Part 2

Thus another is added to the many strange, sad stories in the history of this dark-skinned race. This sudden impulse moving upon this great mass of men and women may not have been reasonable, and yet it must have had a reason. Kansas seems to be to them a magical name, synonymous with freedom, friends and happiness, in their crude thought. It was sought to turn some of them to Iowa, where work and pay were offered; but no, Kansas was the goal from which they could not be turned away. There seems to be no possible interpretation of this so general migration, other than that they have given up in despair the thought of peace or prosperity in their old homes. For of all the inhabitants of our soil they are the least migratory in their nature; they cling to the old State and the old homestead on which they were reared. But repeated wrongs have worked at last on their slow minds the conviction that better things can only be in store for them far away. Not political deprivations, for they seem easily to have given up that contest, and they “don’t vote much;” but the wrongs of a hard tenantry system, by which they have been compelled to rent land at $10 an acre for the year—land worth not much more than that at sale—with various other extortionate charges by the way, bringing the laborer out at the year’s end no better, but rather the worse off for all his toil, and with no liberty even of complaint; these are the things which have at length wrought out their natural and inevitable result.

The consequences of this movement, if it be suffered to go on—and who can stop it?—are manifold and of most serious import. The planters are already alarmed at the lack of laborers for the year which is just opening upon them. A desertion of “hands” is a most dire calamity in an agricultural community. Political changes may follow those of population, and if this hegira goes on, the proportion of representation may be seriously changed between Louisiana and Kansas.

There can be no question but that the negro can, if he be well treated, do better in the Gulf States than in the cold climate of Kansas—at raising cotton and the sugar-cane than wheat and stock. Is there no serious warning in this movement to the people of those States?—a lesson not political so much as industrial; an intimation that fair treatment even of the lowest, poorest and most ignorant classes, especially if they are held by no artificial bond like ownership, is essential to a rendering of the service for which they were valued once as slaves, and for which they are no less indispensable as freemen. There is policy as well as right in justice, and the law of gravitation is as real and as irresistible in masses of men as in the realm of material things. The South needs the negro quite as much as the negro needs the South; and unless its leaders of thought and action help its people to recognize their mutual dependence, and teach them to conciliate and not to abuse the arm that is ready to sow and gather their crops, they will have to do without it. The present hegira is but a hint of what may be. Is it not a hint, also, as to how so great a loss may be avoided? For, after all, dislike the truth who may, the negro is “a man and a brother.”

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WOMAN’S WORK FOR WOMAN.

Every once in a while a feeling prevalent in the churches gets voice in the question: “Cannot women find some recognized method of doing more for the elevation of the freed women of the South than they are doing now?” There has been an unwillingness on the part of many to agitate this question lest there might be in it a seeming antagonism to the work of the Woman’s Board; a work that in origin and development is so clearly providential. Still the want has been keenly felt. Some attention has been given it, and in a few instances the thought has developed into action.

Nearly two years ago Mrs. Zachary Eddy, of Detroit, interested a number of ladies in Eastern Michigan in the matter, and the result was that these ladies became responsible for the support of a lady missionary, to be appointed by the American Missionary Association, to work exclusively among the freed women; and the work then begun has been steadily sustained ever since by Miss Hattie Milton, at Memphis, Tenn. It is no longer an experiment, it is now a success. Miss Milton, in a letter, not long since, says: “This has been the happiest year of my life; for this work has its own reward, both to the missionary and those who send her, which is more valuable than silver or gold. I sometimes think the angels might almost envy us in this work.”

Within a few months the ladies connected with the First and Second Churches of Oberlin have united to support a lady missionary among the freed women. The money is already provided for, and the missionary will soon start on her mission of love. And now I learn that the young ladies connected with the Congregational church in Waukegan, this State, have organized a society for the same purpose, the aim being to work chiefly through the Sunday-school. Monthly meetings, called “mission parties,” are held. A profitable programme is prepared, consisting of an essay, information from some mission station, brief addresses and singing. To these meetings invitations are issued by card, with the understanding that everybody invited will come. Thus far two meetings have been held, and they give promise of great popularity.

May there not be in the organization of this young ladies’ society, designing to work through the Sunday-school, a suggestion that the ladies might take up everywhere? Why not, after first defining the word young to have reference to feeling rather than years, organize young ladies’ missionary societies in all our churches, to work through the Sunday-schools for the support of lady missionaries among the freed women?—SCROOBY, in _The Congregationalist_.

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CONGREGATIONALISM IN THE SOUTH.

2. Since the War.

DIST. SEC. C. L. WOODWORTH, BOSTON.

