[Illustration: JULY, 1883.
VOL. XXXVII.
NO. 7.
The American Missionary]
CONTENTS
PAGE.
EDITORIAL.
FINANCIAL—SCHOOL ANNIVERSARIES SOUTH 193
NATIONAL EDUCATIONAL ASSEMBLY—CONFERENCE OF
MISSIONARIES 194
MENDI MISSION—JOHN BROWN STEAMER 195
GENERAL NOTES 196
INDIAN ENCAMPMENT (cut) 198
BENEFACTIONS 199
THE SOUTH.
ANNIVERSARY REPORTS—HAMPTON INSTITUTE 200
FISK UNIVERSITY 201
TALLADEGA COLLEGE 203
STRAIGHT UNIVERSITY 204
TOUGALOO 205
HOWARD UNIVERSITY—WILMINGTON NORMAL SCHOOL 207
EMERSON INSTITUTE 208
LE MOYNE INSTITUTE 209
THE INDIANS.
CATHOLIC MISSIONS—RECENT CHANGES 211
THE CHINESE.
ANNIVERSARIES—WORK DURING APRIL AND MAY 212
BUREAU OF WOMAN’S WORK.
TO THE LADIES OF THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES 213
MISSION HOMES—LETTER FROM MRS. CHASE 214
A MISSION HOME (cut) 215
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 216
CHILDREN’S PAGE.
ABOUT GIVING PENNIES 217
RECEIPTS 218
* * * * *
NEW YORK:
PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION,
Rooms, 56 Reade Street.
* * * * *
Price 50 Cents a Year, in Advance.
Entered at the Post-Office at New York, N.Y., as
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THE AMERICAN MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION.
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PRESIDENT.
HON. WM. B. WASHBURN, LL.D., Mass.
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY.
Rev. M. E. STRIEBY, D.D., _56 Reade Street, N.Y._
TREASURER.
H. W. HUBBARD, Esq., _56 Reade Street, N.Y._
AUDITORS.
M. F. READING.
WM. A. NASH.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
JOHN H. WASHBURN, Chairman; A. P. FOSTER, Secretary; LYMAN
ABBOTT, ALONZO S. BALL, A. S. BARNES, C. T. CHRISTENSEN, FRANKLIN
FAIRBANKS, CLINTON B. FISK, S. B. HALLIDAY, SAMUEL HOLMES, CHARLES
A. HULL, SAMUEL S. MARPLES, CHARLES L. MEAD, WM. H. WARD, A. L.
WILLISTON.
DISTRICT SECRETARIES.
Rev. C. L. WOODWORTH, D.D., _Boston_,
Rev. G. D. PIKE, D.D., _New York_.
Rev. JAMES POWELL, _Chicago_.
COMMUNICATIONS
relating to the work of the Association may be addressed to the
Corresponding Secretary; those relating to the collecting fields,
to the District Secretaries; letters for the Editor of the
“American Missionary,” to Rev. G. D. Pike, D.D., at the New York
Office; letters to the Woman’s Bureau, to Miss D. E. Emerson, 56
Reade Street.
DONATIONS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS
may be sent to H. W. Hubbard, Treasurer, 56 Reade Street, New York,
or, when more convenient, to either of the Branch Offices, 21
Congregational House, Boston, Mass., or 112 West Washington Street,
Chicago, Ill. A payment of thirty dollars at one time constitutes a
Life Member.
FORM OF BEQUEST.
“I BEQUEATH to my executor (or executors) the sum of —— dollars, in
trust, to pay the same in —— days after my decease to the person
who, when the same is payable, shall act as Treasurer of the
‘American Missionary Association’ of New York City, to be applied,
under the direction of the Executive Committee of the Association,
to its charitable uses and purposes.” The Will should be attested
by three witnesses.
* * * * *
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* * * * *
THE
AMERICAN MISSIONARY.
* * * * *
VOL. XXXVII. JULY, 1883. NO. 7.
* * * * *
American Missionary Association.
* * * * *
FINANCIAL.
Our receipts during the eight months of the fiscal year closing May
31 from collections and donations have amounted to $131,434.37.
The collections and donations for the same months last year were
$159,900.45, a decrease of $28,466.08. The legacies for these
months last year were $31,516.63, while for this year they have
been $47,450.24, an increase of $15,933.61. The total receipts
for this year in collections, donations and legacies have been
$178,884.61 against $191,417.08 for the same period last year, a
decrease of $12,532.47. This decrease causes us great anxiety.
* * * * *
SCHOOL ANNIVERSARIES SOUTH.
The establishment of schools for Freedmen and the encouragement
given for institutions for whites in the South since the war,
has introduced into that portion of the country a new era. It
has given a brighter horizon to the blacks and elevated the
aspirations of the whites. In many localities it has afforded an
entirely new industry, and given pleasures and pastimes foreign to
all the former experiences of the lowly laboring people of that
locality. This is especially seen in the anniversaries of the
institutions founded through the benevolence of the North. These
hold their closing exercises at this season, and in many instances
make the country alive with enthusiasm for the progress of the
rising generation. There are several features of these occasions
that register the tide-mark of a growing civilization, and are,
therefore, fitted to encourage those who are watching the destinies
of the country and the success of Christ’s kingdom in the world.
