Part 2

The president of the large mills at Nashville, Tenn., assured us that his mills in 1878–9 had earned fifteen per cent. dividends. One of our wealthiest manufacturers of New England, who has recently been to Eastern Tennessee, where he has an interest in a new mill, says if twenty years younger, he would certainly go South and invest largely in manufacturing. Everything is favorable for such enterprise.

This is in striking contrast with the time when the papers, voicing the sentiment of Virginia, compelled the founders of Lowell, Mass., to abandon their purpose of building their mills in Richmond, because such industries were in deadly hostility to Southern institutions.

Another significant, but almost unnoted feature of the new South, (for the old _is_ passing away more rapidly than is generally believed,) is the increasing favor with which the town system, but more especially the common-school system, is regarded by the people.

Under the old régime both were unknown. Virginia (and we believe she was in harmony in this with all the other slave States) pauperized the pupil who received aid, by making the overseer of the poor the disburser of such funds as were appropriated by the _County Court_ for educational purposes.

The business, which in New England is transacted by the citizens of a town, assembled in town meeting, duly warned, and notified of the business that could be brought before it, was, in the South, transacted by the _County Court_ for a whole county. Surprise is often expressed that the people of the South can be led, in almost solid masses, to the polls, to vote for men and measures which those who know the private sentiments of the people are sure they do not approve.

But conceive of New England as having never sent her children to a _common_ school; as having never gathered in town meeting; as having never known even a Congregational Church meeting, and, at the same time, as having free thought on all questions of public policy overshadowed, fettered and ruthlessly throttled by an interest which enthroned itself as supreme in commercial, political and social life, before which good society did homage, and politicians sacrificed, and divines worshipped, without whose approval nothing was right, and without whose protection nothing was safe. Conceive what, under such circumstances, New England would have been, and then cease to wonder that the pro-slavery disunionist was not crushed, and that the Bourbon politician is not buried under the _new sentiment_ which lives in the South to-day.

But it is manifest to anyone who knew the South under the old state of things, and who has had opportunity of seeing it to-day, that these two agencies which have made New England what she is, but were unknown to the South—which were thrust upon her as a part of the reconstructive machinery, against her sullen but helpless protest, and were hated accordingly—are coming more and more into favor with the people.

It is noteworthy and significant that the Legislature of Tennessee, last year, in all its frantic, unwise, and dishonest efforts to reduce expenses, did not reduce her school appropriations. He must be a blind observer and a dull reasoner who does not see that this is most significant as showing that old things are passing away, and all things are becoming new in a regenerated South.

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THE NEGRO, ON THE STATUS AND EXODUS OF THE NEGRO.

It is significant that the leading article in the current number of the _South Atlantic_, the _élite_ literary magazine of the South, is by a colored man. His topic is, “The Status of the Negro, and the Exodus.” It is able and fair in its treatment of the subject. The editor disclaims responsibility for its statements, and slightly apologizes for its publication; would have been glad, had it not seemed unfair to the writer, to modify a few paragraphs; but has given a negro full leave to tell his white readers just what he thinks of negro status and exodus. This fact is one which should not be forgotten.

On the other hand, it would be well for us to hear just what an intelligent negro has to say on this topic. The writer, Rev. D. J. Sanders, indicates the difficulties in the way of his people’s progress; obstacles thrown in the way both by his friends and his enemies; asserts that because of what _he is_, the negro has made commendable progress in spite of these hindrances, aided by missionary preachers and teachers who paid but little attention to, and took no part in, the political events which were transpiring about them. Evidently, in his estimation, the improved condition of his people has not been due to political action, but to schools and moral influences.

He asserts that the Exodus has not been brought about by political causes, though a certain class of politicians have done something to spread the movement; nor is it due to the fact that educational or religious privileges have been withheld, for, strictly, it cannot be asserted that such has been the case. Persons who were pronounced in their opposition to negro schools are, when this movement begins, laboring side by side with those who have devoted themselves to negro education. Whatever of politics, or education, or religion may enter into the movement is merely incidental.

Political abuse there has been, but the Exodus movement began after this had for the most part ceased, and has raged most where this abuse has been least known, as near the home of the writer, in North Carolina.

There have been, and are now in some States, unjust laws regulating labor and wages. The script system, which permits the employer to pay the laborer in script redeemable at his store, has been known, and is ruinously unjust to the laborer, but in the two States where this movement has been greatest, regulative legislation has been in the one exactly the reverse of what it is in the other. In Mississippi the landlord must fulfil his engagements before he can force his tenant to quit. In North Carolina the tenant must fulfil his before he can leave.

