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The American Missionary
SEPTEMBER, 1896
VOL. L
No. 9
CONTENTS
EDITORIAL.
THE JUBILEE MEETING--UP TO DATE 273
ONLY THIRTY DAYS MORE 274
JUBILEE SHARE FUND--PARAGRAPHS 275
THE SOUTH.
A NEGRO UPON SELF-HELP AND SELF-SUPPORT 276
BEACH INSTITUTE, SAVANNAH, GA., 279
BALLARD NORMAL SCHOOL, MACON, GA. 280
BREWER NORMAL SCHOOL, GREENWOOD, S. C. 281
TALLADEGA COLLEGE COMMENCEMENT 282
SNAP SHOTS AT TALLADEGA STUDENTS 283
ALBANY NORMAL SCHOOL, ALBANY, GA. 285
CHANDLER NORMAL SCHOOL, LEXINGTON, KY. 286
EXTRACTS FROM LETTER OF A SOUTHERN PASTOR 288
LETTER FROM A FORMER STUDENT 289
GRAND VIEW CHURCH 291
THE CHINESE.
VISITS TO THREE MISSIONS 292
BUREAU OF WOMAN'S WORK.
THE ASSOCIATION JUBILEE 295
SHARES JUBILEE YEAR FUND. 298
RECEIPTS. 299
* * * * *
NEW YORK:
PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION,
Bible House, Ninth St. and Fourth Ave., New York.
Price, 50 Cents a Year in advance
Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., as second-class mail
matter.
* * * * *
American Missionary Association.
PRESIDENT, MERRILL E. GATES, LL.D., MASS.
_Vice-Presidents._
Rev. F. A. NOBLE, D.D., Ill.
Rev. ALEX. McKENZIE, D.D., Mass.
Rev. HENRY HOPKINS, D.D., Mo.
Rev. HENRY A. STIMSON, D.D., N. Y.
Rev. WASHINGTON GLADDEN, D.D., Ohio.
_Honorary Secretary and Editor._
Rev. M. E. STRIEBY, D.D., _Bible House, N. Y._
_Corresponding Secretaries._
Rev. A. F. BEARD, D.D., Rev. F. P. WOODBURY, D.D., _Bible House. N. Y._
Rev. C. J. RYDER, D.D., _Bible House, N. Y._
_Recording Secretary._
Rev. M. E. STRIEBY, D.D., _Bible House, N. Y._
_Treasurer._
H. W. HUBBARD, Esq., _Bible House, N. Y._
_Auditors._
GEORGE S. HICKOK.
JAMES H. OLIPHANT.
_Executive Committee._
CHARLES L. MEAD, Chairman.
CHARLES A. HULL, Secretary.
_For Three Years._
SAMUEL HOLMES,
SAMUEL S. MARPLES,
CHARLES L. MEAD,
WILLIAM H. STRONG,
ELIJAH HORR.
_For Two Years._
WILLIAM HAYES WARD,
JAMES W. COOPER,
LUCIEN C. WARNER,
JOSEPH H. TWICHELL,
CHARLES P. PEIRCE.
_For One Year._
CHARLES A. HULL,
ADDISON P. FOSTER,
ALBERT J. LYMAN,
NEHEMIAH BOYNTON,
A. J. F. BEHRENDS.
_District Secretaries._
Rev. GEO. H. GUTTERSON, _21 Cong'l House, Boston, Mass._
Rev. JOS. E. ROY, D.D., _153 La Salle Street, Chicago, Ill._
_Secretary of Woman's Bureau._
Miss D. E. EMERSON, _Bible House, N. Y._
COMMUNICATIONS
Relating to the work of the Association may be addressed to the
Corresponding Secretaries; letters for "The American Missionary," to
the Editor, at the New York Office; letters relating to the finances,
to the Treasurer; letters relating to woman's work, to the Secretary
of the Woman's Bureau.
DONATIONS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS
In drafts, checks, registered letters, or post-office orders, may be
sent to H. W. Hubbard, Treasurer, Bible House, New York; or, when more
convenient, to either of the Branch Offices, 21 Congregational House,
Boston, Mass., or 153 La Salle Street, Chicago, Ill. A payment of
thirty dollars constitutes a Life Member.
NOTICE TO SUBSCRIBERS.--The date on the "address label" indicates the
time to which the subscription is paid. Changes are made in date on
label to the 10th of each month. If payment of subscription be made
afterward the change on the label will appear a month later. Please
send early notice of change in post-office address, giving the former
address and the new address, in order that our periodicals and
occasional papers may be correctly mailed.
FORM OF A BEQUEST.
"I give and bequeath the sum of ---- dollars to the 'American
Missionary Association,' incorporated by act of the Legislature of the
State of New York." The will should be attested by three witnesses.
* * * * *
THE AMERICAN MISSIONARY
Vol. L. SEPTEMBER, 1896. No. 9.
* * * * *
THE JUBILEE MEETING.
The semi-centennial of the American Missionary Association will be
celebrated in Boston, October 20-22, opening at three o'clock Tuesday
afternoon. A great and inspiring convocation is anticipated. Speakers
of national reputation have been secured. A large and interesting
industrial exhibit will be opened. Representatives from our mission
fields and a new band of Jubilee Singers will be heard throughout the
meetings.