It is a notable fact that philanthropic people from the North are
interested to make journeys South to attend these anniversaries.
Something of interest and profit is expected not only by those
immediately connected with the schools, but by the citizens of the
country where the school exists. Commencement Day is coming to be a
general holiday, a time when whole families come in for miles to be
present to witness the graduation of children or friends; to hear
the fine music, to listen to the addresses, and to observe whatever
of interest attaches to the occasion. These great assemblies are
inspiring, educative, reformatory. We give an account of nine
such in this number of the MISSIONARY, which we trust will be of
interest and profit to our readers.
* * * * *
NATIONAL EDUCATIONAL ASSEMBLY.
The second annual session of the National Educational Assembly
will be held at Ocean Grove, New Jersey, Aug. 9, 10, 11, 12. The
purpose of the session is to bring together on the same platform
prominent representatives of popular education, irrespective of
section, church or political party; to awaken and direct public
sentiment in favor of enlarged national, state and church efforts
for the education and elevation of the illiterate masses of our
country. The chief subjects for discussion during the Assembly
will be National Aid to Common Schools, The Negro in America, the
Mormon Question, and the Indian Question. The following, with other
well-known persons, are announced to be present and address the
meetings: Gen. John Eaton, Frederick Douglas, Bishop Simpson, Rev.
A. D. Mayo, Senator Blair, of New Hampshire, Judge Tourgee, Hon. T.
W. Bicknell, Bishop Whipple, Secretaries Strieby, Morehouse, Rust
and Kendall. The Assembly will be conducted by Rev. J. C. Hartzell,
D.D., who can be addressed at Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
* * * * *
CONFERENCE OF MISSIONARIES
A conference of missionary teachers and preachers who have
heretofore labored, or are now laboring, in the Southern States
from the North, is called to meet at Ocean Grove, New Jersey, Aug.
11 and 12. This conference will form a part of the proceedings of
the National Education Assembly which will then be in session at
that time and place.
An address of welcome will be delivered by Rev. C. H. Fowler, D.D.,
LL.D., of New York City, and responsive addresses will be made by
representatives of the different denominations engaged in the work.
The Conference has the approval of the corresponding secretaries of
the American Missionary Association, the Freedmen Aid Society of
the Methodist Episcopal church, the Board of Missions for Freedmen
of the Presbyterian church, and the Home Missionary Society of
the Baptist church. These secretaries will all be present and
participate in the conference.
A committee of entertainment will be on the ground to receive those
who attend, and arrangements will be made for their entertainment
at hotels and private houses at reasonable rates.
* * * * *
THE MENDI MISSION.
It will be remembered that in compliance with the instructions
given at our last annual meeting, arrangements were made with the
United Brethren in Christ to conduct the Mendi Mission for a term
of years. Dr. Flickinger, the Secretary, visited Africa to mature
plans for carrying on the mission in connection with the one
maintained in the immediate vicinity (the Shengay) by his society.
He has just returned and made report, from which we take the
following extract:
“We opened a new station at Manboh, a town about midway from Avery
to Shengay, immediately on the coast, which is quite a suitable
place for a mission. This is in charge of Rev. Mr. Fowler, who
commenced work at that point the middle of March, and when last
heard from was doing well. We now have ten native missionaries
employed, who are giving their entire time to teaching and
preaching, and with the help afforded by Rev. Mr. Gomer and Mr.
Wilberforce, are to preach in 113 towns as often as once in two
weeks, and in some every week. With the four stations and 31
preaching places on the Mendi side and eight on the Sherbro side,
we now have 12 stations and as many day and Sunday-schools, with
144 towns or preaching places to be provided for in connection with
these missions. The Boomphe Mission, which has four stations and 40
towns lying to the northeast from Sherbro Mission, as Mendi lies to
the southeast, the three extending over 100 miles along the coast
and embracing 184 towns, are giving from twelve to fifteen thousand
people the opportunity of hearing the Gospel and several hundred
children the privilege of attending both day and Sabbath-school.”
* * * * *
THE JOHN BROWN STEAMER.
Rev. Dr. Flickinger was also empowered to contract for the John
Brown steamer, and visited England last December, on his way
to Africa, spending some days in conference with ship builders
relating to the kind and size of vessel needful. Before closing
the contract, however, he decided to examine the depth and width
of the rivers upon which it was to be used and other matters
involved in its success in connection with the Mendi Mission. Upon
his return to England in May, he contracted with Mr. Edward Hayes,
of Stratford, for the construction of the steamer. It is to be 60
feet long, 12 feet beam and 7 feet deep amid ships, draft of water
3½ feet, speed from 7 to 8 miles per hour to carry 15 tons cargo
besides coal for running two days, and to have cabin accommodations
for seven persons and room for the crew in the forecastle. It is
to be of the best of iron and material throughout. Its engine will
be 36 horse-power and of the most substantial kind, and the boiler
of ample size and strength, adapted for wood or coal. It is to be
finished in the early autumn and to cost £1,777. To this must be
added about £300 for transporting and putting it in order for use,
or a little above $10,000 in all. We trust that unpaid pledges to
this Association for the steamer will be forwarded to us without
delay.
