CONTENTS
Annual Meeting—Peace, 105
Shall Cuba be Taken for Christ? 106
White Man's Country and Colored Man's Country, 107
Fourth of July, S'kokomish—Capon Springs Conference, 109
Christian Endeavor Convention at Nashville, 110
Southern Field Notes, 112
Missionary Gospel, 113
Liberty County, Ga., 114
Paragraphs, 115
Mr. S. S. Marples—Miss I. W. Hume, 116
Talladega College, Alabama, 117
Tillotson College, Austin, Texas, 120
King's Mountain, N. C., 122
Enfield, N. C., 124
Blowing Rock, N. C., 125
Thomasville, Ga., 126
Macon, Ga., 127
Athens, Ga., 129
Memphis, Tenn., 130
Meridian, Miss., 131
The Negro's Place in American Life, 132
Louisiana Constitutional Convention, 135
Colored Teacher to Colored Pupils, 138
RECEIPTS,139
Woman's State Organizations, 151
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Rev. F. A. Noble, D.D., Ill. Rev. Henry Hopkins, D.D., Mo.
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Rev. M. E. Strieby, D.D.
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Charles L. Mead, Chairman. Charles A. Hull, Secretary.
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Lewellyn Pratt. Edward S. Tead. Charles S. Olcott.
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THE
American Missionary
Vol. LII. SEPTEMBER, 1898. No. 3.
We look forward to the fifty-second anniversary of the American Missionary Association to be held at Concord, N. H., October 25-27, with exceptional interest. The sermon will be preached by Rev. Doctor George A. Gordon. Distinguished speakers add to the interest of the meetings. Missionaries from the field will present the varied features of their work among the Indians, mountain people and the colored people of the South.
The woman's meeting on Thursday afternoon will be particularly favored with an address by Mrs. Kate Upson Clark, and by interesting speakers from the missionary field.
We give a cordial invitation to pastors and friends of the Association to come to this beautiful and historic town of Concord at this anniversary. On the last page of the cover will be found full information for delegates and friends who anticipate attending the meetings. Fuller details as to the reception of delegates, entertainment, hotel rates and railroad reductions will be given in various religious papers.
PEACE.
Now, when the war drums have ceased, we can think again of the problems which were before us when Spain added those which are to ask our attention. The greater problem before the American people is not any new one. The Christianization of nearly three millions of colored people yet in illiteracy and moral darkness is a call to Christian love and service as loud as any call can possibly be. The messages of the gospel of Peace, have the only promise of salvation to these millions in darkness at our own doors. To give this to these needy ones, who are not only near to our doors but who are ready to receive the grace of Christ at our hands is the call of Christ for our patience and fidelity. As we thank God that the smile of Heaven rests upon our country once more in peace, we may well turn our thoughts anew to our endeavor for the victories of Peace, and think as fairly of our duty to lift these poor, ignorant millions above the perils of increasing ignorance, as we have been thinking of the deliverance of Cubans from their oppressions and wrongs. What these new possessions now under our care may require of us, is another question which comes with peace.
The millions of ignorant colored people in our own country not yet reached need to be saved. They cannot save themselves. We owe them the Christianity which we have. We owe them a chance for intelligent faith. More than forty per cent. of nearly eight millions are yet in density of ignorance and mentally and morally weak. They can be saved. What has been done is the pledge of what may be done. Let us then consecrate ourselves anew to the victories of peace and make our thank offerings free and large for the glory which comes not of sieges and battles, but the glory of Christian love and faith, of Christian thinking and Christian working, for God's poor people who wait for their day of redemption.
SHALL CUBA BE TAKEN FOR CHRIST?
The Alumni Association of Oberlin Theological Seminary recently
"Voted: That the Alumni of Oberlin Theological Seminary suggest to the American Missionary Association the importance of organizing at once for an extension of its educational and evangelizing work into Cuba as soon as the deliverance of that island from the dominion of Spain will permit."
At the recent Triennial National Council of Congregational Churches held in Portland, Oregon, reference to the pressing of Christian educational work into Cuba was greeted with enthusiastic applause.
