Part 2

The Stockbridge Indians, whose original home was amid the beautiful valleys of old Berkshire, in Massachusetts, and who, while there--130 years ago--enjoyed the stated ministry of David Brainard, and afterwards of Jonathan Edwards, were moved west as far as the State of New York, ninety years ago. Since then they have been moved five times, and now a remnant of the tribe occupy a little reservation in Northern Wisconsin. Why should they have been exposed to such perils as haunt a people, thus violently and repeatedly torn up by the roots, and compelled to make new homes far distant from the graves of their sires? Or, rather, civilized and Christianized as they are and were, why should they not long ago have come to individual homestead rights of portions of their land in fee, _with citizenship_, as do multitudes of foreigners, of far less education? Instead of girding the Indians about with bands of love, and holding them to their ancient homes, where they could be easily reached by Gospel influences, the nation has taken it for granted that the “wilderness and solitary place” was the only fit home for them; and therefore, in the expressive language of Red Cloud, has “kept them on wheels.” We have been crowding them before the ever-increasing column of our Western emigration, and even now, the hand of the nation does not spare, neither does its heart relent. The Santee and other bands of Indians, fully civilized, are now petitioners for the right to take up homesteads that shall cover the present allotments, already cultivated and improved by them. Their petition is indorsed by the Indian Bureau and Interior Department, and though urged upon Congress last winter by all the added influence of the Board of Indian Commissioners, nothing was done. Congress has always shown more willingness to _feed_ the Indians than to _locate_ them. To secure progress in civilization, we must locate them--give them permanent homes, with all the motives for industry which they will inspire. To herd and feed them from the public crib permanently, like cattle, is to degrade and pauperize them, rather than to civilize and bring them to self-support.

There is a feeling quite too common in the community, that Indians, after all, are only _outlaws_, _Ishmaelites_, _savages_, “having no rights which white men are bound to respect,” and no elements of character which encourage efforts for their improvement.

A popular encyclopædia affirms that, “as a race, the animal propensities in the Indian strongly preponderate over the intellectual, and render their civilization, even with the help of education and Christianity, an event _hardly to be hoped for_.” Neither the experience of Christian philanthropists, nor the facts of history, will justify this sweeping assertion.

We do not claim that they have taken on them the nature of angels. We only claim that they are MEN, and that our Divine Master made no mistake in giving His Gospel to enlighten them, His blood to redeem them, or His command to us to publish that Gospel to them. If Eliot and Brainard and Edwards found encouragement for Christian efforts in their behalf, why may not the Christians of this generation labor for them with hope? Are we wiser or better than they? Or are the Indians worse and their condition more hopeless, than in the days of our fathers?

It is safe to affirm, in spite of all the obstacles in their path, that, under the efforts put forth in their behalf, many of the Indian tribes are making commendable progress in civilization, and large numbers of them are bringing forth in their lives the peaceable fruits of righteousness.

We, therefore, recommend not only that the Association continue its work for the evangelization of the Indians, but that it enlarge and extend it, as fast as God in His providence may open the way.

A. C. BARSTOW, COL. FRANKLIN FAIRBANKS, REV. A. P. MARVIN, REV. GEO. F. WRIGHT.

On motion, it was voted that the report be accepted, and taken up for discussion on Thursday forenoon.

The report of the committee on the paper of Rev. George L. Walker, D. D. was read by Rev. Samuel P. Leeds, D. D., who opened the discussion of the report, followed by Rev. Samuel Harrison, of Pittsfield, and Rev. Addison P. Foster, of Jersey City. Secretary Strieby was invited to speak upon the pending question. Rev. George Juchau and Rev. David O. Mears continued the discussion.

On motion of Secretary Strieby, it was voted “That the papers read before this body, together with the reports of the committees thereon, be accepted and referred to the Executive Committee for publication at its discretion.”

Rev. Benj. F. Hamilton, D. D., gave the report of the committee on the paper presented by Rev. Ebenezer Cutler, D. D. The report was discussed by Rev. Benj. F. Hamilton, Rev. Albert H. Plumb, Rev. Jesse Jones, Rev. G. B. Willcox, D. D., and Rev. George F. Wright.

Rev. Jeremiah K. Aldrich, of Nashua, reported in behalf of the committee upon the paper presented by Dist. Sec. Chas. L. Woodworth. The report was discussed by Secretary Strieby, and Rev. Geo. F. Stanton, of Weymouth. The report was accepted, and the following resolution, appended thereto, was adopted:

_Resolved_, That, as God raised up His ancient people, and made them the repository of the truth, to prepare the way for the advent of the Saviour, when the fullness of time should come, so He has raised up this nation to carry forward that truth to its final consummation, and that it becometh us to put forth every possible effort for accomplishing this work, in humble reliance upon the direct agency of the Holy Spirit, believing that God will bless well-directed, earnest Christian effort, energize and apply the truth by the personal presence and power of a living Christ; and that we regard the American Missionary Association as one of the most direct and efficient agencies for securing this end, and would press its claim upon our churches for an increase in benevolent contributions, that its work may be enlarged and prosecuted with increased vigor.