The denomination which took possession of this country in the name of Christ, which brought in the cabin of the Mayflower the model of a democratic state, as well as of a democratic church, was, practically, ruled out of the South for two hundred and fifty years. Only since 1865 has it been possible for her to enter the South in all the largeness of her freedom and of her faith. If it now be asked, What has she to show for these thirteen years of opportunity among the poorest of the poor, we answer, “Something of which she need not be ashamed.”

Within five months from the time when the first gun of the rebellion sent its shot at the heart of the Union, Congregationalism, through the American Missionary Association, was at Fortress Monroe with bread and clothing, with books and Bibles, with teachers and preachers. Nor was this the only channel of its charity to the needy. It maintained a vast work of physical relief _during and after the war_, through the New England and National Freedmen’s Aid Societies, and through agencies of more private bounty. And not alone in the way of physical relief, but a large number of teachers were sent out by these same agencies, and kept in the field for years and years. They have passed away, indeed, but the amount expended by them was very large, how large we will not try to estimate even approximately.

The Society first in the field alone remains to do the work for the Congregational churches. No sooner had General Butler established himself at Fortress Monroe than the Association pushed in its workers among the unhoused, half-clothed, half-starved thousands of contrabands that had flocked inside his lines. From that beginning, in 1861, the work has spread into every Southern State, and though its income and its working force are scarcely half what they were in 1870, yet it is among the great societies which our churches cherish and love. It has just completed seventeen full years of labor on the Southern field, and the number of laborers sent out year by year are tabulated below:

Teachers, 1862 15 Teachers, 1872 346 “ 1863 83 “ 1873 323 “ 1864 250 “ 1874 273 “ 1865 300 “ 1875 260 “ 1866 353 “ 1876 206 “ 1867 528 “ 1877 203 “ 1868 532 “ 1878 209 “ 1869 532 ————— “ 1870 533 Total No. of Teachers 5,267 “ 1871 321

The tangible results of this work, as they appear in permanent Christian institutions, and their natural outcome in the South, will be seen in the statement below:

DETAILS OF SCHOOL WORK AT THE SOUTH.

_Chartered Institutions_, 8.—Hampton N. and A. Institute, Hampton, Va.: Number of pupils, 332; boarding accommodations for 180. Berea College, Berea, Ky.: Number of pupils, 273; boarding accommodations for 180. Fisk University, Nashville, Tenn.: Number of pupils, 338; boarding accommodations for 150. Atlanta University, Atlanta, Ga.: Number of pupils, 244; boarding accommodations for 150. Talladega College, Talladega, Ala.: Number of pupils, 272; boarding accommodations for 100. Tougaloo University, Tougaloo, Miss.: Number of pupils, 193; boarding accommodations for 90. Straight University, New Orleans, La.: Number of pupils, 287; no boarding accommodations. Normal Institute, Austin, Texas: Number of pupils, 146.

_Other Institutions_, 11.—Normal School, Wilmington, N. C.: Number of pupils, 126; Washington School, Raleigh, N. C., 435; Avery Institute, Charleston, S. C., 294; Brewer Normal School, Greenwood, S. C., 58; Storrs’ School, Atlanta, Ga., 701; Lewis High School, Macon, Ga., 93; Trinity School, Athens, Ala., 158; Emerson Institute, Mobile, Ala., 117; Swayne School, Montgomery, Ala., 436; Burrell School, Selma, Ala., 421; Le Moyne School, Memphis, Tenn., 184; Common Schools, 18;—total, 37.

Whole number of pupils, 7,229. Scholars in the South, taught by our former pupils, estimated at 100,000.

Whole number of churches in the South, 64.—Virginia, 1; North Carolina, 5; South Carolina, 2; Georgia, 12; Kentucky, 7; Tennessee, 4; Alabama, 13; Louisiana, 12; Mississippi, 1; Kansas, 2; Texas, 5.

Whole number of church members, 4,189.

From this exhibit it will be seen that eight of the schools are chartered, and contain nearly two thousand students. Four of them are of college grade, and are doing regular college work. The other schools are of Normal grade, and designed to bring forward, as rapidly as possible, the teachers for the untaught millions. They are all children of the Association, and in them are gathered up the fruits of Congregational liberality and labor in behalf of the colored race. These schools are an enduring investment for this work, and hold property in buildings, lands, apparatus and endowments, to the value, probably, of eight hundred thousand dollars. It should be said, however, that many of the buildings were put up by aid from the Freedmen’s Bureau; but this aid was set apart as the proportion of the public moneys which should appropriately flow through Congregational channels. The churches established in the South are a result of the same effort. Their chapels and houses of worship represent a money value of fifty thousand dollars more. What Congregationalism has to show is in these permanent institutions for the mental and moral training of the colored people. It is not all that is needed, but it is an investment of inestimable value, and one which will compare favorably with the work of any other denomination, for thorough educational and religious work among the enfranchised race.

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ITEMS FROM THE FIELD.

