Part 2

The teachers in both institutions are among the choicest of educated Christian people. A more intelligent, cultivated and consecrated body of instructors it would be hard to find. They are doing their work at much personal sacrifice. Their social privileges in both cities are few or none at all, and some of them, for the sake of the work they are in, have refused tempting offers from Northern schools. They are teaching the colored race from a high sense of duty, and are filled with a missionary enthusiasm in their work. Often did the eye flash and the face glow, as they spoke of the trials and advancement of their pupils.

The students in these institutions are, of course, the flower of the colored race. Only those are likely to undertake so many years of study, with the self-denials involved, who have, to begin with, tolerably clear ideas of the privileges of an education, and in whom are unusual elements of character. They are procuring an education under great difficulties. There are few to encourage them or aid them. But they are eager to fit themselves for future usefulness, and burdened with a longing to help their race. They work, therefore, with an enthusiasm needing little urging or government. It is not strange, then, that when both teacher and scholar are fired with a religious fervor, the results should be unusually favorable.

Among these results in both institutions, the good order is specially noticeable. At the table, where teachers and scholars eat together, all stand quietly till the teacher in charge takes his seat. There is no loud talking or laughing, but, while no restraints are put on conversation, only a gentle murmur of voices, which does not prevent the slightest signal from being heard. The least tap of a bell suffices to dismiss the hundred or more boarders from the tables. In passing through the school-room at Fisk University, we noticed that no teacher was present, though perfect order was maintained. “Have you no instructor or monitor here,” we asked, “to secure good order?” “Why, no, sir,” one replied, wonderingly, “we do not wish to be disorderly.” We could but recall certain days of our own student life when, if our instructor chanced to step out of the room for a moment, there were instantly missiles flying about, and students darting here and there.

There is a striking degree of refinement among the students. They impress one at a glance as ladies and gentlemen. There is nothing about them, in dress, or manner or language, to offend the most fastidious. Never was there a better illustration than at these institutions of the power of a Christian education to change the whole character and appearance. A cultivated soul shines out from these dark faces, and, in our admiration for the soul, we totally forget the color of the skin.

The education of these students is rapidly progressing. We must remember that most of them were born in slavery, and have learned to read since the war. A generation or two must pass before we can see the results of life-long training in schools. What we now see, however, is sufficiently surprising. It would be hard to find at the North better teachers or better schools than the two Universities of which we speak; and their influence over the pupils is marvelous. Many of the recitations were very fine. The normal training of Fisk University seemed to deserve special commendation. We were also much pleased at a recitation in Xenophon’s _Memorabilia_, in which three young men were reciting to one of their own race, a graduate of the University—Miss Laura S. Cary. It would not be strange if this were the first instance of the kind in the history of the world. Perhaps a more valuable evidence of educational progress than recitations was the correctness of speech and richness of thought manifest in the conversations and remarks of the students. We were permitted to be present at a prayer-meeting, in which students of both sexes took part freely. There are few pastors in the North who would not be glad of such clear thought and apt expression in their meetings as we there heard.

The discipline of these institutions is evidently giving the pupils rare qualities of earnestness and self-reliance. Undoubtedly those who have these qualities inborn are the ones who are most likely to be in the schools. But once in the course of study, all the influences tend to develop a manly and persevering spirit. The students are accustomed every summer to scatter through the South, in search of schools. These, in most of the States, they do not find ready to their hand. There are few organized schools and few school-houses for the colored people outside the cities. The University students desirous of a school must first hunt up children who will agree to come; then secure the use of some little colored church at the cross-roads, or, perhaps, of a vacant log-cabin; then they must obtain permission of the county commissioner to teach the school. It evidently requires courage and resolution to succeed under such circumstances, and yet these students earn every summer, in from three to five months of teaching, about a hundred dollars apiece. Sometimes parents are willing and able to educate their children, without throwing them thus on their own resources. After Fisk University was established, a colored man bought land near by, built him a comfortable house, and made his home there, with the express purpose of educating his large family of children. But such cases are rare. The youth who desire an education generally are obliged to secure the means themselves. We were much touched with the story of one young lady (as truly so as any in our Northern seminaries), who, at the age of fourteen, determined to go to Fisk University, and went to teaching till she had earned the means. For five years she has been securing an education, paying her way by teaching every summer. Another student was pointed out to us, whose persistence under difficulties is still more remarkable. For the work of two successive summers, he has been unable to collect a dollar of the money due him; and for last summer’s work, when he was able to get a school that would pay only half the average sum, he has as yet received only a small portion of what he has earned. And yet he is not discouraged, but works on cheerfully. At Fisk University, Mrs. A. K. Spence is making efforts to secure gifts from Sabbath-schools in the North, to supplement the meagre sums earned by the students. One hundred and fifty dollars annually will carry a student through. (We heard a gentleman say that it cost his son a thousand dollars a year at a Northern college.) If any Sabbath-school desires to assume the additional fifty dollars for the support of one of these pupils, Mrs. Spence will be glad to receive a letter on the subject. The great trouble is to induce the students to receive aid. They are eager to do for themselves. Recently, some kind words were addressed them by a visitor, on the subject of self-reliance. “Oh,” said one of the teachers, “it is a pity he said that; it was natural he should, but he does not know them. It made them wince, and we shall have harder work than ever to persuade them to receive the help they need.”