And now there come letters from those who desire to volunteer for service under the American Missionary Association to enter upon this work in Cuba and Porto Rico. This Association has not the power to issue bonds for the expense of such missionary campaign, nor to levy war taxes. The significance, however, of these new fields of work and the especial fitness of the American Missionary Association to enter them must be apparent to all our constituents. The inhabitants of both these islands are largely of a mixed race. The splendid band of young colored people in the South have been trained during the years in the American Missionary Association schools and are excellently well qualified for carrying this Christian work among the peoples of these island regions.
They are acclimated, born and reared in the southern climate. Some even are immunes. Is it not a special providence that this band of young people have been trained for just such work as this opening to our Congregational fellowship in Cuba and Porto Rico?
The volunteers for work in these islands, however, are not confined to any one race. The Oberlin Alumni suggest an "Oberlin Band" to be organized and sent into this field. From the far West and from the far East we receive letters from well-trained, earnest and godly teachers and preachers anxious to volunteer for this service.
The sinews of war for this magnificent Christian campaign are wanting. The responsibility of promptly entering these fields that God is opening to Christian conquest and an intelligent and free gospel rests upon those who can furnish these sinews of war. Shall Cuba and Porto Rico be taken for Christ and an intelligent gospel?
A WHITE MAN'S COUNTRY AND A COLORED MAN'S COUNTRY.
The government of the United States has just issued bonds to secure a loan of $200,000,000 for the costs of war. It may be interesting to our readers to know that every one of those bonds must be signed by Mr. Judson W. Lyons, a colored man, who succeeded ex-Senator Bruce as Register of the Treasury. On the ordinary paper money his name is engraved, but on those bonds it must be written with his own hand, else the bond is invalid. This will make necessary his signing his name 40,000 times, and he is now engaged in doing this.
Before the war began there was in the United States army only one negro commissioned officer; now, as we count them, there are more than one hundred and fifty. If we are correct in our figures there are as the war closes about one hundred and sixty-four colored Americans who bear U. S. commissions. These rank from second lieutenant up to colonel.
In the official report of the battle of Siboney by Gen. Joseph E. Wheeler, who is an ex-Confederate general, special mention is made of the bravery of the Tenth Cavalry (colored). He says:
"I was immediately with the troops of the First and Tenth Regiments Cavalry, dismounted, and I personally noticed their brave and good conduct, which will be specially mentioned by General Young."
"I was standing near Captain Capron and Hamilton Fish," said the corporal to the Associated Press correspondent, "and saw them shot down. They were with the Rough Riders and ran into an ambush, though they had been warned of the danger. Captain Capron and Fish were shot while leading a charge. If it had not been for the negro cavalry the Rough Riders would have been exterminated. I am not a negro lover. My father fought with Mosby's Rangers, and I was born in the South, but the negroes saved that fight, and the day will come when General Shafter will give them credit for their bravery."
The testimony of George Kennan of the Red Cross as to the courage and service of our negro soldiers is in evidence that the white man's country is also the colored man's country. He says, "I do not hesitate to call especial attention to the splendid behavior of our colored troops. It is the testimony of all who saw them under fire that they fought with the utmost coolness and determination. I can testify from my own personal observation that they displayed extraordinary fortitude and self control."
Probably no institution in the East sent as large a percentage of students as soldiers to bear the flag of our common country to victory as did our missionary schools. Our students have not been taught that war is glory. It was conscience with them. They went as deliverers from oppression and saw their opportunity to prove their devotion and gratitude to their country for their own deliverance. They have made their record.
Attorney-General Patterson, of Memphis, Tenn., in July last in an attempt to secure a conviction for the murder of a negro, said:
"We are to-day engaged in a war with a foreign power, and for the cause of humanity this great country is putting forth her splendid power by land and by sea that Spanish cruelty shall no longer be on Cuban soil, ... and if we can afford to interpose the strong arm of the nation and expend blood and treasure to protect them, can we not afford by the orderly methods of the law to stop cruelties at home as barbarous as were enacted in Spanish dungeons? Is it not opportune that we rise above the low level of race prejudice into the upper and purer atmosphere of respect for law and order and the sanctity of human life?"
