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The American Missionary
SEPTEMBER, 1898.
VOL. LII.
No. 3.
* * * * *
CONTENTS
EDITORIAL.
ANNUAL MEETING--PEACE, 105
SHALL CUBA BE TAKEN FOR CHRIST? 106
WHITE MAN'S COUNTRY AND COLORED MAN'S COUNTRY, 107
FOURTH OF JULY, S'KOKOMISH--CAPON SPRINGS CONFERENCE, 109
CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR CONVENTION AT NASHVILLE, 110
SOUTHERN FIELD NOTES, 112
MISSIONARY GOSPEL, 113
LIBERTY COUNTY, GA., 114
PARAGRAPHS, 115
MR. S. S. MARPLES--MISS I. W. HUME, 116
THE SOUTH.
TALLADEGA COLLEGE, ALABAMA, 117
TILLOTSON COLLEGE, AUSTIN, TEXAS, 120
KING'S MOUNTAIN, N. C., 122
ENFIELD, N. C., 124
BLOWING ROCK, N. C., 125
THOMASVILLE, GA., 126
MACON, GA., 127
ATHENS, GA., 129
MEMPHIS, TENN., 130
MERIDIAN, MISS., 131
THE NEGRO'S PLACE IN AMERICAN LIFE, 132
LOUISIANA CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION, 135
COLORED TEACHER TO COLORED PUPILS, 138
RECEIPTS, 139
WOMAN'S STATE ORGANIZATIONS, 151
* * * * *
NEW YORK:
PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY THE AMERICAN MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION,
THE CONGREGATIONAL ROOMS,
FOURTH AVENUE AND TWENTY-SECOND STREET, 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.
CONGREGATIONAL ROOMS,
Fourth Avenue and Twenty-second Street,--New York City.
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._
Rev. M. E. STRIEBY, D.D.
_Corresponding Secretaries._
Rev. A. F. BEARD, D.D.
Rev. F. P. WOODBURY, D.D.
Rev. C. J. RYDER, D.D.
_Recording Secretary._
Rev. M. E. STRIEBY, D.D.
_Treasurer._
H. W. HUBBARD, Esq.
_Auditors._
D. C. TIEBOUT.
CHARLES NEWTON SCHENCK.
_Executive Committee._
CHARLES L. MEAD, Chairman.
CHARLES A. HULL, Secretary.
_For Three Years._
WILLIAM HAYES WARD,
JAMES W. COOPER,
LUCIEN C. WARNER,
CHARLES P. PEIRCE,
LEWELLYN PRATT,
_For Two Years._
CHARLES A. HULL,
ALBERT J. LYMAN,
NEHEMIAH BOYNTON,
A. J. F. BEHRENDS,
EDWARD S. TEAD,
_For One Year._
SAMUEL S. MARPLES,[A]
CHARLES L. MEAD,
ELIJAH HORR,
FRANK M. BROOKS,
CHARLES S. OLCOTT.
_District Secretaries._
Rev. GEO. H. GUTTERSON, _615 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, _New York Office._
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, Fourth Avenue and Twenty-second
Street, New York; or, when more convenient, to either of the Branch
Offices, 615 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 tenth of the month. If payment of subscription be made
afterward the change on the label will appear on the next number.
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.
FOOTNOTE:
[A] Deceased.
* * * * *
THE AMERICAN MISSIONARY.
VOL. LII. SEPTEMBER, 1898. NO. 3.
* * * * *
We look forward to the fifty-second anniversary of the American
Missionary Association to be held at Concord, N. H., October 25-27,
with exceptional interest. The sermon will be preached by Rev. Doctor
George A. Gordon. Distinguished speakers add to the interest of the
meetings. Missionaries from the field will present the varied features
of their work among the Indians, mountain people and the colored
people of the South.
The woman's meeting on Thursday afternoon will be particularly favored
with an address by Mrs. Kate Upson Clark, and by interesting speakers
from the missionary field.
We give a cordial invitation to pastors and friends of the Association
to come to this beautiful and historic town of Concord at this
anniversary. On the last page of the cover will be found full
information for delegates and friends who anticipate attending the
meetings. Fuller details as to the reception of delegates,
entertainment, hotel rates and railroad reductions will be given in
various religious papers.
* * * * *
PEACE.
Now, when the war drums have ceased, we can think again of the
problems which were before us when Spain added those which are to ask
our attention. The greater problem before the American people is not
any new one. The Christianization of nearly three millions of colored
people yet in illiteracy and moral darkness is a call to Christian
love and service as loud as any call can possibly be. The messages of
the gospel of Peace, have the only promise of salvation to these
millions in darkness at our own doors. To give this to these needy
ones, who are not only near to our doors but who are ready to receive
the grace of Christ at our hands is the call of Christ for our
patience and fidelity. As we thank God that the smile of Heaven rests
upon our country once more in peace, we may well turn our thoughts
anew to our endeavor for the victories of Peace, and think as fairly
of our duty to lift these poor, ignorant millions above the perils of
increasing ignorance, as we have been thinking of the deliverance of
Cubans from their oppressions and wrongs. What these new possessions
now under our care may require of us, is another question which comes
with peace.
