rooms to finish and furnish at a cost of $50 to $100 each, and yet there
will be many more wanted by the boys for the coming winter. All the
work, including the plans and supervision, has been done by colored men,
assisted quite largely by the boys of the school. Who will supplement
the magnificent gift of Mrs. Powers of Philadelphia by small or large
amounts?
* * * * *
A PRAYERFUL AND INDUSTRIOUS FAMILY.
One of our deacons is the father and grandfather of a large number of
people among whom he lives, and by whom he is greatly honored. He and
his aged wife, who is good as can be, like himself, toil for their
living all the week, and walk six miles Sunday morning to church.
Sometimes she fails, for she is not quite so strong as her husband, but
he is seldom absent. One of his sons-in-law, who has himself a son in
Talladega College, is the most prompt and regular attendant the church
has, and he comes the same six miles. These are not only faithful in
church attendance, but are also to be counted among the truest of
upright, honest, pure, industrious people.
Between twenty and twenty-five years ago, when they did not have homes
of their own, they rented of a man, who, like Shylock, would hold them
close to their bargain. One year the "destroyer" came, and crops were
short everywhere. When the day was at hand for the landlord to come with
his wagons for his share of the crop, they were greatly distressed.
Acting upon the advice of a Christian woman, who was among them as their
first teacher, they observed a day of rigid fasting and earnest prayer.
"They were heard in that they feared." The dreaded day arrived; the man
came with his wagons. In fear and trembling they turned everything over
to him, but to their surprise he kindly said that he knew it had been a
bad year. His crops, also, had been ruined. He loaded up a little, but
left them enough for seed another year, and something to live on
besides, and drove most of his wagons home empty.
For twenty-one or twenty-two years on the anniversary of that fast day
all work has stopped, and a fast as rigid as the first, with special
religious services, has been kept, and on June 21st a day of
thanksgiving. On the first, which is in February, they ask for God's
special blessing on the seed about to be planted, and on the work of
their hands for the year, and on the day in June they praise the Lord
for what prosperity they have enjoyed in the past. It was my privilege
to attend both of these anniversaries this year. I found the people
earnest, intelligent and _strictly moral_. These people appreciate the
American Missionary Association and her work in their behalf. It would
be long before they could themselves sustain such institutions as the
Association has placed among them, but they are disposed to do so as
rapidly as they become able.
* * * * *
A VISIT TO UNCLE TOM'S CABIN.
BY J.W. HOLLOWAY, OF TURIN, GA.
(_Graduate of Class of 1894, Fisk University, Nashville, Tenn._)
On a hillside near a turnpike,
Just a mile or so from town,
In a double room log-cabin,
Lives a hero of renown.
There beneath a shady maple,
Summer evenings warm and fair,
You may find my swarthy hero
Calmly smoking, in his chair.
You've heard of Uncle Tom, most likely,
And his old log-cabin, too;
But for fear you've nothing recent,
I proceed to enlighten you.
"Ah!" say you, "I've heard the story
As it's told by Mrs. Stowe,
That old man is dead and buried,
Must be years and years ago."
Prithee, check your swift conclusion,
What you say can scarce be so,
For I know that this one's living
That I saw two hours ago.
Old and gray, and slightly stooping,
Black as ebony in hue,
He's a type of times departed,
Tho' he still survives the new,
Talks as if he owned a quarry,
Where they hew out slabs of gold,
Tho' to-day he gathered berries,
Which he took to town and sold.
Never was a hinder hostess
Than his old wife, Mary Ann,
And her baking is delightful
(To a very hungry man).
Thither went I in the gloaming,
For a night with Uncle Tom;
In the yard we "took it easy"
Till the supper time was come.
In a home-made crib beside him
Cooed a yearling partly dressed;
'Round his chair a dirty dozen
Whooped and yelled like all possessed.
"Lord a' mercy! Here's de teacher!
Chil'en run and fetch a chair;
'Fo' you come back dress yourselves,
An' git the keards and com' yer hair."
Sweeping over, children scattered,
Dogs and cats sent to the rear,
Uncle Tom, his pipe resuming,
Once more settled in his chair.