Fundamentally, it is the impoverished condition of the people, conjoined with restlessness, and supplemented by idle curiosity, making change easy and desirable, which has exposed these poor people to the designs of unscrupulous sharpers and demagogues. They have inherited poverty, ignorance, improvidence, to say nothing of positive vices. They have been hindered by positive efforts to keep them down. They have been discouraged by the fact that success would give them no social or political advantage, and so they have either refused to labor, or have squandered in pic-nics and cake-walks, for tobacco and whiskey, it is estimated, about eighty millions of dollars annually.

There have been, so far, about 28,000 of these _exodusters_ who have paid an average of about $16.65 to the railroad companies for transportation. Out of this the companies have paid to the unscrupulous agents who promote the movement, one dollar for full, and fifty cents for half fares.

The roads have received about $500,000 from these people, and hope for at least half as much more from a return movement. The emigrants have received in charity about seven cents each, as an offset to the $16.65 which they have paid for transportation alone. We know not what report the Senate Exodus Committee will make, but are confident that it will come no nearer the truth in regard to this movement than has the writer of this article. So long as the negro is thus ignorant he will be helpless against the oppressor, whether he be the old master or the pretended new friend. When we know the possibilities yet undeveloped in the negro, and give full scope to them, we shall know also what an element of wealth and strength here is in what is now known as an incubus on prosperity and a menace to our national life.

CONDITIONS OF INDIAN CIVILIZATION.

Before the Indian can become civilized, the conditions of civilization must exist. For him, at present, these are scarcely possible. No mere tribe can attain to a civilized state, yet the tribal relation is fostered and perpetuated by our policy. Such agencies of a civilized life as civil courts, town meetings, common schools, railroads, telegraphs, etc., these are simply impossible so long as tribes of men are forced or permitted to wander over vast territories to which they have no other title than that of tribal occupancy. The prime condition of a home is an exclusive title to the land upon which it stands and from which its support can be drawn. Without a home, a high civilization is impossible, but our policy has been to discourage, and too often render impossible, the creation of a home by the Indian.

He is the ward of the nation—a ward who has never been taken to the maternal bosom as a child, who is not permitted to reach his majority, or to care for himself, who is cheated by his guardian, and unfitted by the whole course of his education for the duties and responsibilities of manhood. There has been no false principle of politics but has been applied to his regulation. There has been no species of wrong, or injustice, or folly, which has not been practiced upon him, and regarded by him as the exponent of our Christian civilization.

It is time this foolish and wicked treatment should cease; time that we showed something like an honest desire to do justly by him, even though incapable of wise statesmanship. The principles which have lifted up savage tribes and made of them civilized nations are historic, and might be known to, and their application attempted by, the Government. Our Congressmen should be compelled to hear other demands than those made by reckless adventurers who find the Indian occupying lands he would possess.

Judging from all past experience we have every reason to believe that, under secure conditions of life and property, these tribes would settle down and become worthy and excellent citizens. The protection of the Indian must be individual and not tribal; it must be found in courts which administer impartial justice, not in longer-ranged rifles and fleeter ponies. In short he must have the opportunities and defences of manhood, and thus be prepared for the responsibilities and duties of citizenship.

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AFRICAN NOTES.

—The Mission church at Old Calabar, Western Africa, where the Rev. E. P. Smith was buried, is spontaneously aiming at self-support.

—A few French Protestant missionaries from South Africa, have penetrated the great Barotse Valley, North of the Zambesi, with a view to establishing a mission in this unevangelized region. M. Coillard, the leader, is now in Europe, endeavoring to awaken an interest in the new enterprise.

—At the new San Salvador Congo Mission, excellent work has been done during its first six months of labor. A school has been opened and the scholars have made good progress. One hundred and fifty on the average have attended preaching services; about a thousand words of a hitherto unwritten language have been collated, and the missionaries thank God and take courage.

—Mr. Adam McCall, a converted engineer, with seven years’ experience in African life, has gone out from the East London Mission Institute, in charge of an expedition, planned to reach Stanley Pool this summer. Here he proposes to establish a good, strong industrial station, to which the natives from the surrounding country may be attracted, and where they may gather round a centre of civilizing and Christianizing influence.

—The mission of the United Presbyterians in Egypt has been signally blessed. They have thirty-five stations, nearly one thousand communicants, and over twelve hundred pupils in their schools, and have received, in all, assistance equal in value to $120,000. $40,000 of this was from the late Viceroy, and $80,000 from His Excellency Maharajah Dhuleep Singh.