Within thirty days after the war was declared against Spain thirty-two Americans—colored—were lynched and put to death without trial by law, judge or jury, many of them protesting their innocence of any crime. Let us pray that Spain may not long be able to say to any part of our country, "Physician heal thyself."
A delegate to the National Congregational Council at Portland, Oregon, in a newspaper account of his experiences of good treatment everywhere in the West, thus concludes: "After being entertained at the Brown Palace in Denver, the Knutsford in Salt Lake, the Portland in Portland, the Donnelly in Tacoma, after riding in the palace cars of the trans-continental trains and the chair cars of the Northwestern, I came to Chattanooga and took the 'James Crow' car to Atlanta. Henry Hugh Proctor,
Pastor First Congregational Church, Atlanta, Ga."
FOURTH OF JULY AT S'KOKOMISH—WASHINGTON.
Since the Indians have become largely civilized and citizens, the Fourth of July has taken the place of their old festivals, combining both. The old festivals lasted a week or more usually, and the expense was borne by a very few. The time was occupied with feasting, visiting, gambling, and closed with a distribution of gifts to the invited ones. Neighboring tribes were invited. The distribution of gifts is now omitted, and the time changed. This year the celebration took place on this reservation, and the people began to assemble a week before the Fourth. Nearly all had gathered on the second, when about eight or nine hundred had assembled. The noticeable point in connection with it was the absence of drunkenness while they were on
Twenty-three or four years ago, soon after I came here, the Agent arranged a Fourth of July celebration. He was very particular on this same point. But this same Indian intended to do differently. He went off a few days before and procured some whiskey, drank some of it, and intended to use the rest on the Fourth, and have a jolly time with his friends. But other Indians informed the Agent about him; he was arrested and lodged in jail, where he spent the Fourth, and a few days beside. When I compare his actions then and now, is there not cause for gratitude?
CAPON SPRINGS CONFERENCE, WESTERN VIRGINIA.
The first Capon Springs Conference which met June 29th to July 3rd, to consider the work of Christian education in the South, was a successful gathering of many prominent educators. It represented twelve states, the District of Columbia, seven religious bodies and a number of schools, seminaries, colleges and other institutions for the elevation of the ignorant, both white and black.
The Conference before its adjournment issued a message in which it declared its deep interest in all efforts for the advancement of moral and religious education in the South along Christian lines, and especially that of the more needy of both races, bespeaking for this the sympathy of all Christian people, and in particular the Southern people.
The Conference also expressed its grateful sense of the generous aid which education in the South had received from friends in the North making for the unity and harmony of our common country. It testified to a hearty belief that there should be institutions well equipped in which provision should be made for the higher education of those called to leadership, as preachers, teachers, etc. It especially called attention to the opinion that the gifts of the North in aid of educational work in the South should proceed upon lines of intelligence, equality and discriminating selection, and that great care should be taken by the people of the South in authorizing appeals for outside aid.
This message abundantly justifies such a Conference in the South to bring Northern and Southern educators together.
CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR CONVENTION AT NASHVILLE, TENN. AND THE COLORED PEOPLE.
The Christian Endeavor Convention at Nashville in July, was marked with special interest. About five thousand delegates were present. Arrangements had been made to entertain thirty thousand.
The meetings were perhaps better for being smaller than were anticipated. The American Missionary Association work was well presented and represented at the "Congregational Rally," July 8th. In round numbers, two hundred Congregational delegates were present, including forty ministers. Profs. Dunn and Spence, Rev. Mr. Bond and J. C. Napier, Esq., spoke on our work, and the Jubilee Singers sang. The Convention was in a manner on American Missionary Association territory, and it was felt that its work should have an emphatic place. Indeed, nearly all the speakers referred to our work, chief among whom was Gen. Howard. The Northern delegates visited Fisk University in large numbers and expressed their pleasure both as to the scope and character of our work.
Before the convention the colored people had a feeling that they were not wanted there. They had been told that they must conform to the "unwritten law" of the South as to taking back seats at their local meetings, but would be on an equality at the Convention itself.