"I laid off to come to see ye
During o' de week dat's passed;
Must be scorin' de chil'en heavy,
Kase dey're learnin' pow'ful fast.
I believe in edication
When you teach it wid a pole;
Den you make 'im wise but humble,
Ruin his back out save his soul.
"Some folks b'lieve in pettiu' chil'en;
But I've raised enough to know,
Sho's you spare de rod you spile 'em.
Don't the Good Book tell you so?"
"Yes; but Uncle Tom," I quoted,
"Love will win where force will fail;
Men are honest made by trusting
In their honor"--"Dat's a tale;
"Never ketch me trustin' people,
Do dey're deacons in de church;
Folks dat trust in human nature
Allus git left in the lurch.
Der's some migh'y funny things put up
In dese packages called men,
And good folks do mighty bad things
Sometimes, jest bekase dey kin."
* * * * *
"Mr. Teacher, come to supper,"
(And the chimney piece struck nine)
"After dat we'll drive to meetin',
'Viding you are of de min'.
Tell me you are Congregationan;
First I ever heard de name;
Must be like de Presbyter'an--
Name sounds very much de same."
An the simple meal proceeded,
Quickened by the savory food,
Uncle Tom, from cynic terseness,
Fell into a happier mood.
"I was overseer in slave time,
And a mean un, so dey say,
Strapped Ma' Ann so much, ha! ha!
She married me to git away.
"In dem times we done some _talkin'_,
But this _writin'_ business--shaw!
I have seen de time, I tell ye,
I could talk a lady so
She would pull her fan to pieces
Barely answering 'Yes' or 'No.'"
* * * * *
Then I talked while he sat silent,
Gave a lecture broad and deep;
Hark! what sounds from the dim corner?
Ah! my host has fallen asleep.
Asleep! And his slumber is that of contentment,
Dreaming and smiling o'er memories fond.
Asleep! And he slumbers in ignorance blissful
Of the great busy world his cabin beyond.
How small is the light that illumines his pathway,
And his noonday how like to the darkness of night;
Yet he keeps in the beam directing his footsteps,
So must his intent be accounted for right.
I would not, I dare not, sit in Judgment upon thee,
Tho' the light on thy path be less bright than on mine,
But rather come to the fulness of duty
In my life as thou hast so well done in thine.
* * * * *
THE INDIANS.
* * * * *
MISSION SERVICES AT TWO KETTLE VILLAGE.
BY MISS M. M. LICKORISH.
The church at Two Kettle Village on the Cheyenne was dedicated May 19th.
I was delighted to receive an invitation from Mr. Riggs to accompany the
party from Oahe. We crossed the Missouri River in a boat, and on the
other side took the carriage that had to be sent around by Pierre, an
extra distance of thirty-two miles, in order to cross on the bridge.
Doctor and Mr. Frederick Riggs, from Santee, now joined us, and the day
being pleasant, the prairie covered with the wild flowers so abundant
here, we had a most delightful drive.
About one o'clock we met missionaries and delegates from all parts of
the Indian field at a place previously agreed upon, and there spent a
most agreeable hour in social chat, and discussing the contents of our
lunch boxes. A ride over the prairie is an excellent appetizer, and
missionaries so exiled most of the time from all but a few of their own
race, find these occasional meetings most pleasant, but having a long
ride still before us, and a river to ford before dark, we were soon
again on our way. About sundown we came in sight of the memorial church.
It is situated on a little hill, and facing the Cheyenne River, and a
lovely, picturesque valley, rendered more attractive just now by the
numerous Indian tents scattered singly or in groups over the grass near
the river.
Just before our party reached the ford, two of our missionaries, Mrs.
Griffiths and Miss Dodge, were driving across, and the river being very
high, the horse stumbled into a hole, but some Indians watching them
from the bank went quickly to their assistance. They were soon taken
ashore in another conveyance, but not before getting thoroughly drenched
and gaining the admiration of the Indians for their courage. Reaching
the camping-ground tired and hungry, it was pleasant to find a large new
tent, made and erected by the Indian women, for the use of the white
women of our party. Mr. Riggs's larger one, near by, was used by the
men. The tents were all the round kind, used by Indians, with poles
projecting from the top, and an opening left for the smoke of our little
fire in the center, for the cool evenings made a fire very desirable.