The millions of ignorant colored people in our own country not yet
reached need to be saved. They cannot save themselves. We owe them the
Christianity which we have. We owe them a chance for intelligent
faith. More than forty per cent. of nearly eight millions are yet in
density of ignorance and mentally and morally weak. They can be saved.
What has been done is the pledge of what may be done. Let us then
consecrate ourselves anew to the victories of peace and make our thank
offerings free and large for the glory which comes not of sieges and
battles, but the glory of Christian love and faith, of Christian
thinking and Christian working, for God's poor people who wait for
their day of redemption.
* * * * *
SHALL CUBA BE TAKEN FOR CHRIST?
The Alumni Association of Oberlin Theological Seminary recently passed
the following vote:
"Voted: That the Alumni of Oberlin Theological Seminary suggest
to the American Missionary Association the importance of
organizing at once for an extension of its educational and
evangelizing work into Cuba as soon as the deliverance of that
island from the dominion of Spain will permit."
At the recent Triennial National Council of Congregational Churches
held in Portland, Oregon, reference to the pressing of Christian
educational work into Cuba was greeted with enthusiastic applause.
And now there come letters from those who desire to volunteer for
service under the American Missionary Association to enter upon this
work in Cuba and Porto Rico. This Association has not the power to
issue bonds for the expense of such missionary campaign, nor to levy
war taxes. The significance, however, of these new fields of work and
the especial fitness of the American Missionary Association to enter
them must be apparent to all our constituents. The inhabitants of both
these islands are largely of a mixed race. The splendid band of young
colored people in the South have been trained during the years in the
American Missionary Association schools and are excellently well
qualified for carrying this Christian work among the peoples of these
island regions.
They are acclimated, born and reared in the southern climate. Some
even are immunes. Is it not a special providence that this band of
young people have been trained for just such work as this opening to
our Congregational fellowship in Cuba and Porto Rico?
The volunteers for work in these islands, however, are not confined to
any one race. The Oberlin Alumni suggest an "Oberlin Band" to be
organized and sent into this field. From the far West and from the
far East we receive letters from well-trained, earnest and godly
teachers and preachers anxious to volunteer for this service.
The sinews of war for this magnificent Christian campaign are wanting.
The responsibility of promptly entering these fields that God is
opening to Christian conquest and an intelligent and free gospel rests
upon those who can furnish these sinews of war. Shall Cuba and Porto
Rico be taken for Christ and an intelligent gospel?
* * * * *
A WHITE MAN'S COUNTRY AND A COLORED MAN'S COUNTRY.
The government of the United States has just issued bonds to secure a
loan of $200,000,000 for the costs of war. It may be interesting to
our readers to know that every one of those bonds must be signed by
Mr. Judson W. Lyons, a colored man, who succeeded ex-Senator Bruce as
Register of the Treasury. On the ordinary paper money his name is
engraved, but on those bonds it must be written with his own hand,
else the bond is invalid. This will make necessary his signing his
name 40,000 times, and he is now engaged in doing this.
* * * * *
Before the war began there was in the United States army only one
negro commissioned officer; now, as we count them, there are more than
one hundred and fifty. If we are correct in our figures there are as
the war closes about one hundred and sixty-four colored Americans who
bear U. S. commissions. These rank from second lieutenant up to
colonel.
* * * * *
In the official report of the battle of Siboney by Gen. Joseph E.
Wheeler, who is an ex-Confederate general, special mention is made of
the bravery of the Tenth Cavalry (colored). He says:
"I was immediately with the troops of the First and Tenth Regiments
Cavalry, dismounted, and I personally noticed their brave and good
conduct, which will be specially mentioned by General Young."
"I was standing near Captain Capron and Hamilton Fish," said the
corporal to the Associated Press correspondent, "and saw them shot
down. They were with the Rough Riders and ran into an ambush, though
they had been warned of the danger. Captain Capron and Fish were shot
while leading a charge. If it had not been for the negro cavalry the
Rough Riders would have been exterminated. I am not a negro lover. My
father fought with Mosby's Rangers, and I was born in the South, but
the negroes saved that fight, and the day will come when General
Shafter will give them credit for their bravery."
* * * * *
The testimony of George Kennan of the Red Cross as to the courage and
service of our negro soldiers is in evidence that the white man's
country is also the colored man's country. He says, "I do not hesitate
to call especial attention to the splendid behavior of our colored
troops. It is the testimony of all who saw them under fire that they
fought with the utmost coolness and determination. I can testify from
my own personal observation that they displayed extraordinary
fortitude and self control."
