of the South. I do not say freedmen, because there are thousands
here who were never slaves and are no better off. Ask the churches
to help us to give them the only consolation they can at present
have—a sure and intelligent hope of a better world than this on
the other side—and not expect them, out of their deep poverty,
to pay for their own schooling or preaching just yet.
* * * * *
GEORGIA.
Report of the Committee of the Board of Commissioners to the Atlanta
University, June, 1879.
A large majority of the entire Board attended the examination of the
colored University at Atlanta, which receives an annual donation of
$8,000 from the State. The report of the special committee appointed
to make a suitable minute of the exercises and the condition of the
Institution was unanimously adopted. It is as follows:
TO THE BOARD OF VISITORS:
Gentlemen—The undersigned, your appointees, herewith submit
the following report upon the final examinations of the Atlanta
University, for the school year just closed.
The Board attended these examinations in an almost entire body.
They were promptly and courteously met by President Ware and
his associates, and the examinations proceeded with systematic
regularity. The exercises were designated by neatly printed
programmes, with the time and place of recitation distinctly set
forth.
The examinations were fairly conducted and disclosed the fact that
the most advanced methods of teaching were employed. These methods
were mainly topical, supplemented by appropriate questions, which
evinced that the students had an intelligent comprehension of the
subjects under consideration. We were especially impressed by the
evidences of patient, systematic, untiring training on the part of
the teachers, so well adapted to the colored, or any race, and by the
progressive manner in which a subject was developed. All branches
taught, passed in review before us, and whether the immediate subject
was reading, grammar, history, mathematics, the classics, or other
branches, the means employed and the results attained were entirely
satisfactory. The examinations were entirely oral and the decorum and
order maintained were of a high character.
The cleanliness of the recitation rooms, the preservation of school
property and the gradual improvement of the grounds were marked.
The final exercises at Friendship Church were very creditable to
the institution. The subjects of the speeches and essays were
appropriate, without political bearing, and they were delivered and
read in a becoming manner.
Comparing the examinations with preceding ones, we are satisfied that
the University is steadily on the up-grade, and that it is becoming a
centre of great interest among the colored people.
The religious training of the pupils appeared to be excellent.
The Normal feature of the institution we regard with especial
interest. In no way can education be so rapidly extended, or its
improved methods so effectually multiplied, as by the special
training of teachers. This we believe to be the great educational
want of our State.
We have one suggestion to make, viz: as the oral recitation has
been now so satisfactorily developed, would it not be beneficial
to introduce some written examination work in the higher classes,
as affording a better comparative test, and as advancing the
examinations fully up to the modern standard?
It is your committee’s opinion, based upon the foregoing, that
the State has acted wisely in her appropriation to the Atlanta
University, and that a continuance of it is to her best interests.
Respectfully submitted,
H. C. MITCHELL,
Chairman Special Committee.
T. G. POND, C. M. NEAL.
* * * * *
On motion the above report was ordered to be submitted to the Governor.
H. H. JONES,
Chairman of General Board.
J. T. WHITE, C. M. NEAL.
* * * * *
ALABAMA.
Why He Likes It.
REV. H. S. DEFORREST, TALLADEGA.
A minister recently called to one of our schools in the South, gives
these reasons for liking his place.
1st. I am needed. This is a great work and the workmen are few. It
is not at all here as it used to be, and perhaps now is, in Boston
on a Saturday morning, scores of men standing with carpet-bag in
hand, waiting for a chance to preach, and many waiting in vain. We
have here more of field than we can occupy. On all sides comes up the
Macedonian-African cry, “come over and help us.” I am often weary on
Saturday and poorly enough prepared for Sunday, but am spared the
anguish of not knowing where to go or what to do. Besides, there is so
much of self-denial in the work that there are probably not a great
many thinking that, if I should die or leave, there would be a vacancy,
and if there should be a vacancy they would like to fill it. Not many
are interested in my will; few would care for my shoes,—I hope to wear
them myself and wear them here. For,
2nd. There is here a grand, perhaps unsurpassed opportunity for
influencing men. I am not only a Home Missionary, but also a Foreign
Missionary to Africa, and that last with special facilities. I am
master of the language, and do not work at the disadvantage of a
half-learned and half-murdered tongue. Neither is there any prejudice
against me as a Foreigner because of my brogue, or my dress or my
habits. Without the honors of a Foreign Missionary, I am also without
many of his disadvantages, and my national and Yankee peculiarities,
which might hinder across the sea, help on this side of the Atlantic.