Directions as to membership and correspondence will be found on the
last page of the cover. Fuller details as to the entertainment of
delegates, reduced rates at hotels and in traveling fares, will be
given in due time through the religious press.
* * * * *
UP TO DATE.
For the first ten months of our current fiscal year our expenditures
have been $53,000 less than for the corresponding ten months three
years ago. They are $37,000 less than for the first ten months of the
next year. They are $13,000 less than last year. These facts indicate
the severity of our retrenchments.
We have most earnestly hoped for such a large increase of benefactions
as would greatly reduce our debts. Up to this time our receipts are
nearly $25,000 greater than at this date last year, but they are
$11,000 less than at this time year before last. That year closed with
a debt on its operations of $66,000, and last year with an additional
debt of $30,000. Thus far this year we have not only saved ourselves
from debt, but have gained $8,000 on the debts of the previous two
years.
This is a favorable difference of $38,000 between our financial
standing now and that at this date last year. This advance has been
made possible only by the sympathetic and generous responses from many
givers and churches which have cheered the presentation of our work.
Very many others have promised future aid which will lift the burden.
But, for the time being, we have had to maintain our standing chiefly
by making continued reductions of expenditures. This has been a
difficult and sorrowful task. In answer to numberless appeals in
behalf of the ignorant and suffering, we have had to explain
constantly that the refusals of the Association were due, not to lack
of sympathy, but to lack of means. In general, the Association can
administer only the means confided to its charge. Its historic and
permanent policy has been against incurring a debt. Its careful and
conservative forecast two years ago encountered, like all similar
benevolent work in all the denominations, a sudden and serious
reduction of receipts. The next year it provided a much diminished
schedule of expenditures, but this was met with a further additional
reduction of support.
Therefore, the task now set to the Association is to carry on only
what work it can while recovering what has been already expended in
these mission fields. We believe this recovery can be made. We are
most grateful to the churches, mission societies, and individual
givers who have so generously come to our help in this difficult and
trying year. From the promising responses which reach us, we can but
believe that very many more are planning for the relief of these
missions in their distress. Just now public attention is concentrated
on national issues of so perplexing and doubtful a character that
every enterprise, whether of business or of benevolence, waits upon
their settlement. We hope and pray that the coming months may lift the
clouds and pour prosperity again throughout all these vast mission
fields.
* * * * *
ONLY THIRTY DAYS MORE.
At the time these lines reach the eyes of most of our readers, only
thirty days will remain of the fiftieth year in the work of the
American Missionary Association.
We look forward to these few days with anxious hope. Pastors, officers
of churches and missionary societies, and individual givers have
intimated to us that they will co-operate in making this fiftieth year
a Year of Jubilee. Again and again our anxious inquiries have received
the kind assurance that the year shall not close without the uplift of
special help to the Association.
Many churches and many givers have fulfilled this purpose. If all had
done as well, we should now be rejoicing over emancipation from all
indebtedness.
We earnestly plead for personal contributions from individual givers.
After all, it is upon the many individual gifts, however small each
one may be, that the success of this work must now mainly depend.
We ask as earnestly that each church which has not hitherto
contributed to the support of this mission work will do so now.
We respectfully request that the treasurers of churches and mission
societies will now send us contributions already taken in behalf of
the American Missionary Association, or balances remaining in their
hands according to church plans, of proportionate contributions.
Shall not these thirty September days in the book of life record the
special consecration in thousands of hearts of sacrificial service in
gifts to God's poor?
* * * * *
JUBILEE SHARE FUND.
It will be seen in the record of this month that the Jubilee Share
Fund now aggregates pledges of over $14,000. This is a beginning, a
good beginning, but a beginning only. We hope these coming September
days which close our fiscal year will bring a vast increase of pledges
to the Jubilee Share Fund. We know that numbers of our friends have
been planning for it and looking forward to taking their part in this
great and useful Christian service. "Now is the accepted time."
_From Massachusetts_--"Please find inclosed check for $50 for the
Jubilee Year Fund, in memory of my dear father. His heart was ever
with your good work to the very end of his life."
_From a Tennessee A. M. A. Missionary_--"Wife and I join the Jubilee
contributors. Find $50 for one share. We wish we could multiply this
by a hundred."
_From Massachusetts_--"Please find from two friends in Boston $50
each, which has been intrusted to my care for the share fund; and I
gladly send it to help on the share fund."
_From Connecticut_--"It gives me pleasure to send you $2,000, as a
donation from our church to the American Missionary Association. Also
inclosed $785 as our annual contribution for the current expenses of
the Association, not for the debt."
_From Iowa_--"Inclosed find $18, my donation to the work of the
American Missionary Association. It is probably my last donation as
my age (past fourscore) and poor health warn me my time is short in
which to serve the Lord in this world."
_From Connecticut_--"I was not home last Sunday when the annual
contribution for the American Missionary Association was taken up, and
as I do not wish to miss having a little share in the good work of
your society I will inclose my check for $10 for the work."