* * * * *
Probably no institution in the East sent as large a percentage of
students as soldiers to bear the flag of our common country to victory
as did our missionary schools. Our students have not been taught that
war is glory. It was conscience with them. They went as deliverers
from oppression and saw their opportunity to prove their devotion and
gratitude to their country for their own deliverance. They have made
their record.
* * * * *
Attorney-General Patterson, of Memphis, Tenn., in July last in an
attempt to secure a conviction for the murder of a negro, said:
"We are to-day engaged in a war with a foreign power, and for the
cause of humanity this great country is putting forth her splendid
power by land and by sea that Spanish cruelty shall no longer be on
Cuban soil, ... and if we can afford to interpose the strong arm of
the nation and expend blood and treasure to protect them, can we not
afford by the orderly methods of the law to stop cruelties at home as
barbarous as were enacted in Spanish dungeons? Is it not opportune
that we rise above the low level of race prejudice into the upper and
purer atmosphere of respect for law and order and the sanctity of
human life?"
* * * * *
Within thirty days after the war was declared against Spain thirty-two
Americans--colored--were lynched and put to death without trial by
law, judge or jury, many of them protesting their innocence of any
crime. Let us pray that Spain may not long be able to say to any part
of our country, "Physician heal thyself."
* * * * *
A delegate to the National Congregational Council at Portland, Oregon,
in a newspaper account of his experiences of good treatment everywhere
in the West, thus concludes: "After being entertained at the Brown
Palace in Denver, the Knutsford in Salt Lake, the Portland in
Portland, the Donnelly in Tacoma, after riding in the palace cars of
the trans-continental trains and the chair cars of the Northwestern, I
came to Chattanooga and took the 'James Crow' car to Atlanta.
HENRY HUGH PROCTOR,
Pastor First Congregational Church, Atlanta, Ga."
* * * * *
FOURTH OF JULY AT S'KOKOMISH--WASHINGTON.
BY REV. MYRON EELLS, D.D.
Since the Indians have become largely civilized and citizens, the
Fourth of July has taken the place of their old festivals, combining
both. The old festivals lasted a week or more usually, and the expense
was borne by a very few. The time was occupied with feasting,
visiting, gambling, and closed with a distribution of gifts to the
invited ones. Neighboring tribes were invited. The distribution of
gifts is now omitted, and the time changed. This year the celebration
took place on this reservation, and the people began to assemble a
week before the Fourth. Nearly all had gathered on the second, when
about eight or nine hundred had assembled. The noticeable point in
connection with it was the absence of drunkenness while they were on
the reservation. Although nearly all were citizens, I have not been
able to learn that a single one drank any while here, even on the sly.
A few days before the Fourth I suggested to the leader that it might
be well to have some patriotic singing and speaking on that day, as
white people do, and that if he wished I would help him to arrange
about it. He replied in quite a speech, in which he thoroughly
acquiesced in my suggestions, and added that while he provided the
food he wanted all to have a good time, but that he had told every one
time and again that they could enjoy themselves much as they wished,
except that he did not wish any whiskey brought to the grounds. This
item he emphasized very strongly.
Twenty-three or four years ago, soon after I came here, the Agent
arranged a Fourth of July celebration. He was very particular on this
same point. But this same Indian intended to do differently. He went
off a few days before and procured some whiskey, drank some of it, and
intended to use the rest on the Fourth, and have a jolly time with his
friends. But other Indians informed the Agent about him; he was
arrested and lodged in jail, where he spent the Fourth, and a few days
beside. When I compare his actions then and now, is there not cause
for gratitude?
* * * * *
CAPON SPRINGS CONFERENCE, WESTERN VIRGINIA.
The first Capon Springs Conference which met June 29th to July 3rd, to
consider the work of Christian education in the South, was a
successful gathering of many prominent educators. It represented
twelve states, the District of Columbia, seven religious bodies and a
number of schools, seminaries, colleges and other institutions for the
elevation of the ignorant, both white and black.
The Conference before its adjournment issued a message in which it
declared its deep interest in all efforts for the advancement of moral
and religious education in the South along Christian lines, and
especially that of the more needy of both races, bespeaking for this
the sympathy of all Christian people, and in particular the Southern
people.
The Conference also expressed its grateful sense of the generous aid
which education in the South had received from friends in the North
making for the unity and harmony of our common country. It testified
to a hearty belief that there should be institutions well equipped in
which provision should be made for the higher education of those
called to leadership, as preachers, teachers, etc. It especially
called attention to the opinion that the _gifts of the North in aid of
educational work_ in the South should proceed _upon lines of
intelligence, equality and discriminating selection, and that great
care should be taken by the people of the South in authorizing appeals
for outside aid_.
This message abundantly justifies such a Conference in the South to
bring Northern and Southern educators together.
* * * * *
CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR CONVENTION AT NASHVILLE, TENN. AND THE COLORED
PEOPLE.
BY REV. GEORGE W. MOORE.
The Christian Endeavor Convention at Nashville in July, was marked
with special interest. About five thousand delegates were present.
Arrangements had been made to entertain thirty thousand.
