the purchase chase of a steamer, of the best make and capacity, every
way suitable for the purpose, and its conveyance and launch on the
river at Stanley Pool, and three thousand pounds to be carefully
invested, the interest only to be used for the perpetual maintenance
of such steamer on the Congo and its affluents, until Christ and his
salvation shall be known all along the Congo from Stanley Pool to the
first cataract of the equatorial cataracts of the Congo—beyond the
mouths of the Armvimi and Mbura Rivers.”
* * * * *
—The Uganda envoys from King Mtesa’s court sailed on the 22d of June
for Aden, whence they will take the British-Indian steamer to Zanzibar;
the closing of the Nile route making it necessary for them to return by
way of the East coast. Mr. Felkin, whose health will not admit of his
going back to Uganda, accompanies them to Zanzibar and will return to
England. They will be conducted to their home by Mr. Stokes, who is on
the coast making the necessary preparations for the journey. They carry
back valuable gifts, have seen much of England’s civilization and the
fruits of her religion, and it is not unreasonable to expect that the
future of their country will be greatly influenced by this visit of her
intelligent chiefs.
* * * * *
ITEMS FROM THE FIELD.
FISK UNIVERSITY.—The following statistics relating to the religious
condition of the University were read at a meeting, held on the day
of prayer for colleges: In Model School—Number of Christians, 35; not
Christians, 56; total, 91; percentage, 38.4. Normal School—Number of
Christians, 61; not Christians, 55; total, 116; percentage, 52.5.
Collegiate Department—Number of Christians, 77; not Christians, 9;
total, 86; percentage 89.5. Total number in school, 293; number of
Christians, 194; percentage, 59. This meeting occurred in the midst of,
and was followed by, great religious interest, which greatly reduced
the percentage of non-religious students.
* * * * *
TOUGALOO, MISS.—A young woman, who has been teaching, writes to Mr.
Miner, of Tougaloo, a letter which, although intended for no eye but
his, we think ought to be seen by others. She is explaining why she has
not returned to school: “I have had bad luck again in collecting what
is due me from the people. They all promised to pay me by the first
Saturday of the month, but they did not; so I am left with but little
money for going to school.
“Mr. M. I am very sorry! Sorry and hurt to my very heart, to think how
I have longed to go to school and learn something, and now I am not
able to do so and pay for my own board. Probably I could do so, but
I have a poor afflicted mother to help, and six younger brothers and
sisters and an orphan cousin; all of them I must help. I am 23 years
old to-day, and I have craved to go to school ever since I was seven
years old, which is sixteen years I have craved for it; and all the
time I have gone, after all, is not more than one year and five or
eight months. And now I am almost discouraged of ever going to school
like I want to go, that is, to bear my own expense.”
* * * * *
MILLER’S STATION, GA.—Rev. J. R. McLean, after an absence of seven
years, has taken a vacation trip to his old home in McLeansville,
N. C. He reports a good work at that point by Rev. A. Connet, the
examinations and closing exercises of whose school he attended. Among
many changes noted, he says: “Perhaps the greatest is in some of the
plantations. Where once there were from 50 to 100 slaves and from 30
to 40 horses and mules, with large barns, granaries and many cabins,
desolation now reigns. One cause of this is the low wages paid for
labor (for men, $6.50 or $7 per month; for women, $3), which causes the
young men to leave home and work in the tobacco factories. These are
schools of vice, as are all places in which young men congregate free
from restraint; and the money earned is speedily spent in forming evil
habits. In looking over these desolated plantations, I could but be
reminded of the prophecy of Jeremiah iv., 27, and Isaiah v., 9-25. As
I talked of these things with the only one left of those who formerly
ruled over my home and people, it seemed as if the frown of God was
resting upon these old homes. May God speed the day when men of all
races shall love Him as a common father, and each other us brethren.”
* * * * *
ANNISTON, ALA.—The Iron Company whose furnaces are at this place, which
is about to erect also a woolen mill, is doing much to improve the
condition of the colored people. The neat church edifice and parsonage,
occupied by the Rev. P. J. McEntosh, were largely built by this Company.