_From New Jersey_--"I am glad to be able to send the inclosed amount
from the Presbyterian Sunday-school of this place. For several years
we have been giving to the work of the American Missionary
Association, and each year is an advance on the previous year in
amount. May you all be abundantly blessed in your spiritual as well as
your financial welfare."
_From Massachusetts_--"Inclosed find $5, which my sister before her
death desired me to send to the cause she labored for so many years,
and which was dear to her when her heavenly Father called her home."
_From Ohio, inclosing $5_--"It is a pleasure to be able to carry out
the wish of my dear husband. Ever since the organization of the
American Missionary Association we have been small contributors,
though Baptists. God bless and support your work."
* * * * *
The South.
* * * * *
A NEGRO UPON SELF-HELP AND SELF-SUPPORT.
BY REV. ORISHATUKEH FADUMA, TROY, N. C.
One reason why the question of self-help as it relates to the Negro is
so difficult of solution, is his previous condition of slavery.
Slavery was first and last selfish. The training received by the Negro
under forced labor had no ethical meaning. The Negro labored, but was
not taught the dignity of labor; he did not find any dignity in it. If
there was any, his masters would have labored as he did, but the Negro
served as the cat's paws to get the nuts from the fire. The fire burnt
him severely, but he had not the benefit of the nuts. Thus the moral
and ethical benefit which he might have received from labor was lost.
Let our moralists ponder over this. The Negro's masters did not
believe in self-support during slavery; they were supported. Now that
his freedom is secured, the Negro also would like to have and hold as
the masters did.
The result of this forced selfish labor may be briefly summed up thus.
The Negro by training and example became prejudiced against severe
struggle and toil, physical or intellectual. He is now distrustful of
attempts made to induce him to labor. He is willing to let somebody
else do the work while he reaps the benefit, just as his masters did
during slavery. Thus slavery became a foe to true Christian manliness,
self-respect, and faith in one's self and others. It took 200 years to
force these traits into the Negro's being. It was destructive of all
that is uplifting to his soul. There is now a reaction going on.
Unless the forces of the Christian schools and churches are applied
with energy, the work of construction will not soon overcome that of
200 years of destruction.
Foremost in the education of the Negro along the line of self-support
is the American Missionary Association. That the policy of the
Association regarding self-help is not theoretical, but practical, may
be seen in the statement of Rev. Dr. Beard concerning the work in the
South, before the National Council for 1895. He says: "We are
realizing also that the independent methods of Congregational polity
develop self-help. These churches each year are bearing a larger part
of their own support. When it is remembered that formerly their
preachers were seldom paid anything, it can be understood that this
new way of church life is full of meaning."
The Association states in emphatic and unequivocal language its
belief, founded on long experience, in an indigenous ministry. As Dr.
Beard says: "Our general policy has been to prepare the race to save
the race. This is based upon the conviction that in the long run, and
in the large view, the most effective way to lift up the masses is to
do what we can to help the relatively few to climb into higher
intellectual and moral power."
One means toward the solution of this problem of self-help is the
industrial solution. Many overlook it because they think the Negro has
already had _much_ of it in his past history. But the Negro has never
had the _best_ of it. His industrial training before the war was
immoral as well as unscientific. The industrial education of the Negro
then was carried on without mental and moral culture; now the head,
the hands, and the heart are the triplets which must control his
development. Before the war he was simply a machine in industry; now
he is to be trained as a living soul. Before the war he had some
restraint through industrial work, but it was physical, not moral. The
education which the coming twentieth century requires of the Negro
through industry will be imperfect unless it shall be permeated with
the best and purest of ideals. It is also a recognition of the fact
that man is more than a physical creature; he is a combination of the
physical and the spiritual. It must be two natures working in harmony
with each other's development.
The modern industrialism is a combination of preaching and practice.
It has in it a larger conception of God's Kingdom as seen in the world
of matter. If it is not the highest conception, it is not the lowest,
and should not be despised in the education of a race just emerging
from ignorance. One has only to see the Negro in the plantations of
the South, and observe his methods of work, to be convinced of the
necessity of industrial training as a means toward self-help. Look
throughout these farming districts and you will see houses fit for
pigs to dwell in rather than men; you will eat food the mode of
preparation of which is unworthy of a human being; you will see women
in laundry work who have never seen a washing-machine all their life;
and gradually the idea will flash into your mind that industrial
training is needed.
The question may be asked, What is the American Missionary Association
doing along these lines of self-help and independence? Much has been
done, and is being done. The Association has not said much, but it is
doing much. This is better than saying much and doing little. At the
present time, when much is said about the industrial development of
the South, there is danger of following the crowd whose ideals are not
the highest. The popular cry is for a rejuvenated South, a South with
prosperous mills and factories, and the Negro with it. The Association
has wisely kept out of this, and yet has done more than any other
organization toward the industrial independence of the people. It was
the first to start industrial schools for the Negroes. Its first
industrial school was founded at Talladega, Ala., in 1867, where it
now works about 300 acres of land. Modern farming in its most
important branches is taught here. In connection with the school are
popular lectures, which are listened to, and scattered by the students
throughout the country. White and black farmers are being improved by
them. The instructor in farming, a graduate of the Amherst
Agricultural College, is both scientific and practical. In the same
school, at Talladega, young men and women are taught various other
branches of industry.