The meetings were perhaps better for being smaller than were
anticipated. The American Missionary Association work was well
presented and represented at the "Congregational Rally," July 8th. In
round numbers, two hundred Congregational delegates were present,
including forty ministers. Profs. Dunn and Spence, Rev. Mr. Bond and
J. C. Napier, Esq., spoke on our work, and the Jubilee Singers sang.
The Convention was in a manner on American Missionary Association
territory, and it was felt that its work should have an emphatic
place. Indeed, nearly all the speakers referred to our work, chief
among whom was Gen. Howard. The Northern delegates visited Fisk
University in large numbers and expressed their pleasure both as to
the scope and character of our work.
Before the convention the colored people had a feeling that they were
not wanted there. They had been told that they must conform to the
"_unwritten law_" of the South as to taking back seats at their
_local_ meetings, but would be on an equality at the Convention
itself.
In talking the matter over with the colored Congregational pastor, we
agreed that it was better to remain away from the local meetings, but
to attend the _Convention_. Consequently, the Congregational
Endeavorers of color and a number of others did so, and donning the
Convention badge attended. Those who attended were well treated.
Indeed, the colored people and the work of the Association were
brought into special prominence through the large chorus of Fisk
Jubilee Singers--twenty-two in all--which proved to be the favorite
singers of the Convention. Besides singing at all the sessions, they
also rendered a special programme of their music for half an hour on
one afternoon, when I made a brief address on our work as illustrated
by the singers and Fisk University. Our Northern friends have here
seen many side lights of Southern life and the colored people, such as
the "Jim Crow Car" and the "Separate Colored Waiting Rooms" at the
stations, etc. The colored delegates of the Pennsylvania and other
Northern delegations were sent into the "Jim Crow" car as soon as they
reached Southern soil. The Northern delegates also observed the
isolation of our missionaries. It is difficult for the Southern people
to understand why Northern friends are so much interested in colored
people and in their schools. Fisk University was, for example, the
Mecca of many Northern pilgrims. Not a few of them visited in our
home, and a number of delegates from New York and Massachusetts dined
with us, which would certainly have shocked their Southern hosts had
they known of it.
A Southern woman in commenting on the music of the Jubilee Singers,
remarked in the hearing of one of our teachers: "Those darkies are
very refined and sing well." A Southern woman inquired of me if I were
white. I replied: "I pass for a colored man." Then she asked: "How
much colored blood have you?" I replied: "It has never been
analyzed--perhaps one-eighth." "How strange," she said, "but that one
drop of Negro blood does make you belong to their side." I did not
find her reason for that conclusion--which has been reached without
reason--but I assured her that I was not ashamed to call them
_brethren_.
I think that our Northern friends saw much to convince them of the
necessity for our work in the South, and that even a war with
Spain--while it is doing much to bring our Southern brethren under the
old flag--does not and cannot at once change the habits, customs and
prejudices of the Southern people. We may as well realize that it will
take generations of hard, patient and self-sacrificing service on our
part and patient continuance of Northern influence, such as the
American Missionary Association is lovingly creating, to change their
traditions and the conditions of the colored people.
On the whole I think we had an excellent convention and believe that
the influence will be helpful for the colored people. A meeting at
Howard Congregational Church (colored) Sunday morning was of great
interest, when about two hundred Northern delegates were present. Rev.
Dr. Hill preached and several delegates spoke. In explaining to the
friends some things about the early life of Fisk at that place where
Howard Church stood, I suggested that all present who were graduates
of Fisk, former students and their parents, should rise, that the
visiting friends might see them. Over one hundred arose to the
surprise and delight of the visitors.
I have thought that the readers of the American Missionary Association
Magazine might like to have this phase of the Convention before them
as experienced by the colored people, from one who, as the Southern
lady said, belongs "to their side."
* * * * *
SOUTHERN FIELD NOTES.
REV. GEO. W. MOORE, FIELD MISSIONARY.
There were fifteen graduates from the Normal and ten from College and
four from the Musical departments of Fisk University at its last
Commencement. Rev. H. H. Proctor, pastor of the First Congregational
Church of Atlanta, gave the Alumni address, and Prof. W. E. Dubois,
Ph.D., Professor of Sociology in Atlanta University, delivered the
Commencement address.
Mr. Proctor and Dr. Dubois are both graduates of Fisk University. Both
of them are men of liberal culture and at the same time earnest
toilers in the work of uplifting in the South.
The sixth anniversary of the dedication of the chapel of Plymouth
Church, Louisville, Ky., was an interesting occasion. Rev. E. G.
Harris, the pastor, has faithful workers in his church; some of them
are physicians, teachers and artisans. The church is growing in
numbers and influence. A neat lecture room, built by the people, is
free from debt. They have added a cabinet organ to the Church and a
piano to the Sunday School, to enhance the service of song.