The opening for a door is a little more than three feet high.
The wife of the native pastor, Mrs. Phelps, had an abundant and
appetizing supper ready for us. Our white ladies could but express their
admiration for the composure and quiet dignity with which this Indian
woman, who could not speak or understand English, entertertained, from
Saturday until Monday, about thirty-five white people and natives at her
table, and in a house of one room. She was a Martha we might emulate in
this, for though careful for the needs and comfort of all, even the
group of Indian women and children, whom she fed sitting on the floor in
one corner of the room, while her table was surrounded by her most
honored guests, she never seemed troubled and anxious, and received
offered help quietly, never letting her extra duties keep her from the
meetings. Before we spread our blanket beds in the tent, the women
brought us dry grass to make them more comfortable, and we were all
invited into the house each evening for worship before retiring.
On Sunday morning early we gathered in the neat little white chapel,
made bright with numerous bouquets of wild flowers from the prairie. The
grave of Elizabeth Winyan, that noble Indian woman whose life was spent
in earnest missionary work among her own people, is near by, and the
church is a fitting memorial. The Indians came from far and near, and
filled the church till some had to sit on the floor for lack of seats,
but this they did not mind, for, judging by the long hair and Dakota
dress, we know many were but little used to the customs of civilized
life.
The dedicatory prayer was offered by Doctor Riggs, and then followed the
examination of two candidates for the ministry--Edwin Phelps, the son of
Elizabeth Winyan, and her nephew, Elias Gilbert. The services and
examinations were all in the Dakota language, but the intense interest
and earnestness of the audience, as well as of those taking part, made
them very impressive, even to those who hearing could not understand.
After a short intermission for dinner the council convened, and Dr.
Riggs, acting as interpreter, so all might understand, the examination
was concluded, and the two men who have been working so acceptably for
the Master for some time were ordained to the Christian ministry, and
received the right hand of fellowship, extended by Rev. C.F. Reed, of
Pierre. Then followed the double wedding of two couples, who wished the
sanction of Christian marriage to unions entered into according to the
customs of their people in the past, but which are rapidly passing away
before the enlightenment of the present. Several children were then
brought forward for baptism, and the sacred promises of Christian
training were made by parents who desire much for their children, but
who are so unfit to lead, knowing but dimly the way themselves.
Oh, that we might gather more into Christian schools, that intelligent
as well as earnest Christians may be the leaders among these people in
the future. Seven members were received into the church, and then we
gathered a happy Christian congregation of two races, but one spirit,
around the table of our Lord. It was a fitting ending to the delightful,
helpful services of the day.
But a little later, there was still another meeting in the evening that
will not soon be forgotten by those who were present. After the sun went
down, in the long twilight that lingers so late here, the women gathered
in a large circle on the green grass for a women's meeting. There were
about forty women present, including those who formed a row outside, who
wore the Dakota costume, and wished only to see and hear from outside,
and come in at last to the feast. The meeting was led by Mrs. T.L.
Riggs; portions of Scripture were read, prayers offered, and remarks
made by the Dakota women. All entered heartily into the singing, which,
like all the services, was in Dakota. Then each of the white women
present spoke a few words of kindness and encouragement to the women,
and their remarks were interpreted by Mrs. Riggs. After the close of
this meeting the men were escorted to the center of the circle, and
soup, which had been preparing in numerous kettles near by, was served
to all.
We were glad to sit in the circle with those Indian mothers and speak to
them of their children, our love for them, and how we were trying to
help them. One could not be in such a typical gathering of Indians
without noting the intelligent faces and strength of character depicted
in them. One is continually surprised, not at the depravity of this
people, but with their many good traits, and the progress they are
making in the face of so many obstacles.
On Monday morning the council listened to reports from the field, and
then adjourned. We were now soon on our way home. About sundown we
reached the river opposite Oahe, but it was very much swollen and rapid.