Tougaloo Institution, in Mississippi, has a farm of 500 acres, which
supplies cities in the Northwest with her produce. There are no less
than fifty industrial schools under the American Missionary
Association, not to mention independent schools, which are largely
fostered by Congregational influence. The reflex influence of these
industrial schools upon the whites is marvelous.
While we labor to plant seeds of true manhood in the hearts of the
people, we recognize the fact that there must be a going-out and a
taking-in. The involution of the race must precede its evolution. It
therefore requires time to see fruits. Time will tell; it is already
telling. With boards devising, and schools, churches, and pastors
formulating, methods to bring about the solution of the problem, we
shall reap an abundant harvest. When it is known that the larger
portion of the colored race in the South is still living on the
plantations, practically untouched by the Christian influences of this
century, living without God and not touched by our mission work, it
accentuates the imperative duty of the churches and pastors of
churches to hasten the work of self-support. In concluding, I
emphasize the following points:
1. That the work of educating a race to manly independence requires
time as well as energy.
2. That it behooves all teachers of the race to do their utmost to rid
the minds of the people of those ideas of slavery which strike a blow
at their independence.
3. That the position taken by the American Missionary Association is
the true one in preparing the people for self-support, and thus toward
the self-support of our churches.
4. That while recognizing the difficulties in the way of self-help and
self-support, many, if not all, can be removed if all the churches put
their shoulders to the wheel, and both teach and practice this, and do
all they can for their own support, rather than seek to have
everything done for them.
* * * * *
BEACH INSTITUTE, SAVANNAH, GA.
MISS JULIA B. FORD.
After another all too swiftly fleeting school year, the commencement
season is ushered in by the very able baccalaureate sermon delivered
to a large and appreciative audience by the Rev. J. J. Durham, one of
the colored pastors of Savannah.
On Tuesday there are oral examinations in the classrooms. On
Wednesday, palms, magnolias, cape jasmine, and wild bamboo-vine have
lent their charm to render the chapel a fragrant abode of beauty. "Old
Glory" hangs here and there upon its walls. The large flag which each
morning through the year has received, after the singing of a
patriotic song, the salutations of the assembled students, has given
place for this occasion to the inspiring words of the Latin motto,
"_Ad astra per aspera_," which in bold relief gleam out from a
star-bespangled field of blue above the platform.
Through the dense crowd which overflows the chapel and throngs the
adjoining rooms, to the notes of a march on the piano, the Ninth Grade
enters and stands to receive the graduating class, who file to their
places on the platform. With what swelling of heart are they silently
greeted, and how dear and noble a band do they seem to fond,
self-sacrificing parents, and to the teachers who have labored to
bring them to this the proudest day of their young lives. The class is
one of the largest which the Beach has ever graduated--four youths and
thirteen girls. The salutatory and essay, "What Can a Woman Do?"
earnest, suggestive, and pleasingly delivered, was followed in due
order by recitations, all rendered with spirit and grace, and winning
enthusiastic applause. The declamation by one youth, of President
Lincoln's address at Gettysburg, and the orations, by two others, on
race questions, receive due meed of appreciation.
In the cantata, "The Ivy Queen," all the girl graduates take part, and
the ivy crown is placed on the brow of the valedictorian, who is a
keen-minded young girl of the pure Negro type. Her essay and
valedictory, "Character-building," is a worthy production. It was an
inspiring thing to look into the dark but perfectly radiant faces of
her father and mother, when, after the exercises, they came, all too
full for verbal expression, to grasp the hands of teachers.
After the class song is sung, diplomas bestowed, the in-coming senior
class welcomed, and the announcement made as to the one whose rank in
her studies entitles her to a free scholarship for the ensuing year, a
brief but most excellent address is given by a young colored physician
of Savannah, whose ability, culture, high moral worth, and nobly
unselfish ambitions fit him to stand as a model to our students. The
newly made alumni meet teachers and friends in the Teachers' Home for
refreshments and a good, happy time generally; and in the midst of it
all one of the workers of Beach is surprised by a token of
appreciation in the form of a beautiful gift from the graduating
class. Our orator of the day, after some consultation, proposes to the
class of '96 the forming of an alumni association at the opening of
the next year, and then soon all disperse and a successful school year
is reckoned with the past.
* * * * *
BALLARD NORMAL SCHOOL, MACON, GA.
BY MISS LINCOLNIA C. HAYNES.
The Commencement Exercises of Ballard Normal School began with the
Junior Exhibition. At the time appointed every seat was taken and
there was scarcely standing room. The greatest interest was manifested
by all present, and at the close of the evening, when anxious parents
and interested friends crowded around with beaming faces to express
their satisfaction and appreciation, each teacher felt amply rewarded
for the arduous labor and effort put forth.
The "Jubilee Songs," and especially the "Jubilee Medley," attracted
great attention. To hear "Steal Away," "Get on Board," "Swing Low,"
and all the other old-time songs, wound into one, and yet fitting into
each other so perfectly and harmoniously, seemed almost a wonder.
