Chapter 1

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The American Missionary

January, 1900.

Vol. LIV. No. 1.

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NEW YORK:

PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY THE AMERICAN MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION,

THE CONGREGATIONAL ROOMS,

FOURTH AVENUE AND TWENTY-SECOND STREET, NEW YORK.

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Price 50 Cents a year in advance.

Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., as Second-Class mail matter.

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CONTENTS.

PAGE

FINANCIAL 1

FRESH LEAFLETS FOR 1900 1

THE PROGRESSIVE SOUTH 2

GREETING TO PORTO RICANS 3

PIONEERS IN PORTO RICO (Illustrated) 5

FISK UNIVERSITY (Illustrated) 12

CHEYENNE AND ARAPAHOE INDIANS (Illustrated) 20

SOUTHERN FIELD NOTES 24

NEWS FROM ARCTIC ALASKA 26

CHRISTIAN ENDEAVORERS AMONG THE INDIANS (Illustrated) 28

LINCOLN MEMORIAL SUNDAY 31

RECEIPTS 32

WOMAN'S STATE ORGANIZATIONS 46

SECRETARIES OF YOUNG PEOPLE'S AND CHILDREN'S WORK 48

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The AMERICAN MISSIONARY presents new form, fresh material and generous illustrations for 1900. This magazine is published by the American Missionary Association quarterly. Subscription rate fifty cents per year.

Many wonderful missionary developments in our own country during this stirring period of national enlargement are recorded in the columns of this magazine.

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THE AMERICAN MISSIONARY.

VOL. LIV. JANUARY, 1900. NO. 1.

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FINANCIAL.

The receipts to December 31st, the first quarter of the fiscal year, are $6,586.98 more than for the same period last year--an increase in donations of $6,874.52, in income of $890.20, and in tuition of $1,652.58--a decrease in estates for current work of $2,830.32 under the policy of reserve legacy account.

We are greatly cheered by this increase in donations. We appreciate the cordial response of the churches, Sunday-schools, Endeavor Societies and individuals to the necessities of this great work. We call especial attention to the efforts which are being made to increase the gifts of this Association for the current year thirty-three and one-third per cent. This is the amount of increase which the Council Committee of Fifteen have asked from the churches. The large work demands at least this per cent. of addition to the gifts for the current year. Will not each individual church and Sunday-school see that their contribution for this year is at least a third larger than for the former year?

In addition to this amount needed for the work which has been established in other years, the claims of Porto Rico are pressing. Ten thousand dollars was a very conservative estimate of the amount that was needed at once in this new island territory. The churches, and especially the Sunday schools, have responded generously in bringing up the gifts to about half this amount. There is imperative need immediately for the full amount, properly and energetically to press the work in Porto Rico along the lines of Christian education and evangelization.

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FRESH LEAFLETS FOR 1900.

"Annual Statistical Leaflet."

"Annual Report, 1899."

"Universal Brotherhood Through Christ," Sermon by Rev. C. H. Patton, D.D.

"Michael E. Strieby," (illustrated) Sec. J. E. Roy, D.D.

"The Hand of God or Failure," Rev. H. A. Stimson, D.D.

"By Their Fruits Ye Shall Know Them," Rev. C. E. Jefferson, D.D.

"What Has Been Done for the Indians," Rev. J. R. Nichols, D.D.

"The Evangelical Side of Missionary Work," Rev. Sydney Strong, D.D.

"Why and How?" Rev. Gerald H. Beard, Ph.D.

"The Americans in the Southern Mountains," Rev. Archibald Hadden.

"The Story of Three Million Highlanders," Rev. M. N. Sumner.

"In the Cypress Swamps," (illustrated) Miss C. F. Knowlton.

"Difficult Problems with Pleasing Results," Prof. J. L. Wiley.

"Our Churches a Necessity to the South," Rev. George V. Clark.

"Fisk University," (illustrated) Prof. J. G. Merrill, D.D.

"Pioneers in Porto Rico," (illustrated) Sec. C. J. Ryder.

"Christian Endeavorers Among the Indians," Prof. F. B. Riggs.

"People Passed By," (reprint) by a Missionary.

"The Debt of Our Country," (reprint, illustrated) Sec. C. J. Ryder.

"Arctic Alaska," Mr. W. T. Lopp.

"Christian Endeavorers and the A. M. A.," Rev. Francis E. Clark, D.D.

"Cheyenne and Arapahoe Indians," (illustrated) Rev. W. M. Wellman.