We were greatly pleased at the piety of the students in both institutions. Most of them, particularly among the boarders, are earnest and consistent Christians. We were much moved at some of their prayers, they were so tender, earnest and child-like. The prayer of one of their number is still treasured up in the memory of the instructors. Jubilee Hall had just been completed. It seemed a paradise to the colored people. A farewell meeting was held in the old dingy barracks, in the centre of Nashville, where the school had hitherto met. It was then that one of the students prayed—“O Lord, Thou knowest how eager we are to enter this beautiful new building; but if Thou wilt not go with us, we do not wish to go. Unless Thou wilt go, also, let us stay here.” The Lord did go with them, and they have enjoyed frequent seasons of revival ever since.

The aims of these students are very high. They justly feel that the elevation of nearly five millions of people rests largely on them. They have a worthy ambition to be the leaders of their race in everything pure and noble. Conjoined with this, a new ambition has recently fired their hearts. The four students who have just gone from Fisk University to Africa have left behind them an enthusiasm for missionary work. The students are now praying and planning for the conversion of Africa by missionaries of their own color. There is nothing that so lifts up a people as a definite and high aim. These students justly feel that in this land, and abroad, there is work for them to do. A glorious future lies within their reach, and the fact stimulates them to faithful study and gives them Christian manliness, as could nothing else.

It was a grief to us to learn that a shadow of financial anxiety hung over Fisk University. Funds that were relied upon from Great Britain for current expenses had failed, and retrenchment, where expenses had already been cut down to the quick, was under consideration. Surely the friends of this noble Institution will not let it suffer.

REV. ADDISON P. FOSTER.

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NEWS FROM THE CHURCHES.

HAMPTON, VA.—Four students received to the church by profession May 5th. One of the Indian students lately received gives evidence of Christian character.

RALEIGH, N. C.—“Our church has shared with others in a revival blessing this spring.” Twenty were received to the church April 8th, which now numbers 72. Mr. Smith, the pastor, writes: “There are several of the young men connected with our church and school who are anxious that I should teach them theology. I think, if I can get some simple, cheap work on that subject, that I will form them into a class, and have them recite two or three times a week. I want to do all I can to help the young men on.”

ORANGEBURG, S. C.—Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Johnson have been two years in this church and school. The church membership has increased two-thirds. Two members received in April. Sunday-school thriving and increasing, and feeding the church. A Woman’s Foreign Missionary Association is organized, and has contributed to the A. M. A. debt, and missions in India and Africa. Fifteen have been in training for teachers this year.

BYRON, GA.—“The church is active; Sunday-school increasing in numbers steadily. A day-school will soon be opened. Young people are asking for prayers every Sunday evening.”

SAVANNAH, GA.—One of the workers in Savannah writes: “Our church work is very encouraging. The Sabbath-school is splendid. I have twenty boys from twelve to sixteen years of age in my class, and am deeply interested in them. Never before, since I have been here, has the church been so prosperous.”

MARION, ALA.—The Sabbath audiences are steadily increasing. Three or four are to unite with the church at the next Communion.

FLORENCE, ALA.—Mr. L. C. Anderson reports the attendance on church services good, and one member received on profession at his last visit.

ABBEVILLE, LA.—The church has been holding special meetings, crowded every night. Two have been received to membership; others are under deep conviction. Rev. Charles E. Smith is the pastor.

MEMPHIS, TENN.—A genuine interest is manifested in the teachings of God’s word, and a higher standard of personal godliness sought. “The question, how to utilize the combined power of the Church for its own unification and enlargement, is discussed in the prayer-meetings with growing frequency, and manifestly deepening interest. The church has passed in safety and triumph through its financial straits, deficiencies have been made up, current expenses provided for, and a small surplus is on hand for the summer demands.”

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ITEMS FROM THE SCHOOLS.

CHARLESTON, S. C.—The Avery Normal Institute held its thirteenth anniversary April 17th. The school numbers 294. The pupils were examined in Natural Philosophy, Grammar, Arithmetic, Botany, Physiology, Spelling, Mental Arithmetic, History, Latin, Grammatical Analysis, Reading, Geography, Algebra, Writing, etc.; and an exhibition was held the following day, with music and recitations, to the great delight of a large assembly.

