain lawyer defending a white man the other day, at Jefferson,
in Georgia, said, “God made the negro inferior, and the white man
was justified in killing the negro for insulting him.” The jury
acquitted the white man (Atlanta _Rep._, March 1). The darkness
still lingers.
—The _Marietta Journal_, Cobb County, Ga., reports that a young
colored man, now a school-teacher, but who has been studying law
for the last three years, will soon apply for admission to the bar,
and says that he is so thoroughly prepared that his application
cannot be denied.
—A National Emigration Aid Society has been organized at
Washington, with Senator Windom at its head, its object being to
assist and regulate emigration from the South to the West. Rev. Dr.
J. E. Rankin is one of its Executive Committee, as are also Senator
Hamlin, Representative Garfield and other leading men.
—At the recent anniversary of the City Bible Society in Atlanta,
Ga., it was reported that the colporteur, who had just commenced
the canvass of the community, had found that of the first one
hundred and fifty-eight white families visited in the first ward,
_twenty-six_ were destitute of the Word of God; and that of the
first one hundred and seventy-two colored families visited in the
same ward, _forty-eight_ of them have no Bibles. Rev. Dr. Haygood,
who stated the fact, said that it had surprised and gratified
him to find that so large a proportion of the colored families
had supplied themselves with the Scriptures. It gave him great
encouragement for the welfare of the country. Of one hundred and
seventy-two colored families, one hundred and twenty-four had the
Bible. This people hunger for the Word. Here is a wide field for
the American Bible Society.
Africa.
—The Church Missionary Society has ordained missionaries at nine
stations on the River Niger, under the charge of the native Bishop
Crowther. At some of these stations the idols have already been
given up. At others there has been long and severe persecution,
which, however, appears to have largely broken down. On the whole,
these missions have been a great success.
—The “_Cardiff Livingstone Mission_” (Welsh) was originated about
three years ago, and has two stations on the Congo River.
—Dr. Laws and Mr. Stewart, of the Scottish Missionary Society on
Lake Nyassa, are examining the country on the west coast of the
Lake to find a permanent location better adapted to the wants of
the mission than Livingstonia. They have visited several of the
tribes, being received with some suspicion, and finding it hard
to make it understood that they are neither there to fight nor to
trade. At last advices (Oct. 30th) they were still investigating.
—Gordon Pacha, Governor-General of Southern Egypt, reports that
the capture of all the slave depots is considered certain. The
Egyptians, he says, killed ten chiefs and 2,000 men while following
up a victory they had gained over the slave-traders.
—The steamer Kangaroo, with part of the cable to be laid between
Natal and Aden, last month left the Thames for Natal via the Suez
Canal. The Natal and Zanzibar section will be open for business in
July. This will place South Africa within a week’s communication of
London. The remainder of the line will be completed before the end
of the present year.
—Mr. Henry M. Stanley is reported to be now on his way to Zanzibar
with a commission from the King of the Belgians to re-organize the
hitherto unsuccessful Belgian expedition.
—The Khedive has dismissed his English and French Ministers, and
appointed a Cabinet composed exclusively of his own subjects. He
has also prepared a financial scheme on his own account, and set
aside that of the English financier. This revolutionary conduct
will re-awaken anxiety in both England and France, for the future
of Egypt and for the safety of European capital invested in that
country.
* * * * *
THE FREEDMEN.
REV. JOS. E. ROY, D. D.,
FIELD SUPERINTENDENT, ATLANTA, GA.
* * * * *
A TOUR INTO THE SOUTHWEST.
Through Alabama, Mississippi and Texas.
It took seven weeks. It started off with a week in the revival
meeting at Talladega College, where some score and a half of souls
were hopefully led to Christ.
I tarried for a day at Montgomery to contract for the repairing and
re-painting of the Swayne School building, and for the re-renting
of the same. Erected by the Freedmen’s Bureau, it had been put
into the hands of a local Board of Trust, and by that Board it had
been leased for ten years to the American Missionary Association,
which, after running it for several years, sub-rented it to the
City Board of Education—the A. M. A. giving the rent, keeping
the house in repair and appointing the teachers, the city paying
the salaries. This arrangement was renewed for another five years
by the appropriate legal papers. The teachers and the pastor’s
family—that of Rev. Dr. Flavel Bascom, for the winter—are domiciled
in the “Home.” A quiet, persuasive spiritual work was at that time
manifest in the school. The pastor was found to be happy in his
work, and to have made many friends in the city, being a regular
member of the weekly ministers’ meeting.
On the tour a week was given to New Orleans for the inspection
of the church and educational work in that vicinity, and for
attendance upon the first meeting of the Sunday-school Association
of Louisiana. This cause got a grand send-off. The Northern helpers
were greatly useful. The Freedmen’s interest was well represented in
the Association, as reported last month. The Straight University,
with its edifice rebuilt upon a much better location, was found
in a healthy working condition, with 200 pupils in the academic
department; twenty-five in the law department, one-half of them
white; and ten in the theological. The Central Church—Pres.
Alexander, pastor—had been having a revival that had brought in
a score of members. The three or four other churches were found
in a hopeful condition under their native pastors. Great was the
satisfaction in preaching for some of these congregations. Straight
is now in great need of dormitory buildings for boarding students.
A couple of days was given to Terrebonne parish in preaching for
Rev. Daniel Clay, and in visiting the other pastors and churches
under his fatherly eye. Mr. Clay, a son of the great “Commoner,” is
doing much in bringing the Gospel among the common people of his
race.
The tour led us by another cluster of Louisiana churches, the one
centering at New Iberia, on the Bayou Teche, in the region of the
ancient settlement of “Evangeline’s” story. Two parish seats and
three settlements belong to this cluster. All but one have plain
houses of worship. All are under colored preachers. At New Iberia,
besides fair public schools for the Freedmen, there is a fine
select school in Grant Hall, built by the colored people. Three
sermons sought to confirm these churches in the Gospel way.
Thence across the Gulf to Texas. The Barnes Institute, at
Galveston, built by the Bureau, and run for a time by the American
Missionary Association, is now used for a Freedmen’s public school,
with four teachers and over three hundred scholars. At Houston the
“Gregory Institute” duplicates the history of “The Barnes,” and is
doing remarkably well. Such is also the story of the Institute at
Waco. The American Missionary Association may count in with its
best work the founding of these Institutes, which being well set up
have flowed into the public school system. The impetus given and
the standard put up yet abide in large measure.