At 5.15 the Association adjourned to meet at 7.30 P. M. Benediction by Rev. Daniel T. Fiske, D. D.

Evening Session.

7.30.--President Edward S. Tobey in the chair. Rev. Thomas T. Richmond offered prayer. The evening session was occupied by those who were formerly in the employ of the Association.

Addresses were made by Rev. Charles M. Southgate, of Dedham., Rev. Sylvanus Heywood, of N. H., Rev. Martin L. Williston, of N. Y., and Rev. Walter S. Alexander, of New Orleans, President of Straight University.

During the evening the choir sang several Jubilee Songs.

Adjourned at 9.30 P. M. to meet Thursday morning at nine A. M.

Thursday Morning Session.

Rev. D. O. Mears conducted a prayer-meeting at 8.15 A. M. President Tobey called the Association to order at 9.15 A. M. Prayer was offered by Rev. William Mellen.

Rev. Davis Foster read the report of the committee on the paper presented by Rev. Stacy Fowler.

Rev. Daniel T. Fiske, D. D., read the report of the committee on the paper presented by Secretary Strieby.

Hon. Edmund D. Sawyer gave the report of the committee on Finance as follows:

The Committee appointed to consider and examine the Financial statement of the American Missionary Association, covering the receipts and expenditures for the year ending September 30th, 1878, respectfully submit the following Report:

The receipts from all sources have been $195,601.65, or about thirteen thousand dollars less than for the preceding year. The expenses, including amounts paid for church and educational work, publications, cost of collecting funds and cost of administration, have been $167,728.23. There is due the Tillotson Normal and Collegiate Institute $2,446.31, and there has been paid towards cancelling the debt $25,427.11. Of the amount paid upon the debt, the sum of $17,904.92 was contributed directly for the purpose, and $7,522.19 has been saved from the income of the year. Your Committee are happy to testify, that the administration of the affairs of the Association appears to have been conducted with wisdom, ability and faithfulness. While the work for the year has not been curtailed, the receipts have been less. Yet from them quite a sum has been saved towards cancelling the indebtedness. It is greatly to be regretted, that the receipts during the year have not been sufficient to pay in full the debt, as there still remains unpaid, and unprovided for, the sum of $30,439.79. Certainly it would seem that our churches could easily contribute this sum, which, if done, would give your Executive Committee new courage to plan for the extension of work now so well established and wisely conducted.

Your Committee would suggest that an effort be made to extend the paying circulation of the monthly publication, the “AMERICAN MISSIONARY,” which is now so attractive and desirable, communicating as it does, information relating to the operations and needs of the Association, and the progress made in the different fields of its occupation. The administrative expenses seem to us small, compared with the magnitude and importance of the work accomplished, giving evidence that this department is conducted with great economy, and most conscientious fidelity.

When we consider the nature and extent of the work committed to the care of this organization, and that the appeal comes to us as a Christian duty, to help educate and Christianize these millions of our own citizens, now living in a condition of ignorance and degradation, we are forced to the conclusion, that our churches do not realize sufficiently, either their obligation or privilege, to meet the call with liberal and glad contributions.

The annual receipts of this Association, engaged in Christian work second in importance of no other, ought to be greatly increased. May we not ask the Pastors of our churches, to bring to the attention of their congregations, the necessities of those for whom this Association is laboring; and we urge individual Christians to such faithful labor and consecration as will extend a knowledge of the needs and deepen the interest felt in this great and good work, so that contributions may be largely increased.

From an examination of the various statements submitted, showing in detail the operations of the Association, and the condition of the property interests it has in charge, your Committee are prepared to commend it most heartily to the continued confidence and sympathy of our churches, and to recommend that every effort be made to secure enlarged receipts, so that the debt shall speedily be paid and the increased work that so needs to be done can be undertaken.

E. H. SAWYER. A. L. WILLISTON.

The report was discussed by Secretary Strieby, District-Secretaries Woodworth, Pike, and Powell, Hon. E. D. Sawyer, Rev. George F. Stanton, Rev. Addison P. Foster, Rev. Cyrus W. Wallace, D. D., Hon. Edward S. Tobey, Rev. Rowland B. Howard, Rev. Albert H. Plumb.

Rev. John S. Ewell led in prayer.