This is indeed a missionary field, but operated with special
facilities. It is a double missionary field. For,
3d. The most pressing work in our own country is here. As surely as in
1861 our national peril is largely in the South. Ignorance is dense;
immorality is rampant: lawlessness is wide-spread, while intelligence,
morality and obedience to law form the only basis for such a government
as ours. To save our country, we must save the South; to save the
South, we must save the Southerners, and there are no Southerners
more hopeful and more deserving than the late slaves. They are down
but their faces are upward. Give them a hand and they will take it,
especially if it be a “Yankee hand,” and a little lifting develops a
good deal of spring in themselves. Thus it is that Patriotism as well
as Humanity and Christianity keep me here, and no campaigning in our
recent war seemed more a duty of loyalty than that in which I am now
engaged. I am glad to be in the ranks and to still wear the blue. But,
4th. Looking beyond our broad land, I hope, standing here, to reach
some portion of the “Dark Continent.” I regard this as a good _pou
sto_ for moving Africa. Our students, more than those who have been
life-long readers, use their memories. They are more impressible than
the young of some other stock. They have a strong desire, as they are
helped, to help others. Apparently the great missionary movement of
the next few years is to be in Africa. The call is already heard for
men. Some of these men are here, and the impressions now made, the
very words we now speak, may yet be felt and heard in lands whence the
fathers of these men were stolen, and in the jungles which the white
man may well fear to tread.
5th. Besides, there are some special rewards in this work. If we
have the white man’s contumely, we have the black man’s love. A more
grateful and appreciative people than some of these, fresh from the
prison-house of bondage but now rejoicing in a double freedom, I have
never seen. Seldom is a pastor more fervently and affectionately
prayed for than are some of us here. And I suspect as the Lord
judges souls—He seeth not as man seeth—we have our companionship
chiefly with the foremost of this part of the Land. These and similar
considerations have led me to think that this College stands somewhere
on Mt. Pisgah. Certainly just now I would rather be here than in any
other part of the Universe of God. Tell our friends at the North that
we do not need their sympathy but we do need their help. With more of
means we could greatly multiply our labors and their results. Let those
at the rear at least send on supplies, and more abundantly.
* * * * *
Is the Work in Vain?—Building Progress—A Missionary Spirit.
REV. HORACE J. TAYLOR, ATHENS.
Sometimes one is tempted to say that the work here is in vain. We
know, for instance, that a great deal has been done during the last
fifteen years by the Principal of Trinity School, and yet one can see
that the work is by no means finished. Have not some people at the
North been thinking that, after fifteen years of good work among the
colored people of the South, the A.M.A. ought to be about leaving the
field here for some other? Some here say to me, it will be a work
of centuries to bring up this people; others, that the colored race
never will be fit for anything but farm laborers; they must be hewers
of wood and drawers of water. Some people in Ohio think the religion
of the colored man in the South is a “pure and undefiled” religion.
Some people here think there is no use in trying to give the colored
man a pure system of religion. “They get together and shout and carry
on, and that is all they are fitted for.” “Their religion is impure
and defiled, and they cannot appreciate a pure religion.” So say the
enemies of the colored race. Well, this is partly true; too true. The
colored man has emotion, and his late masters were too often content
with that “religion” in the slave. As slaves they were allowed to
preach and steal and commit adultery, and all together, too.