The parish school taught by the pastor, assisted by Miss R. Cruikshank,
a graduate of Talladega, closed on the 30th of June a successful term.
Miss C. was able to add music to the list of studies, to the great
advantage of both school and church. In this she was much aided by the
valuable gift of an organ from Mr. Robert Cushman, of Pawtucket, R. I.
The need of women missionaries and teachers, to visit and labor in the
homes of the colored people, is deeply felt and strongly urged by the
pastor.
* * * * *
THE FREEDMEN.
REV. JOS. E. ROY, D. D.,
FIELD SUPERINTENDENT, ATLANTA, GA.
* * * * *
A JULY VACATION.
“Once at Clifton Springs, always there.” That is the proverb. Well, why
not? Dr. Cuyler boasts of his thirty years at Saratoga Springs; and he
has been a tolerably healthy man, able to do some work in preaching and
writing for the newspapers. Multitudes of other people go to the same
place year after year for rest and recuperation; and so do many find it
to their inclination and profit to come to these springs, season after
season. The make-up of Dr. Foster’s Sanitarium develops a peculiar home
feeling. The judicious medical treatment, if needed, is an attraction.
The water, with, its sulphates of lime and magnesia and soda, has in
many cases a remedial quality. I think that within the time I get more
of revivification here than I could get anywhere else, and so I am now
on my fourth summer at Clifton.
Nor can I refrain from saying that I find a peculiar pleasure in coming
back to this place, where, during two years of enforced respite from
labor, God was preparing my mind for the transition in His life-plan
for me, by which I was to be taken from my own dear West and set to
doing much the same work at the South, which I have already learned
to love. Here I told the Lord that if He would only let me up so that
I could again preach the Gospel of His dear Son, I would go anywhere,
even to the ends of the earth. But I may as well confess that when He
took me at my word and pointed out the field, it did cost a struggle,
a night without sleep. Up North to have been a good friend of the
slave was one thing; to go down and put one’s self by the side of the
depressed ex-bondsman, to take chances with him, to try to lift him
up, that was another. Now I bless God for the joy of the work. It
is a missionary service without the labor of acquiring and using a
strange language. It is in some sense the work of a foreign missionary
without going from under the flag of my own country. I feel unworthy
of the gratitude of these people, of whom the Master speaks as “these
my brethren.” These two years I have gone everywhere from Virginia to
Texas, without receiving one word or act of discourtesy, but with many
tokens of approbation, from my white fellow-citizens.
I find this also a good stand-point from which to look back upon my
field, to review the work of the year gone by, to devise for the
next, and also to catch the inspiration of Northern interest in this
work. Here are Christian and patriotic people from all parts of our
country and from all branches of the Church of Christ. A single address
before them in the chapel, in behalf of Christian education among the
Freedmen, elicits a gratifying expression of sympathy, and imparts an
impulse to the cause through several denominational lines.
In the review, this seems yet the exigent work of the time. It is not
the caring for one, two or three new Territories or States at a time,
but for five millions of people scattered over fifteen States, who are
needing, all at once, the helping hand. This going back and forth makes
one realize that this is all one country, with one language, with one
history, with one Christian religion, with one interblended destiny;
that the comfort of the whole body must depend upon the welfare of
every member; and that so our common patriotism requires the uplifting
of these lowly poor. This glance back over the field brings immense
encouragement as to the results of this evangelizing process; brings
assurance that, if it is only prosecuted with vigor, there need be no
fear as to the outcome of the great act of emancipation; and brings
evidence of cheerfulness and happiness among the hundreds of workers,
Northern and native, male and female.