A conference of Christian workers was held at Asheville, N. C., during
the summer for Bible study and the consideration of the best methods
of Christian work, and of the forces that affect the moral and
religious life of the colored people. This was the first conference of
the kind held in the South in the interest of the colored people. The
prominent promoters of this conference were representatives of the
American Missionary Association.
Prof. W. A. Waterman, of Fisk University, came on from Northfield to
conduct a course of Methods in Bible Study and Missionary Training
Service.
Mr. John Gaudy, a graduate of Fisk, and Mr. M. H. Neal, a senior of
Fisk, were both present and assisted in the Conferences. Both of these
young men propose to enter the ministry.
The Field Missionary spoke on "The Need of Systematic Study in our
Schools of the Needs and Condition of our People," "City Missions" and
"Normal Bible Study."
The Young Men's Institute, where the Conference was held, is the
largest and best appointed building of the kind in the country for
city mission work among the colored people. It is the gift of Mr.
George Vanderbilt, and cost $30,000.
The American Missionary Association was represented in Christian Work
among the colored soldiers by its field missionary, Rev. G. W. Moore,
who held a ten-days' evangelistic service at Camp Russell, Fort Macon,
N. C. The pastor of our church at Beaufort, N. C., Rev. W. D. Newkirk,
also assisted in the Christian work at Camp Russell.
The Third North Carolina Regiment of eleven hundred and eight colored
soldiers are in camp at Fort Macon, an island opposite Beaufort, N. C.
All the commissioned officers are colored men. Col. James H. Young, of
Raleigh, is in command of the regiment. The order of the place is
exceptional. No liquor is allowed, and profanity is forbidden. The
regiment presents a fine appearance on parades, and the men are making
rapid progress in military training and discipline. Evangelistic
services were held in a large gospel tent, and were largely attended,
and many of the men enlisted as soldiers of the cross. More than three
hundred men expressed their desire to become Christians at one of the
services. Over one hundred and fifty men avowed their faith in Christ
during these special services. The interest continues and the men are
seeking the way of life.
An interesting patriotic service was held during this visit, at which
Col. Young presided. The whole regiment was in formation. Rev. Geo. W.
Moore spoke on the meaning of the war and the patriotism of negro
soldiers. He said the revolutionary war stood for liberty, the civil
war for unity, and the present war for humanity.
Colonel Young, Adjutant Smith and Captain Hargrave made patriotic
speeches, the band played the "Star Spangled Banner," "Dixie" and
"America," and the soldiers, both officers and privates, cheered and
were filled with patriotic feelings. The Colonel and all the men of
the Third North Carolina Regiment thanked the American Missionary
Association for its interest in their welfare, as expressed by the
visit of its field missionary.
* * * * *
A MISSIONARY GOSPEL.
"The first message at the birth of Christ was a _missionary_ message
(Luke ii. 10).
"The first prayer Christ taught men was a _missionary_ prayer (Matt
vi. 10).
"The first disciple, St. Andrew, was the first _missionary_ (John i. 41).
"The first message of the risen Lord was a _missionary_ message (John
xx. 17).
"The first command of the risen Lord to His disciples was a _missionary_
command (John xx. 21).
"The first apostolic sermon was a _missionary_ sermon (Acts ii. 17-39).
"Christ's great reason for Christian love was a _missionary_ reason (John
xiii. 35).
"Christ's great reason for unity was a _missionary_ reason (John xvii. 21).
"The first coming of Christ was a _missionary_ work (Luke iv. 18-21).
"The second coming of Christ is to be hastened by _missionary_ work
(Matt. xxiv. 14).
"Our Saviour's _last_ wish on earth was a _missionary_ wish (Matt. xxviii.
19).
_Church Missionary Society Gleaner, Scotland._
* * * * *
CHRISTIANITY AND CIVILIZATION IN LIBERTY COUNTY, GEORGIA.
Liberty County, Ga., is the county south of Savannah, on the sea.
Visitors from the North _en route_ to Florida pass directly through it
after leaving Savannah. Our American Missionary Association school at
McIntosh is in this county, and there are several Congregational
churches also under the auspices of the American Missionary
Association. Among these is one at Hagan, presided over by the Rev. J.
B. Fletcher.
The religious condition of the colored people in this county of
Liberty may be better understood in the light of the following
incident. On Saturday morning, August 6th, Rev. J. B. Fletcher,
accompanied by his wife, left Hagan for a place called Smiley, by
urgent invitation, to organize a Congregational church. The work of
organization was duly perfected on Sunday morning, the 7th, after
which the officers and members persuaded him to stop over that evening
and preach, which he readily consented to do. While in the pulpit a
gun was discharged through a window of the church, the contents
entering into the right side of Rev. Mr. Fletcher and wounding five
others. As medical treatment could not be obtained there, he was
hastily carried twenty miles to his home, where a physician was
immediately summoned. His wounds proved to be very severe, but were
not such as to prevent his recovery. The thigh was literally riddled
with buckshot, one hundred and thirteen having already been extracted
from his body. He writes us, "I am glad to have your sympathy and
prayers; they are of great strength to me. It will be quite a while
before I can walk as before, if ever. I feel happy to know that I am
counted worthy to suffer thus for Christ's sake. I am not discouraged,
and will be on the field again as soon as I can hobble around on
crutches."
