The American Missionary. Volume 42, No. 11, November, 1888

A peculiar and very interesting feature of our Indian work is the out-stations, located remote from the Central Stations. These stations, numbering twenty-one, have been hindered and also enlarged during the past year. The hindrance came from the interference of the Government. In its well-intended zeal for the introduction of the English language, it surpassed the limits which experience had fixed, by requiring that the vernacular should not be taught, nor even spoken, in any Indian schools on the Reservation including these mission stations, which were wholly sustained by benevolent funds. Under this ruling, thirteen stations were closed from September to January. But the remonstrances coming from almost every denomination of Christians in the land induced the Government to modify its orders, and the schools have all been re-opened.

Some new buildings have been erected on this part of the field—a new house for dwelling and school on the Grand River, and a cheap structure at the Cheyenne River Agency, in which religious services are held at the times for the disbursement of the rations, when large numbers of the Indians assemble and remain for many days. A new impulse has been given to this out-station work by contributions received at one of the missionary meetings in Northfield, Mass. Four new stations were provided for at that time by the contribution of $400 for a building at each station, and $300 for the support of the teacher. One was the gift of Mr. Moody, another of Mr. Sankey, whose names these two stations will bear.

Fort Berthold, in the northern part of Dakota, has authorization from the Government for a larger number of pupils under contract than last year. But our exigencies require for this only a few and inexpensive repairs and additions to be made on the buildings.

The Skokomish mission continues its stable progress. The missionary, Rev. Myron Eells, has been tempted during the past year by several calls to enter more lucrative fields of service, but his attachment to the work, begun by his most honored father, and continued by himself, is so great that he prefers to remain with his people, and to aid them in their progress in civil and Christian life.

The Indian school at Santa Fé, New Mexico, has had some changes, but the arrangement between the Association and the trustees is continued, and the school, under the charge of Prof. Elmore Chase, maintains its useful service in the training of the children of the Apaches, one of the most hopeful and promising tribes of Indians on the continent.

THE CHINESE

The special interest of the year centres in the evangelistic work that was commenced early in the winter. Of our 39 workers reported, fourteen are Chinamen, who have been converted in our schools. Two of these brethren were set apart last December as special evangelists, one going to our missions in Southern California, and the other to our more Northern missions. Subsequently another one entered the field. The intention was to give one month of service at each mission, and the gratifying experience has been that at no point has this one month been deemed sufficient. At the end of five months the harvest reported was forty souls brought to repentance.

Three new missions are upon our list this year; those at Los Angeles, San Buenaventura, and Tucson. At Los Angeles no less than 75 pupils were enrolled the first month, and at all these places Christian Associations have been formed.

A minister on the Pacific Coast not in connection with our schools, after giving a sketch of work accomplished which could not be tabulated, says: "Socially, intellectually, spiritually, the Chinese mission school does its beneficent work. But everything is made but the means to the spiritual end. The whole drift of the teaching, the songs, the pictures, the Scripture text, is to make known Christ. Every evening's lesson ends with worship. In no year, may I add, have there been so many conversions among the Chinese on this coast as in the one just passed."

WOMAN'S BUREAU

There are thirteen Woman's State Organizations which co-operate with us in our missionary work. These are in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, New York, Alabama, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas and South Dakota. Other States, also, not yet organized, are assisting in definite lines, as Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Our Bureau of Woman's Work has for many years proved its wisdom. The state of black womanhood and girlhood taken together is pitiful. The permanent and uplifting Christianization and civilization to be engrafted on the Negro race in this land, can come only as the womanhood of that people is imbued with right principles and led to right practices. Unless the life of the woman is reached and saved, there can be no true religion, family life, or social status. Hence our industrial and boarding schools for the training of girls in domestic work, in the trades of dressmaking and such like, in the art of cooking, the cultivation of small fruits and flowers, so that the sacred influences of Christianity shall circle around the thousand firesides where now everything is coarse, and ignorant, and senseless. With our large corps of lady teachers, the Woman's Bureau, as an intermediary between the Woman's State Association and their sisters who are teaching in the field, and the women and girls to whom they are sent, has proved during the year its increasing efficiency.

FINANCES

The receipts have been, $320,953.42, which with the balance on hand, September 30th, 1887, of $2,193.80, makes a total of $323,147.22. We have received in addition to this $1,000 for an Endowment Fund. The total disbursements for the year have been $328,788.43. The churches through the National Council have asked us to keep abreast with the providence of God. "It is our duty," said the Ohio State Association, "to see that this great work in which we have borne so large and honorable a part, halt not, nor slacken in its energy because of our failure to keep its treasury replenished and its faithful laborers re-enforced and supported by our gifts and our prayers."