* * * * *
We call attention to the communication in this number from Rev.
W. C. Pond, Superintendent of our Chinese missions. The magnitude
and importance of his work will, we hope, stir the hearts of our
friends to liberal contributions in its behalf.
* * * * *
GENERAL NOTES.
AFRICA.
—A plan to expend $10,000,000 in the purchase of land to form two
hundred new villages in Algeria will be presented to the French
Chamber at the beginning of the session.
—Ahmed Tewfik Effendi, a Turk of high rank, has made a profession
of Christianity and has gone to Cairo to work among the
Mohammedans, under the direction of Mr. Klein.
—The Khedive has given a portion of land at Cairo to Miss Whately
that she may erect a building for her school. The school contains
200 girls and 300 boys, of which two-thirds of the girls and
one-half of the boys are Mohammedans.
—The London _Daily News_ announces that the Egyptian government has
decided to send an engineer to Soudan to form a plan for a railroad
between Khartoum and Souakim.
—The Magwangwaras have released without ransom twenty-three
Christian prisoners that they had taken at Masasi. The amount that
had been destined to liberate these has been used to redeem the
Makouas and the Yaos, their neighbors, who had been reduced to
captivity with them. The farmers of Masasi, who have been sent to
Zanzibar, will return to their station when it is deemed expedient.
—Mr. O’Neill will undertake a journey of exploration in the region
between Mozambique and Nyassa. His principal object will be the
study of the western and northern shores of the lake Chirona, and
the ascension of a mountain near by, that is said to be covered
with snow. The Geographical Society of London has given two hundred
pounds for the enterprise.
—The English government has accepted an offer made by several
chiefs to cede to it a strip of territory between Liberia and
Sherbro 30 kilometres in length and two in width. The English rule
will then extend in an unbroken line from Sierra Leone to the
northern frontiers of Liberia.
—The chiefs along the river Magbeli have formed a union and
concluded a treaty of peace, which has opened the river to
commerce, and by this means a large quantity of products from the
interior will be brought to the coast.
—The number of slaves liberated by the fact of their arrival on
French territory increases rapidly at St. Louis. There are among
them many small children that must be left with their mothers, but
those who have attained an age when they can make themselves useful
are placed in the families of the settlers.
—Captain Hore and his companions have successfully accomplished the
arduous undertaking of conveying to Ujiji in sections the steel
life-boat, which was dispatched from England in July last. The
caravan reached its destination on the 23d of February.
—The reports this year from the Niger Mission sent in by the two
African Archdeacons, Henry Johnson and Dandeson Crowther, are among
the most remarkable of recent date. There are now 4,000 souls under
regular Christian instruction at Bonny and Brass. On one occasion
Mr. Johnson was invited to tell the story of the Gospel in a
heathen town, where he found 500 people waiting to hear him.
THE CHINESE.
—Seven Chinamen were admitted as members of the Presbyterian Church
at Los Angeles at the communion in April.
—The Hawaiian law prohibiting Chinamen from coming to the Islands
has been repealed, and over 3,000 Chinese laborers have contracted
for their passage there.
—“The Chinese American” is the name of a paper recently started in
New York under the editorial management of Wong Chin Foo.
—It is reported that there are 2,500 Chinese in New York and its
suburbs. Of these 600 are under instruction in Sunday-school, one
school having 112 scholars in attendance at one time. Much labor
is involved in their instruction, as a teacher is given to each
scholar. About 40 are professing Christians. Three or four are
studying for the ministry, and one has gone back to China as a
missionary.
—There are 60 Chinamen in Springfield, Ohio, 30 of whom are members
of the Sabbath-school. They claim that they cannot all attend at
the same time, because the “Christians,” as they call all white
people, will take advantage of their absence and break into their
laundries and steal their money.
—Rev. C. R. Hager and Lee Sam, sent by the American Board to
establish a mission in those districts of South China from which
the Chinese in America have come, are already at work. A house
has been rented and an evening school for the instruction of the
Chinese in English provided for. The plan for instilling the truths
of the Gospel into the minds of the scholars by using the Bible
to some extent for a textbook, which has been so successful in
California, will be adopted.
THE INDIANS.
—At the annual examination of the Carlisle Indian Training School,
Secretary Teller, Commissioner Price and Albert K. Smiley of
the Board of Indian Commissioners, were present. The school now
contains 367 pupils, 240 boys and 127 girls.
[Illustration: INDIAN ENCAMPMENT.]
—The ambition of the Alaska Indian boys is seen in the response
made by one Rudolph who was urged to marry a chief’s widow, “I
would never marry dirty old Indian; for $1,000 I never marry her.
When I am a man, I want to take a good, clean girl for wife. I want
her to know books and to housekeep like Boston girl. I not like it
my house all dirty, my children not washed.”
—According to the latest statistical report of the Missionary
Society of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, it had among the
Indians thirteen ordained and licensed preachers, seven candidates,
forty ruling elders, twenty-nine deacons, twenty-four organized
congregations, and five hundred and twenty-seven communicants.