The annual sermon was preached the following Sunday by Rev. J. R.
McLean, pastor of the Congregational Church. In addressing the
graduates he urged a practical use of the knowledge gained; he
emphasized the fact that philanthropy is giving one's self, and he
impressed upon them the necessity of co-operating with Christ in all
things if success is desired in anything.
Wednesday was Visitors' Day at the school, and a larger number was out
this year to witness the examinations and inspect work than for
several previous years. Wednesday night the alumni held their regular
meeting in the chapel.
Thursday, Commencement Day, dawned gloriously, and long before the
time for the exercises to begin, people were wending their way toward
the building in order to obtain a comfortable seat. There were three
graduates, all girls, and they made a pretty sight as they marched
slowly up the aisle and took their places upon the platform.
The Annual Address was delivered by Rev. S. A. Peeler, of the M. E.
Church. He did not go back thirty years and tell the condition of the
Negro at that time, and extol him for the rapid stride he has made,
etc. He did not enumerate the things the Negro can do, but he simply
and plainly stated, so that all who heard might clearly understand
him, what the Negro, and every one else who desires success, _must_
do.
* * * * *
BREWER NORMAL SCHOOL, GREENWOOD, S. C.
BY PRINCIPAL J. M. ROBINSON.
On the afternoon which witnessed the closing exercises of the Brewer
Normal School, notwithstanding a promised storm, the chapel was well
filled. The platform was tastefully decorated with flowers, ferns, and
the national colors. We feel keenly the need of a large flag, and
should some friend who sees this be moved to donate us one it would be
very gratefully received.
The class of '96, composed of two young ladies and two young men,
acquitted themselves well. The essay, "We Girls," by Miss Annie Laurie
Fuller, was full of good thoughts, and pointed out very forcibly to
the girls of the colored race their present advantages, and what as a
result their responsibilities are.
Rev. H. H. Proctor, pastor of the First Congregational Church, of
Atlanta, Ga., gave an able address on "Racial Contributions to
American Civilization," which, while stating plain truths very
plainly, gave no offense to the white friends present. For the first
time in our knowledge of the school there were a number of white
ladies in the audience, which we felt was quite a point gained. All
expressed themselves as very much pleased with the address, the parts
of the graduates, the music, and in fact with all the exercises.
Mr. Proctor's presence with us was an inspiration to all, both
teachers and pupils. On the whole, the year was closed with
hopefulness for the future and a greater desire to do work that should
tell for the uplifting of the needy people with whom we are
associated.
* * * * *
TALLADEGA COLLEGE COMMENCEMENT.
Talladega College, Ala., observed its twenty-ninth anniversary at the
usual time.
The first public exercise was by the preparatory students who had
completed the course which entitled them to enter upon the collegiate
studies in the fall. Four young men received diplomas at this
exhibition.
The display by the industrial departments was unusually interesting.
The sewing-room had on hand plain and fancy needle-work, finished
garments for both sexes, among which were children's clothes made over
from those previously worn by adults. This latter feature will commend
itself to many homes where the custom of "making over" old clothes is
one of the necessities. Girls taught in the sewing-room are able to
make a livelihood by taking orders for work in this line. There is
also a nurse-training department which is not only patronized by
pupils in the required course, but volunteer classes have been formed
consisting of the older male students and of mothers living near the
college. A hospital bed was exhibited, and also the various sorts of
bandages required in special cases. The boys' mechanical department
furnished a large display in carpentry--mostly of a technical
character. Then there were geometric and scale drawing, building plans
of a varied character, and other work. The farm was represented in an
appropriate way. Convenient appliances for care of stock, for housing
farm products, etc., were shown, and live stock of various sorts was
there--some varieties of which are giving to the college a wide
notoriety for their excellence.
Public examinations were held in studies of grammar and advanced
grades. The class in trigonometry gave evidence of the practical
character of its labors by exhibiting a plat of the college
property--some 270 acres in all--drawn to a scale and neatly
lettered.
The literary and musical exercises of the commencement were very
generously patronized by the white citizens. It is to be regretted
that the college chapel is not sufficiently large to accommodate the
audiences, and that scores were unable to get a sitting at the concert
of Monday night. There is a hope that a more commodious chapel will
soon be built.
There were present two distinguished gentlemen from abroad--members of
the college trustee board, Dr. Beard, of New York, and Dr. Cooper, of
Connecticut. The former spoke most felicitously on several occasions,
and the latter delivered a very able baccalaureate sermon and the
literary address. Rev. J. R. McLean, of Macon, Ga., preached Sunday
night.
The graduates and the subjects of their themes were as follows:
NORMAL DEPARTMENT.
The Uses of the Imagination Louise M. Johnson, Talladega
Folk-lore Marietta G. Kidd, Talladega
True Womanhood Annie B. Williams, Jacksonville
The Times that Try Men's Souls Robert A. Clarke, New Berne
There is More Beyond Wade A. Jones, Vincent
THEOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT.
The Condition and the Value of Definite Preaching,
Manuel L. Baldwin, Troy, N. C.