In talking the matter over with the colored Congregational pastor, we agreed that it was better to remain away from the local meetings, but to attend the Convention. Consequently, the Congregational Endeavorers of color and a number of others did so, and donning the Convention badge attended. Those who attended were well treated. Indeed, the colored people and the work of the Association were brought into special prominence through the large chorus of Fisk Jubilee Singers—twenty-two in all—which proved to be the favorite singers of the Convention. Besides singing at all the sessions, they also rendered a special programme of their music for half an hour on one afternoon, when I made a brief address on our work as illustrated by the singers and Fisk University. Our Northern friends have here seen many side lights of Southern life and the colored people, such as the "Jim Crow Car" and the "Separate Colored Waiting Rooms" at the stations, etc. The colored delegates of the Pennsylvania and other Northern delegations were sent into the "Jim Crow" car as soon as they reached Southern soil. The Northern delegates also observed the isolation of our missionaries. It is difficult for the Southern people to understand why Northern friends are so much interested in colored people and in their schools. Fisk University was, for example, the Mecca of many Northern pilgrims. Not a few of them visited in our home, and a number of delegates from New York and Massachusetts dined with us, which would certainly have shocked their Southern hosts had they known of it.
A Southern woman in commenting on the music of the Jubilee Singers, remarked in the hearing of one of our teachers: "Those darkies are very refined and sing well." A Southern woman inquired of me if I were white. I replied: "I pass for a colored man." Then she asked: "How much colored blood have you?" I replied: "It has never been analyzed—perhaps one-eighth." "How strange," she said, "but that one drop of Negro blood does make you belong to their side." I did not find her reason for that conclusion—which has been reached without reason—but I assured her that I was not ashamed to call them brethren.
I think that our Northern friends saw much to convince them of the necessity for our work in the South, and that even a war with Spain—while it is doing much to bring our Southern brethren under the old flag—does not and cannot at once change the habits, customs and prejudices of the Southern people. We may as well realize that it will take generations of hard, patient and self-sacrificing service on our part and patient continuance of Northern influence, such as the American Missionary Association is lovingly creating, to change their traditions and the conditions of the colored people.
On the whole I think we had an excellent convention and believe that the influence will be helpful for the colored people. A meeting at Howard Congregational Church (colored) Sunday morning was of great interest, when about two hundred Northern delegates were present. Rev. Dr. Hill preached and several delegates spoke. In explaining to the friends some things about the early life of Fisk at that place where Howard Church stood, I suggested that all present who were graduates of Fisk, former students and their parents, should rise, that the visiting friends might see them. Over one hundred arose to the surprise and delight of the visitors.
I have thought that the readers of the American Missionary Association Magazine might like to have this phase of the
SOUTHERN FIELD NOTES.
There were fifteen graduates from the Normal and ten from College and four from the Musical departments of Fisk University at its last Commencement. Rev. H. H. Proctor, pastor of the First Congregational Church of Atlanta, gave the Alumni address, and Prof. W. E. Dubois, Ph.D., Professor of Sociology in Atlanta University, delivered the Commencement address.
Mr. Proctor and Dr. Dubois are both graduates of Fisk University. Both of them are men of liberal culture and at the same time earnest toilers in the work of uplifting in the South.
The sixth anniversary of the dedication of the chapel of Plymouth Church, Louisville, Ky., was an interesting occasion. Rev. E. G. Harris, the pastor, has faithful workers in his church; some of them are physicians, teachers and artisans. The church is growing in numbers and influence. A neat lecture room, built by the people, is free from debt. They have added a cabinet organ to the Church and a piano to the Sunday School, to enhance the service of song.
A conference of Christian workers was held at Asheville, N. C., during the summer for Bible study and the consideration of the best methods of Christian work, and of the forces that affect the moral and religious life of the colored people. This was the first conference of the kind held in the South in the interest of the colored people. The prominent promoters of this conference were representatives of the American Missionary Association.
Prof. W. A. Waterman, of Fisk University, came on from Northfield to conduct a course of Methods in Bible Study and Missionary Training Service.
Mr. John Gaudy, a graduate of Fisk, and Mr. M. H. Neal, a senior of Fisk, were both present and assisted in the Conferences. Both of these young men propose to enter the ministry.