MACON, GA.—The school building was dedicated, with the chapel, March 24. There are three rooms occupying the ground floor of the building. The large one will seat 110 pupils; the smaller, or recitation-rooms, twenty-five or thirty each. The whole building is lighted with gas and heated by a furnace. Mr. Harrington writes:—“We are credited by the people of the city—by the white people, especially—with having the prettiest chapel and school-rooms in the State.”

FORSYTH, GA.—School-house built last year—“a two-story building, without a chimney, plastering, or even laths.” Occupied since February last. Attendance good. “A deep concern about the most familiar truths of the Bible has led to a short lecture every morning,” by Mr. Jackson, the teacher. That the young people can only stay in school two or three months at a time, is the greatest drawback. The white people are very kind, and respond generously to every call for aid.

CUTHBERT, GA.—There has been going on for over two weeks a glorious revival. Nearly all the pupils of the school are converted; all of the highest class but one, and that one an inquirer. Three ministers are attending school regularly. A reading-room has been opened. Mr. Wright divides his efforts between the two (Methodist and Baptist) Sunday-schools of the place.

FORT VALLEY, GA.—The day-school is improving by degrees. The Sunday-school is growing rapidly. The cold weather has prevented many from coming out, but the prospect is that very soon the school will be crowded. A small sum is in hand, with which to purchase catechisms and lesson-papers.

NEW ORLEANS, LA.—“The year has been in every way delightful and profitable. God has blessed us in every department of our work. Every month, and indeed every week, has brought some new expression of the Divine favor. Upon our catalogue, soon to be issued, between 280 and 300 names will appear, and they represent as good a class of students as were ever gathered in the University. So much for numerical success. What is better, there has been entire harmony and affectionate co-operation in the Faculty.”

MOBILE, ALA., EMERSON INSTITUTE.—The new two-story brick building, 34×64, with wings 10×21, was dedicated May 1st with exercises of great interest. A full account was received just too late to be inserted in this number, but in good time for the July MISSIONARY.

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GENERAL NOTES.

The Negro.

—We were misled by a usually reliable authority in regard to the income of the Peabody Educational Fund. In 1866, its trustees distributed, in eight States, $35,400; in 1873, in ten States, $137,150; and in 1877, $89,400. We give the figures from their report, and take the largest and smallest.

—April 21st, the barque _Azor_ sailed from Charleston, S. C., with 250 emigrants, one-fifth being children. They go under the auspices of the Liberian Exodus Association to Boporo, about sixty miles north-east from Monrovia. It is intended to purchase a steamship to make regular trips to Monrovia. A reporter from the Charleston _News and Courier_ accompanies the _Azor_.

—Mr. Orcutt, General Secretary of the American Colonization Society, writes that vessels will sail under their auspices in June and November. He fears for the new exodus movement, as having more zeal than knowledge; and remarks that, “at the very outset, they were subjected to disappointments and annoyances, which evinced the need of a competent controlling agency in the management of their affairs.”

—A meeting of colored men was held at Washington, a few weeks ago, to organize a colony for the West, and measures were taken to promote that object. They denounced the Liberian exodus.

—Senator Ingalls has written a letter, in which he promises to all the colored people who may choose to emigrate thither, a cordial welcome to Kansas, the protection of her laws, and equal facilities for education.

—“We starve and pinch the American Missionary Association, giving little more than $200,000 a year towards founding Christian schools, and planting Christian pulpits, among four million freedmen, in the pit of ignorance and degradation; we do little to speak of among the Celestial pagans on the Pacific slope; and our labor among the Indians is light. But our Romish friends are now said to be spending $600,000 a year among the freedmen, among whom they have 150,000 pupils under priestly schools. There are 137 Catholic missionaries and teachers among the Indians.”—_President E. P. Tenney, Colorado College._

—“The Roman Catholic Church has purchased a tract of 7,000 acres of land within nine miles of Chase City, Va., and propose to colonize it, and educate the freedmen, on the industrial farm plan.”—_Evangelist._

—A correspondent of the _Christian Observer_ is informed that there are twenty-five Romish schools in the three States of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, with free board and tuition.

—The following is the closing sentence of an affidavit, signed by Gen. Lopez Analto, and sworn to before a U. S. Commissioner in Florida:

“I further declare and say, to the best of my knowledge and belief, that there are negroes from the United States at different places on the Island of Cuba, who are to this day held as slaves, shipped from the United States, under various pretexts, since the rebellion in the United States, and upon American vessels.”

The investigation of this matter was interrupted by the sudden death of Judge Leonard.

—The delays, and partial defeat, of the various Central African Missions, are referred to on an editorial page.

—One of the results to be anticipated from the establishment of new missionary stations in the interior of Africa, is the effect which such civilized settlements among the hunting-grounds of the slave-traders will have in suppressing that terrible evil. It is still the whole business of thousands to buy or steal Circassian, Abyssinian, and negro boys and, especially, girls.