—Bishop Whipple, on a recent visit to the Indians of his diocese,
administered the communion to 247 Chippewas. Fifteen years ago
there was scarcely one communicant among them; now there are 8
churches in that mission, and they are building one to cost $10,000.
* * * * *
BENEFACTIONS.
S. E. Lee, Esq., of Richmond, Va., has recently given $5,000 to
Wake Forest College.
The Earl of Zetland has given $25,000 to the Edinburgh Association
for the university education of women.
Mrs. Senator Grimes, of Burlington, has given $1,000 for Blair
Hall, Iowa College.
Smith College, Northampton, Mass., is to receive $500 worth of new
and valuable books, the amount having been secured through the
influence of Miss Sanborn.
Mr. Moody’s Mt. Hermon school for boys has received a gift of
$5,000 from England.
Union Theological Seminary, N.Y., has received $40,000 from a
friend who does not give the public his name, for instituting a
professorship for elocution and boys’ culture.
By the will of Robert Asa Packer, Lehigh University is to receive
one half of his personal and real estate, which is believed to
amount to several million dollars.
A gift of $7,500 has been made to Rutgers College by Henry W.
Bookstaver, Esq., of New York City, a member of the Board of
Trustees, for purchasing chemical instruments and other apparatus
for the class room.
By the will of Miss Mary Anne McSorley, St. John’s College,
Brooklyn, is to receive $2,000 for two scholarships for theological
students, and St. Joseph’s school for girls $500.
Princeton College has received $60,000 from the estate of the late
Frederick Marquand of New York.
_The eight chartered institutions of the A. M. A. hold their
anniversaries at this season. Each of them has good grounds,
suitable buildings and a competent faculty. They are located at
central points where they will be wanted for generations. Each one
needs, and is worthy of, an ample endowment._
* * * * *
THE SOUTH.
REV. JOSEPH E. ROY, D.D., FIELD SUPERINTENDENT.
PROF. ALBERT SALISBURY, SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION.
* * * * *
ANNIVERSARY REPORTS.
HAMPTON INSTITUTE.
BY MISS HELEN W. LUDLOW.
The fourteenth anniversary of Hampton Institute was observed on
May 24. The morning was devoted as usual to examinations and
recitations, with exhibitions of the products of the various
industrial departments and their operation. The Senior class was
examined in political economy and civil government, literature,
ancient history, arithmetic and algebra. They did very creditably,
stimulated by the occasion, as is usual, to do their best. They had
undergone less brilliantly, but on the whole fairly well, a severer
test during three days previous, of written and oral examinations,
conducted by or before an invited examining committee, consisting
of Prof. Samuel Elliot, LL.D., late Superintendent of schools in
Boston, and Prof. Albert Salisbury, Superintendent of Education for
the American Missionary Association Schools. The general average of
the class on the subjects marked by Prof. Salisbury (arithmetic and
political economy) was 70 and a fraction, several standing from 90
to 93. Dr. Eliot’s eyes not allowing him to inspect papers closely,
the others were marked by Mrs. E. N. L. Walton of Boston, who came
down to conduct for the third time the annual Normal Institute at
Hampton for its Senior class and graduates.
The under classes had their customary reviews. The Indian classes
were special attractions, as usual, particularly the division of
latest comers, in which some tiny girls and solemn braves emulated
each other in telling, in unexceptionable English, what went
into and out of a remarkably omnivorous bag, and what evolutions
were performed by its various contents; their teacher winning
Dr. Eliot’s enthusiastic declaration that “her praises ought to
be sounded from the gutter to the university.” The Indians also
did well in geography, history, arithmetic and an elementary
botany class. The little kitchen-gardeners from the Butler School
were as captivating as usual in their white pinafores and red
turbans and housekeeping accomplishments. The center of the
industrial exhibition was the Stone Memorial building; handsome
wood work, turned moldings, flooring, doors, sashes, etc., from
the “Huntington Industrial Works;” shoes ready for filling the
contract for agency supplies; shining tinware from the “Indian
Training Shop,” sets of harness from the same; desks, settees,
tables and cupboards made for the school, and a neatly painted
sign—all the work of Indian and colored apprentices, whose names,
with the period of their training, from five months to three years,
were indicated on cards affixed to their respective productions.
The wheelwright and blacksmith shops showed similarly ax-helves,
wheels and iron work, and outside the door two gaily painted farm
carts proclaimed the skill of Indian and Negro mechanics. The
tailoring department showed suits of clothes made by colored and
Indian hands. The girls of both races were represented by very neat
sewing and inviting-looking cake. The farm products had a table to
themselves; early vegetables, grains and grasses. An interesting
exhibit was that of the little carpenters from the Butler School,
a couple of miniature frame houses, clap-boarded and painted, with
sets of tables, desks and chairs for furnishing.
The Normal School Press office had its own exhibit of printing and
book binding. The press was running, the student compositors, boys
and girls at their cases, and the veteran United States soldier at
his book-binder’s table.
The various shops were all in operation through part of the
morning, and many visitors walked through them to see the
Afric-American, native African and Indian apprentices working side
by side at their various trades in the commodious quarters in which
most are at last accommodated. Some extended their walk to the barn
to visit the stock.
