Part 1

VOL. XXXIII. NO. 5.

THE

AMERICAN MISSIONARY.

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“To the Poor the Gospel is Preached.”

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MAY, 1879.

_CONTENTS_:

EDITORIAL.

PARAGRAPHS 129 THE LAND—ITS WEALTH AND ITS WANT 130 WAR OR MISSIONS 132 THE NEGRO HEGIRA 133 WOMAN’S WORK FOR WOMAN—CONGREGATIONALISM IN THE SOUTH 135 ITEMS FROM THE FIELD 137 GENERAL NOTES 138

THE FREEDMEN.

TOUR INTO THE SOUTHWEST: Rev. J. E. Roy, D. D. 140 GEORGIA, ATLANTA—Lady Missionary Needed 143 ALABAMA, MONTGOMERY—Tenantry, Promising Field, &c.: Rev. F. Bascom, D. D. 143 ALABAMA, MOBILE—Emerson Institute: Rev. D. L. Hickok 145 MARION—Revival of Education; Rev. Geo. E. Hill 146 LOUISIANA—Straight University: Prof. J. K. Cole 147 TEXAS—CORPUS CHRISTI—Revival 148 TENNESSEE—Yellow Fever Fund 149

AFRICA.

NATIVE PREACHERS—ADVANCE CALLED, &c. 150

THE CHINESE.

SOME POINTS ON THE CHINESE QUESTION: Rev. W. C. Pond 151

RECEIPTS 153

CONSTITUTION 157

WORK, STATISTICS, WANTS &c. 158

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NEW YORK.

Published by the American Missionary Association,

ROOMS, 56 READE STREET.

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Price, 50 Cents a Year, in advance.

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American Missionary Association,

56 READE STREET, N. Y.

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PRESIDENT.

HON. E. S. Tobey, Boston.

VICE-PRESIDENTS.

Hon. F. D. PARISH, Ohio. Hon. E. D. HOLTON, Wis. Hon. WILLIAM CLAFLIN, Mass. Rev. STEPHEN THURSTON, D. D., Me. Rev. SAMUEL HARRIS, D. D., Ct. WM. C. CHAPIN, Esq., R. I. Rev. W. T. EUSTIS, D. D., Mass. Hon. A. C. BARSTOW, R. I. Rev. THATCHER THAYER, D. D., R. I. Rev. RAY PALMER, D. D., N. Y. Rev. J. M. STURTEVANT, D. D., Ill. Hon. W. W. PATTON, D. D., D. C. Hon. SEYMOUR STRAIGHT, La. HORACE HALLOCK, Esq., Mich. Rev. CYRUS W. WALLACE, D. D., N. H. Rev. EDWARD HAWES, Ct. DOUGLAS PUTNAM, Esq., Ohio. Hon. THADDEUS FAIRBANKS, Vt. SAMUEL D. PORTER, Esq., N. Y. Rev. M. M. G. DANA, D. D., Minn. Rev. H. W. BEECHER, N. Y. Gen. O. O. HOWARD, Oregon. Rev. G. F. MAGOUN, D. D., Iowa. Col. C. G. HAMMOND, Ill. EDWARD SPAULDING, M. D., N. H. DAVID RIPLEY, Esq., N. J. Rev. WM. M. BARBOUR, D. D., Ct. Rev. W. L. GAGE, Ct. A. S. HATCH, Esq., N. Y. Rev. J. H. FAIRCHILD, D. D., Ohio Rev. H. A. STIMSON, Minn. Rev. J. W. STRONG D. D., Minn. Rev. GEORGE THACHER, Ll. D., Iowa. Rev. A. L. STONE, D. D., California. Rev. G. H. ATKINSON, D. D., Oregon. Rev. J. E. RANKIN, D. D., D. C. Rev. A. L. CHAPIN, D. D., Wis. S. D. SMITH, Esq., Mass. PETER SMITH, Esq., Mass. Dea. JOHN C. WHITIN, Mass. Rev. WM. PATTON, D. D., Ct. Hon. J. B. GRINNELL, Iowa. Rev. WM. T. CARR, Ct. Rev. HORACE WINSLOW, Ct. Sir PETER COATS, Scotland. Rev. HENRY ALLON, D. D., London, Eng. WM. E. WHITING, Esq., N. Y. J. M. PINKERTON, Esq., Mass. Rev. F. A. NOBLE, D. D., Ct. DANIEL HAND, Esq., Ct. A. L. WILLISTON, Esq., Mass. Rev. A. F. BEARD, D. D., N. Y. FREDERICK BILLINGS, Esq., Vt. JOSEPH CARPENTER, Esq., R. I.