DUDLEY, N. C.—“We have quite a class of teachers in the school, and I have spent a part of each day with them. I induced one of the young men I found in Woodbridge to come here for the present. He has had but little schooling, but is far ahead of all the young people here and has taught several terms. He is now commencing Latin and Algebra. He desires to fully fit himself for work among his people, and his present idea is to devote himself to teaching. He has a splendid voice and has never had any drill. One great object in bringing him here was to train his voice and give him instrumental lessons, and he is doing finely. Another was to secure him, if possible, to us, and find a chance for him in one of the A. M. A. Colleges. Is there any way of getting help for such a young man?”

MCINTOSH, Liberty Co., Ga.—“Nineteen persons united with the church last Sunday on confession of faith.”

WOODVILLE, Ga.—The annual examination of the school was held March 28th. From 400 to 500 persons were present. One conversion from the Sunday-school during the month.

The St. Philip’s Society, Sengstacke’s Band of Hope, and Sons and Daughters of Jerusalem, celebrated emancipation, Jan. 1st, in the Congregational church. Rev. Mr. Markham, of Savannah, addressed them on the results of freedom and the work of the A. M. A. A thank-offering was sent in the form of a contribution to the Association.

TALLADEGA, Ala.—Nine young men, students at Talladega, after examination, were approved to preach by the Alabama Conference.

MONTGOMERY, Ala.—A deep religious interest has been manifested during the last month. Some of our pupils are trusting in a newly-found Saviour. A Sabbath afternoon Bible-reading at the school-house has been blessed.

MARION, Ala.—There are thirty subscribers to the New York _Witness_ among the colored people in this place—a fact which speaks well for their general intelligence.

MOBILE, Ala.—“God is pouring out His Spirit on our school. Several have expressed a hope in Christ and many more are inquiring. The interest is among the older scholars. We have a daily fifteen-minute prayer-meeting just before school, and a half-hour prayer-meeting after school on Friday. Pray for us.”

ANNISTON, Ala.—Sabbath-school very interesting, especially to the older people. One conversion.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas.—The church has been revived. Six members thus far have been received on profession.

FLATONIA, Fayette Co., Texas.—This young church has twenty-five members, and several are waiting an opportunity to unite. It is negotiating for a church building.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.—“The Sabbath-school is well attended. We had a concert last Sabbath evening; the house was crowded and the exercises went off quite well, after which a collection for the A. M. A. was taken.”

INDIAN AGENCY, KESHENA, Wis.—From the report of the school at the Green Bay Agency we extract the following: “Our school closed on the 20th, and we are happy to report that this has been the most favorable term since the opening of the boarding-school. We have had very little sickness and very few changes, nearly all who came at the beginning of the term remaining till its close. In this respect, of steady, persevering work, we notice great improvement. It is so contrary to the habits of the Indian that we note it with pleasure. The progress, too, in studies is very satisfactory.”

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GENERAL NOTES.

The Freedmen.

—In commenting on the Windom Emigration Scheme, the _Atlanta Constitution_ says: “In Georgia the colored people are doing as well as could be expected. If they are to remain citizens they ought to be educated, and they ought to have constantly before them the example of the whites. They are beginning to appreciate the responsibilities of citizenship; they are thrifty enough to accumulate property, and they are anxious to take advantage of the educational opportunities afforded them.” The colored man is valuable to the South. The white people know it. The above is important testimony to his worth and increasing usefulness.

—The Bainbridge _Democrat_ gives, unwittingly, testimony to the industry and thrift of the colored laborer: “The ambition of every negro man is to have a home of his own; and it is no mean ambition; yet, if something is not done, this generation will live to see the day when this class of labor cannot be obtained at any price; and if we cannot supply it with labor just as good, there will be no other alternative for the white man but to ‘go.’ People have no use for lands when there is nobody to cultivate them; and as the colored people set up in their little cabins upon their poor and sickly lands, just in proportion will our finest and best acres depreciate in value. This is a question big with interest to our people, beside which others sink into nothingness.” Application: The colored laborer is becoming a settled, independent property holder, and his own master. When he can work, buy and sell for himself, and own his cabin, he is emancipated from domineering dictation. Whoever owns his own labor must control the market.

—After all, there is an inclination to block this aspiration of the colored man. The _Atlanta Constitution_ holds that it is an open question whether this effort should be encouraged. It holds that there are two solutions of the labor problem which is now vexing the farmers. Either the negro must be made comfortable as a tenant, or he must be encouraged to provide himself a home. Either something like the English tenant system must be adopted or the system of small farms will prevail. There is something peculiarly attractive in this English system. Whether it could be made to fit the peculiar needs of the present and the contingencies of the future, is a question that the editor is not just now prepared to discuss.