While we sat on the bank and ate supper from what remained in our
provision boxes, we saw the young man who was to bring a boat across for
us, struggling against the current. As he seemed unable to cross, we
began preparations for spending the night there under the clear sky, but
at last he succeeded in crossing in a little boat, and by much hard work
and skillful rowing, taking two each time, Mr. T.L. Riggs was able
before midnight to land most of us on the other side in safety, though
the swift current and much driftwood made this somewhat hazardous. The
rest made themselves as comfortable as possible without tents, and came
over in the morning.
* * * * *
INDIAN MISSION COLLECTIONS.
Not long ago a collection for benevolent purposes was taken among the
Indians in the church at Fort Berthold. Supt. Hall, of the American
Missionary Association, writes the following:
"The collection amounts to $15.02, and will be increased by
out-stations. There were about twenty Indians in the congregation, and
as all were not there a messenger was sent to have another collection
taken in the evening at the meeting at Deacon Many Bears' house. Our
people are always ready to give what they can. The boys and girls of the
school, thirty-eight in number, all took a hand, giving of their
allowances or earnings. Little lame Bertha wrote her name down for
eleven cents, which was the 'widow's mite' with her. The names of some
of the Indian contributors are: Red Fox, Strieby Horn, Little Eagle,
Andrew Crow, Fighting Bear, Mrs. Two Bears, Mrs. Rough Horn, Mrs. Jack
Rabbit and Louisa Crow Tail.
"The Sunday was a cold one, ten degrees below zero, and some of our
leading members were camping out on their way with food supply from
Minot, sixty miles north over a trackless waste of snow. One Monday
morning Andrew Crow came in on horseback, with the result of the
previous evening's contribution. We get little change here, so we put
down the amount to be given on paper, and settle the account as we can
by exchanges or work. We do not have many unpaid subscriptions."
Such facts as these abundantly prove that our Indian Christians are
realizing the responsibility upon them to assist with their means in
these great missionary movements. If all the churches in the land would
give according to their ability as generously as did this Indian church
on the prairie, not one of our benevolent societies would need suffer.
* * * * *
THE CHINESE.
* * * * *
"THE PRESENT DISTRESS."
BY REV. W.C. POND, D.D.
It is everywhere, and if in our little corner we feel the first impulse
to murmur, we hear, forthwith, from the great apostle: "There hath no
trial taken _you_ but such as is common to man." And yet the trial is
none the less severe, the distress is none the less intense, because it
is universal. It may be that "misery likes company," though I could
never see why, but in this instance I can truly say, would that we
suffered alone!
I foresaw almost six months ago that the universal stringency would
bring us an empty treasury long before the close of our fiscal year. It
seemed due in justice to our workers to forewarn them of this. I told
them that I would do my best for them, but that for the months of June,
July and August this might amount to nothing; that I was not allowed,
and ought not to be, to use the resources of the new year to meet any
deficits from the old one, and that I was under solemn pledge to one of
our chief benefactors never to let the mission run in debt. Consequently
I could not and would not blame them if they ceased work and closed the
schools. I am proud to say that not one teacher was found to accept my
proposal. One of them wrote: "I am very sorry you are so short of funds.
I feel sure that
'In some way or other,
The Lord will provide.'
At any rate I shall not join the strikers, but keep right on." Another
said: "Whatever stops, the work must not stop; pay or no pay, I shall
keep up the school." Gin Foo King wrote from San Bernardino, with a sort
of lofty contempt of the unbelief that could stop work for lack of pay:
"God will take care of us; why should we fear?" Joe Dun, the latest
addition to our force of helpers, and one from whose work for Christ I
expect glad fruitage right along, replied to my message of deep regret
that I could forward no salary to him for June services: "You need not
send money; I have rice." Rice with water to boil it in, is good enough,
some think, for any Chinaman. Perhaps it is. At any rate Joe Dun thinks
that if that is all God gives it must be all he needs. Nevertheless our
helpers, especially in the beginnings of service, must work the brain
hard, and ought to have brain nutriment. And unless I can send something
to him now, even his rice will fail.