On motion, it was voted “that a committee of three be appointed to present to the churches the expression of the Association concerning its debt.” The Rev. George A. Oviatt, Rev. George F. Stanton and Rev. William L. Gaylord were appointed such committee.

Rev. Heman P. DeForrest read the report of the committee on “Moral and Religious Education,” as follows:

The Committee, to whom was assigned the topic of “Moral and Religious Education, especially among the colored women of the South,” offer their Report with a deep conviction of the central and commanding importance of the work thus indicated. The two faculties which, in the Freedman, need chief attention, are his intellect and his conscience. Of these, the moral faculty must take precedence in importance. By the effect of slavery, and its accompanying influences, acting through many generations, a blight amounting, in some directions, well-nigh to extinguishment, has fallen upon his moral sense. His education, under the old system, did not develop this faculty, for it was only the hard education of rough contact with life and with men, which, indeed, sharpened his intellect sometimes, but buried conscience yet deeper under the weight of false teaching and falser custom. His religion did not help him here, for it has been a sensuous and emotional experience, not deemed inconsistent with the grossest violations of moral law. It is the work of Associations like this to solemnize, in his behalf, the marriage, subject to no subsequent divorce, of religion and morality. And it is, we believe, a happy quality of the genius of Congregationalism, that it will not pour oil upon the flame of emotional piety, but will chiefly emphasize the spiritual truths and moral laws which forever underlie all true religion.

But now the question arises, whether, in all our planning and thinking for the Freedman, too little has not been said and thought by our churches in regard to the Freedwoman.

She, like her brother, has been debased by slavery; debased, moreover, in the very citadel of her sacred womanhood, until the very instinct on which the sanctity of the home must rest, if it exist at all, has become almost extirpated.

There can be no elevation of the Freedman that does not rest upon the moral restoration of the Freedwoman. The position of woman is everywhere the measure of moral attainment, and here, where she has become the sport and lawful prey of two races, she more than ever holds the key of the situation.

The feeling, gaining strength through all the experience of our missionaries and teachers and superintendents, that an effort needs to be made for her benefit distinctly, now demands expression in the councils of this body.

Your Committee has no new light upon this subject; it has no specific to offer for the evil which makes so great a demand upon our sympathy. We can only appeal to this body, and to the churches, whether now, in the spectacle of two and a half millions of Freedwomen, of whom only a mere fraction are yet under the influence of schools and pure churches, lifting up their cry, not “from Greenland’s icy mountains, nor India’s coral strand,” nor whence “Afric’s sunny fountains roll down their golden sand,” but from the sunny half of these United States of America, we have not a call of God, which the dullest ear cannot fail to hear. And we, brethren and sisters, are charged with the duty of responding to this cry, with no uncertain sound.

The Committee feel the responsibility which rests upon them in undertaking to propose new measures, and hesitate to offer too radical suggestions. Yet, they cannot be deaf to the appeal of this kind of work, or content themselves with vague and general exhortations. We hail as a good omen, and as an indication of Providence as to the course to be taken, the fact that already, through the influence of one Christian lady of the Northwest, a lady missionary, specially instructed to labor among the homes of the Freedmen, by personal contact, for the moral and religious education of the colored woman, is now actually at work. Our recommendation is that, following out this beginning, Christian women of mature experience and wise tact be appointed, to such an extent as funds will permit, who shall labor for the elevation of the Freedwomen, by those methods of personal influence which are, of all, most efficient. We believe that in no other way can we strike so nearly at the root of the ignorance and immorality which, in behalf of the Freedmen, we contend against.

But, obviously, it would not be right to take the funds appropriated for education or church extension for this purpose, and thereby curtail a work which needs, on the contrary, to be at once extended. Whence shall the support of these lady workers come, then?

We feel constrained, in reply, to appeal to that large and earnest body to whom we are not wont to appeal in vain--the Christian women of our Northern churches. Suppose that in each church an appeal should be made to the ladies, already doing much in missionary work, and sending generous supplies of clothing and other necessaries to the Freedmen, to assume the responsibility of supporting, either themselves or in conjunction with neighboring churches, these female workers among the Freedwomen. Could they, would they resist the appeal of this sister of theirs, upon whom iron despotism has set its mark of deep degradation, through no fault of hers, and who now lifts up appealing eyes, pleading to be restored to the sisterhood of the pure and the holy, to whom manhood owes all that is noblest and highest in its proudest development? We know them better than to imagine any such refusal. We believe the Christian women of the North, when once this channel is opened, will see in it their choice opportunity, and respond in a way that shall set forward our work by a great advance.