The afternoon exercises in Whitin Chapel and Virginia Hall
consisted, as usual, of essays by the graduating class and former
graduates, with music by the school choir, a recitation of one of
Whittier’s poems by a modest ladylike Indian girl of the Junior
class, and a talk in the Sioux language by one of the three young
Indian fathers now in training with their families at Hampton. His
wife and baby boy stood admiring listeners in the doorway, ready
to vanish when the applause of the latter became too vociferous.
The Indian said impressively (interpreted by a school mate), “You
all know that when a man walks in darkness, if he sees a light
somewhere he will go to it; so I want you all to have compassion on
us and teach us more of your knowledge. I am always thinking about
the good news. I came myself to learn how to tell the good news to
my people and show them the right way. We know that you have helped
us, but we need more help. If anybody told you to do something you
never had done before, could you do it at once? They will have
to tell you three or four times before you know how to do it. My
friends, that is just the way with the Indians.”
Diplomas were presented to the twenty-eight members of the
graduating class. Interesting speeches followed by several of the
invited guests. Prof. Newell, Superintendent of the Maryland State
Normal school in Baltimore, Dr. Eliot, Rev. Dr. Furber of Newton,
Mass., Rev. Dr. Mix of Fall River, Rev. Dr. Burrows and Rev. Mr.
Spiller of Norfolk, the last, a colored minister, all made very
enthusiastic and telling impromptu addresses under the inspiration
of the occasion.
The average attendance of pupils for the year just past, has
been 510, of which 110 have been Indians. The work done compares
favorably with that of former years. The annual reports of the
Principal, teachers and heads of industrial departments, published
in the June number of the _Southern Workman_, and still more
fully in pamphlet form, with the treasurer’s report, give many
interesting details of Hampton’s work and prospects.
FISK UNIVERSITY, NASHVILLE.
MISS ANNA M. CAHILL.
On Sunday, May 20, the baccalaureate sermon was preached in the
chapel of Livingstone Missionary Hall. This and all the other
exercises of Commencement had the added interest of being the first
held in our new building—a building in whose beauty and usefulness
for school purposes we have rejoiced all the year.
Ten young people—three graduating from the higher normal course
and seven from the college course—listened to the earnest words of
President Cravath, spoken especially to them, from John 14:23, on
the power and need of an inner life of communion with God.
The annual missionary meeting which is always held by the
missionary society on the evening of Commencement Sunday, was
duly observed. Tidings had reached us of the illness of Secretary
Woodworth, who was to have given the missionary address, and,
failing to supply his place, we were thrown back upon our own
existing missionary zeal, which, we were glad to find, burned
brightly enough upon the home hearth to make a solemn, impressive
hour of this last Sunday service.
Our Commencement week happened to coincide with “military week”
in Nashville, for which great preparation had been made, and the
city was gaily decorated with the national colors, and crowded
with people. We had feared the effect of the excitement on the
school, but found no cause for anxiety. Our pupils were too much
absorbed in their work to be drawn away by the attractions of the
parade ground, and our audiences seemed not to be much increased or
diminished by the event. The class admitted to college on Monday
evening numbers eight, three of whom are children of professors in
the university. Among the essays and orations of the evening, were
pleas to imaginary millionaires in the audience for a gymnasium,
a conservatory of music and other improvements. Thus the incoming
classes are seeing needs and making demands which the university
has no means of meeting.
On Tuesday there drove up to the door of Livingstone Hall a
furniture wagon, from which was unloaded a suspicious-looking
rectangular box addressed to Prof. A. K. Spence. Strange that
through the law of association so much of harmony can be suggested
by so simple a geometrical form. Curious eyes watched the opening,
and saw with delight on lifting the top a handsome Steinway square
grand piano. It was carried into the chapel and placed upon the
platform. Rumor said it was a gift, but nothing further could be
learned until Commencement day.
In the midst of the exercises of the higher normal graduation on
Wednesday evening, Secretary Woodworth entered and took a retired
seat on the platform. His health was so far restored as to enable
him to travel, though not in time to reach us before Sunday. The
alumni address, which formed part of the programme of the evening,
was given by Prof. McPherron. After this Secretary Woodworth was
called out from his retirement and spoke for a few minutes. The
list of alumni was read, the present work of each stated and the
announcement made that steps had already been taken by the alumni
to raise gradually a sufficient sum to endow a professorship in the
university.
The last great day, Thursday, was as perfect as clear skies and
fresh, dustless air could make it. A large audience of both white
and colored people assembled early. The young men marched to
Jubilee Hall, and a procession was there formed to return to the
chapel. The British flag was draped over the platform on this
birthday of England’s queen, and the room was bright with terraces
of flowering plants. The seven young people who appeared as
candidates for a degree represent many years of work on the part
of student and teacher; the average length of time spent in the
institution by members of the class is seven years. The one young
lady took for her theme, the great field of work opening before
and among the girls of the South and the necessary training for
that work. Spoken from her standpoint her words were full of solemn
meaning. After the graduates had finished their part, we listened
eagerly to the address of Dr. Washington Gladden on the causes of
poverty, ignorance and vice—the threefold evil against which we are
fighting.