These leaflets may be had for personal use and distribution on application to this office.

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THE PROGRESSIVE SOUTH.

It is encouraging to note the signs of progress at the South towards meeting the heavy responsibilities of the situation. It is a mistake to imagine that the Southern situation does not improve from year to year. Hundreds of thousands, if not millions, appreciate the trend of events and the necessity for the elevation of the depressed millions with whom they are intermingled. The Southern tragedies of murder and violence have awakened the same horror in their hearts as throughout the country at large. There is a rising sentiment against lynching and for enforcing justice by the cold and passionless execution of law. There is a strong desire to give the advantages of education to both the ignorant whites and the ignorant blacks. There is a growing sympathy for the beneficent efforts to this end which are put forth from the North.

It is a great mistake to confuse the whole South with certain lower elements in its vast and varied populations. It is also a mistake to imagine that sporadic instances of violence here and there are sufficient indices of the situation at large. Millions of the Southern whites and blacks are dwelling together in amity and co operation for the advance of education and for moral progress. Illustrations are multiplying on every side of the desire on the part of the progressive South to fulfil the duties and meet the heavy responsibilities thrust upon it by the masses of population submerged in ignorance.

These immense masses are the burden not only of the South, but of the American people at large. Ignorant labor is shiftless and wasteful labor. The growth of varied and inter-related manufactures cannot rest upon a labor element of clumsiness and stupidity. Civil duties demand intelligence and morals. The best patriotism of the South joins hands with that of the North in the elevation of the lowly and ignorant. What has been done is only the initiation of the ten times more which must be done.

It is a significant fact that the last national census showed that the white illiteracy of the South was deeper than even the foreign illiteracy of the North; while that of the Southern black population was fearfully darker. Both public and private efforts are being made in countless communities of the South to begin the lifting of this great burden. Some of the States have already taken encouraging measures in this direction. While there are reactions, the general tide is that of progress. It is easy to make too much of the violent reactionary outcries of a few Southern newspapers. It must be remembered that these shrill expostulations against progress are comparatively isolated and do not represent the general and deliberate sense of the intelligent South. The day has come when intelligent leaders, North and South, can unite their efforts and push forward the work of popular upliftment throughout the South. The lesson of the hour is not that of impatience and denunciation, but of mutual sympathy and co-operation. The hopeful progress of the past is a presage to the magnificent progress assured to the immediate future.

No more timely words have been spoken than those of a Southern philanthropist when he said: "The Negro must be educated. It is absolutely necessary to both races that his education go on. In our extremity we look to wise and just people in the Northern States to help us to help both races."

F. P. W.

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GREETINGS TO PORTO RICANS.

At a meeting of the representatives of the different benevolent societies of our Protestant denominations who are entering upon mission work in Porto Rico a committee was appointed to draw up a paper containing a greeting to these people. The paper was to be published in Spanish and English. The copies in English were to go especially to the missionaries to be scattered among English-speaking people. The Spanish translation was intended for the native Porto Ricans. This paper was signed by representatives of different denominations as will be seen. This broad, comprehensive and loving message from the Christians of America to the people of Porto Rico, who are now a part of our own country, must meet the approval of all those interested in the progress of the Kingdom of God rather than some narrow denominational victory. This greeting to the Porto Ricans is as follows:

"We rejoice that your beautiful island has become part of the United States. We take you by the hand as fellow-citizens of this Republic. We pray that you may share fully with us in all the blessings it has to give. We have come among you to show our interest in and our sympathy with you, and to do what we can to help you and your children toward the larger life that is possible to us all.

"We come to you as we have gone to all other parts of our beloved land--as messengers of the gospel of Jesus Christ our Saviour. We have come as brethren in Christ, as joint-members of that spiritual body of which He is the head, to preach and teach among you, and thus in mutual helpfulness to build up the Kingdom of our common Lord and to answer His prayer 'that they all may be one,' and that His will may 'be done in earth as it is in heaven.'

"We are agreed in the great truths of our holy religion, and we will work together that they may produce in this historic island all the choicest fruits of Christian life and culture. We would teach the children the way of eternal life, and bring to the men and women--full of cares and burdens--the rest and comfort and hope that come through faith in the Saviour. And so shall they and we all be brethren and sisters in Christ.

"These are the common purposes that bring us hither. In the name of our common Master we pray you give us and our preachers welcome, and join your labors with ours that this island, so charming in its natural features, may more and more have the beauty of a pure and purifying religion. Then happy will be your homes and happy your people--as Holy Scriptures declare, 'Happy is that people whose God is the Lord.' Education will brighten the lives of the children; Christian morality will stand guard in every community against sin, and the peace which Christ promised to His people will rest upon us and ours.