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY.

REV. M. E. Strieby, D. D., _56 Reade Street, N. Y._

DISTRICT SECRETARIES.

REV. C. L. WOODWORTH, _Boston_. REV. G. D. PIKE, _New York_. REV. JAS. POWELL, _Chicago_. EDGAR KETCHUM. ESQ., _Treasurer, N. Y._ H. W. HUBBARD, ESQ., _Assistant Treasurer, N. Y._ REV. M. E. STRIEBY, _Recording Secretary_.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

ALONZO S. BALL, A. S. BARNES, EDWARD BEECHER, GEO. M. BOYNTON, WM. B. BROWN, CLINTON B. FISK, ADDISON P. FOSTER, E. A. GRAVES, S. B. HALLIDAY, SAM’L HOLMES, S. S. JOCELYN, ANDREW LUSTER, CHAS. L. MEAD, JOHN H. WASHBURN, G. B. WILLCOX.

COMMUNICATIONS

relating to the business of the Association may be addressed to either of the Secretaries above; letters for the Editor of the “American Missionary” to Rev. Geo. M. Boynton, at the New York Office.

DONATIONS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS

should be sent to H. W. Hubbard, Ass’t Treasurer, No. 56 Reade Street, New York, or when more convenient, to either of the Branch Offices, 21 Congregational House, Boston, Mass., or 112 West Washington Street, Chicago, Ill.

A payment of thirty dollars at one time constitutes a Life Member.

Correspondents are specially requested to place at the head of each letter the name of their Post Office, and the County and State in which it is located.

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THE

AMERICAN MISSIONARY.

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VOL. XXXIII. MAY, 1879. No. 5.

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American Missionary Association.

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We wish to remind our readers that the offer of Mr. Arthington, as it has come under our consideration by the report of the Foreign Committee, and as it has been put before them by its publication in the MISSIONARY for April, is still commended to their consideration, and open to acceptance or declinature, as they may decide. We are well aware that such great things are not to be lightly or suddenly decided. It is a subject which demands careful weighing, and all the light which may be gained from earthly as well as from heavenly sources. The first offer was not made suddenly or unadvisedly. Dr. O. H. White, of the Freedmen’s Aid Society of England, writes us that he conversed with Mr. Arthington about it more than a year ago, who said then, “_I will think of it, and you pray earnestly that Robert Arthington may be led to a right decision._” We can say nothing better now. Do you, friends, think about it, and we will pray earnestly that you may be led to a right decision.

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We have just received from the estate of the late Charles Avery, of Pittsburgh, Pa., $12,000 as an endowment, the interest to be used in the work of African evangelization. As the money has just come to hand as we are going to press, there has been no opportunity for action on the part of the Executive Committee as to its specific appropriation. It may be deemed advisable to use it in furtherance of the mission proposed to us by Mr. Arthington, of Leeds, England.

In behalf of Africa and her descendants on two continents, we cannot forbear another tribute to the memory of Mr. Avery, and to his executors who have so faithfully carried out his benevolent wishes.