When we think of the pit from which they have been lifted, and of their
ancestry—only a few generations ago heathen all of them, cannibals
some of them—can we think that the results are less than we might
expect? A great deal has been done here, and there is a great deal to
show for it. Some might think there was not much to be seen of good
results. A church of forty-four members—three less than two years ago,
five less than one year ago—some weak ones, the church as well as the
school still pecuniarily dependent on the A.M.A., they will not be
ready to cut loose from the fostering care of the Association for some
years yet.
Christ said that the kingdom of heaven was like a grain of mustard
seed, or like a little leaven. These churches and schools act like
leaven in a mass of ignorance. And this leaven works. And it is because
of this leavening power of the Gospel that we are encouraged. The whole
will be leavened in time. But time is necessary. The Congregational
churches have undertaken a mighty work, and they must patiently stick
to it for years yet. Much as can be seen of the results of the work
here, more than half of it cannot be easily seen. Other churches have
been enlightened and helped. Even those who try to keep out the light
can’t prevent some of it getting through the chinks.
You will want to know about the work for the new school building. If
we had had the least idea that we must work five months with less than
one hundred dollars in money, we never would have undertaken the job.
We hoped a fair share of the subscriptions would be paid in cash. One
or two had themselves to buy the moulds for making the bricks, and the
shovels to dig with, and the cord to line the ground with. We had no
boards to cover the bricks, so, instead of kilning the bricks as they
were made, they were piled in an old log house. Many were broken in
this way. Then they were moved when we had boards to cover the kiln;
and many more were broken. And from the 1st of August—we didn’t begin
to prepare the ground till July 17th—till November we had heavy and
frequent rains. The papers said such a season had not been known for
many years. We were hindered in our work, and lost bricks from the
rains. But we have over a hundred thousand bricks, and a total expense
of one hundred and fifty dollars. If the workers next summer can have
the money, as we hope, they will not work to such disadvantage, for
they will have boards on hand, and can kiln the bricks as they make
them, and have tools. The building will be finished, but it takes more
time than we at first thought. Such a school-house was not necessary
fifteen years ago. Our neat church building, and the necessity for a
substantial school building, are proofs of the great work done here
by Miss Wells. I enjoy this work, and have become attached to the
people. But it is too nice a place for me. I never expected to preach
from a carpeted platform. I must go far hence to more destitute places
beyond—to the islands of the sea. But the work is one. Whether in
Alabama or Micronesia, under the A.M.A. or the A.B.C.F.M., we are
working for one Lord, to establish the kingdom of Christ on earth. We
can but praise Him that He calls us to work in any corner of His wide
vineyard.
* * * * *
MISSISSIPPI.
Sunday-Schools—Student-Conversions—Crowded Rooms.
MRS. G. STANLEY POPE, TOUGALOO.
The year thus far has been most pleasant and profitable. During the
fall term we had an unusually large number of students who entered into
study with faithfulness and energy.
Many who had been teaching during the summer, gave most interesting
reports of their work. The Sunday-school and temperance work had been
vigorously pushed with excellent results; one of which is over thirteen
hundred signers to the temperance pledge. Some conversions in their
Sunday-schools were also reported; and quite often now some one speaks
in our prayer-meeting of receiving a letter from a pupil asking for
prayers that he may become a Christian.
Just at the close of the fall term we were visited with a remarkable
outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Our good Dr. Roy had been here, and a
sermon which he preached left impressions which brought some to decide
for Christ. And then the Sunday-school lessons. I remember watching the
young people during the closing exercises of Sunday-school the Sabbath
before Christmas, and I saw that there was deep feeling, and felt sure
that there were some who would not long resist the Spirit, and during
the next three days there were nineteen conversions.
Three or four others have since then found Christ. There is also a
marked Christian growth and a growing interest in the study of the
Bible. Our hearts are greatly encouraged, and we go forward rejoicing
that we are permitted to work for Christ. Truly “The Lord hath done
great things for us whereof we are glad.”
At present we have one hundred and four boarders, with the prospect of
more soon. Every room is occupied, and we are crowded to what seems
the utmost limit of our accommodations. What we shall do with those
yet to come, is a problem which neither mathematics nor the laws of
expansion have solved. Shall they hang up in the trees or bivouac under
them? We want to put an addition to the “barracks,” but have not the
means necessary. Dear friends at the North, shall we turn these young
people away? What is your answer? We hope that by a year from now, a
good substantial building will be at least in process of erection, that
shall do away with some of the temporary accommodations we now have.