A letter from a neighboring pastor adds, "The detective will have all
of the intended assassins arrested by the middle of the week. It is
found that they are all colored people, and officers of a so-called
Methodist Church, who as members of the Church Militant, took this
means to prevent the introduction of a Congregational church in that
vicinity."
A church whose officers propagate their faith with shotguns assuredly
has no right to the Methodist name, which it dishonors, nor to any
name, but it remains a significant illustration of sectarian
ignorance and superstition which we often find bitterly opposing the
introduction of a pure Christianity among the heathen of our own
country. Heathenism, not far away from one of the most beautiful
cities of the South--a city of beautiful churches and in a county
which rejoices in the name of Liberty--has furnished within the past
ten years many examples of such conditions and conduct as could not be
found in many places in Africa. It is not time yet for those who love
Christ and their country to be weary in well doing in this home land.
* * * * *
The long experience of colored people in the South, in the work of
cultivating cotton has led to many enterprises looking to
manufacturing the raw article into goods. Several movements have made
good headway for a time, but most of them have failed to score a
permanent success. The last enterprise of this character is located at
Concord, N. C. It appears to have a substantial foundation and its
success seems almost assured. Speaking of the enterprise and its
supporters the "Baltimore Ledger" says:--"The Coleman Cotton Mill, at
Concord, will soon be ready for operation. It is a worthy enterprise
and should be substantially supported by the race in North Carolina
especially; and those outside of the state should feel much interested
as it is a purely negro enterprise. The white people of the state feel
much interested in the factory and many of them are giving substantial
aid. This is in evidence of the fact that many white people throughout
the entire South are willing to extend a helping hand to the race, and
thus help us rise to a higher plain of Christian manhood, if we will
but help ourselves. Self-help is one of the most essential qualities
in racial development. Without it no race can ever hope to achieve any
great victories or become strong or powerful. Let us then help
ourselves first, and before we seek outside help from our white
friends."
* * * * *
From a former Principal of Ballard Normal School, Macon, Ga.:
"DEIR EL KOME, LEBANON, SYRIA.
"For a long time I have been wishing to hear from the American
Missionary Association both as to its work and its prosperity. For
that reason please find herewith an order for $40. I would like to
have the magazine sent to me here....
"The work here in Asia among the poor and ignorant is much the same
that it is elsewhere, except that the habits and superstitions of
centuries seem more unyielding than I ever saw them before. The
opportunities for Christian work yielding immediate results seem to be
tenfold greater at home than here. The need both here and there is
unlimited. Our hearts have anxiously turned towards our country in
this time of war."
* * * * *
SAMUEL S. MARPLES.
Once more the American Missionary Association is called to mourn the
loss of one of its most useful and highly esteemed officers. Mr. S. S.
Marples, who died at his home in Brooklyn, June 23, 1898, in the
sixty-fourth year of his age, was a most judicious business man, a
devoted Christian, and useful in many walks in life. He was one of the
most prominent members of the Produce Exchange, New York City; at
various times a member of the Board of Managers, and holding important
positions on its Committees.
Mr. Marples' sympathies and interests were wide and useful in
benevolent and church work. For many years he was a member of the
South Congregational Church, Brooklyn, and was Superintendent of the
Sunday-school for several terms. He was closely identified with the
Manhattan Brooklyn conference of churches. He was prominently
connected with the New York Congregational Club and was its President
for several successive years.
Mr. Marples became identified with the American Missionary Association
by his election, in 1880, as a member of the Executive Committee. For
sixteen years he has served on its Finance Committee; for many years
as its Secretary and for the last part of the period as its Chairman.
The value of these services was constantly recognized by his
associates on the committee and will be appreciated more fully as the
years go by. For the year past Mr. Marples' health was very frail;
only for a part of the time was he able to attend to his business, but
never, as we are assured, did he lose his lively interest in the
affairs of the American Missionary Association, to which his attention
had been given so constantly and faithfully throughout the past
eighteen years.
* * * * *
MISS ISABELLA W. HUME.
Miss Hume, who was from 1893 to 1896 connected with our mission work
in New Orleans, died early in June. This devoted missionary was the
daughter of missionaries in India, and was born in that country.
Receiving her education in America her life was devoted to mission and
Christian work here. Previous to her connection with our work in
Louisiana, Miss Hume was laboring in the mountain regions of Vermont,
and the last work of her life was as pastor of the Congregational
Church in Gill, Mass. Relinquishing that on account of impaired
health, the last few months before her death were spent in severe
suffering. Greatly honored and esteemed in all her work, the
intelligence of her death brought a sense of loss and feeling of
sadness to the many whom she had labored to help to save. A singularly
faithful worker and devoted servant of Christ, surely she will have
many stars in her crown.