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The Chinaman.

—In the United States Circuit Court, at San Francisco, Judge Sawyer has rendered a decision, in the case of the Chinaman who applied for naturalization papers, holding that Chinamen are not white persons within the meaning of the term as used in the Naturalization Laws, and are not entitled to become citizens. “White,” he holds to be equivalent to Caucasian; and that, by exact construction of the provision, all but white persons, and persons of African nativity and descent, are excluded forever from citizenship. The case will probably be appealed.

—We commend the story of Yung Wing, as told by Rev. Joseph Twichell, in his recent lecture at New Haven, to those who are either hopeful or hopeless as to the Chinese in America. Under his care, the Chinese Government is expending annually $100,000 in maintaining about 120 Chinese boys at schools in Connecticut, where they are receiving a thorough course of education.

—The Chinese in San Francisco paid, in 1866-67, more than $42,000 in school taxes. California law omits Mongolian children from the apportionment of school funds, refuses them admission to the common-schools, and opens no schools for them. Thirteen hundred Chinamen have petitioned the Legislature for separate schools for their three thousand children of proper age. Such are provided for those of African and Indian descent. The petition was at once laid on the table. A leading paper stigmatized it as a dangerous and aggressive indication of a movement on their part to “obtain larger wages,” and showing a desire “to mingle their youth with ours, with a view, doubtless, to more thorough assimilation in the body politic.” And yet, the burden of the complaints against them has been that they will not assimilate, and will work cheap! If consistency is a jewel, it is evidently not a “California diamond.”

—A correspondent of the _Intelligencer_ asserts that the opposition to the Chinaman is instigated mainly by the liquor-sellers and the Roman Catholic priests, neither of whom has John any use for, and whose patrons he displaces.

—A Chinese church is to be organized at Oakland, Cal., composed in part of members from Dr. Eells’ church, and the mission under the care of Rev. J. M. Condit. This is the second church in California, all the members of which are Chinese.

—Prof. Mooar in _Evangelist_: “Our greatest danger in regard to this problem is not that the Chinaman will be too pagan for us, but that we shall fail to be Christian enough for him.”

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The Indian.

—A writer in the _Advance_ says that there are 6,500 persons in the Indian Territory, formerly slaves of the Choctaws and Chickasaws. The treaty of 1866 provided for their citizenship among the tribes, and an allotment of fifty acres of land to each. In the first Indian Legislature after the treaty, a law was passed refusing to comply with the treaty; so that, in the land where they were born, and where they toiled in slavery to enrich their masters, they can own no land, cannot send their children to the nation’s schools, are not permitted to vote, and have no protection from, nor access to, the Indian courts of law. So, the big fish eat the little fish, all the way down.

—The various plans for organizing the Indian Territory under a territorial government, are in the face of solemn treaties, and the opposition of the various tribes to whom it has been promised. It is only another of the wrongs to which the poor Indian has been subjected by the cupidity of his white neighbors, and their disregard of the rights of so-called inferior races.

—The Bill creating the Territory of Oklahoma has been agreed upon by the House Committee on Territories.

—As to the rebel Indians, Gen. Sheridan allows a Nez Percés prisoner to go to the Canadian frontier, to offer immunity from punishment to the fugitives of that tribe, if they surrender to the military. Some have left Sitting Bull, and refused to fight with him longer. A band are raiding in Texas, in the neighborhood of Fort Ewell. The Bannocks at Lemhi Agency, in Idaho, complain that the agent has defrauded them, and threaten trouble. To Sitting Bull’s inquiries about peace, Gen. Miles answers that, when the Indians give up their ponies and guns, they will receive cattle and other property of greater value; and that when peace is made, the Government will provide for them, as it does for all friendly Indians.

—The Nez Percés Indians take a Turkish bath every morning.—See Leavenworth _Times_. The _Christian Recorder_ (A. M. E.) says: “No people can go down who make a plentiful use of soap and water.”

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THE FREEDMEN.

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STRAIGHT UNIVERSITY.

New Orleans, Louisiana.

REV. W. S. ALEXANDER, PRESIDENT.

The Institution was incorporated June 25th, 1869, and the first school building was completed in February, 1870. The American Missionary Association and the Freedmen’s Bureau co-operated in the establishment of the University. From the first, great numbers flocked to the school to enjoy its advantages, so that the capacity of the building was taxed to its utmost. The eagerness of the freedmen for education in 1870, and the two or three years following, was, perhaps, more intense and general than now. Between three and four thousand have been enrolled as students in the University during the eight years of its existence.

It bears the name of Hon. Seymour Straight, of Ohio, who is one of its steadfast friends and benefactors.

LOCATION.