Part 2

We have no fear of a lack of missionary zeal henceforth in Fisk University. But the manifestation of interest in this event was not confined within its walls. All Nashville seemed aglow with friendly enthusiasm. Dr. Rand, of the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, invited Miller into his pulpit, at the close of the Sunday morning service, to address the congregation, which took up a liberal collection for the outfit of the young missionaries. Their ages range from twenty-one to twenty-seven. The Theological students of Vanderbilt University invited them to an interview on Sunday afternoon, at which they were most kindly received; and after prayers together, and conversation, were the recipients of presents of books and money.

The next day, the double marriage was solemnized by Professors Bennett and Spence, and later, a general farewell meeting was held in St. John’s Chapel. The large building was crowded, and many went away unable to find entrance. Prominent ministers from the city and vicinity, representing the leading denominations of Christian churches, were present. The tone of the meeting was congratulatory and hopeful, as befitted the sending forth of these soldiers of the Cross.

At their leaving Nashville by the evening train, an immense crowd gathered in and about the depot to see them off. A day or two only was spent in New York, to make necessary purchases, and receive instructions from the Secretary. On Thursday afternoon, a few members of the Executive Committee, and representatives of the religious press, held an informal interview with them. They each told the story of their lives, of their struggles to acquire an education, and of their religious experiences. All were deeply impressed with the sincerity of their devotion, and with their modesty and good sense as well.

On Saturday, the 23d of February, they sailed for England, where they arrived March 3d. By the 20th they were expected to reach Freetown, and a few days later, their new home.

We have thus fairly launched on the new experiment of African evangelization by men and women of African descent, who have come through American slavery to freedom. The nine adults together in the field are enough to support each other’s courage and hold up each other’s hands. But the field is far away; the perils of it are peculiar; the path is a new one to these young men and women. We trust in them with great confidence. But in the complications and unforeseen emergencies which always may arise in a foreign field, we feel that they need, more than most missionaries even, the constant remembrances, in prayer, of the thousands of the friends of Africa in our land and in Great Britain. We repeat most urgently their parting request—“Brethren, pray for us.”

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THE TWO INDIAN POLICIES.

Two radically different views have prevailed in this country from the outset in regard to the treatment of the Indians—the one represented by the word civilization, and the other by the word extermination. The first of these was entertained by the Pilgrim Fathers, and by the founder of Pennsylvania, and was carried out apostolically by John Eliot, David Brainard, and others, as well as by successful Indian missions of later date. But the effort has been constantly obstructed by the hostilities between the Indians and the white men, rendering the latter indisposed to send the Gospel, and the former to receive it. The only decided and comprehensive effort by the general Government, for the civilization of the Indians, is the peace policy inaugurated by General Grant, the results of which, in spite of all obstacles and opposition, have been unmistakably and increasingly advantageous. (1) As a class, the agents selected by the religious societies have been far more trustworthy and efficient than their predecessors, being themselves honest in their dealings with the Indian, and defending them from the frauds of ring speculators, and the temptations of the liquor dealers. (2) The progress of the Indians in their industrial, educational and moral advancement has been very marked, as is shown by a tabulated and comparative statement of facts, prepared by the Board of Indian Commissioners, and recently published. (3) The agents—representing all denominations, and, therefore, not committing the government to sectarianism—have most directly and heartily co-operated with the religious efforts of the different churches for the evangelization of the Indians. As the only possibility of civilizing the Indians lies in their Christian enlightenment, the work of the religious societies, under the fostering care of the government, gives the highest promise of success.

On the other hand, the policy of extermination has been tried from the beginning. In the earlier days the struggle resembled the border wars between England and Scotland, being mere temporary raids, carried on with little expense. But modern warfare puts another aspect on this contest with the Indians, making it vastly more costly in men and money. It is believed that not a single Indian has been killed by our army, at less than an average expense of a million of dollars, and of the lives of one or more white men. The War Department and the army are the natural representatives of this policy, and if the Indians are transferred to their care, the peace policy will be overthrown, and we fear that of extermination substituted in its place. This apprehension involves no reflection on the humanity of the officers and soldiers of the army, but the inference is justified by the history of the past, and by the fact that the business of an army is to destroy, and not to give instruction.

Much significancy is added to this question by the recent tables of Major Clark, showing that the Indians are not decreasing in number. They are here, and mean to stay. We cannot exterminate them, and we ought, as a Christian people, to face manfully the other and grander alternative of making them good citizens and sharers in the blessings of the Gospel.