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Rev. W. H. Willcox, of Reading, Mass., and his brother, Rev. G. B. Willcox, D.D., of Stamford, Conn., have returned from a tour among our institutions of the South, in which they have been accompanied by District Secretary Pike. It is with no small degree of pleasure that we record their great satisfaction in what they saw and their hearty approval of the work, and the proof they have given of their sincerity in it. It is well known that Mr. Willcox has been acting in behalf of Mrs. Daniel P. Stone, of Malden, Mass., in the distribution of a large fund among the educational institutions of our land. As a result of his observation of the work done at Atlanta and Fisk Universities, he has appropriated one hundred thousand dollars to be divided equally between these two institutions. This affords aid, which is greatly needed, for the enlargement of the work at these most important places. It will go into buildings and other permanent equipment. We devoutly wish that men and women who have money to give would go and do likewise,—visit our institutions for the education of the Freedmen, see the work which is being done, and the work which needs to be done, and then act in the light they have gained from actual observation.

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Rev. B. C. Church, of Goliad, Texas, who has been long and faithfully occupied in our service, needs a _buggy_, not for pleasure-driving, we assure our readers, but that he may be able to visit not only his immediate field, but the new station at Flatonia, as often as may be needed for the supervision of that new and promising work. He says “the running part will do, and a second-hand one at that.” Surely that is a modest request. Is there not some one of our readers who has such a vehicle to spare for the Lord’s work, _top and all_?

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Two months ago, among our _Items from the Field_ was a plea, condensed into less than two lines, for an organ for the church at Orangeburg, S. C. A few days after, Mr. S. T. Gordon generously offered to give us the needed instrument, and it is now helping “the service of song in the house of the Lord” in that place. The pastor writes: “We have received that invaluable gift, the cabinet organ donated by Mr. S. T. Gordon in aid of the day and Sunday-school and church work in this field. For this goodness the children, the congregation and ourselves unite in sending Mr. Gordon and the A. M. A. ten thousand grateful thanks. And we beseech the Lord to abundantly reward this labor of love. It will afford us very great aid indeed.” It is encouraging to receive such prompt responses to wants thus simply made known. We are emboldened to call attention to a similar petition for an organ, in the letter from Corpus Christi, Texas. What other generous and prompt friend will be moved to answer, “_Here it is?_”

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THE LAND—ITS WEALTH AND ITS WANT.

Among the explorers of the eastern part of Equatorial Africa no other has given us so full descriptions of the land, its wants and woes, and its brilliant possibilities, as Sir Samuel Baker. And he, too, in his “Ismailia,” traverses largely the territory suggested for our occupation by Mr. Arthington. The following paragraphs are from his description of the natural scenery, and of the beauty and fertility of the land on the east side of the Nile above and below Fatiko. Is this not a pleasing picture of a portion of our proposed field?

“I reveled in this lovely country. The fine park-like trees were clumped in dark-green masses here and there. The tall dolape-palms (Borassus Ethiopicus) were scattered about the plain, sometimes singly, at others growing in considerable numbers. High and bold rocks, near and distant mountains, the richest plain imaginable in the foreground, with the clear Un-y-Amé flowing now in a shallow stream between its lofty banks, and the grand old Nile upon our right, all combined to form a landscape that produced a paradise. The air was delightful. There was an elasticity of spirit, the result of a pure atmosphere, that made one feel happy in spite of many anxieties. My legs felt like steel as we strode along before the horses, with rifle on shoulder, into the magnificent valley, in which the mountains we had descended seemed to have taken root. The country was full of game. Antelopes in great numbers, and in some variety, started from their repose in this beautiful wilderness, and having for a few moments regarded the strange sights of horses, and soldiers in scarlet uniform, they first trotted and then cantered far away. The graceful leucotis stood in herds upon the river’s bank, and was the last to retreat. * * * * * Magnificent trees (acacias), whose thick, dark foliage drooped near the ground, were grouped in clumps, springing from the crevices between huge blocks of granite. Brooks of the purest water rippled over the time-worn channels, cut through granite plateaux, and as we halted to drink at the tempting stream, the water tasted as cold as though from a European spring. The entire country on our left was a succession of the most beautiful rocky undulations and deep, verdant glades, at the bottom of which flowed perennial streams. The banks of these rivulets were richly clothed with ornamental timber, the rich foliage contrasting strongly with the dark gray blocks of granite, resembling the ruins of ancient towers.”