Said our good friend, the Congregationalist, in an editorial after our inspiring meeting at Portland in October last: "Never did the magnitude of the field, and the complex character of its labors, appear in such startling lines. Either of the four departments of labor demands the money and the force which is distributed among all. But, in the providence of God, this society is called upon to prosecute this fourfold work. It cannot abandon a single field and must not be asked to. It can do in the next five years a work for Christianity and for Congregationalism in the South and West which will tell on the coming century. As Christians, and as Congregational Christians, we must see to it that it be not obliged to pinch its workers and to turn away from promising openings in order to keep free from debt the coming year."

Thus charged, we have yet gone within our instructions. We have made every dollar do more than its work. We have gathered up the fragments that nothing be lost; and yet to-day our payments anticipate our receipts by the sum of $5,641.21. We do not regret the anxiety and pain which it has cost us to effect what we have. The generous words of sympathy and confidence that have come to us of late, with noble gifts, large and small, repay the solicitude and incessant care. We thank God and his people, and hold firmly our faith in Him who said, "Knock, and it shall be opened unto you." He opened the door. Our faith is in Him who also said, "Ask, and ye shall receive."

The year opened with the Association bereft of its honored President. We come to this new year happy in our choice of the Rev. Wm. M. Taylor, D.D., of New York, to fill this most important position. In his acceptance we congratulate the Association.

Since the year began, the churches have missed the stirring appeals of our beloved Secretary Powell, who had the especial oversight and burden of the collecting fields. Such a life as that of James Powell is not common. It was a grand sacrifice of undeviating love for those whose poverty made him a debtor to them. His consecration will not be forgotten.

His sudden departure—our great bereavement—made necessary the transfer of the Rev. C.J. Ryder from the field to the District Secretaryship of the Eastern District in New England, who has brought with his energy and zeal such an experience, and personal knowledge of the entire field, as to insure him the most hearty welcome and co-operation on the part of our pastors and churches.

The Rev. F.E. Jenkins, a graduate of Williams College and of Hartford Theological Seminary, for some time earnestly engaged in our Southern work, has been appointed a field superintendent for personal examination and supervision of our churches and schools, and has already entered upon his duties.

The Association, with its Superintendents continually in the field, who report every fact to the Secretaries at the office, who in turn submit the entire work to the churches, is thus continually made better prepared to direct the sacrifices of the benevolent in ways that shall not be irresponsible or unwise, than those which are subject to no such scrutiny or supervision, and are held to no responsibility. Much less money would be diverted from this authorized and recognized servant of the Congregational Churches, and far greater efficiency would be secured, if our friends would remember that their own ordained agency can open as many missions as they will make possible, which shall have, at least, one advantage over independent and unsupervised work, in that, through us, they shall be under your own constant Christian watch and care.

We may not close this review of our year's work and attendant suggestions without remembrance of our indebtedness to the American Bible Society, for its grant of Bibles; to the Congregational Sunday-school and Publishing Society for the help given to our struggling churches and Sunday-schools in its grant of books and lesson helps. We rejoice in the unity of our societies, which make all one in the blending of the parts for the great common purpose of redeeming the lost and gathering them into the family of Christ.

Student's Letter

Struggles In The "Lone Star State."

BY A.C. GARROTT

My home, Marion, Ala., was also the location of the Lincoln Normal Institute, and fortunately I had attended that school for several years. Being next to the oldest of eight children, my parents decided to take me from school in '83, that I might earn something. I had often heard of Talladega College, and wanted very much to enter there, but my father being only a poor carpenter, it was impossible for me to get the means to accomplish my desires.

However, by the aid of Northern friends I entered the above named school, October 2d, 1883. Evenings and Saturdays I worked by the hour to help defray my expenses. Unable to obtain a school, I could be found at the college, during the summers of '84 and '85, working about the buildings or on the farm. The money earned there was used for schooling. During my last year in school I had job work—sweeping and caring for lamps. This work was done early in order that I might have time for study. And each morning, before day, my broom could be heard moving through the corridors. At the close of school, I had paid by work, and a prize gained in speaking the year before, about $52.75. It was agreed that the balance should be paid after leaving school. In a class of ten I received a diploma from the normal department, June 17, 1886. My time during the summer was occupied in working with my father at the carpenter's trade.

Texas was said to have good public-schools, and it was my plan to try the "Lone Star State." I was working to secure means to pay the fare, but father failed in being paid promptly, and this forced me to borrow money for the purpose. Many tried to discourage me in my plan as it was what is sometimes termed as a "wild goose chase." I remarked, though, that if no schools could be found, there were other things to be done—cotton to be picked; wagons to be driven; and ditches to be dug. So the work-clothes were not forgotten when my trunk was packed.

On September 30, 1886, I arrived in Henderson, a stranger to all save one, and with a very small purse. Then commenced my trials. I was in my twenty-first year, but had a young appearance, and the trustees of most schools objected to me for that reason. I walked many miles in search of work, and it was not till the middle of November that my first school opened.

