Part 3

The name “University,” when adopted in 1867, signified nothing, save as a prophecy. As such it was adopted. It foretold the capacity of those, for whom the school was especially founded, to advance in education, till they should need the advantages of a full university course. It foretold the willingness of the friends of humanity to furnish these advantages. There is no longer any doubt of the complete fulfillment of the first prophecy, provided the second can be speedily accomplished.

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ITS WORK.

REV. C. W. FRANCIS.

To prepare teachers for the education of the children of more than half a million of poor and illiterate people is, and must remain, the chief work of the school. The ability to read and write is the smallest of the needs of the people, old and young, among whom such teachers are called to labor. They must teach the elements of morals and religion, of social and domestic life, must supply the forces which are to shape and guide the people from serfdom up to an intelligent, Christian citizenship. The course pursued in this school consists essentially in separating the pupils by means of a family school from all old associations and habits, and subjecting them for months and years to a strong and watchful discipline, in surrounding them with the most earnest and aggressive religious influences, in giving them the best mental training and furnishing which the time and facilities will allow, thus to stamp upon them new characteristics, and mould them so that they will represent and teach the best Christian culture and civilization. That they may resist the strong influences pulling them down on every hand, they need to be thoroughly fixed and set in character before leaving school. Such a complete transformation of character and life as is aimed at here, requires time and the constant exercise of the highest skill and patience. It is no ordinary education which is sought, but a special and peculiar training for a high and holy missionary work.

The demand for teachers from this school is continually greater than the supply. In the last catalogue were the names of 214 pupils, and of these, more than 150 are known to have engaged in teaching during the year. In the previous year, out of 240, more than 175 were at work in the same way. And this number includes nearly every person in school whose age and attainments gave him even the smallest fitness for the work. The school term lasts nine months, and there is but one vacation, including the three summer months. It is the practice of the pupils to pass directly from school to their work in teaching, and many have done so for a number of years, without going home or having a rest. They have in day-schools an average attendance of thirty-five or forty; and as most have night-schools, and nearly all organize Sabbath-schools and temperance societies, it is not unreasonable to estimate that more than 10,000 people are every season reached and instructed by the present pupils of this school, while a still larger number are under the instruction of former pupils. They, for the most part, find their own places, collect the pupils, secure a building—either a church, shed or cabin, or, in lack of these, build a log-house or bush-arbor; and so, all through the hot months, the work goes on from year to year. The seed is widely scattered, but it is not lost.

This school bears a very close relation to the special church work of the Association as well as to the general religious welfare of the whole people. A large majority of the pupils become Christians before leaving school, and only one or two have been graduated without giving evidence of Christian character. There has been special religious interest every year in the history of the school. One missionary to Africa and several ministers in active service, caught their inspiration here.

ITS INFLUENCE.

REV. HORACE BUMSTEAD.

The varied and powerful influence of Atlanta University is seldom adequately estimated by the casual reader. Situated almost exactly midway between the Ohio and Mississippi rivers on the one hand, and the Atlantic and Gulf coast on the other, it has an unsurpassed opportunity for reaching the colored people of the South. Over most of this large territory there is no other institution of so high a grade, the nearest neighbors doing a similar work being Fisk and Straight Universities at Nashville and New Orleans respectively. It is especially fortunate in having no sectarian rivals to disturb the harmony with which it is now doing a broad Christian work for all denominations.

The first and most direct influence of the institution is, of course, upon its students. An observing visitor, listening to a recitation, or attending any gathering of the students, can, without much difficulty, distinguish the recent comers from the older pupils. In modes of thought and expression, and in the general bearing, the contrast is usually quite marked. These, however, are only superficial indications of the deeper change that is commonly wrought in the entire character. Frivolity is toned down, carelessness corrected, punctuality secured, a respect for the rugged virtues as well as the amenities of life stimulated, and, in many cases, a sober and abiding religious earnestness developed.

The influence of the institution thus imparted to its students, is next felt by the thousands of younger scholars whom the students gather into their schools. So, too, the Sunday-schools and Churches with which they are connected, and the entire communities in which they move, receive a quickening impulse from their presence. “There are three of us in that Sunday-school, _all with the University ideas_,” was the significant remark of a graduate now teaching in a large Southern city.