The Conquest of Alexander the Great in its Relation
to the Spread of Christianity, John I. Donaldson, Paris, Tex.
The Relation of Infant Baptism to the Kingdom of God,
Robert W. Jackson, Durant, Miss.
Dr. Andrews presided at the exercises and delivered the diplomas.
Two representatives of the alumni also presented original exercises:
Leaders Demanded by this Epoch,
Rev. H. E. Levi, B.D., Talladega (Normal '87, Theological '95)
Alumni History, Miss Eliza A. Jones, Selma (Normal '91)
The Alumni dinner and business meeting followed, and the address on
"Manhood," by Dr. Cooper, at night, closed the series.
* * * * *
SNAP SHOTS AT SOME TALLADEGA STUDENTS.
BY PROF. E. C. SILSBY.
One day last year there came unannounced a boy who had walked fifty
miles to get here. He was an orphan, had been working until he had
secured a good outfit of clothing, and, having been told of this
school by one of our pupil-teachers laboring in his neighborhood,
concluded to come, "work his way," and get an education. There seemed
to be nothing to do but to reward his faith by receiving him into
boarding-hall and school-room. He was an apt scholar, worked
diligently, and is still doing well.
Not long ago a young man, twenty years old, appeared with a diminutive
satchel and applied to enter school. Upon inquiry a college official
discovered that he lived some thirty miles distant, that he had only
$3.50, no expectation of getting any more money, and that his
scholarship was very poor. He stated that he had been converted about
four years before and sometime afterward had a "call to preach."
Later, he explained the nature of this "call" thus: "One morning just
before day, as I lay in my bed, I heard a voice. It said, 'Does you
remember what the Lord Jesus Christ said to his disciples just before
He descended into heaven? Go ye into all the world and preach the
gospel to every creature.' I studied about this, and finally asked the
Lord did He mean for me to preach. He gave me a feeling that He did. I
tried to get the idea out of my mind, but it kept coming back, and
here I am." He was advised to stay out until he could earn money
enough with which to make a beginning. But he wanted to enter school
even if he could stay in but two weeks. He was therefore examined,
placed in the second reader room, given a book and a Testament, and
the promise of work to pay his tuition. He found a boarding place, and
for a brief period of time enjoyed the privileges of the school room
according to his request.
A young woman, daughter of an early friend of the College, is here.
Her father (now in heaven) had experienced the conditions both of
slavery and of freedom, and his children have inherited that father's
interest in education to a large degree. This, his youngest daughter,
is cared for by her brothers, and the solicitude they exhibit in her
welfare is very touching. May she finish her course with honor, and
perform a noble work "for Christ and humanity."
A few years ago a man and his wife left the service of their employer
in a neighboring city, rented a little cottage in Talladega, and
entered the same class in one of our lower grades. By prudence and
economy they had saved some money and were able to live comfortably
while prosecuting their studies. They have passed regularly up the
grades and are happy in the progress they are making. During the long
summer vacation they find employment, and are on hand promptly at the
fall opening of the school. They are both active church members, and
the man expects to study for the ministry after sufficient preparatory
training.
Here is a case several times repeated. It is that of a girl who is
making her way unaided by parental effort. She spends the long summer
vacation teaching a country school. The pay is small, board must be
paid out of her wages, and her scanty wardrobe must be replenished.
She has made a deposit with the treasurer, and has arranged for work
at the boarding hall to help out in the matter of college bills. She
has no time for play, no money for luxuries, but she is plucky and is
bound to have an education, and it looks as if she would succeed.
A young man is here. He came with plain clothes, although they were
clean and new. Out of wages--less than ten dollars a month and
board--he had saved an amount which, with work out of study hours
would insure him a year in school. Once he came without money, but we
could not receive him. He therefore determined to come next time
_with_ money, and his success we note above. Promotion for good
scholarship came soon. Religious influences were strong, and he became
a Christian. He is now among the most trusted and valued pupils.
* * * * *
ALBANY NORMAL SCHOOL, ALBANY, GA.
BY MRS. ALICE L. DAVIS.
One finds that every year the enrollment grows larger. The people are
increasingly appreciating the work done by the school. Every one who
can afford it usually sends his children to our school, but there are
others who are extremely poor but who are equally anxious to send
their children also, and in order to do this they make great
sacrifices. Many mothers work at the washtub from Monday morning till
Saturday night, and do all kinds of manual labor, to obtain the money
with which to keep their children in school. Some of our neediest
pupils prove to be the best in their classes. One boy, whose widowed
mother is unable to keep him in school, may be seen every day before
and after school going in search of odd jobs to obtain money with
which to pay his tuition.
This boy is one of the brightest pupils we have. There are others who
are equally anxious to obtain an education. Many will walk distances
ranging from three to seven miles to school every morning. The
interest in the school increases yearly to such an extent that the
building, which at first was thought to be large enough to accommodate
all who would come, is now entirely too small to accommodate the
pupils that we have. It will be almost impossible to get along next
year without more room. We are greatly in need of a chapel where we
can hold our devotions and have our public exercises. Without more
room the work will be greatly hampered.