"Praying for God's richest blessings upon you, beloved people of Porto Rico, and asking your co-operation with us, we are

Yours in Gospel of Jesus Christ,

(Signed) C. L. THOMPSON,

T. J. MORGAN,

W. H. WARD."

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PIONEERS IN PORTO RICO.

SECRETARY CHARLES. J. RYDER.

The opening of this new island territory for the Christian schools and the evangelistic work of the American Missionary Association is of great interest. Many questions are naturally asked by those who are in sympathetic touch with this new and important movement.

_Who have gone to this field? Where have they gone and what fields are opening? Why have they gone?_ These questions present themselves to the attention of those who have watched with great interest the opening of this island to an intelligent and progressive Christian influence. Let us answer these questions in this article.

First, who have gone in this pioneer band of missionaries to Porto Rico?

The educational work is especially under the care and direction of Prof. Charles B. Scott and his wife. Prof Scott is a graduate of Rutgers College and of Oswego State Normal School. He is a teacher of many years' experience and thoroughly qualified for the establishment and direction of the educational work of the Association among this people. Mrs. Scott, a graduate of Michigan University, also takes an active part in this work. They are both devoted Christians, and the religious quickening and spiritual elevation of the people comprise an important part of their efforts.

Miss Julia D. Ferris goes from Saginaw, Michigan. She received her education at Wellesley College after leaving the High School of her own city. She has been a teacher for several years and has attained marked success in this work.

Miss Isabel French is a graduate of a classical school in New York City and pursued a post-graduate course at Barnard College. She has had large experience in teaching and in Christian and philanthropic work, which qualifies her for this mission field.

Miss Jennie L. Blowers has already had experience in the mission schools of the American Missionary Association, having taught in Chandler Normal School at Lexington, Ky. Her home is in Westfield, New York. She was reappointed to work in the South, but was ready to enter this more distant island field. She is well qualified for this new work.

Miss Katherine M. Rowley comes from Oberlin, Ohio, being a member of the First Congregational Church of that city. She is a graduate of Oberlin College and is cordially recommended for this missionary service by her professors and teachers.

Miss Mary L. Daniels is a member of Dr. Munger's church in New Haven, Conn. She has been a teacher in the public schools, where she has attained a high position as a very competent instructor. She takes with her the regard and confidence of a large circle of friends and there is every prospect of her abundant success.

All these teachers understand the Spanish language to some extent. This is essential, in order to do the work in Porto Rico.

Rev. John Edwards, a pastor from Ohio, has been sent out by the Association as an evangelist in this same field. The preaching of the gospel is greatly needed, and Mr. Edwards' circuit covers a large area in evangelistic services. He is in eastern Porto Rico, where there is scarcely any other missionary work.

And so this little band of eight devoted men and women have entered upon the pioneer work in opening up Porto Rico to an intelligent gospel. They have gone out with the prayers and sympathy of thousands of those who have been greatly interested in the important work in this island territory. The future promises large things in the building up of Christian character and the establishment of progressive Christian institutions.

_Where have these missionaries gone?_ They landed first at San Juan, on the northeastern portion of the island. They established a school at Santurce, which is a few miles distant from San Juan. From this field Miss Blowers writes as follows:

"The schoolhouse opens on the street (the military road), where there is a constant stream of passers by. There is not an hour in the day that there are not spectators peering in at doors and windows with idle curiosity or eager interest. Sometimes there are not more than three or four, but often as many as eighteen or twenty. Let me tell you of the various persons who composed this outside audience, as I watched them one morning. A native policeman, a business man waiting for his car, three beggars, boys with large trays of bread, fruit and sweetmeats on their heads, a washerwoman with a huge basket of clothes poised securely on her head, the driver of an ox-cart, who stopped his team while we sang "America," three women going to market, a party of daintily dressed, sweet-faced senoritas with their chaperone, a dirty, wild-looking old hag who almost frightened me, a young mother carrying a naked baby in her arms, and boys--well, it was no use to count them. What do you think? Are we not being well advertised?"