One other thing should not be forgotten. This nation long oppressed the black man, and the dread penalty came at length, whose mementoes are in a million of soldiers’ graves, in broken homes and hearts, North and South, and in the disturbance of all commercial and industrial interests, under which the whole land still trembles. If we persevere in our wrongs and neglects of the red man, have we any hope that we shall escape similar retributions? God still reigns!

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NEWS FROM THE CHURCHES.

HAMPTON, VA.—“Five students united with the church by profession, the first Sabbath in March. Others were advised to wait until they had opportunity to prove themselves Christians by their Christian works. There seems to be a continual work of grace extending noiselessly and unobtrusively from heart to heart, and adding one after another to the trophies of its victorious power.”

MCLEANSVILLE, N. C.—Miss Douglass writes: “My Bible-class still continues large. My room is crowded every Sabbath. After the class was dismissed last night one young man, who wishes to fit himself for a missionary, said, ‘I have taken a new resolution to be more devoted than ever.’ He must soon leave school to earn more money. I wish he could go on now.”

SAVANNAH, GA.—Mr. Markham writes: “Our congregation is increasing every week. God is with us. This is as clear as a sunbeam. I feel His special aid. Two united with our church yesterday (March 3). I am to go to Ogeechee next Sabbath. Nine will unite there. The Sabbath-school at East Savannah is increasing. More than 100 are now on the list.”

MACON, GA.—“Yesterday (Feb. 10,) was a happy day to the Macon church. Four children baptized, and five adults received into membership. Of these, four are new converts—others will come forward next month. Our daily prayer-meetings are continued. The church is aroused to more activity, and we look for yet better things.”

WOODVILLE, GA.—“Six united with the church March 2d. Sunday-school numbers nearly 100. Prayer-meetings are being held every evening. The day-school has 92 scholars enrolled.”

NEW ORLEANS, LA.—“The very interesting religious work still continues. As many as fifty have been converted. Some of the very hopeful cases are, or have been, nominal Catholics: others of the same class are interested.”

BEREA, KY.—“An interesting revival in progress—some twenty conversions.”

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ITEMS FROM THE SCHOOLS.

SAVANNAH, GA.—The Beach Institute in this city was destroyed by fire on the morning of Feb. 20th. The fire began in a barn on the premises in some mysterious way, and was speedily communicated to the Institute building. The Teachers’ Home adjoining was saved, the wall toward it standing. Part of the school furniture was also saved. The building had, for a few years past, been rented to the city school-board for a colored school. Notice had been given them that the Association would require the building for its own use next fall. The insurance money will replace the building, and a school under the Association’s care will be opened as previously planned.

MARIETTA, GA.—“Our school opened for the first time Oct. 15th, 1877. The local prejudice was so great that only four scholars attended. A change in the feeling has taken place, and the school has, up to this time, enrolled 88 pupils. The colored people are becoming eager to embrace their privileges. The children are improving in knowledge and in care for themselves. The prospect is full of encouragement.”

FORSYTH, GA.—On February 1st, the school building of the colored people of Forsyth was dedicated and set apart for the work for which it was intended. For months these people have been struggling to raise money to build the house. They had, as a fund to start with, about two hundred dollars, which the colored Baptist Church had collected. Subscription lists were opened and the colored people and their white friends contributed as they could. Contrary to the expectation of many, their success was such that the building was framed and rapidly pushed forward. It is not yet complete, lacking plastering, but is quite comfortable nevertheless. The teacher, W. F. Jackson, a graduate of the Atlanta University, has been indefatigable and untiring in his efforts to press this enterprise to completion. Rev. E. A. Ware, President of the Atlanta University, made the dedicatory address.

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LIGHTS AND SHADOWS.

—A Southern man, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and a book agent for many years, reports that in the last two years he has taken 280 orders from the colored people of Charleston for valuable books, in many cases trusting them when cash payments could not be made, and has not lost fifteen dollars.

—A gentleman in Augusta, Ga., tells us he has sold over two hundred house lots to colored people, who have paid for them in small instalments, since the war.

—The African Methodists have been holding an educational convention in Georgia, Bishop Campbell presiding. From the statements made by the Bishop and by Presiding Elder Brown, we learn that wonderful progress in education has been made during the last ten years. Ten years ago, in the Atlantic District, there was but one man capable of keeping a minute of the transactions, “and then it had to be read while it was hot, for if it ever cooled down it could never be read again.” Now there is scarcely a preacher who, besides reading and writing, has not pursued to some extent the course of studies prescribed to candidates for the ministry.

—It is pleasant to note how the freedmen are rising to the dignity of self-support in their religious, as well as their material interests. A missionary of the American Sunday-school Union, in North Carolina, having recently organized three new Sunday-schools among freedmen, writes, that at the close of one of his meetings “an aged negro, of nearly seventy years, came forward with his pennies to buy a primer for his grandson. His example was followed until about two hundred pennies were piled upon the desk—the first contribution of these poor but willing self-helpers.”