—The colored man being an American citizen, it is improbable that the English tenant system can be made to fit his case. The rights of citizenship will secure to him the rights of labor. The homestead delivers him from serfdom, and secures to him the independent ballot.

—Many influential colored men are advocating colonization as a remedy for the evils that afflict their race. One says, “We cannot get equal rights in the South before the law. A white man will pay ten dollars for the same offence that a negro will go to that second death, the chain-gang, for.” He also says, “There are some counties in Georgia, and in every one of the Southern states, where a white man will whip a negro just the same as formerly.” Again, a certain lawyer defending a white man the other day, at Jefferson, in Georgia, said, “God made the negro inferior, and the white man was justified in killing the negro for insulting him.” The jury acquitted the white man (Atlanta _Rep._, March 1). The darkness still lingers.

—The _Marietta Journal_, Cobb County, Ga., reports that a young colored man, now a school-teacher, but who has been studying law for the last three years, will soon apply for admission to the bar, and says that he is so thoroughly prepared that his application cannot be denied.

—A National Emigration Aid Society has been organized at Washington, with Senator Windom at its head, its object being to assist and regulate emigration from the South to the West. Rev. Dr. J. E. Rankin is one of its Executive Committee, as are also Senator Hamlin, Representative Garfield and other leading men.

—At the recent anniversary of the City Bible Society in Atlanta, Ga., it was reported that the colporteur, who had just commenced the canvass of the community, had found that of the first one hundred and fifty-eight white families visited in the first ward, _twenty-six_ were destitute of the Word of God; and that of the first one hundred and seventy-two colored families visited in the same ward, _forty-eight_ of them have no Bibles. Rev. Dr. Haygood, who stated the fact, said that it had surprised and gratified him to find that so large a proportion of the colored families had supplied themselves with the Scriptures. It gave him great encouragement for the welfare of the country. Of one hundred and seventy-two colored families, one hundred and twenty-four had the Bible. This people hunger for the Word. Here is a wide field for the American Bible Society.

Africa.

—The Church Missionary Society has ordained missionaries at nine stations on the River Niger, under the charge of the native Bishop Crowther. At some of these stations the idols have already been given up. At others there has been long and severe persecution, which, however, appears to have largely broken down. On the whole, these missions have been a great success.

—The “_Cardiff Livingstone Mission_” (Welsh) was originated about three years ago, and has two stations on the Congo River.

—Dr. Laws and Mr. Stewart, of the Scottish Missionary Society on Lake Nyassa, are examining the country on the west coast of the Lake to find a permanent location better adapted to the wants of the mission than Livingstonia. They have visited several of the tribes, being received with some suspicion, and finding it hard to make it understood that they are neither there to fight nor to trade. At last advices (Oct. 30th) they were still investigating.

—Gordon Pacha, Governor-General of Southern Egypt, reports that the capture of all the slave depots is considered certain. The Egyptians, he says, killed ten chiefs and 2,000 men while following up a victory they had gained over the slave-traders.

—The steamer Kangaroo, with part of the cable to be laid between Natal and Aden, last month left the Thames for Natal via the Suez Canal. The Natal and Zanzibar section will be open for business in July. This will place South Africa within a week’s communication of London. The remainder of the line will be completed before the end of the present year.

—Mr. Henry M. Stanley is reported to be now on his way to Zanzibar with a commission from the King of the Belgians to re-organize the hitherto unsuccessful Belgian expedition.

—The Khedive has dismissed his English and French Ministers, and appointed a Cabinet composed exclusively of his own subjects. He has also prepared a financial scheme on his own account, and set aside that of the English financier. This revolutionary conduct will re-awaken anxiety in both England and France, for the future of Egypt and for the safety of European capital invested in that country.

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THE FREEDMEN.

REV. JOS. E. ROY, D. D.,

FIELD SUPERINTENDENT, ATLANTA, GA.

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A TOUR INTO THE SOUTHWEST.

Through Alabama, Mississippi and Texas.

It took seven weeks. It started off with a week in the revival meeting at Talladega College, where some score and a half of souls were hopefully led to Christ.

I tarried for a day at Montgomery to contract for the repairing and re-painting of the Swayne School building, and for the re-renting of the same. Erected by the Freedmen’s Bureau, it had been put into the hands of a local Board of Trust, and by that Board it had been leased for ten years to the American Missionary Association, which, after running it for several years, sub-rented it to the City Board of Education—the A. M. A. giving the rent, keeping the house in repair and appointing the teachers, the city paying the salaries. This arrangement was renewed for another five years by the appropriate legal papers. The teachers and the pastor’s family—that of Rev. Dr. Flavel Bascom, for the winter—are domiciled in the “Home.” A quiet, persuasive spiritual work was at that time manifest in the school. The pastor was found to be happy in his work, and to have made many friends in the city, being a regular member of the weekly ministers’ meeting.