What is thus expressed by some in words has been expressed in acts by
all. It is a great relief to know that the work is going on, and at some
points better than ever at this season of the year. It is a relief to
know that there are no broken promises, and no accumulation of debt,
involved in my failure to remit. But for this, the distress would be
intolerable; the trial greater than I could possibly bear. But when I
bring up the case of some of our most faithful and successful workers,
and realize the fact, which I know to be a fact, that they are dependent
on the little salaries they are wont to receive from me for very
subsistence, my forewarning passes out of remembrance, and the whole
burden rolls down upon my heart. God knows what he is doing, and I cast
my care upon him and rest. But it seems to me that from somewhere the
few hundreds of dollars--not more than $500 needed in addition to what I
have reason already to hope for--_must come_.
Whenever it has been possible I have thrown the responsibility of
sustaining the missions upon the localities in which they are situated.
And in many cases this responsibility has been assumed with a
cheerfulness and a generosity, considering the times, which has been
greatly encouraging to me. And I cannot but hope that herein will be
found one of the compensations for our anxiety and pain--a deeper and
more general interest on the part of Christian people in this branch of
the service of their Lord. One of the teachers, giving an account of a
meeting which she held in the interest of her mission, anticipates such
a result and says: "I feel sure that my hard, lonesome times are over,
and that after this I shall have more help and sympathy. Isn't it
wonderful how doing a hard duty will sometimes straighten out so many
tangles?"
I venture to close this little sketch of hard heartwork with another
quotation from this same teacher: "I sympathize with you in not being
able to pay us teachers as you would like to do when you know how we
work. But don't worry any more over me, for I shall manage splendidly
(as I always do?). I guess you feel a good deal worse over it than we
teachers do. Sacrifice is in order for missionaries and preachers, but
we get pay that the world knows not of--rewards as much above money as
heaven is above earth."
* * * * *
BUREAU OF WOMAN'S WORK.
MISS D.E. EMERSON, SECRETARY.
* * * * *
ANNUAL MEETING.
The Woman's Meeting will be held on Thursday afternoon, October 25th, as
one of the regular sessions of the American Missionary Association
Annual Meeting, at Lowell, Mass. The programme will include reports from
the State Unions, and missionary addresses by Miss Kate La Grange, from
the mountains of Tennessee; Miss Mary P. Lord, associate of Miss Collins
in the Indian work; and missionaries from the South.
We hope for a large attendance from ladies' and young people's
societies. Do not limit your attendance to this woman's day. Come to the
opening meeting Tuesday, and attend all the sessions. The secretary of
the Woman's Bureau will have a room at the church for a rallying point,
where the ladies and missionaries can meet for mutual acquaintance and
information. Notice of entertainment and railroad rates will be found on
last page of cover.
* * * * *
A FEW WORDS TO BOYS.
The American Missionary Association needs the help of _every boy_. Send
to the Bible House, New York, for leaflets that will tell what the
American Missionary Association is, and what it is trying to do,
especially for the Indians.
Read the following letter, by Miss Mary P. Lord, our missionary among
the Sioux Indians, and let us know what you will do to help teach Indian
boys how to become good men:
_Dear Boys:_
No doubt you are already interested in Indians, from stories you have
read of them. And perhaps you think they are very strange people, quite
unlike white people. In some ways they are. But if you could come out
here to our little Indian village (Little Eagle Village it is called),
on the Standing Rock Reservation in Dakota, I think you would very soon
be playing with the Indian boys just as merrily as you do now with your
boy friends at home. Perhaps Ben Black Dog would show you some of the
little gumbo images that he made when the mud was soft, and then it grew
dry and hard, as the clay does that some of you use in school; and
perhaps he would show you how he makes his life-like horses and riders,
and buffaloes, and dogs, and all the rest.
One day I saw some boys playing with their gumbo figures, and heard one
of the boys say "akicita," which is the Dakota word for "soldier"; so I
suppose little Indian boys "play soldier," too! Then every Indian boy
from the time he is a baby has his pony. One ten-year-old boy was
telling me the other day what good care he tried to take of his pony,
and I was very glad he thought about it, and knew that his "Charlie"
ought to be well cared for. All the boys like to ride, but sometimes
they forget that their ponies ought to be kindly treated, and to have
proper food and rest. Indian boys have their favorite games, too, just
as white boys do, only their games are different. One is throwing long,
slender sticks, which they make in a certain way; but in order to know
just how they make and throw them, you may have to come and see them do
it. I am afraid I cannot tell you.