—In seven years the students of Talladega College alone have organized Sunday-schools in which have been taught over 20,000 scholars.

—Dr. Sears, agent of the Peabody Fund, says that in all the States where there has been a re-action against education, it has been followed by a return to better measures than ever. Thus, through local actions and re-actions, the general forward movement is assured.

—One morning, in our school in Augusta, on calling for the First Commandment with Promise, a little girl, hardly six years old, said: “Honor thy father and mother, that thy days may be long in the land of liberty.” That wasn’t very bad.

—A colored Tennesseean says: “When I want to hear preaching, I go to the Congregational Church; when I want to have a good time I go to these other places.”

—One of our faithful ministers in Georgia grieves over a recent restoration to his pulpit of a neighboring colored pastor. He says the white people wanted it, because (1) the man’s politics suit them, (2) he is ignorant, and (3) he gets drunk. The colored members of his church know nothing of Bible religion, and are like their priest. On a recent Communion Sunday seven of them were seen returning to their homes drunk—three just able to stagger on, and four “being hauled out in a cart, not able to sit up.” The writer says such churches cannot save these people, and mere secular instruction will not cure such evils. The Christian school is the only hope.

—In another case, in the same State, a minister, going into a church shortly after the close of a communion service, found the deacons and a few of the members “eating and drinking and carrying on as if they were in a bar-room.” Being expostulated with, they said they did not feel at liberty to throw any of the bread and wine away. It was evidently, however, a renewal of the old excesses for which Paul so sharply rebuked the Church at Corinth.

—A woman in one of the old-style churches, not far from one of our best schools, “came through with religion” one night, and in telling her wonderful “experience,” said she went to heaven, and from there she saw this whole school “marching down to hell with their Bibles in their hands.”

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INDIAN NOTES.

—The House Committee on Indian Affairs has reported in favor of the transfer of the Indian Bureau from the Interior to the War Department. Its grounds are (1) the failure of the attempts to civilize; (2) the divided responsibility between Secretary and Commissioner—between civil and military officers; (3) the corruption of the present Indian service; (4) the economy of the change, which will furnish employment for retired and idle army officers who receive pay.

—Precisely what civilizing agencies would be brought to bear upon these people under the War Department is not stated in the report. Whether the school and the church would be allowed, or only the stockade and the garrison; whether bullets should take the place of books, and guns of Gospel. This does not follow of necessity, only from the despairing tone in regard to the attempts to civilize.

—We beg our readers to notice carefully what class of men, as a whole, sustain and desire the change to the War Department, and what sort of men oppose it. There is great significance in such discriminations.

—The recent Sioux war cost $2,313,531 in money, and 283 men killed, among whom was the gallant Custer and his staff, and 125 wounded.

—_Sunday Afternoon_ says: “It costs the United States about $1,700 a year to support a soldier fighting the Indians. It costs the American Board about half as much to support a missionary preaching to them. Would it not be cheaper to send more missionaries and fewer soldiers?”

—Hon. A. C. Barstow, one of the Indian Commissioners, and a man thoroughly conversant with the whole subject of Indian affairs, gives the following opinion regarding this important branch of our Civil Service and the men who control it. He says:

“The present Commissioner of Indian Affairs is an able man, of large business experience, and, moreover, (as chairman of the Purchasing Committee of the Board of Indian Commissioners for two or three years, and up to within a few months of entering this office), of large experience in Indian affairs. There is no man in the country whom corrupt contractors have more learned to fear and to hate; and, in my opinion, they are the men who are fanning this flame of excitement, and who are exerting all their influence to turn the administration of Indian affairs over to the War Department. They are pinched by the present policy, and desire change. They cannot suffer by this or any change, and may be benefited—hence, their noisy zeal. I am sorry that any good man has for a moment been led to believe that the Secretary of the Interior is open to the influence of this class of men. I think the public may safely quiet their fears upon this point. Whatever else may be said of him, he is not a ‘bird of that feather.’ From what I have seen, I think the public may look for an administration of his department not only honest but able, and may also be assured that the policy of President Hayes toward the Indians will be eminently humane and Christian.”

—The educational work among the Indians may be summed up from the Commissioner’s report for 1877, as follows: There are 251,000 Indians, and 28,000 half-breeds, exclusive of Alaska. Among them are 330 schools, of which 60 are boarding-schools, with 437 teachers; and 11,515 pupils have attended at least one mouth. Largest monthly average, 4,774; average for the year, 3,598; expense to the government, $255,379; to Tribal funds, $81,989; to the religious societies, $33,950; in all, $371,318; 40,397, of whom 23,196 are adults, can read; 1,206 learned to read last year.