Finally, the influence of Atlanta University upon the Southern white people themselves has been a marked one. They have repeatedly and handsomely acknowledged that the success of its instruction has convinced them that the colored race can receive a high degree of culture. The demonstration of this fact has an important bearing upon the whole subject of public education. Not only the colored people, but the white people of all classes, especially the poorer classes, will receive great benefit from the quickening of public sentiment, produced by the success of this institution. The last official report on Atlanta University, by the Board of Visitors appointed by the Governor, contains an emphatic recognition of its very great influence, present and prospective. These are some of the sentences from that report: “The Board are constrained to say that the mental training was very satisfactory.” “No school in Georgia ever had such a field, and its social as well as political power may become immense.” “The pupils of that school will be the moulders of their race in the State,” etc., etc. These are the statements of influential white men in Georgia. Do the people of the North realize how true they are?

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Devotion to Study—Conversions to Christ.

REV. M. O. HARRINGTON, MACON.

Many cases of interest come to notice in connection with our school, showing the eager thirst for knowledge which these colored people have. One incident to-day illustrates this. A young man, twenty-two years of age, who has been connected with the school for a few weeks, was obliged to go home a few days since, to attend to matters of business. So anxious was he not to lose his position in his class, that he started at 2.15 in the morning and walked about forty miles, reaching Macon at 5 P.M. and this in the severest N. E. rain-storm of the season. It makes our hearts sad to know of many who would gladly come to our school, but cannot find boarding places in town.

The young man mentioned above has since found Christ to be his Saviour. Rejoice with us! God is visiting us with His Spirit. The Church is quickened to newness of life, and sinners are converted. We observed the Week of Prayer; have continued the meetings every night this week. Some of our strongest and best young men were the first to start in the new life. All is quiet, but deep and earnest.

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ALABAMA.

Breaking Ground for the New Emerson Institute Building.

PROF. T. N. CHASE.

On the 26th of December, ground was broken for the new Emerson Institute building at Mobile, with appropriate services. A portion of Scripture was read, and brief addresses were made by Rev. Mr. Ash, pastor of the Congregational Church; Rev. Mr. Owens, Baptist; Rev. Mr. Taylor, Methodist; Mr. Koons, principal of the school; and Prof. Chase, of Atlanta University. Led by Miss Stevenson, Miss Lord, a former teacher, and Miss Sawyer, of Talladega College, the pupils of the school sang “Hold the Fort,” “Thank God for our Country,” “Labor On,” etc., and Rev. Mr. Davis led in prayer.

In the remarks, Mr. Ash spoke of education in its relation to the individual, to society, to government, and to the Church. Mr. Owens said that ignorance was our greatest enemy, and that the building which was to be erected might be regarded as a fort, from which guns were to be aimed at this inveterate foe, and exhorted the people to sustain the teachers who were leading them in their intellectual and moral warfare. Mr. Koons made a few statements concerning the school, saying that its aim was not to advance the interests of any political party or religious sect, but to develop character and cultivate the minds and hearts of the people. Mr. Taylor said he had been taught that the negro could not be educated—that his brains lay in his heels, etc.; but he was glad to see proof to the contrary in the speeches that had just been made by Mr. Ash and Mr. Owens. Mr. Chase alluded to the burning of the old Institute, the causes of delay in rebuilding, the fact that the school was needed now, and the probability that it always would be.

At the conclusion of these addresses, the old men, headed by Mr. Taylor, claimed the privilege of removing the first earth; others followed, without regard to age, color, sex or sect.

The new lot is more accessible to the colored population than the old one. It is known as Holley’s Garden, and has been a favorite resort for picnic parties. On account of the great depreciation in real-estate, the property, containing over two acres, and having on it a house that will serve as a home for the teachers and accommodate a few girls as boarders, and covered with nearly a hundred large shade trees, mostly live-oak, has been purchased for the small sum of $2,800.

The new building is to be sixty-four feet long and fifty-four in greatest width, and will accommodate 250 pupils, under five teachers. Many of the bricks from the old building can be used, since they were not injured by an excess of water at the time of the fire.

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TENNESSEE.

A Debt Extinguisher—The Happiest Girl in the Land.

REV. TEMPLE CUTLER, CHATTANOOGA.

On my return from the campaign in New England, I found the church in a much better condition than I feared it might be. Except in the falling off in the weekly offering, I could see no change. They had been ministered to regularly on Sunday evenings, during my absence, by Rev. J. C. Irwin, the pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church.