* * * * *
The South.
* * * * *
COMMENCEMENT AT TALLADEGA COLLEGE.
BY MISS ESTHER A. BARNES.
Never can the teachers and students of Talladega College forget the
Commencement of 1898, when so many brave young men left their
cherished plans to engage in the war with Spain. Those laughter-loving
boys, earnest in study, but full of fun, and careless sometimes, as
boys will be--one hardly knew them when the war spirit rose and they
stood in line with that new, steady light of resolution shining in
their dark eyes. In 1860, young men of Anglo-Saxon blood left that
same building to fight against the Union. One of those young men, now
governor of the state, thirty-eight years later, telegraphs to the
same school asking Negroes to defend that same Government, and they
cheerfully respond. Is not this a revolution of the wheel of time?
The governor's telegram came Wednesday, almost two weeks before
Commencement. All the volunteers were promoted, having completed
satisfactorily the work of the year with the exception of the closing
exercises. Thirty in all volunteered, three or four of whom were not
students, but a third of this number were unable to pass the severe
physical test. A farewell meeting was held in the chapel, and the
young soldiers told in stirring words the motives that led them to
offer their lives to their country; their resolve to fight for the
freedom of bleeding Cuba, their love of the Stars and Stripes, in
spite of the wrongs they themselves had suffered, their strong desire
to show that Negroes could not only live and work, but die, like men.
Many earnest appeals were made for prayers, that they might never turn
their backs to their enemies, nor yield to the temptations of camp
life. At last, a quiet little woman with an earnest face arose and
told in trembling tones her determination to go as a nurse if she
could find any opportunity. She was called to the platform and it was
beautiful to see the reverence with which the tall, young fellows
gathered about her.
Talladega College had reason to be proud of her sons as they marched
to the station with a flag and a band and went off with a ringing
cheer. Nor were her daughters wanting; their hearts were aching, but
their faces dressed in smiles as they sent their brothers away as
patriotically as those of fairer hue.
The Talladega students have not been permitted to meet any Spaniards
in battle, but their record in camp at Mobile has been true to their
promises. They have shown to everyone the advantage of education.
Their officers prize them highly, and the rough, ignorant men who are
their comrades, have felt their influence, so that the governor has
publicly commended their behavior.
After losing so many of the best students, it seemed hard to go on in
the ordinary routine of the school, but those who were left did their
best to fill two places at once, and the exercises were quite up to
the average in excellence. The written examinations were successfully
passed by large classes. The public examinations, as usual, attracted
much attention. A minister who attended Dr. Andrews' examination in
Homiletics, says: "Thorough instruction had led the students to such a
grasp of the subject as to make them independent thinkers. If these
young ministers will use the knowledge they have acquired by this
study, their sermons will be well prepared, well delivered, and they
will be faithful pastors as well as good preachers."
The class in church history showed satisfactory knowledge of what God
has been doing in His church in this country since its history began.
The class in prophecy has been studying Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel and
the minor prophets. This study has interested the class exceedingly
and made them work hard. It has removed many doubts from the most
intelligent minds and made clear the wonderful plans of God.
In the college and normal departments, good work has also been done.
Classes were examined in Greek, Latin, general history and various
branches of science and mathematics. Some pupils in geometry showed a
clear comprehension and ability to carry on a train of reasoning
creditable to any student, but especially so to those who have
received their early training in country schools where incompetent
teachers preside three months in the year. One of these students says
that for years he worked on alone, puzzling over books by himself,
occasionally trying to find some one who could help him, only to be
thrown back on his own resources. A peculiarity of his is, that he
will not profess to understand what he does not see clearly. This
trait, in connection with his practical, unselfish plans for the
benefit of his people, seems likely to make this unassuming young man
of use in the world.
The examination in general history did not manifest a perfect
knowledge of all past events. Indeed, one student tried to find Spain
somewhere in the Congo region, when attempting to illustrate the
voyages of Columbus. Still it was apparent that these young men and
women had some historical facts fixed beyond the possibility of
forgetting, and that they had acquired the habit of thinking about
them and drawing their own conclusions which were often very
practical.
The classes in physical sciences, some of them instead of answering
questions, explained and exhibited the contents of the Museum. All
showed the excellent results of out-door and laboratory work. They
have learned to see. The visitors in the grammar room noted with
especial pleasure a masterly explanation of cube root by means of
blocks and figures that was positively fascinating.
But time would fail to tell of all the varied work, from the tiny tots
with their kindergarten plays to the sturdy farmers and engineers. Let
others decide whether it is better for the young ladies to do neat and
tasteful needle work or play a selection from Chopin. They can do
both.