As my eye takes its usual course and sweeps around the coast from the
point where the old Mason & Dixon’s line struck the Atlantic to the
boundary of Mexico, all the way it brings up colleges and professional
departments, and normal institutes and high schools, which, under the
management of this Association, are sources of light, fountains of
blessing. It brings up the hundreds upon hundreds of primary schools,
in which, during the last year, the native teachers of our own training
were instructing their one hundred and fifty thousand pupils. It brings
up the seventy churches of the primitive faith, which are the outgrowth
of that educational scheme, and which as to their influence for good,
by their character are multiplying their number many times. It brings
up the multitudes of youth in those higher schools, who are ambitiously
taking on a Christian cultivation that they may use it for the good
of their people. It brings up those Christian congregations so hungry
for the word of God, so anxious for the best things in church-life. It
brings up, too, those masses, beset with ignorance and superstition and
unthrift, who need to be rallied by some worthy aspiration. And then
it turns with all hope to that corps of men and women, who, under God,
have wrought such great things already, whose excelling in the passive
virtues has commanded respect, and made it so comfortable for those of
us who come to join them now, and whose service for the Republic and
the Kingdom makes them high benefactors in our time and land.
Clifton Springs, N. Y.
* * * * *
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
Lincoln Mission.
REV. S. P. SMITH, WASHINGTON.
One of the most beautiful sights on the streets of Washington, on the
5th of July morning, was the colored Sunday-schools coming out from
different churches, going to Howard Park, Vaness Garden and other
places to pass the day. The little ones seemed to be in a delirium of
happiness while marching on the street, keeping step with the music, as
their banners floated in the air.
But we felt very sad to think that our poor children at the Lincoln
Mission did not have this privilege. They could not go because we have
not enough teachers now to look after them. All the teachers who taught
here during the winter, left on the thirteenth of June and will not
be back until September. Some thought that it would be well to close
the school during the summer; but others thought that we had better
continue it, if we could have only five teachers and fifty scholars. We
do not expect to have so many scholars in the summer as in the winter;
but what we lose in quantity we hope to gain in quality. Moreover, to
keep up the school through the summer, will aid us in our church-work.
It has been said that this school cannot be carried on successfully
here in the summer, for it has been tried and uniform failure has been
the result. But if the Lord be with us we shall endeavor to carry
on the work; if we fail, it will be no more than what has been done
already.
One of our greatest difficulties is to secure teachers; we have tried
very hard to get some from among the colored people, but have few as
yet.
We are very grateful to those who have come from the Colored
Presbyterian Church in the city to help us. But we feel especially
thankful to Mr. J. W. Cromwell, editor of _The People’s Advocate_, a
colored newspaper, published in the city. He holds a high position in
one of the Government departments here, but this does not make him
forgetful of the children of his humbler brethren. He is found every
Sunday afternoon at the Lincoln Mission (unless called away from the
city) teaching the youth some truth from the Bible.
Indeed, he manifests such zeal in our work that we cannot but believe
him to be one of our warmest friends. He is our example for all
educated colored young men.
* * * * *
ALABAMA.
Florence and Her People.
REV. GEORGE W. MOORE.
Florence is one of the prettiest towns in Northern Alabama. The climate
is fine, the water good, and the scenery picturesque. It stands upon
the banks of the majestic Tennessee, which is fast being opened to
navigation; boats now come here from the Ohio and Mississippi rivers,
and it is intended to open its channel so that it shall be navigable as
far as Chattanooga.
This is a land of abundant foliage, and one cannot but be attracted
by the beautiful gardens of flowers and groves of cedar. To those
seeking rest, or health, the springs of various kinds of water and the
wholesome food are especially welcome.
Good air, pure water and magnificent scenery, ought to have a good
influence upon its people, and it may truthfully be said that Florence
furnishes a good example to our race; her people are healthy, cheerful
and hospitable. Some of them have nice homes, and there seems to be a
disposition in all to improve their condition. To this end, they have
societies, schools and churches, and, last but not least, they work.
One of the additions to the town is a beautiful Congregational edifice,
which is a little gem, and the people, irrespective of race, say that
it is an ornament to the city; but, best of all, it is paid for.
The A. M. E. and Baptist denominations have large and prosperous
churches. The Sunday-schools of all the churches are well attended and
in a flourishing condition.
The educational work of the county is in full blast; the whites have
good seminaries and normal schools and our people have good common
schools. The school at Florence, under the management of Mr. Y. A.