I was glad to find that a good degree of enthusiasm had been awakened among them to assist in paying the debt of the A. M. A. The Church had held a fair during my absence, at which they realized about $20, which they had forwarded to you. The Band of Hope had sent about the same amount. Then the band decided to celebrate the anniversary of their freedom on the first of January—Emancipation-Day—with a festival, the proceeds of which should be appropriated to the debt. All the colored people, without regard to church connection, were invited to be present and contribute to this object. It was quite a success. The exercises consisted of speaking, essays and songs, and were very creditable to the performers. The singing was from the Hampton Cabin Songs, some of which were new to this section. Among the speeches was one on the emancipation of the blacks, another on the work of the A. M. A. in the South, which were well delivered. One essay was on a contrast between the slave and the freeman. Dr. Lawrence and wife, who were here on a lecturing tour on temperance, were present. The doctor made a short address, full of wit and good counsel. The evening closed with a social entertainment. The proceeds, I think, were about $30, which you have probably received ere this.

The hearty interest manifested by all the colored people in the payment of your debt is encouraging. If the wealthier people would do as much in proportion as these poor people do, your debt would not long be a burden. The Sabbath-school has caught the fever, and, last Sunday, the proposition was made to send you all the money in the treasury (about $15); but, on further consideration, it was thought best to wait until we see how we shall pay for our lesson papers. You will probably get the $15, however. I hear from other Churches that a similar effort is being made among them.

In addition to this, I am happy to say that the Week of Prayer was observed, the meetings well attended, and the spirit of the meetings excellent. Prayers were made for husbands and children that are already answered, in a conviction on the part of those prayed for that they must give attention to the things they hear.

One of our most promising girls, who went to Tougaloo, Miss., a few weeks ago, writes me that she has found the Saviour, and is so happy. Let me mention another fact that has interested us here in our home exceedingly. One of our girls has been very anxious to get an education. Just before I went North, she asked me to see if I could not find somebody who would help her. One friend gave me $5, and that was all. Her heart was very sad when I told her that I did not succeed in getting enough, but I encouraged her with the assurance that if it was the Lord’s will that she should go, He would open the way yet. In a few days I received a letter from an old friend, whom I had not heard from for years, but who had accidentally seen my name as connected with this work, in which was a post-office order for $20. I put this with my $5, and told Jennie she had better start; we would take this as an earnest of the whole amount ($60) needed to finish the year. We are curious to know the result of this venture. One thing we know, and that is, where to find the happiest girl in the land.

THE INDIANS.

[_From the New York Tribune._]

THE INDIAN COMMISSIONERS.

Annual Meeting—Missionary Co-operation—Interview with the President.

The Board of Indian Commissioners met in this city January 10th, to receive the annual reports of the several religious bodies to which, under the policy adopted by President Grant some years ago, the selection of agents and other field employés of the Indian service has been confided, and to make up their own annual report. Representatives from the Presbyterian Foreign and Domestic Missionary Boards, the Baptist Home Mission Society, the several Yearly Meetings of Friends, the American Board, the American Missionary Association, and the Unitarian Association, were present. A report was received from the Episcopal Board. The Methodist and Roman Catholic Boards sent no reports, and several of the smaller denominations having agents also failed to present a statement of their work.

These annual conferences of the Board of Commissioners and the representatives of the different religious denominations, unofficial as they are, have been of great benefit to the official administration of Indian affairs, and, at some critical periods, have helped to save the peace policy from disaster. The Conference this year has been unusually interesting, in view of the disposition lately manifested to transfer the control of Indian affairs to the War Department, and of a new class of questions respecting the Indians themselves, which assume practical importance in view of their rapid progress toward civilization.

It appears that the religious sentiment of the country, as represented by those who control and direct its efforts to civilize and Christianize the Indians, is unanimously opposed to a change in the present general policy toward the Indian, in the mode of its administration; and many weighty facts and reasons are brought to the support of this opposition. The new questions brought into view, affecting the Indians themselves, are specified in the following address to the Board of Indian Commissioners, adopted by the representatives of the religious societies, and presented this morning:

“This Convention would respectfully express its deep interest in certain recommendations, in relation to the welfare of the Indians, which received the approval of similar conventions held in former years, but which have not yet gained their rightful place in the action of the Government. Among these are:

“_First_—The extension of law over all the Indians, so as to provide for the safety of property and of human life.

“_Second_—Legal provision for the common-school education of Indian children by the General Government, until such education shall be provided by the several States in which they reside.

“_Third_—Definite regulations to secure to Indians the possession of land in fee and in severalty in all practicable cases by titles properly guarded.

“The Convention regards these three things as of the greatest importance, indeed, as essential to the civilization of the Indians, and as calling for the action of Congress without longer delay. Further, the Convention would express grave doubts as to the wisdom of removing Indian tribes to the Indian Territory, or to larger reservations, in cases in which the Indians are in a good measure prepared to abandon their tribal relationship, and to enter on civilized life. They should, at the least, have the option of remaining where they are subject to the conditions of citizenship, before they are compelled to remove to distant places, at the great hardship and suffering, and loss of health and life, which such enforced removal always involves. At the same time, this Convention is deeply impressed with the importance of all wise measures that look to early self-support of the Indians as citizens of our common country.