When the final piece of music had been sung, Prof. Spence asked
permission to say a few words, and after some rapid wheeling
of pianos to certain places on the platform, announced that
Mrs. General Fisk had presented the new piano for the chapel of
Livingstone Hall. Its companion was given by the same lady some
years ago for the parlors of Jubilee Hall. Mention was made of the
many other gifts of Mrs. Fisk, and a vote of gratitude for her
kindness was heartily given by the entire audience. To afford an
opportunity to hear both pianos together, Mendelssohn’s wedding
march was played as a quartet.
A prominent Southern gentleman of Nashville, himself a former
slaveholder, was present for the first time with other invited
guests at the alumni dinner, and spoke warmly, cordially and
strongly for our work. The most encouraging comment that I have
heard on the exercises of the week was made by a former student,
who was present: “It seems to me that every Commencement is better
than the last.” So may it continue to be while Fisk University
stands.
TALLADEGA COLLEGE.
BY REV. C. L. WOODWORTH, D.D.
Talladega, in Eastern Central Alabama, is a bright village of a
thousand people, lying high up among the hills, away from the
malaria which lurks in the valleys below. The air is soft and
bracing, the water pure and sweet, and the whole region eminently
beautiful. Here Talladega College was founded in 1867. The college
is beautiful for situation, and in this respect would contest
the palm with any institution we have, except possibly, Fisk
at Nashville. Encircled on all sides by green mountain ranges,
lying far up among the hills, it is one of the most inviting and
salubrious spots in the State, and must have been foreordained as
the site of a college.
The institution is well equipped for work. Stone Hall, Swayne
Hall, Graves Hall, and Foster Hall are solid and comely, and have
accommodated more than 298 students the present year. And of the
campus, on which Swayne Hall sits, shaded with superb water oaks,
it must be said we know of nothing finer in the South. Connected
with the college is a farm of some 200 acres, mostly cultivated
by the young men. Here they learn the art, as well as the science
of farming, and here the supplies for the students’ table are
principally raised.
It may be doubted whether any school of the A. M. A. is occupying
a more needy field, or has around it a larger constituency.
Alabama has a colored population of some 630,000, for whom
Talladega College is the only institution in the State offering
to them the advantages of the higher education. For the supply of
trained teachers, of educated ministers, and of intelligent and
reliable leaders—for this immense multitude Talladega must be the
main reliance. The college, therefore, has a mission at its own
doors, and for the present has more than it can do to meet the
home demand. Its students are scattered throughout the State, as
teachers and preachers, and their influence is felt in every public
interest.
The Faculty of the college is able, clear-headed and intensely
in earnest. President De Forest is an enthusiast in his work.
Scholarly, inspiring, magnetic and full of faith in the capacity of
the negro for the finest culture, and to reach the highest manhood,
he does not mind the isolation of his position, nor the ostracism
attending it, but finds perpetual joy in seeing the good work
prosper in his hands.
It was my good fortune to be present during parts of three days in
Commencement week, though not permitted to witness the exercises
on Commencement day. Of the general air of the school there can
be only words of praise. The quiet of the students on the campus,
on the streets, in the class rooms, the self-respect in their
bearing everywhere manifest, was a token both of the discipline
of the school and of the spirit of the scholars. We heard
creditable examinations in grammar, in Virgil, in the evidences
of Christianity and in the life of Christ. But the exercise which
interested us most was the reading of six or seven essays by
members of the theological class. These papers, we were assured,
had received scarcely any alteration in passing through the hands
of the professor. They were clear, sharp, radical in thinking and
independent in style and expression. Two college presidents were
brought to the bar of criticism, and it really looked as if the
students had the best of the argument. Yet there was no appearance
of arrogance or of self-conceit; only the air of honest, thoughtful
men.
The class of students as a whole seemed made up of earnest,
aspiring youth, eager for an education and willing to make every
possible sacrifice in order to secure it. As an instance, I saw
a man in the grammar school, somewhere from thirty-five to forty
years of age, who will work in the foundry six months or a year,
and then will take his earnings and go to school as long as they
will last. This he has been repeating for years. Another was
pointed out to me who had worked on the farm a whole year, and then
was using up his credits in schooling and board.
I should not give a complete idea of the college unless I spoke
particularly of its religious tone. This is of the highest, and was
especially satisfactory. President De Forest is a man of profound
religious convictions, and has not the slightest faith in education
which does not include the moral as well as the intellectual
character. Hence the Bible is put underneath all the courses of
instruction, and religion made the practical and ever-present duty
of the daily life.
Talladega, like so many other institutions, needs endowments for
its various chairs of instruction. For lack of these it is sadly
limited in the good it might accomplish, and its Faculty are badly
handicapped and bearing burdens which are making them old before
their time. Let me whisper into the ear of men who are asking what
they shall do with the wealth committed to their care: Here is an
object worthy of their largest charity, and, at the same time,
an object most needy and most appealing. Let them give to this
thousands and tens of thousands, and they will make no mistake.
STRAIGHT UNIVERSITY, NEW ORLEANS.
REV. W. S. ALEXANDER, D.D.
It would, we believe, be the judgment of the Faculty and the
public, that the past year has been one of exceptional prosperity.