Wallace, is a centre of quite a number of schools taught by students of
the Baptist Institute, Central Tennessee College and Fisk University.
The great need of the place and demand of the colored people, is a good
Normal school. These common schools would become feeders of this Normal
school, and thus meet a great need of the county and do much good for
the State.
Another mark of progress may be seen in the effort some have made, and
are making, to get farms. I am told that some of our people in this
county have farms containing from ten to three hundred acres. The crops
are unusually good this year. If we have rain soon we shall have fine
crops of corn and cotton.
With the church to Christianize, and the school to educate the people,
and the plow to cultivate the soil, the county of Lauderdale may well
be considered a power for good.
* * * * *
LOUISIANA.
Lady-Missionary’s Letter.
[Without designating either the lady or her field, we give a letter
from a missionary among the Freedmen in a Southern city. These devoted
women, for whom there is a vast work, under many discouragements and
difficulties are carrying the Gospel of sympathy and comfort into the
lonely cabins in the South, and helping in many ways our larger and
more fundamental work. It would be a great mistake to withdraw needed
funds from our teaching, and give them to the visiting missionary, but
it would be a great loss in many ways, not to multiply the number of
those whose mission is to visit the mothers in their homes, carrying
the Gospel of cleanliness and thrift, and a knowledge of wifely
and motherly ways, to those who are to shape so largely the next
generation.—ED. MISSIONARY.]
I must tell you of my experience last Sabbath in the “House of
Refuge.” At 3 P. M. I took a car up the long, beautiful,
white shell-road—through “St. Patrick’s Cemetery”—to the Institute
buildings, expecting there to meet our superintendent and teachers. For
some reason they were detained, so I had to proceed, though trembling
and alone. The position can be appreciated only by those acquainted
with the history and training of these poor children. During the school
hours, for our benefit, boys were screaming, dogs snarling just outside
the doors, pupils called out, and once the whole school utterly refused
to sing the hymns so pleasing to them.
This made me afraid of what might occur to-day; but the service must
not be given up, though the door was locked and the “key lost”—the bell
overturned, and no official to be seen about the grounds. Trusting,
however, for guidance, I followed one of the boys through the yard and
work-house to the little chapel, where all had been to mass in the
morning. Thirty or forty were awaiting our arrival, and I am sure the
Lord helped me, for that wild, uproarious group, through the hour,
remained quiet and gentle, while I had no difficulty in interesting
them.
My Sunday-school class in Central Church is a great joy and help in my
work. Commencing with thirty little ones, the names have increased to
one hundred and twenty. Through these, I find entrance to many homes
otherwise closed to all religious influences.
Nothing is so pleasing to the mother as interest taken in her children,
and many interviews, following these friendly calls, will long be
remembered. Only kindness and welcome do I receive everywhere among
them. I have learned truly to pity these poor mothers, who tell me,
with tears, how hard it is to bring up their children properly in
the midst of all this abounding iniquity. All I can bring under the
influence of the A. M. A. work I deem a great gain.
During the last three days I have visited thirty-four families. Quite a
good number were promised for church and Sunday-school.
One Sabbath I was pleased to see in church three mothers and
ten children whom I had visited during the week. There are many
discouragements attending these efforts, but there are also many
rewards—many bright, happy faces, and many happier homes; many
children learning good, rather than all evil ways; and so the days go
by, while we take courage in the growing work, hoping that the little
seeds, as well as the greater, will take root and grow.
* * * * *
TENNESSEE.
Better Prospects of Memphis—Effect upon School-Work—Value of
Industrial Work—Hopeful Outlook.
REV. A. J. STEELE, MEMPHIS.
In October, 1879, few were hopeful of immediate prosperity for Memphis.
All her interests seemed paralyzed, her best friends discouraged and
even hopeless.
But now, in June, 1880, all is changed, despondency and fear have given
place to the utmost assurance of a great future for the business and
social influences of the city.
The business season just ended has been one of unexampled prosperity in
the history of the city; all classes have been kept busy; and as the
sanitary improvements, including a complete and almost perfect system
of sewerage, and durable street pavements, are pushed forward, little
fear is felt of another visitation of the fever this year.