The Field Missionary spoke on "The Need of Systematic Study in our Schools of the Needs and Condition of our People," "City Missions" and "Normal Bible Study."
The Young Men's Institute, where the Conference was held, is the largest and best appointed building of the kind in the country for city mission work among the colored people. It is the gift of Mr. George Vanderbilt, and cost $30,000.
The American Missionary Association was represented in Christian Work among the colored soldiers by its field missionary, Rev. G. W. Moore, who held a ten-days' evangelistic service at Camp Russell, Fort Macon, N. C. The pastor of our church at Beaufort, N. C., Rev. W. D. Newkirk, also assisted in the Christian work at Camp Russell.
The Third North Carolina Regiment of eleven hundred and eight colored soldiers are in camp at Fort Macon, an island opposite Beaufort, N. C. All the commissioned officers are colored men. Col. James H. Young, of Raleigh, is in command of the regiment. The order of the place is exceptional. No liquor is allowed, and profanity is forbidden. The regiment presents a fine appearance on parades, and the men are making rapid progress in military training and discipline. Evangelistic services were held in a large gospel tent, and were largely attended, and many of the men enlisted as soldiers of the cross. More than three hundred men expressed their desire to become Christians at one of the services. Over one hundred and fifty men avowed their faith in Christ during these special services. The interest continues and the men are seeking the way of life.
An interesting patriotic service was held during this visit, at which Col. Young presided. The whole regiment was in formation. Rev. Geo. W. Moore spoke on the meaning of the war and the patriotism of negro soldiers. He said the revolutionary war stood for liberty, the civil war for unity, and the present war for humanity.
Colonel Young, Adjutant Smith and Captain Hargrave made patriotic speeches, the band played the "Star Spangled Banner," "Dixie" and "America," and the soldiers, both officers and privates, cheered and were filled with patriotic feelings. The Colonel and all the men of the Third North Carolina Regiment thanked the American Missionary Association for its interest in their welfare, as expressed by the visit of its field missionary.
A MISSIONARY GOSPEL.
"The first message at the birth of Christ was a missionary message (Luke ii. 10).
"The first prayer Christ taught men was a missionary prayer (Matt vi. 10).
"The first disciple, St. Andrew, was the first missionary (John i. 41).
"The first message of the risen Lord was a missionary message (John xx. 17).
"The first command of the risen Lord to His disciples was a missionary command (John xx. 21).
"The first apostolic sermon was a missionary sermon (Acts ii. 17-39).
"Christ's great reason for Christian love was a missionary reason (John xiii. 35).
"Christ's great reason for unity was a missionary reason (John xvii. 21).
"The first coming of Christ was a missionary work (Luke iv. 18-21).
"The second coming of Christ is to be hastened by missionary work (Matt. xxiv. 14).
"Our Saviour's last wish on earth was a missionary wish (Matt. xxviii. 19).
CHRISTIANITY AND CIVILIZATION IN LIBERTY COUNTY, GEORGIA.
Liberty County, Ga., is the county south of Savannah, on the sea. Visitors from the North en route to Florida pass directly through it after leaving Savannah. Our American Missionary Association school at McIntosh is in this county, and there are several Congregational churches also under the auspices of the American Missionary Association. Among these is one at Hagan, presided over by the Rev. J. B. Fletcher.
The religious condition of the colored people in this county of Liberty may be better understood in the light of the following incident. On Saturday morning, August 6th, Rev. J. B. Fletcher, accompanied by his wife, left Hagan for a place called Smiley, by urgent invitation, to organize a Congregational church. The work of organization was duly perfected on Sunday morning, the 7th, after which the officers and members persuaded him to stop over that evening and preach, which he readily consented to do. While in the pulpit a gun was discharged through a window of the church, the contents entering into the right side of Rev. Mr. Fletcher and wounding five others. As medical treatment could not be obtained there, he was hastily carried twenty miles to his home, where a physician was immediately summoned. His wounds proved to be very severe, but were not such as to prevent his recovery. The thigh was literally riddled with buckshot, one hundred and thirteen having already been extracted from his body. He writes us, "I am glad to have your sympathy and prayers; they are of great strength to me. It will be quite a while before I can walk as before, if ever. I feel happy to know that I am counted worthy to suffer thus for Christ's sake. I am not discouraged, and will be on the field again as soon as I can hobble around on crutches."