Our catalogue shows a roll of 380 names with an average attendance
larger than any previous year. The examinations in the Law
Department came first in order. The ordeal was severe, certainly
a fair test of legal reading, and fidelity to lectures. Ten young
men, eight white and two colored, met this ordeal with great credit
to themselves and their instructors, and received their degree of
Bachelor of Law. They have since been admitted by the Supreme Court
to practice in all the courts of the State. It should be mentioned
as a sign of growth in public sentiment, that one of the Professors
in the Law Department, a native Charlestonian, has lately published
a Book on Admiralty Law, and on the title page appended to his name
the following: “Professor of Commercial Law, Equity, and Admiralty
in Straight University.” The Sumner Literary Society was addressed
by Gen. R. B. Elliot, formerly in Congress from South Carolina.
He is one of the most eloquent representatives of the colored
race. His treatment of the theme “The Advance of Civilization in
the United States,” was able, eloquent, and scholarly. It was a
rare pleasure to listen to him. He was a friend of Charles Sumner,
and the dead statesman had no more eloquent eulogist than he.
Our Alumni Association was addressed by Rev. A. E. P. Albert, of
the class of ’81. His oration was a careful defense of the negro
against the rude and savage assaults recently made upon him. A poem
was delivered by Mr. Colwell, of Baton Rouge, of the class of ’79.
It possessed real poetic merit, and was gracefully delivered. He
was cheered to the echo. It was interesting to observe the hearty
enthusiasm of the audience over “the coming poet.” The Annual
Exhibition at the University Chapel, under the direction of our
most faithful and efficient Dean, was a great success. The Chapel
was crowded to excess, and a happier audience is seldom gathered.
Our Commencement on Tuesday evening in Central Church was an
indication both of the excellence and efficiency of the instruction
afforded by the University, and the strong hold which the school
has gained in the public regard and appreciation. The large
auditorium was crowded. A fair estimate of the audience would
place it at 800, and they remained with delighted attention from
8 o’clock to 11 o’clock. Four young men and one young woman
graduated from the Classical Department, and two young men from the
Higher English Department. Their orations were well and carefully
written, showing mature thought and manly convictions. It was
certainly suggestive of the possibilities of the race to see the
manly bearing of these young people, and to hear them treat with
real ability and eloquence such themes as “The first Century of
the Republic,” “The Survival of the Fittest,” “Pride of Race” and
“Head Workers and Hand Workers.” To those who have a chronic habit
of detracting from the abilities of the negro we say, “_beat them
if you can_.” It was a delightful feature of Commencement that the
son of our beloved dean took his diploma in the Higher English
Department, and delivered an oration on “The Future Fields of
Conquest in Science,” which did credit to his heart and his head.
We departed from our usual custom in conferring upon two of our
graduates the degree of Bachelor of Science. It was the judgment of
the Faculty and our Board of Trustees that this should be done. The
young men have devoted several years to classical and scientific
study in the University; their scholarship has averaged 9¼ on a
scale of 10, and they have pursued such special studies as the
Faculty have assigned them. At the close of the regular examination
a special examination was appointed for them before a committee
of the Board of Trustees, in whose presence they also read a
scientific thesis, the one on “Applied Electricity” and the other
on “The Copernican System.” Thus closes another school year, and we
are able to say as never before: “Hope is in the ascendant” for our
beloved University. Service this year has been a joy, and Almighty
God has crowned that service with his blessing. To Him be all the
glory.
TOUGALOO UNIVERSITY.
The assembling of the Sunday-school and the study of the lesson
entitled Paul and Barnabas in Cyprus, with “Separate me Barnabas
and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them,” as its
key-note, seemed a most fitting introduction to the Commencement
exercises upon the close of which a large number of the students
were to go forth to their summer’s work.
Following the Sunday-school exercises, and in keeping with
the custom of previous anniversaries of this institution, a
Sabbath-school convention was held, in which was discussed a
variety of topics calculated to stimulate and aid the students in
their Sunday-school work. These exercises were enjoyed by a large
number of people, many of whom were from a distance.
At 7:30 P.M. the chapel was again filled. The well-drilled choir
sang “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills” in a way to inspire
all present. The sermon to the graduating class was upon the words,
“Return to thine own house and show how great things God hath done
unto thee.”
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday were occupied with the oral
examinations of the different departments. These examinations
were well sustained by the students, who gave good evidence that
their instructors had been faithful and thorough in their work.
The attendance of visitors upon the examinations was good, but
as the last day drew near, large numbers arrived by every train.
Many came by their own conveyances. One persistent young man, a
former student, eager to attend the Commencement, came a distance
of thirty miles _on foot_. On Wednesday evening the audience room
was filled with an expectant throng. The exhibition which called
it together was greatly enjoyed, and reflected much credit upon
those charged with the laborious task of planning and training and
bringing it to pass.
When Thursday morning dawned, many more were added to the number
of visitors already present. The audience assembled promptly at
11 o’clock. Members of the State Board of Visitors, with other
distinguished guests, were upon the platform. The music by the
choir elicited much praise. Three young men and two young women
having completed the Elementary Normal Course were graduated,
receiving certificates of fitness to teach the common English
branches. Five others were appointed to supplement the programme of
literary exercises.