“The Convention would close this address with thanks to Almighty God for the progress that has been made under the humane policy of the last few years, and for the evident advance of many of the Indians in civilization and the knowledge of the Christian religion.”

It is understood that the Board of Commissioners will appoint a committee to carry out these views as far as possible, by securing necessary legislation by Congress.

The following day the Convention, accompanied by the Board of Commissioners, called on President Hayes by appointment. They were presented to the President by General Clinton B. Fisk; and the Rev. Drs. Lowrie, Clark, Strieby and Cutting, and Mr. Tatham, presented their views briefly. Dr. Clark submitted a paper showing the progress made under the present policy since 1868, claiming that it was greater than that made in the fifteen years that preceded its adoption. The President responded briefly, expressing his hearty sympathy with all efforts to civilize and Christianize the Indians, and his gratification at the progress that has been made, and indicated practical methods to secure the additional legislation desired. He did not seem to share the apprehensions of his visitors respecting the early transfer of the management of Indian affairs to the War Department. Mrs. Hayes, General Cox, former Secretary of the Interior under President Grant when the Peace Policy was adopted, and the Hon. Henry S. Lane, of Indiana, a member of the Board of Indian Commissioners when it was first constituted, were attentive and interested listeners, and took an active part in the pleasant informal conversation that ensued. Following are some of the items of Dr. Clark’s statement:

1868. 1877. Houses occupied by Indians 7,476 22,199 Number of Indian schools 111 330 Number of teachers 134 437 Scholars 4,713 11,515 Acres of land cultivated by Indians 54,207 292,550 Bushels wheat raised 126,117 688,278 Bushels corn raised 467,363 4,656,952 Bushels oats and barley raised 43,976 349,247 Bushels vegetables raised 236,926 556,975 Tons of hay 16,216 148,473 Horses and mules owned by Indians 43,960 216,286 Cattle owned by Indians 42,874 217,883 Swine owned by Indians 29,890 121,358 Sheep owned by Indians 2,683 587,444

In addition to these comparisons are the following figures:

Number of Indians in U. S. about 278,000 Wear citizens’ dress 112,903 Houses built last year 1,103 Money expended for education $337,379 Indians who can read 40,397 Learned to read last year 1,206 Church buildings on reservations 207 Indians, Church members, about 28,000 Male Indians engaged in labor 34,632

(Five tribes in the Indian Territory are not included in these figures.)

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THE CHINESE.

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“CALIFORNIA CHINESE MISSION.”

Auxiliary to the American Missionary Association.

PRESIDENT: Rev. J. K. McLean, D. D. VICE-PRESIDENTS: Rev. A. L. Stone, D. D., Thomas C. Wedderspoon, Esq., Rev. T. K. Noble, Hon. F. F. Low, Rev. I. E. Dwinell, D. D., Hon. Samuel Cross, Rev. S. H. Willey, D. D., Edward P. Flint, Esq., Rev. J. W. Hough, D. D., Jacob S. Taber, Esq.

DIRECTORS: Rev. George Moor, D. D., Hon. E. D. Sawyer, Rev. W. E. Ijams, James M. Haven, Esq., Rev. Joseph Rowell, E. P. Sanford, Esq., H. W. Severance, Esq.

SECRETARY: Rev. W. C. Pond. TREASURER: E. Palache, Esq.

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ADDRESS BY FUNG AFFOO.

The following address was delivered at the last Annual Meeting of the California Chinese Mission by Mr. Fung Affoo, one of our missionary helpers. It was listened to with much interest, and at my request, Affoo has furnished it for publication in the MISSIONARY.

W. C. POND.

“CHRISTIAN FRIENDS: I was asked to make an address here this evening, but I have not much to say. I do not know your language well enough. I have only a few words to say about the Chinese Young Men’s Christian Association, of which I have been a member about three years. This Association was organized not quite four years ago. There are other Chinese Christian Societies besides this one, in San Francisco and elsewhere in this State. This Association has now a membership of 131; about three-fourths of the members were gathered in during the last two years. It has given us great encouragement, seeing that the work of this Association has been thus far so successful through the help of God. But I am afraid that some people would say that, while so much has been done for the cause of Christianizing Chinese, only so little of the work has been accomplished in return. But if they really knew the difficulties and temptations in the way of our people becoming Christians, they would say otherwise.