But this land, so rich and beautiful, is all going to waste. Its game and cattle are doomed to as swift destruction as the countless herds of buffalo and antelope which only fifteen years ago thronged the prairies of Dakota. We copy from the same source this picture of the waste which is the sure precursor of want.

“By the Nile traders’ arrangements the companies of Abou Saood receive as their perquisite one-third of all the cattle that may be stolen in successful razzias. The consumption of cattle by these brigands is enormous. All flour is purchased in exchange for flesh, while flesh is also necessary for food: thus the cow is being eaten at both ends. The frightful drain upon the country may be imagined by the following calculation, which is certainly below the truth:

“If 1,000 loads of ivory must be carried to Ismailia,

2,000 cows are required as payment of carriers; 1,000 belong to the brigands as their perquisite; 300 are necessary to feed the native carriers and soldiers during the journey; ————— 3,300 cows are required to deliver 1,000 loads of ivory a distance of 165 miles from Fatiko to Ismailia (Gondokoro).

A station of 35 men consumes daily 700 lbs. In addition they require to exchange for flour 350 lbs. —————————— Daily consumption of flesh 1,050 lbs.

The oxen of the country do not average more than 170 lbs. cleaned.

2,255 beasts are thus required annually. ————— 5,555 oxen are necessary to feed and pay for the transport from a station only 350 strong, according to the customs of White Nile brigandage.

“It must be remembered that at least a thousand, and sometimes double that number of slaves, are prisoners in each station. All these must be fed. The same principle is adopted in the exchange of flesh for flour; thus the expenditure of cattle is frightful. Not only oxen, but all the breeding cows and young calves are killed without the slightest reflection. No country can support such wilful waste; thus, after many years of ravage, this beautiful country has become almost barren of cattle. The central districts, occupied by the slave-traders, having been denuded of cattle, it has become necessary to make journeys to distant countries.”

But this is not the worst aspect of affairs. For by how much a man is better than a beast, by so much his life is more sacred, and to be guarded with more jealous care. Read this story of a slave raid, its treachery, its brutality, its capture not only of slaves, but its slaughter of many times the number led away to sale. But this is not all; for in the pages of “Ismailia” follows the record of a dreadful retribution in which the whole 103 of Abou Saood’s men are put to death and 150 of their allies. This is but one of many like scenes which have helped to make the slave regions of Africa as degraded as they are found to-day.

“A man named Ali Hussein was a well known employé of Abou Saood. This ruffian was an Arab. He was a tall, wiry fellow, with a determined but brutal cast of countenance, who was celebrated as a scoundrel among scoundrels. Even his fellows dreaded his brutality. There was no crime that he had not committed, and as his only virtue was extreme daring, his reputation was terrible among the native population. He had arranged to make a descent upon the Umiro tribe, about six days’ march to the southeast. He accordingly sent natives as spies with specious messages to the Umiro, announcing his intention of visiting them to purchase ivory. With a party increased by volunteers from other stations to a force of about 300 men, he arrived at Umiro. The simple natives received him gladly and showed extreme hospitality. The country was thickly populated and abounded with vast herds of the finest cattle. After a week’s sojourn among the Umiro, during which he had received large presents of elephants’ tusks and seventy head of oxen from the confiding natives, the treacherous ruffian gave an order to his brigands at sunset. They were to be under arms an hour before daybreak on the following morning, to set fire to the adjacent villages of their generous hosts and to capture their large herds of cattle, together with their women and children.

“At the time appointed, while every Umiro slept, unconscious of approaching danger, several villages were surrounded, and volleys of musketry were poured upon the sleeping inmates. The straw huts were ignited, and the flames rapidly spread, while a massacre commenced similar to the butcheries to which the slave-hunters were so well accustomed. The Umiro, thus taken by surprise, and appalled by so dastardly a treachery, were easily defeated. Their children and wives were captured, together with large herds of cattle, which are celebrated for their size. All these were driven in triumph to Fatiko.”

We only ask, in conclusion, is not this a field for Christian men to occupy—this fair land, with such means of supporting life, and with horrors like these enacted year by year, against which the presence of even a few white Christian men would be a most effectual check?