Owing money for schooling, for fare to this State, and for board after coming here, caused me to start far below the surface in pecuniary matters. As I had made large plans, that was quite discouraging.

The school proceeded nicely and a Sabbath-school was organized in connection. The latter was quite small, though there was a large attendance in the day school. At the close of school, March 23, 1887, all expressed a willingness for me to teach the next session, but there was a trouble ahead which changed their views. The question of prohibition was to be decided by the people in August. I am sorry to say the majority of our people were on the wrong side. But most of the teachers and preachers fought with an untiring energy against the saloons. For this act of ours, many refused to give us work. Some even sneered at the "prohib. teachers," as we walked along the streets. Those were days of discouragement as our labor seemed to be in vain.

My summer's work lasted only a month, and being an independent school the returns were quite small, $6.00 only. Having to aid my parents, and a two months' sickness, caused me to be below the surface again at the opening of my school, November 14. This work continued for six months. A Sabbath-school was organized; and, unlike the previous year, outnumbered the daily attendance.

It has been said that it is better to turn up something than to wait for something to turn up. So I bought a small outfit for making photographs. It is incomplete, but enough to get an idea of the art. After looking at some of my work, our county Judge was heard to say. "That's a good picture for that nigger." My summer school was nine miles away, and I came here every Friday evening, that I might practice at my new trade. To save the hire and feed of a horse, I always walked here and back. The way at times seems dark, but I take courage from the fact that roads to success must lead through hardships.

The Chinese

Review Of The Year

BY REV. W.C. POND, D.D

The fiscal year of our missions closed Aug. 31. I desire to set before the readers of the MISSIONARY a statement of the year's work, made as complete as the space at my command allows:

1. Seventeen missions have been sustained during a part or the whole of the year. Ten of these have had no intermission whatever, except for a day or two at the holidays, and in one instance a fortnight's vacation. Of the remaining seven, three are new missions, viz: Los Angeles, San Buenaventura and Tucson. The work at these points is full of interest and hope, and has indeed already begun to yield what seem to us saving results.

2. Thirty-nine workers have been engaged. Of these, fourteen are Chinese brethren, converted in connection with our missions, and trained to the work in the work itself. The aggregate number of months of service is 295.

3. In comparison with the record of the previous year, but little change can be noted. The total number enrolled is 1,131, being larger by 87, but on the whole one record is about the equivalent of the other. Indeed, it seems to me that in both years we reached very near to the outmost limit of what is possible with the means at our command. The special interest of this year's history centers in the attempt to do, and to learn better how to do, evangelistic work. Three of our brethren have been set apart to this, and have been followed from place to place by the prayers of many. They had much to learn when they started forth and have much yet to learn. It is by no means clear to me that we have hit upon the wisest methods, and I know that we have not yet entered into the fullness of power, either with God or man. Yet I can see that these brethren are stronger and braver and more eager in this work than they were a year ago. And the blessing of God on their labors has been such as enables us to believe that full sixty of their countrymen have been led to Christ. This carries the whole number concerning whom this hope has been cherished, since the beginning of our work, above 700.

4. THE FINANCES. Our expenditures have been: For salaries of workers, $6,403.00; for rents of mission houses, $2,066.00; for incidental expenses, $1,150.15; total, $9,619.75. Our resources have been: From the parent society, $6,100; balance from previous year, $45.50; offerings made through the treasury of this auxiliary, $2,590.80; total, $8,736.30. This leaves a deficit of $882.85, a part of which can be met from our Permanent Property Account, but fully $500.00 needs yet to be secured if we are to provide things honest in the sight of all men. Thus far in the history of our mission, the account of no year has closed with the blot of a deficit upon it. The account of the year just ended is held open for awhile in the hope that the good precedent of the past may be still maintained. And, oh, if we might be a little less hampered by poverty;—if we might be set free to enter opened doors, and to make the most possible of our opportunities, how great would be the privilege and joy of showing in blessed experiment that the truest economy is a wise and careful generosity.

Bureau Of Woman's Work

MISS D.E. EMERSON, SECRETARY

Woman's State Organizations

CO-OPERATING WITH THE AMERICAN MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION

ME.—Woman's Aid to A.M.A., Chairman of Committee, Mrs. C.A. Woodbury, Woodfords, Me.

VT.—Woman's Aid to A.M.A., Chairman of Committee, Mrs. Henry Fairbanks, St. Johnsbury, Vt.

VT.—Woman's Home Miss. Union, Secretary, Mrs. Ellen Osgood, Montpelier, Vt.

CONN.—Woman's Home Miss. Union, Secretary, Mrs. S.M. Hotchkiss, 171 Capitol Ave., Hartford, Conn.

N.Y.—Woman's Home Miss. Union, Secretary, Mrs. William Spaldlng, Salmon Block, Syracuse, N.Y.

ALA.—Woman's Missionary Association, Secretary, Mrs. G.W. Andrews, Talladega, Ala.