—According to Mr. Stanley’s report, the population in the upper Congo region is very dense. The towns in some places are two miles long, with one or more broad streets between rows of neat well-built houses, superior to anything in East Africa. Mr. Stanley is constructing a good road, ten feet wide, on the lower Congo, past the rapids and cataracts. Relief stations are to be built at intervals for the benefit of merchants, missionaries and explorers, according to the original plan of the King of the Belgians.

—Coal is said to exist in abundance in the vicinity of St. Paul river, Liberia, West Africa, and a survey for a railroad has recently been, made on the St. Paul river.

—“The conditions of health in the Gaboon, West Africa,” says Rev. S. H. Murphy, a Presbyterian missionary, “are good living, godliness, cleanliness, tranquillity, patience, and quinine.”

—A Trans-Sahara Railway from Algeria to Soudan, across the Desert to Timbuctoo on the Niger, and another line from Senegal to the Niger, are proposed by the French. The necessary explorations for the first of these schemes are being made by Duponchel, a celebrated engineer, and for the second by Soleillet, another celebrated engineer and explorer.

—The Dutch Church in South Africa began on January 2d the publication of their first weekly religious paper, in the Dutch language, called “_De Christen: Weekblad voor Kerk en Maat schappij_;” (_or the Christian; a Weekly for the Church and Society_.) It is well gotten up, and is indeed quite an attractive sheet.

There are several large and enterprising secular sheets published at Cape Town.

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ITEMS FROM THE FIELD.

HAMPTON, VA.—“I am glad to tell you that two of your Indian boys, Murie and Hustice, are to unite with our church on next Sunday.”

RALEIGH, N. C.—The spiritual condition of the church is still very encouraging. Fifteen persons entered into covenant last Sunday, which made it a day of rejoicing. Six others have been voted into the church, and will enter into covenant at the next communion.

WILMINGTON, N. C.—A pleasing incident occurred at our communion season last Sabbath. Four generations in one family were represented, from the aged great-grandmother to the infant who was presented for baptism by its grandmother, a close-communion Baptist; her impenitent son, the father, and the young mother, who is a member of our church, standing by her side. The grandmother afterward communed with us.

CHARLESTON, S. C.—Mr. Cutler writes: “Yesterday was a grand day for us. The church renewed its covenant. About 100 were present. Some 30 or 40 others sent word that they wished to do so. We are now in a condition to go forward. I trust the renewal was made sincerely.”

AUGUSTA, GA.—“At one place where I called, an old lady had the care of several grandchildren. One evening she said, ‘I don’t know what I shall do to-morrow, for I’ve only one nickel left.’ Then, one of the grandchildren replied, ‘Grandma, don’t you know you always say, “the Lord will provide”? Don’t you worry; it will be here in the morning.’ And sure enough she went over to the depot the next morning, and two ladies asked her to wait on them, and gave her fifty cents, and another said, ‘Here, auntie, take this basket and empty it for me,’ and there was provision enough to last all day and part of the next. ‘Children, you just trust the Lord,’ is a remark she often makes.”

WOODVILLE, GA.—“Our revival is still going on. God is with us. Brother Markham preached here last Sunday, and four persons were admitted to membership.”

MILLEDGEVILLE, GA.—A society for little children has recently been formed in this town, known as the “Rising Youths’ Society.” It promises well. The Sunday-school is still flourishing.

MCINTOSH, GA.—The church work is growing. Five have been added to the church since last July, and a number are to unite at the May communion.

MILLER’S STATION, GA.—From Miss Douglass: “You see by the date that I am once more out of Savannah. It was hard to get away, for there were many who were inquiring, and needed to be sought out and led to the Saviour. I came out to fill an appointment for a Bible reading here last night. There were only thirteen present, as it was rainy. One of these was an old gray-headed man, who suffers much from rheumatism. He walked nearly two miles to get here, yet expressed himself as ‘very much satisfied’ with the pay he received for his walk.”

MCINTOSH, GA.—Rev. A. J. Headen writes: “I have a great deal of walking to do because I have no horse, and I am not able to go as much as I might if I had one. Please see if you can help me to secure one through some friend. I give you my word it would add a hundred per cent. here to our work if a horse could be put in the field. Some days I walk from eight to nine miles to see the people and to attend to church work.”