* * * * *
TENNESSEE.
School Work and Week of Prayer.
E. A. H., MEMPHIS.
Next week will, I believe, close my second month’s work here. I find
the work very pleasant, and am enjoying it greatly, though I think I am
working harder than I have ever worked in a school before. The school
has filled up very rapidly since the holidays. My room is full to
overflowing, and I have been obliged to seat a few of my pupils in the
Normal room. That room and the Primary are also quite full. Of course,
these additions to the school have made the work of the teachers
much harder. Besides my work with my own pupils, I am having some
practice work done. Four students from the Senior Class of the Normal
Department, are engaged for a short time each day in teaching in my
department, and under my supervision. This corps of teachers is changed
once in two weeks, thus giving each pupil in that class a chance to
work. I also meet the Senior Class three times a week, for talks with
them on school and class work, taking up the objects to be gained by
recitations and the best methods used. I think I can see already that
this work is doing good, and I hope that it may prove of great value to
the pupils.
We have been observing the week of prayer in the school, by fifteen
minute prayer meetings, directly after school. At first, these were
held in a recitation room, but Thursday evening the meeting had grown
so large that it was held in the Intermediate room, and Friday evening
in the Assembly room. A good deal of interest has been shown, and a
number have expressed a desire for the prayers of Christians. We hope
that the interest may deepen and much good be done.
* * * * *
TEXAS.
Two Hours’ Work by a Student-Canvasser.
The following letter, with enclosure of $3.50 and fourteen names for
the MISSIONARY for six months, will not only explain itself, but may
furnish a suggestive example to many.
DEAR FRIENDS: Of course you will be curious to know how it happened
that some persons in this place—Marshall, Texas—suddenly conclude
to read the AMERICAN MISSIONARY, consequently I send you these words
of explanation. I am indebted to your schools for all the education I
possess. I attended Straight University five months—from January to
June, 1874; then beautiful Fisk University nearly nine months—from
September to May, 1879, entering college regularly with the class.
Commencement over, I set out for Texas, earnestly desiring to secure
means to go through with; but, owing to bad health and the want of
proper precaution, I failed. I was unwilling to return immediately to
Fisk University empty-handed, to give my teachers additional concern
about my welfare, and, as I am firmly resolved to complete the course,
everything to the contrary notwithstanding, something had to be done.
Hence I decided to remain in Texas a few months longer, giving my
wife, who is at Nashville, the choice of remaining there or joining
me here, until the difficulty is past. I could get no paying work
right away, having walked upwards of two hundred miles and spent three
weeks of valuable time in the search. Finally, weary, foot-worn and
exhausted, I fell under the effects of intermittent fever—indeed, I
was in trouble. Nothing remained, then, but to be idle two months or
more, at the expiration of which I could begin to teach, in accordance
with a contract that I then held. In the meantime my class would be
making progress; this thought, believe me, gave me as much concern as
my ill-health. I carried the subject to the Lord in prayer and became
reconciled. I reached Marshall, on the 22d instant. I plainly stated
my case to the teachers of this Institution. They seemed to sympathize
with me, and on the following morning assigned me work. Thus, you see,
I am doing something, though it may be very little.
I heard an interesting discourse Sabbath evening from I. Corinthians
xv., 58. The preacher proved clearly to my mind that Christians ought
to be zealous of good works for the churches to which they belong.
He proved, too, that all could do something. The whole furnished me
excellent food for reflection. I began to figure out how much we
colored people in the South could advance your glorious work if we
only had the zeal. I found, indeed, that we are neglecting a very
important service; so I resolved, not having anything else in view,
to secure some subscribers to the AMERICAN MISSIONARY, and within two
hours yesterday I begged fourteen persons to put down their names. Now,
suppose each one of your students in the South should do even that
much, is it not plain that you would soon have a large constituency
here as well as in New England? Such service alone would increase your
subscription-list by many thousands, and add largely to your income, as
well as disseminate, as should be, a wide knowledge of your work. Let,
then, every one, put his hand to the wheel, for all can do something.