All the exercises of Commencement were well carried out except the
Concert. The loss of an unusually fine musical treat was one of the
deprivations caused by the war, the singers of the Soldiers' Chorus
having become soldiers in earnest. It seemed a pity that every one of
the contestants for the prizes could not receive a prize, so original
and thoughtful were the orations and essays, and so good the
recitations. One of the best orations stated, that the way to elevate
the Southern farmer is not by means of teachers and preachers alone
but by the unselfish lives of scientifically trained farmers and their
wives who should be willing to live among the people and teach them by
example.
After the pleasant graduating exercises which sent out five more young
people, one of whom sent his oration from camp to be read, the Alumni
held a very delightful reunion. Many letters were read from graduates.
One wrote--"Every year, since I left Talladega, I have been more and
more convinced that many of the most prominent leaders of our people
lay too great stress on the possibilities of wealth and trades and too
little emphasis on the absolute and greater necessity of firm
Christian character. Neither wealth nor trades assure to us the favor
of God." Another writes from Texas of the work his wife is doing by
establishing a Woman's Rescue Society. From indifference, the women in
the town passed to curiosity then to sincerity, and nearly all soon
became actively engaged in the work which is accomplishing much good.
One of the college graduates, J. R. Savage, writes a letter of which
only the following extract can be given:
"It is hoped that the promising young manhood of the race will not be
satisfied with anything lower than the highest and best that the
schools have to offer. The first ten or twelve years of one's school
life are of necessity so largely mechanical that very little of what
is really education enters into them. Education is rather ability to
produce something and to think consecutively and coherently, than
capacity to receive something. Though a cultured mind may not create
anything, it is distinguished by its ability to combine two or more
elements in such a way as to form a new substance--to add something to
the world. Man sits at the feet of nature, learns her laws, and then
breathes into them his own soul, and nature becomes the living thing
we call Art. In addition to developing power of original and
independent thought, a liberal education prepares a man to enter into
and appropriate all the wealth of the ages. Those who are really
living in this grand and awful time, in this 'age on ages telling,'
are persons who have, in a sense, lived through all time."
Larger means would enable Talladega to give still more industrial
training than she does. But her chief mission will perhaps always be
to train leaders, to stand for higher education and to uphold the
supremacy of the ideal and spiritual over that which is merely
utilitarian and material.
* * * * *
THE PAST YEAR AT TILLOTSON, AUSTIN, TEXAS.
BY PRES. MARSHALL R. GAINES.
With the air full of vague rumors of yellow fever, and the consequent
panic; with the quarantine and general confusion in the running of
trains, and the withdrawal of many of them, the outlook last September
for the eighteenth year of our school was not the brightest. While it
is believed that not a single case of yellow fever occurred in Texas
last year, almost everybody was of the opinion that it had broken out
in the next town. Rumors were hard to trace and harder to refute. As a
result, most felt that it was best to stay at home and await
developments.
School opened on time, however, with a somewhat smaller attendance
than would have been expected under other conditions. Gradually the
panic subsided, quarantine was removed, and our students came in as
full numbers as in the preceding year, when the attendance had been
unusually large. The number of boarding students diminished
considerably, owing to our inability to find food for all who applied,
but this falling off was more than made up by day pupils. A little
uncertainty in regard to the continuance of the work of the high
school for colored students gave us a number of well advanced pupils
from that institution.
Good health, with its attendant good cheer, prevailed throughout the
year, and the work was earnestly and faithfully done.
A large proportion, probably four-fifths, of our students claim
membership in churches at entrance. There is not room for so extensive
revivals as visit some schools. The evidences of healthy religious
growth were not wanting. About thirteen cases of hopeful conversion
are believed to have taken place.
Active efforts in behalf of fellow students were greatly blessed.
About seventy-five new names for the pledge against the use of
alcoholics and narcotics were obtained. This means much. The use of
intoxicating drinks at Christmas festivals is very popular, and many a
young man is "the worse for liquor" at the holiday season.
The evidences of increasing interest in the school on the part of the
best citizens of Austin were apparent on many occasions.
Friends in the North, old and new, gladdened the hearts of teachers
and pupils by contributions in clothing, books and money for the aid
of needy students. One, a contribution of books, calls for special
mention. It came from Mrs. Isabella Beecher Hooker, of Hartford,
Conn., and contained over one hundred volumes of standard works. Among
them was a complete set of the books written by her sister, Mrs.
Harriet Beecher Stowe. These books are greatly enjoyed by our young
people. It is earnestly hoped that other contributions of a similar
nature will continue to be made.
The examinations at various times, and especially the closing ones,
May twenty-sixth and twenty-seventh, were highly creditable. Only a
small number failed of promotion.
The programme for Commencement week was carried out successfully.
It began on Friday evening, May twenty-seventh, with a speaking
contest and a prize debate, by the Philomathean Literary Society. The
discussion was as to the educative value of the study of the classics
compared with that of the sciences. The debate was well conducted, and
both sides supported their views with interest and energy. The
chairman of the judges was the president of one of the national banks
of Austin. The prizes, two sets of valuable books, were awarded to the
advocates of the study of the sciences.