A letter from a neighboring pastor adds, "The detective will have all of the intended assassins arrested by the middle of the week. It is found that they are all colored people, and officers of a so-called Methodist Church, who as members of the Church Militant, took this means to prevent the introduction of a Congregational church in that vicinity."
A church whose officers propagate their faith with shotguns assuredly has no right to the Methodist name, which it dishonors, nor to any name, but it
The long experience of colored people in the South, in the work of cultivating cotton has led to many enterprises looking to manufacturing the raw article into goods. Several movements have made good headway for a time, but most of them have failed to score a permanent success. The last enterprise of this character is located at Concord, N. C. It appears to have a substantial foundation and its success seems almost assured. Speaking of the enterprise and its supporters the "Baltimore Ledger" says:—"The Coleman Cotton Mill, at Concord, will soon be ready for operation. It is a worthy enterprise and should be substantially supported by the race in North Carolina especially; and those outside of the state should feel much interested as it is a purely negro enterprise. The white people of the state feel much interested in the factory and many of them are giving substantial aid. This is in evidence of the fact that many white people throughout the entire South are willing to extend a helping hand to the race, and thus help us rise to a higher plain of Christian manhood, if we will but help ourselves. Self-help is one of the most essential qualities in racial development. Without it no race can ever hope to achieve any great victories or become strong or powerful. Let us then help ourselves first, and before we seek outside help from our white friends."
From a former Principal of Ballard Normal School, Macon, Ga.:
"For a long time I have been wishing to hear from the American Missionary Association both as to its work and its prosperity. For that reason please find herewith an order for $40. I would like to have the magazine sent to me here....
"The work here in Asia among the poor and ignorant is much the same that it is elsewhere, except that the habits and superstitions of centuries seem more unyielding than I ever saw them before. The opportunities for Christian work yielding immediate results seem to be tenfold greater at home than here. The need both here and there is unlimited. Our hearts have anxiously turned towards our country in this time of war."
SAMUEL S. MARPLES.
Once more the American Missionary Association is called to mourn the loss of one of its most useful and highly esteemed officers. Mr. S. S. Marples, who died at his home in Brooklyn, June 23, 1898, in the sixty-fourth year of his age, was a most judicious business man, a devoted Christian, and useful in many walks in life. He was one of the most prominent members of the Produce Exchange, New York City; at various times a member of the Board of Managers, and holding important positions on its Committees.
Mr. Marples' sympathies and interests were wide and useful in benevolent and church work. For many years he was a member of the South Congregational Church, Brooklyn, and was Superintendent of the Sunday-school for several terms. He was closely identified with the Manhattan Brooklyn conference of churches. He was prominently connected with the New York Congregational Club and was its President for several successive years.
Mr. Marples became identified with the American Missionary Association by his election, in 1880, as a member of the Executive Committee. For sixteen years he has served on its Finance Committee; for many years as its Secretary and for the last part of the period as its Chairman. The value of these services was constantly recognized by his associates on the committee and will be appreciated more fully as the years go by. For the year past Mr. Marples' health was very frail; only for a part of the time was he able to attend to his business, but never, as we are assured, did he lose his lively interest in the affairs of the American Missionary Association, to which his attention had been given so constantly and faithfully throughout the past eighteen years.
MISS ISABELLA W. HUME.
Miss Hume, who was from 1893 to 1896 connected with our mission work in New Orleans, died early in June. This devoted missionary was the daughter of missionaries in India, and was born in that country. Receiving her education in America her life was devoted to mission and Christian work here. Previous to her connection with our work in Louisiana, Miss Hume was laboring in the mountain regions of Vermont, and the last work of her life was as pastor of the Congregational Church in Gill, Mass. Relinquishing that on account of impaired health, the last few months before her death were spent in severe suffering. Greatly honored and esteemed in all her work, the intelligence of her death brought a sense of loss and feeling of sadness to the many whom she had labored to help to save. A singularly faithful worker and devoted servant of Christ, surely she will have many stars in her crown.