—The religious items, drawn from the same source, show 207 church buildings on the reservations; 126 missionaries, not included among teachers; expended by religious societies, $36,164; 27,215 are members of the mission churches of all denominations. We question whether the $36,000 reported as expended by the religious societies, represents, even approximately, the full amount given from this source, since the A. B. C. F. M. and the Presbyterian Board, together, expend annually nearly this amount. We claim that, considering all the disadvantages of his condition, and the fewness of the laborers, the results are gratifying and hopeful.

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CHINESE NOTES.

—The House Committee on Education and Labor made a report, February 25th, on the Chinese question, of which we give the following abstract: Since the first treaty with China, in July, 1844, the migration has been on the steady increase for the last twenty years—from 1855 to 1859, it was 4,530; 1860 to 1864, it was 6,600; from 1865 to 1870, it was 9,311; from 1871 to 1874, it was 13,000. —— The lowest estimate of Chinamen in California is 150,000. From the density of population in China, and the lowness of wages, from their migratory disposition, and the attractions of our congenial climate, high wages and liberal government, and the cheapness and safety of the voyage hither, an increasing rate of immigration is prophesied. —— While the Chinaman is desirable merely as a laborer, he has neither home, self-respect, nor underclothes, and lives on rice, tea and dried fish. He has low ideas of religion, labor, women and virtue. —— He does not assimilate with the American people, and is unchanged by contact. He does not mean to stay, and will not even contribute his dead body to our national welfare. He cannot be made into a soldier, or even a juryman. —— He is proud of Confucius, and vainly boasts of China as the central nation of the world. He is, and will remain, distinct “in color, size, features, dress, language, customs, habits and social peculiarities.”

The joint resolution relative to Chinese immigration is as follows:

“_Whereas_, It appears that the great majority of Chinese immigrants are unwilling to conform to our institutions, to become permanent residents of our country, and accept rights and assume responsibilities of citizenship; and,

”_Whereas_, They have indicated no capacity to assimilate with our people; therefore,

“_Resolved_, That the President of the United States be requested to open correspondence immediately with the Governments of China and Great Britain, with the view of securing a change or abrogation of all stipulations in existing treaties which permit unlimited immigration of Chinese to the United States.”

—Cheap labor, whether by machine or by man-power, has always been resisted by those whom it has displaced. But it always pushes the more intelligent laborers up and not down. It has been so in California. Men are now foremen who were only fruit-pickers, and engineers who were only miners before Chinese labor came in.

—Race unions, to keep prices of labor up, and to put competition down, are no better than other unions for these purposes. All such combinations are both short-sighted and selfish.

—In the San Francisco _Bulletin_, we find the following schedule of labor rates in that city: Carpenters, from $3 to $3.50 a day; bricklayers, $4 to $5; painters, $3; plasterers, $3.50; hod-carriers,$3; stone-cutters, $4; machinists, $3 to $4; brass-founders, $4.50; common laborers, $2; woolen mills, $2.50 to $3.50; domestics, $25 to $30 a month—not more than two children allowed in an employer’s family at that. It can be seen at a glance that these wages are twice those paid in the Eastern States for corresponding work. Does Chinese competition keep these prices up, or does California need less homeopathic doses of “China” to bring her prices somewhere near the level of her sister States?

—By the statistics of the arrivals and departures for 1877, it appears that 9,906 passengers arrived from China and Japan, and 7,852 returned, showing an excess of 2,054 arrivals, not all of whom, indeed, were Mongolians; while the deaths of Chinese exceeded 2,054. It would seem that our Christian statesmen of San Francisco might repress their morbid solicitude, in view of these encouraging facts.

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We trust our readers will notice carefully the accounts of our various educational institutions as they appear in order from month to month. These articles are intended to give a view of the peculiar work, and appliances for work, of these schools and colleges. Next month, we expect to publish an article on Tougaloo University, Mississippi; and, in June, one on Straight University, Louisiana. Others will follow in such order as their special circumstances may determine.

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We find that we are at liberty to say to our readers, that the touching little poem entitled “Christ in the Person of the Poor,” which appeared in our February MISSIONARY, was from the pen of the Rev. ELI CORWIN, D. D., of Jacksonville, Illinois.

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OBITUARIES.

The heroes of the anti-slavery struggle are passing away. The Tappans, Joshua Leavitt and others finished their course in the last few years, and now we record the death of two others of their compeers.