Great care was taken in locating these schools. Rev. A. F. Beard, Senior Secretary of the A. M. A., and Rev. William H. Ward, D.D., a member of the Executive Committee, visited the island to examine the conditions and discover the best points for such work. Prof. Scott, after reaching the island, also made thorough investigation concerning the most important location. He wrote after reaching Porto Rico: "The railroad from Arecibo is impassable. I hired a pony and a boy to guide me and started for the town. The only way of traveling now, except on military roads, is by pony. I had never ridden two miles on horseback in my life, but it had to be done and I am still intact, and have ridden twenty to twenty-five miles to-day without even getting stiff. We reached Arecibo, having to ford or ferry streams five times. There were no bridges left.

"Friday I rode to Lares, eighteen miles over the roughest trail imaginable. Much of it is as steep as a stairway, with stones of all sizes replacing the steps. But I managed to stick to my pony. We reached Lares at eight o'clock, the eighteen miles taking nine hours, with three hours at noon waiting for the rain to cease."

Lares, a town of 3,000 population, is situated in the western part of the island. It was finally decided that this should be the place for the second school planted by the American Missionary Association. Prof. Scott writes also: "Lares is a very pleasant place, built around the top of a hill, the best residences at the top, with best possible drainage and supplied with excellent spring water. I had a letter to the Alcalde (Mayor) and to the leading doctor of the town, a very intelligent man, who speaks English. I examined several buildings and found one admirably adapted to our purpose. It is central, with a large room on the ground floor and five bedrooms, a dining room and kitchen for the teachers. Everything is in excellent order. The sanitary condition, with some changes, cannot be surpassed. The house seems just built for our purpose, and with a minimum expense can be enlarged to give two good-sized dormitories. All the people whom I saw were very much interested in our work. The city can do nothing. They have paid no salaries for months."

The schools at Lares and Santurce represent the present educational work of the Association in Porto Rico. Both schools are well under way and large numbers of eager pupils are in attendance. Prof. Scott wrote so urgently for reinforcements in order to meet the needs already pressing, that an additional missionary teacher was sent in January. Miss Johanna Blinka was selected for this important mission, as she was thoroughly acquainted with the Spanish language and had had large experience in educational and missionary work. This completes the force of eight teachers already engaged in the educational work under the American Missionary Association in the island of Porto Rico.

Rev. John Edwards has begun work in the eastern part of the island. There are few missionaries here and the opportunities for evangelistic work are pressing. The following interesting facts were received under recent date from Mr. Edwards: He writes from Fajardo, eastern Porto Rico, "There are many circumstances attending the work here that are very trying and require the greatest of patience. Still, on the whole, there is great encouragement. I have rented a building here at Fajardo, to occupy as the centre of missionary work in this region. I ordered a dozen benches with backs, to be used for public service. A little table stands at the end of the room, on which I place the Bible and use as a pulpit. It is my intention to develop fully the promising conditions both here at Fajardo and also at Humacao, where I have found a warm welcome.

"I understand the best time on Sunday for public worship is in the evening. The young men are most of them occupied during the day. Sunday is their busy market day until three or four o'clock in the afternoon, when the market and stores close and all are free to go whither they like. Some of the young men told me that a number would attend our meetings in the night, that could not come during the day. Of course, this is a condition unfavorable to such Christian work, and yet I hope to be able to gather considerable audiences and reach this needy people with the living gospel of Jesus Christ. I speak in Spanish with comparative ease. We held services Sunday morning, at which I preached. We then sang several hymns which the people are rapidly learning. We need hymn books to offer them for sale, that they may be used in our meetings."

From this letter it will be seen that work is opening hopefully before our evangelist. As the work develops it will demand a reinforcement of preachers capable of doing the same sort of earnest, evangelistic work. The demand in every department of this new island territory is pressing and imperative. Surely the churches of our Congregational fellowship will see to it, each one of them, that the work is fully and cordially supported.

But a very natural question remains to be answered, namely, why have these missionaries gone to this island field? The answer is easy and natural. In the first place, Porto Rico is the only territory that has come under the immediate direction and control of the United States government as a result of the war with Spain. It is emphatically a home missionary field. The responsibility of our American churches is immediate and direct for the spread of the gospel among the inhabitants of this island, who are even now our fellow citizens. The American Missionary Association follows the flag. By the adjustment of work suggested by the churches years ago, at which the Association surrendered its foreign field and took the work among the Indians as a legitimate department of its home work, it has confined its missions to the territory of the United States. Patriotism reinforces the demands of Christianity for the physical, intellectual and religious development of the people in Porto Rico. The time is immediate and the command imperative. It is the command of our country as truly as of God.

Churches, expressing their views through resolutions of local conferences and associations, urged upon the A. M. A. to occupy this island field. This was another reason for going.