Our work has seemed to take on new life and vigor, and the year just
closed, though cut short two months by the fever, has been one of
special success in every respect.
Though an unusual number of our students have continued teaching during
the year, our classes have been constantly full, the enrolment being in
advance of last year and the attendance more steady.
In industrial work, such as may be undertaken in a day-school, we
have met with every encouragement and success. The sewing classes,
two each day, have done much in learning to cut garments and in the
various branches of needle-work, knitting, etc. The class of older
girls in nursing and care of the sick has been a feature of interest. A
prominent physician said of the examination which the class passed, “If
your class answered those questions they ought not only to make safe
nurses, but also fair physicians.” We hope another year to have better
facilities for this work, meeting as it does a sad need in colored
homes, and at the same time the most hearty approbation of both colored
and white people.
Our closing exercises were of the usual nature, the Junior classes
having their exhibition for the benefit of the library, and netting
$50 for that purpose. Then followed the public session of the Literary
Society, under the management of its members, and the graduating
exerciser, at which three young men received diplomas. The address
given on this occasion by Judge Pierce was heartily appreciated and
enjoyed by a large audience of both colored and white people. He also
presented the diplomas in a manly, earnest address to the graduates.
The final, and perhaps most significant, meeting of commencement
week was the Alumni, at which about a dozen of the graduates of the
school—nearly all who have been sent out—gathered, with teachers and
a few friends, for a pleasant evening. The refreshments were followed
with the usual orations and speeches, and did much to gain for the
school an earnest working constituency.
We are rejoiced that Mr. B. A. Imes, of Oberlin, accepts the call of
the church here, and hopes to enter upon his work in October. Mr.
Williams, of Talladega, who has supplied the pulpit this year, has done
faithful, earnest work, but his health will not allow him to serve the
church longer than till a regular pastor can be found to relieve him.
Everything, the interest of our students, the appreciation of the
colored people, and the growing sympathy of the best class of the
white people, as indicated in the lecture course given by prominent
gentlemen to the school during the year, and by their aid to the school
in other ways, points to a successful and growing work for the future.
* * * * *
Flower Mission and Care for the Sick.
MISS HATTIE A. MILTON, MEMPHIS.
[The training school for nursing, at Le Moyne Institute, is doing good
work, not simply in giving instruction that will fit the pupils to
become intelligent and efficient nurses when they have gone to their
homes, but in visiting and caring for the sick now. Under instruction
from their teachers, they have done much for the sick among the poor of
the city. Miss Milton tells below of the Flower Mission she started in
the City Hospital.—ED. MISSIONARY.]
Yesterday I asked the girls in the sewing class to bring me flowers for
the sick at the City Hospital. They were very glad of the opportunity
and brought sixty bouquets of our lovely roses and some honey-suckles,
I took them to the Hospital, where I met, by previous appointment, the
lady-missionary among the whites, and assisted her in conducting the
services in the white ward. Then we went to the colored ward, which she
had not been in the habit of visiting, gave each patient a bouquet,
which was very gratefully received, after which we had a short service
consisting of Bible-reading, prayer and singing. We then passed through
all the white wards, giving each inmate a bouquet. We came away leaving
many happy hearts and smiling faces. One old colored man, who was dying
when I gave him the flowers, and passed away shortly after I left, said
to the nurse with his last breath, “Take these three spring-chickens”
(sent to him by a friend from the country) “and give them to the
teacher who gave me the flowers.” The chickens came, and I shall have
an opportunity of making some of the sick ones happy with them. The
girls are very much interested in working for the comfort of the poor
and sick, and have asked permission to go with me on my visits. They
have been making some garments for orphans, in the sewing class, and
have enjoyed the work. They ask me to tell them about the poor and sick
while they are sewing. I trust the Holy Spirit has touched their hearts.
* * * * *
AFRICA.
* * * * *
MENDI MISSION.
MR. NATHANIEL NURSE, GOOD HOPE STATION.