MACON, GA.—Rev. S. E. Lathrop writes: “When Brother Rogers was here he told us we ought to ‘pray for a missionary horse.’ Whether that is the best way to get one or not, I am not sure, but I do wish we had one. When I see a serviceable horse, I sometimes feel like breaking the tenth commandment, and saying, as the disciples said to a certain colt’s owner, ‘The Master hath need of him.’ We feel the need of some kind of locomotive power, as the hot weather of spring has begun. Our long walks under the burning sun, take the starch out of our linen, to say nothing of the lassitude and fatigue of body. There are no street cars now running in Macon; they are bankrupt, defunct and buried (_i. e._ the tracks) under sand and gravel. Some of our members live two miles in one direction and some three miles in another. The whole congregation are scattered far and wide, hence they are somewhat irregular, and the labor of visitation is much increased. If we had a horse we could accomplish much more, besides saving something on draymen’s bills, etc., etc. All our workers _need_ the recreation of riding for the sake of health, and we can’t afford to hire hacks. Now I don’t know why I wrote this, except that I do feel like ‘praying for a missionary horse.’ Join your prayers with ours.”

TALLADEGA, ALA.—The theological students at Talladega College have just been favored with a course of lectures on Eschatology by Rev. H. S. De Forest, President of the College. The students manifested a lively interest in these lectures, and in the study of the intricate and somewhat obscure field of thought traversed by them. The lecturer having positive views, combined with much classic and theologic learning on the themes discussed, and possessing a warm, Christian heart, did not fail to make a deep impression on all who heard him.

Eight young men will be graduated from the Theological Department of the College this year, all of whom will enter the Congregational ministry in the South. They are now warmly welcomed to the pulpits of all denominations, and are recognized as an important factor in the elevation of the colored people in this region.

KYMULGA, ALA.—A very interesting temperance meeting is reported. Sixty persons were present. The exercises consisted of singing, addresses and selections by the members of the Society. Rev. H. S. De Forest, of Talladega, visited the Sunday-school and preached for the people.

CHILDERSBURG, ALA.—Rev. Alfred Jones writes: “My work is in a lively condition. I have a full house. My people seem to study the Bible with greater interest than they ever have before. Some come to my church who did not like it at first.”

ANNISTON, ALA.—Rev. P. J. McEntosh has been the victim of a very pleasant “April Fool.” On returning from Conference he was invited into the chapel, and found, to his great surprise, that an excellent stand for the choir had been erected, with banisters and place for books. The work had been done with the proceeds of a surprise party given while he was away.

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THE FREEDMEN.

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

FIELD SUPERINTENDENT, ATLANTA, GA.

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A TOUR OF THE CONFERENCES.

It took six weeks. Other pens were engaged to write up the details. Some notes by the way, may be in place. The Kentucky Association did not elect delegates to the National Council. There will be yet another chance at the July meeting. Rev. John G. Fee is opposed to any representation in that body beyond that of an honorary character. Membership in it, he thinks, would be an endorsement of the sect principle, and inconsistent with the position of the Kentucky Association, which is simply a body of Christian ministers and churches. He claims that testimony must be borne, if only in a small way. At the National Council in Oberlin, I was delighted with the catholic and non-sectarian spirit with which the delegates of this body were welcomed to membership. I should say now: Keep on sending delegates to encourage and emphasize that testimony. That is the only ecclesiastical body in the United States that would offer such organic fellowship.

You have been told of the new era in our work, marked by the opening of half a dozen of the homes of the first families in Selma, Alabama, for the entertainment of the white members of the Conference. It was not merely the offer of their houses as eating and sleeping places, but it was a delicate and attentive Christian hospitality, which invited the guests around from home to home in order to the extension of acquaintance. When grateful words were said to Major Joseph Hardie for having led the way, he answered that that gave him too much credit; that the places had all been opened cheerfully, and that, after the sessions were over, other families had said: “Why didn’t you give us a chance? We would like to have had some of those folks.” Another host, referring to the mutual satisfaction, said: “It is just because we are getting better acquainted.” In the same line was the opening of the Presbyterian pulpit, morning and night. The exercises of the Conference, with a printed programme and prepared articles, were of a high order and well sustained throughout. It was much like one of the Western General Associations.

In the Louisiana Conference, at Terrebonne, of the twenty-six members, the only two white men were Pres. Alexander and the Superintendent. It was not a literary tournament, but a glowing religious convocation. Before the adjournment, eight or ten souls were inquiring the way of life, and some fervid spirits remained to extend the flame. Our dear brother, Rev. Daniel Clay, the entertaining pastor, with his own home and his church upon the same plantation where for thirty-seven years he had served as a bondman, is a very patriarch among the young ministers, loved and revered by us all. The last meeting of this Conference, at New Iberia, was followed by a revival that added one hundred to the company of the disciples. Next year we are to go back to Terrebonne.