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WAR OR MISSIONS?

Christian England is at war with the Zulus, not altogether successfully, we fear not altogether justly. It seems to be about the same question which is at issue perpetually between the United States Government and the Indians—a disputed strip of territory lying between Transvaal and Zululand is, by arbitration mutually agreed upon, decided to belong of right to the Zulus. But the Dutch Boers who had settled therein decline to give up their claims. The English Government, to whom that territory had been transferred, defend them in maintaining their resistance to what had been declared to be the rightful owner, and because King Cetywayo is a small sovereign, the Queen on whose dominions the sun never sets proposes to compel him. This is about the story as it comes to us. So Christian England and America—not the Christianity in England and America—treat their poor neighbors.

Now, in the prosecution of this Zulu war thousands of men are sent out to do battle—generals, captains, common soldiers. Money is freely spent, millions of dollars, to keep a rude race from acknowledged rights. Blood is spilt and lives are sacrificed, not by the one or two, but by the hundred. But there is another battle to be fought in Africa, in the interests of the Christianity that is in England and America; a battle against superstition, and all the ignorance and violence included in it, against the slave trade and its demoralizing influences. It, too, will cost men and money. In its accomplishment, lives will be laid down. Already in the new fields opening, one and another have fallen, until six, perhaps, have thus far given up their lives in this cause. The advance guard, the scouts, have not all escaped the perils of such service. It costs money, too; but it will not cost half as much to convert a savage African as it will to kill him. Missions are cheap compared with war.

And then, look at the end of it all. Money and blood to extend territory, to defend a flag! Where is the treasury, and where the lives ready to be laid down that the banner of the Prince of Peace may be set up in Equatorial Africa, and its inhabitants be made subjects of Him whose dominion hath no end?

Read these emphatic words of _David Livingstone_, so well illustrated by his own quietly heroic life:

“We talk of ‘sacrifices’ until we fear the word is nauseous to God. We have no English female missionary biography worth reading, because it is all polluted by the black man’s idea of sacrifice. It ought not so to be. Jesus became a missionary and gave His life for us. Hundreds of young men annually leave our shores as cadets. When any dangerous expedition is planned by Government, more volunteers apply than are necessary to man it. On the proposal to send a band of brave men in search of Sir John Franklin, a full complement for the ships could have been procured of officers alone, without any common sailors. And what thousands rushed to California from different parts of America on the discovery of gold! How many husbands left their wives and families! How many Christian men tore themselves away from all home endearments to suffer and toil and perish by cold and starvation on the overland route! How many sank from fever and exhaustion on the banks of the Sacramento! Yet no word of sacrifices there! Our talk of sacrifices is ungenerous and heathenish.”

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THE NEGRO HEGIRA.

It is not many months since we had to record the Liberian exodus fever. The movement which excited so great hopes among the deluded blacks has passed out of sight, and the holders of ten-dollar shares in the barque Azor are no nearer the tropical shores of Africa than they were a year ago. From those who went out in so ill-advised a manner, for a long time almost nothing came back to us but their wail of suffering as they reached their journey’s end.

And now another impulse has seized upon thousands apparently of the negro population of Mississippi and Louisiana, to leave the places where they were born and reared and seek new homes. As early as the middle of March probably fifteen hundred had found their way to St. Louis under the impression, it is said, that they would be supported in that city and provided with free transportation to Kansas, where, on arrival, they would receive from the Government, lands, mules, money and agricultural implements. A small proportion of them appeared to be in comfortable circumstances, and proceeded by steamer or rail to Kansas City or Topeka. Others were entirely destitute and dependent from the first on charitable aid. Thousands more were reported as only deterred from coming by lack of means to pay their way up the river. The mayor and citizens of St. Louis were in quite a panic over their visitors. What should they do with them, or how keep them away? But the feeling of kinship led the colored people of the city to give them such welcome as they might. The basements of three colored churches were opened to them, and food and shelter were generously given by their brethren according to the flesh, and they were helped toward their destination as far as might be.