The third anniversary of our school was held last week. These
exercises are always looked forward to with the greatest interest and
pleasure by both parents and pupils. On June 4 was our exhibition of
the primary and intermediate grades. The audience was made up of the
fathers, mothers, and friends of the students. They seemed anxious to
have each pupil acquit himself well, and the pupils seemed equally as
eager to do their best to please the audience. The programme, which
was well rendered, was made up of essays, declamations, solos, duets,
and choruses. "Bernardo del Carpio" and the quarrel between Brutus and
Cassius were rendered in a manner worthy of more experienced pupils.
On June 5 were the exercises of the grammar grades. The programme was
made up of essays by two young ladies, who had completed the grammar
grades; instrumental solos by the music-pupils, trios, and choruses;
also an address by Rev. Mr. Sims, of Thomasville, Ga., who spoke on
the subject "Wanted." He pointed out the need of education, of
religion, of wealth, and especially of sterling morality in character.
This address was highly appreciated by the large and enthusiastic
audience.
Could my reader have been present he would have realized that the
people are hungering and thirsting after knowledge, and are beginning
to regard our school as a well-spring to supply them.
* * * * *
CHANDLER NORMAL SCHOOL, LEXINGTON, KY.
MISS F. J. WEBSTER, PRINCIPAL.
In reviewing the history of Chandler Normal School for the past year,
we find more reasons than usual for courage and gratitude. In all
departments of our work we see evidences of the mental and moral
advancement of our pupils. The year has been one of progress and
prosperity. Nothing has occurred to hinder the work. The conscientious
performance of duty has been the rule of the school, and the students
who entered with any other purpose in view soon discovered their
mistake and saw that they did not have the approval of their
companions.
The forerunner of the closing exercises was the presentation of the
cantata "Little Red Riding-hood," by the pupils of the intermediate
grades. This entertainment drew as large an audience as the chapel, a
room that has a seating capacity of 600, could accommodate. The music,
both vocal and instrumental, was excellent, and illustrated most fully
the remarkable progress that has been made in this department within
the past three years.
Two days were devoted to the annual written examinations, momentous
occasions, that were crowned with success so far as the majority of
the pupils were concerned. The ordeal of examinations closed with the
public oral ones on Friday morning. On the afternoon of the same day
occurred the exhibition of the eighth grade, the class finishing the
grammar course. The essays presented on this occasion were all upon
subjects suggested by the pupils' study of United States history.
The exercises of Monday morning were wholly musical. The first part of
the programme consisted of the cantata "The Musical Enthusiast," and
the second part of a piano recital. All the music presented was of a
high order, most of it being classical.
On Tuesday a declamatory contest was given by the young women of the
normal department. The prize offered by a friend of one of the
teachers was a year's tuition in Chandler School. The selections were
from standard authors, and were chosen with the purpose of testing to
the utmost the ability of the young contestants. During the past year
much interest has been manifested by the pupils in work of this sort,
and most noticeable progress has been made by many of them.
At the close of the contest a very interesting and eloquent address on
the subject of temperance was given by Rev. J. S. Jackson, pastor of
the Congregational Church in Lexington. The thoughts presented were
full of inspiration for all who heard them.
On Wednesday morning an intelligent and appreciative audience
assembled in the chapel to listen to the commencement exercises. Three
young men presented orations, and three young women essays, on this
occasion. There was but one graduate from the higher normal course. An
oration on the subject "Frederick Douglass," presented by a young man
who had completed the tenth grade, was considered an unusually
creditable student production and elicited much applause.
The commencement address was given by the Rev. W. T. Bolling, D.D.,
pastor of the Southern Methodist Church of Lexington. The speaker
prefaced his remarks by saying that much surprise had been expressed
by many of his friends that he, a former slaveholder and an
ex-Confederate soldier, would consent to deliver the commencement
address for a school devoted to such a purpose as was Chandler. He
assured these individuals that our school had no warmer friend than
he, nor one more in sympathy with its work. No address could have been
more helpful and stimulating than was his. All who had the privilege
of listening to it were cheered and edified.
At the close of each day's literary exercises the majority of the
audience accepted the invitation to examine the work of the
sewing-classes on exhibition in one of the recitation-rooms. A large
number of articles, all carefully made by hand, gave abundant evidence
of the industry and skill of the girls of both schools.
The closing entertainment of commencement week took place in the
chapel on Wednesday at 8 P.M. The programme for that occasion
consisted of a cantata entitled "The Cadets' Picnic," presented by
the little pupils of the Hand School. The night was stormy, but for
all that the large chapel of Chandler School was comfortably full.
Fifty small children, carefully trained and displaying perfect
self-possession, took part in this entertainment. The teachers of the
Hand School had every reason to feel gratified with the results of
their work.
The teachers of both the Chandler and Hand schools have labored
diligently for the moral and spiritual upbuilding of their pupils
during the past year. The meetings of the Christian Endeavor Society,
held each Friday morning at 9, have been productive of the best
results.
The Sunday-school work has been very encouraging. Chandler and Hand
Mission Sabbath-schools together numbered more than two hundred pupils
at the close of the year. Nearly all of these children were from
communities destitute of every other Christian influence.