Believe me, I am heartily ashamed of myself, now that I can see what
an excellent opportunity of doing great good I have lost by not doing
the lesser. I have lived, more or less, in no fewer than twenty towns,
and I have taught in at least fifteen different schools since I first
left one of your schools, at any one of which I ought to have raised at
least as many subscribers to the AMERICAN MISSIONARY as I have here. I
have been a Christian for several years, but unfortunately one of that
class who are afraid to “stand up for Jesus.” I am feeling differently
now, consequently am likely to fly to the other extreme. Should any
little work, then, suggest itself to you, such as you may regard me
capable of performing, why be assured that a willing servant is at
hand. It is to be very much regretted that, since I have to remain
here, I could not be with the teachers at Tillotson College; still
those who can work will work anywhere.
Very sincerely,
H. C. G.
* * * * *
THE INDIANS.
* * * * *
AN INDIAN BOY’S LETTER.
DEAR FRIEND: I was born in Grand Island, Neb. in the 15 day of
November. My mother was married by a white man, and used to live in
Grand Island, and my father was scouting with the Pawnees, and once it
rain very hard and he got lightling struck and died; I did not know
him, I never seen him, my mother tells me about him. When he died, my
mother went back to her home, and lived with her brother, who lived
like a white man. In 1869 I went on a hunting bufflos with the Pawnees
and Puncas. We went on about three days; they found some bufflos, so
all the men got their best horses and fixed them up, and then took
their bows and arrows and guns. They went all around them, and then
they just run their horses to see who’ill get there first, one man
would kill two or three, sometimes four and eight, and they skin them,
and take them home, skin and all. The skins is used for mocassins and
men legends (leggings). Once I went swimming while the men went after
bufflos, while I was in the water I seen a bufllo coming where I was,
frightened me to, I had to climbed upon a tree. It was mad, and some
men were after him; and had some arrows in him. They killed it, and
then I got down, and I seen them skin it. We had lots bufflo meat; we
camp the same place, the Indians were drying their meat, so it will
less (last) long. After while we went on again, we went on till sun
was sat. Next morning they seen some more bufflos; they killed many
more; they had to stay there till their meat was dry. We stayed there
and then the Indian women got their work things and work on with their
skins. They finished them and had lots meat and skins. We return home
again.
I just eat dry meat all the time. No town near to buy some bread nor
sugar. I used to be hungry for bread. I used to cry for bread. My
stepfather had to take me where their was some Pawnees, that did not go
on hunting. We got there. I had all the bread I want. I was glad then.
The next day we went on and got to a town; and got in the cars, and
went on; we got to another town; we get out and went to my home, and
then they sent me to school. I went to school four months. I went home
again.
After while some of the Pawnees ran away from their homes, went to
Indian Territory and stayed there for couple years, had nice time and
had many ponies, then one went back home and told them it was very
nice down the Territory, and it made part of the Chiefs think it would
be nice to go down there. They used to have a counsil all day, and
had a counsil one year. One Chief did not want to go down there; that
was Lone Chief, because he liked that place, because the Pawnees were
civilized when they were up there. They commencing putting up their
houses, and farming. They went down there. I went down with them. When
I was there, I used to work on my farm. I have got a farm my own. I use
to go to school in winter. I had been wanting to go to school somewhere
else. I am very glad they took me to Hampton School. I think my friends
will help me all they can. I want to learn all I can at Hampton School
and stay here till four or five years, my mother was willing for me to
go to school and be among the white people, and when I went to Indian
Territory, and I went to the day school one year, and the next year I
went to the Boarding School. I never use to talk English one year ago,
but the Agent at my home, keep me at his office where there was many
white men were writing. They use to talk to me all the time in English,
and then I learn how, and then I use to interpret for the Agent.