The essays and orations presented covered the following range of
topics: “The Teachers;” “Genius and Success;” “Whitewash;” “Why
a Young Man Should Seek a Thorough Education;” “The Material
Advancement of the South;” “The Cause of Temperance;” “As You
Would Have It;” “The Study of Physical Science;” “The American
Missionary Association;” “Home.” The Principal of the Normal
Department then presented certificates to the graduating class,
setting forth in a few well chosen and emphatic words the nature of
these certificates, of the step the graduates had taken, and that
there was more beyond. Col. J. L. Power, editor of the _Clarion_,
a man of wide influence in the State and a staunch friend of the
school, spoke on behalf of the State Board of Visitors, of which
he is the Secretary. He paid a glowing tribute to the work of the
school and of the American Missionary Association. In referring
to the essay on “Whitewash,” he said there was no _whitewashing_
done at Tougaloo—that it was the _genuine_ stuff. Referring to
the oration on the American Missionary Association, he said he
had known considerable about the Association and its work, but
that he was amazed at the magnitude of its work. In closing his
speech, which also was without “whitewash,” he said it would be
the pleasure of the Board of Visitors at the meeting of the next
Legislature to ask for at least as large an appropriation as the
institution had received for the last two years. Rev. Dr. C. B.
Galloway, Editor of the _Southern Christian Advocate_, was then
introduced. He commended the work of the institution and expressed
his satisfaction with the original, direct, practical, common-sense
way in which the essays and orations had been written and
presented. He was impressed with the absence of grandiloquent gush,
so characteristic of the youthful mind on Commencement platforms.
After the Commencement dinner the graduating class held their “Ivy
Exercise,” which consisted of a class song, class poem, planting
the ivy and an address by a member of the Faculty.
In the evening R. W. Jackson, class of ’80, delivered the address
before the Alumni, on “Decision.” It was well written and full of
interest. At its close Mr. G. W. Jackson of Whiteside, Tenn., a
former student, and Miss Rosa McCutcheon of Chattanooga, Tenn.,
class of ’82, stepped upon the _Commencement_ platform and were
united in Christian marriage, constituting by this sacred tie a
_Christian family_. Thus closed a most successful year of faithful
work.
THEOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT, HOWARD UNIVERSITY.
REV. J. G. CRAIGHEAD, D.D.
The anniversary exercises were held in the Fourth Presbyterian
Church, Washington City, May 4, when six young men who had
completed the regular three years’ course of study received the
usual certificate of the department. Five delivered addresses
before a large audience, and were subsequently complimented by many
of the most judicious friends of the race who were present, for
the discriminating and just treatment of their subjects, and for
their evident improvement of the advantages of instruction which
they had enjoyed. One of the graduates sails in June for Africa,
as a missionary of the Presbyterian Board; another is waiting an
opportunity to labor on the same continent; the remaining four go
to the wide and needy field in the South—each in a different State,
so great is the demand for capable laborers.
The past year has been one of marked favor and prosperity to the
department. Thirty-four students have been under instruction, and
there has been no interruption in study, by reason of sickness,
either on the part of professors or students. The location of the
institution on the high ground north of the city, overlooking both
it and the Potomac River, is most conducive to health, while it
secures the quiet essential to educational work. With a complete
and regularly systematized course of studies extending over three
years; with six Professors (thanks to the wise liberality of the
American Missionary Association) imparting instruction in all the
branches of study pursued in like theological seminaries in this
country, pious young men can here be prepared to become effective
workmen for Christ, either at home or abroad. As these advantages
become better known to those wishing to study for the ministry, we
may expect that an increased number will seek to profit by them.
And this is desirable for many reasons. With our present
facilities we could equally well instruct twice or thrice the
present number did the men present themselves having the proper
preliminary education for the study of theology. Our greatest need
is _scholarships_, both to secure this elementary training and
to assist students while in the theological department. Without
some aid, but few can obtain a proper education for usefulness in
the university. Not much is required, as compared with what white
students require and receive, but this little is necessary to
stimulate personal effort, and to help them over insurmountable
obstacles on the road to useful knowledge. Is there a cheaper
or better way for patriots or Christians to solve this social,
political, moral and religious problem?
WILMINGTON, N.C.
BY MR. W. H. THRALL.
Perhaps the tendency of this people is to give much prominence
to showy performances. We have aimed this year in Wilmington to
check this, and not to allow preparations for the “exhibition” to
interrupt regular recitation-room work.
The scholars were early given to understand that the last monthly
examinations would be more than usually difficult; that they would
be oral as well as written, and that very much would depend upon
the results. The last four days of the school year were given up to
the examinations. If the readers of THE AMERICAN MISSIONARY could
have hurried through the deep sands of Wilmington’s streets, to our
school building on one of those days, they would have seen four
rooms crowded with anxious workers, telling with tongue or pen,
what they had been learning during the months past.
Some of the pupils, after writing steadily for two or three hours
at a time begged the privilege of continuing their work at the
noon recess and after school hours. The papers spoke for the
thoroughness of the work that they had done.