* * * * *
EXTRACTS FROM A LETTER OF A SOUTHERN PASTOR.
I desire to explain to you some features of what I conceive to be the
most interesting scheme I have witnessed in the South for a long time.
You have, I suppose, received one or two copies of our little paper.
Let me give you a bit of history concerning it.
It was a short while after the "local option" election, in which the
friends and advocates of temperance and good government went down in
inglorious defeat before the red-faced saloon-keepers and other
votaries of vice, when the executive committee of the "Prohibs"
saddled the cause of defeat on the Negroes' shoulders. The cause of
defeat agreed upon, a few generous-hearted men thought it would be
much better to make some kind of effort to elevate the Negro than to
grieve about what was already done. So the idea of a manual
training-school was advanced by two gentlemen, one of whom is a stanch
Southerner, who for a long time had the unenviable reputation of
believing and openly advocating the strange and illogical theory that
the Negro has no soul; the other is a minister of Southern birth, but
of Northern education. Infatuated with the prospects of ultimate
success, and having, it seems providentially, come upon a man who was
a printer and owned an outfit, they talked with him, and he, needing
work, was evidently smitten with the idea. Thoroughly understanding
themselves, they sought a conference with a few representative colored
men. I was among the first to be interviewed. The minister put the
matter before me, and I saw nothing unworthy in it, and it drew out my
sympathy immediately. After talking the whole matter over we agreed to
call a meeting. The meeting was called in the well-furnished office of
a colored man. There were six present--three white men and three
colored men. We talked over the matter again, each one stating his
limitations in the affair. I asked the white gentlemen present if they
thought they could stand the sentiment that would doubtless be brought
to bear upon them. They said, "While we anticipate opposition, we are
sure we can withstand all assaults." "Then," said I, "we have nothing
to lose." The whites were to have a part of the paper and the colored
a part--a quarter or a half, as they might desire. I was asked to take
charge of the colored department, and with reluctance I agreed. The
paper went through eight issues. The whites interested in it found the
pressure too great for them, and the owner of the outfit found the
support entirely too meager. The white editor while in attendance at a
church convention was in some cases refused the courtesy of a
Christian introduction. One young woman who was a friend of the editor
refused to introduce him to her friend because he was in the newspaper
business with a "nigger." A banker was asked to subscribe, but
refused, saying there was too much ---- "nigger" about that paper for
him. The merchants generally refused to advertise in it. After an
existence of about eight weeks the paper ceased temporarily or
permanently, I know not whether the former or the latter. When I
talked with the originator of the idea he candidly confessed: "I was
born in the South, held slaves in the South, have lived in the South
all my life, but the prejudice among the white people against the
Negroes is greater than I thought. While I am entirely independent of
public opinion, the reflection on my friends Mr. ---- and Dr. ---- has
been very great."
* * * * *
LETTER FROM A FORMER STUDENT AT MOBILE.
Dear Friend: I entered Emerson Institute the first Monday in October
of 1892, but long before that time I had contemplated going there to
school, though not having any immediate support I could not attend
until the above-named time. Just two days before I entered the school
I had accepted a position as clerk, but seeing the great need of an
education I quit immediately and entered school. When I entered
Emerson I had not been in school for about seven years, but had to
some extent been engaged in study. I had no sure means of support, but
was determined to educate myself.
Our principal, seeing my earnestness, gave me the privilege of living
at the "Home," which enabled me to work out my board and tuition. I
gladly accepted. And it is here the lasting influence began its effect
upon me. Indeed, I cannot state the first impression made, but I do
know the best; that is, it was here I became a Christian and was made
to accept Christ as my Saviour. I think I professed religion in March
of 1893, during Mr. Moore's work there. From this step I began to
build a principle that would be able to stand the many temptations
that would come upon me. The next best thing, it was here (at Emerson)
I was made to realize the evil effect of alcoholic liquors, and when,
as before that time, I had some toleration for wine, etc., I pledged
myself against it and became a strong defender of "Prohibition." I was
fortunate in being awarded a prize for the best-made speech on
Prohibition in a contest given by Emerson Institute on May 22, 1894;
and I almost decided to become a temperance lecturer.
It is impossible for me to enumerate the myriad of good influences
that have surrounded me by being a student in Mobile. But permit me to
say that if there is any one thing in earth that I owe for my
stableness in that which is right, it is my having been immediately
under the good influences of Emerson Institute and its earnest
teachers. I have been made to see the power of a good education. My
mind, heart, and soul have been broadened; and now I am able to look
upon humanity from a broader point of view. It has certainly given me
a more congenial spirit, and wherein I may have been conceited, I am
not now. One very important influence is that I have decided to never
stop short of the very best possible education. I have been made to
believe that morality is the only standard for ideal Christianity.
A few words of what I am doing and shall do. I shall soon be teaching
my motto, "A high moral standard," pure and upright, to benefit the
largest possible number in shortest possible time. I shall endeavor by
God's assistance to instill in my pupils these true principles of
right doing and the possibilities brought through education. And as I
have been influenced by Emerson Institute and its teachers, I shall
try and do likewise to those whom I shall assume authority over.