And we further offer the suggestion, following again a thought which has been born, and has already, to a degree, taken form, in the field of labor, that in the principal centres of the Southern field, local organizations of women may be constituted, which shall have special charge of this work, and through which the funds raised may be applied to their purpose.

By this three-fold chain of operations--the appointment of Christian women of mature character to special labor among the Freedwomen, the organization of local boards of women at the several centres of operation, and support by the Christian ladies of the North--it seems to the Committee that this important and too long neglected work may be simply and effectually accomplished. And, as rapidly as the developments will allow, we believe the work in the field should be passed into the hands of the elevated and Christianized Freedwoman herself, who, not only by visitation, but by the example of her own holy womanhood, and her own Christian home, shall disseminate the forces of light through all the darkness of the land where she lives.

REV. H. P. DEFORREST.

Rev. G. S. Pope, of Tougaloo, Miss., spoke upon the topic.

The report of the committee on the “Normal Work of the Association” was presented by Rev. W. W. Adams, D. D., as follows:

Your Committee congratulate the Association on the work of the year, as represented in the Report. It is but seventeen years since the first school for Freedmen was opened, and but twelve years since the first Normal school was started. Last year 7,229 pupils were under instruction in the schools of this Association, of whom 1,459 were in Normal schools. The increase in the number of pupils of all grades last year, over the number of the year before, was 1,789; in Normal schools the increase was 126; in college and professional schools, 50. The eagerness of the colored people to obtain at least a rudimentary education has ever been a most encouraging sign. The young man who last year walked fifty miles with his trunk upon his back that he might enter school, recalls the zeal of the late Dr. Goodell, of Constantinople, who, in his youth, also walked sixty miles, with a trunk strapped upon his back, that he might enter the Phillips Academy at Andover. The demand for teachers from the Normal schools--quite beyond the ability to supply them--is one of the surest indications that the schools are meeting an urgent need. But the tendency of some pupils to consider themselves qualified to become teachers, after obtaining the merest rudiments of knowledge, is earnestly to be deprecated and discouraged. It needs to be dealt with as an easily besetting sin. The replacing of the burned buildings by new ones, at a cost within the amounts of insurance recovered, the better location of some of them, the increasing, and increasingly expressed sympathy of the better classes of Southern whites with the educational work of the Association, are also occasions of congratulation. The devotion of a portion of the time of pupils to manual labor is to be commended on grounds of economy, of industrial training, of the best and most diversified moral culture.

We very earnestly commend to the friends of the Association the appeal of its officers for permanent endowments of the higher institutions. The elevation of the colored race must be in large measure the work of colored men and women. But they must first be trained for their work in institutions established among them. Without endowment there is no assurance of permanence in the institutions we have already given them; without endowment they are not established; the labor of the past is not secured from total loss in the future. It needs to be distinctly emphasized, also, that the permanent establishment of educational institutions of a high order is the great work of this Association among the colored men, and the foundation for all uplifting work beside. The continuous training of our schools--intellectual, industrial, social and moral training, all in one--is needed for the development of higher ideals and nobler types of character, and, we are happy to add, has already resulted in such development in not a few of the pupils. This training is needed as a counterpoise to the operation, otherwise mischievous because unbalanced, of some prominent forces of the African temperament; needed to hold the imagination within the limits of reason and righteousness, to curb emotional excess, to save life from becoming the sport of changeful impulses. Experience has proved that the training given changes the type of piety greatly for the better. It is not less fervent, but it is less exclusively and wildly emotional. It becomes more rational, more consistent; it has more of principle and character in it; it is more truly a service of righteousness, more reputable, more effective for good. In order that church membership may be helpful rather than harmful to righteousness, and that church life among the Africans may be genuinely Christian, there is urgent need of a worthier Christian education of the African ministry. It is peculiarly our work to give that education. The general education provided for through our Normal schools is indispensable, that the colored people may deserve and command the respect of their white fellow-citizens at the South; that they may clearly understand their rights as citizens; may know how to secure them and make wise use of them.

It has been truly said that the work of uplifting the colored race is, from beginning to end, a long, slow process of education. In that process the Normal schools and higher institutions of the American Missionary Association have a place second in importance to no other. We have begun a good work; the question now is, whether we shall do it or leave it undone through lack of establishing the institutions we have founded.

REV. WM. W. ADAMS, D. D. REV. J. W. WELLMAN, D. D. REV. E. H. MERRILL, D. D.

Remarks were made upon the report by Rev. Edward H. Merrill, D. D.

After singing, the Association adjourned to meet at two P. M.

Afternoon Session.

At two P. M., the Lord’s Supper was celebrated; Rev. Joshua W. Wellman, D. D., and Rev. Cyrus W. Wallace, D. D., officiating.