Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1867-01-11
The Freedmen.

southern states. vi all the agencies
operating for their benefit we think
none are more trustworthy than the
American Missionary Association. Ii
is christian and evangelical in charac
ter, though not sectarian. Its officers
arc IN perfect sympathy with its work
the society having indeed began that
work before the war, and were then
prosecuting it so far as it was posi-
bic. Its work now is Of three kinds
united in the same agencies; first and
chielcst, instruction in the rudiments
Of an education, including every neces,
sary to fit the negroes to become self
supporting and useful citizens; sec
ondly, relief of their present absolute
wants of food and clothing; thirdly
religious instruction, proper mission.
airy work, which the first two branche,
Of the society enterprise greatly facil-
itatc.
The claims Of this enterprise and
its advantages beside of other claim,
upon our missionary contributions arc
readily seen. Here are about four
millions Of people, their ancestors
only few generations back all heath
en-, themselves a little raised above
heathcnism, having gained some
knowledge OF civilized life, and by
their sudden freedom they are open
to our labors, and exceedingly eager
to learn. The events and results OF
the war have made them our warm
friends, and more than willing to re.
ceive instruction from US. They are
III our own country, easily reached
without crossing the ocean as we must
to reach other missionary ground
They speak our own language, so that
no new language needs to be reduced
to writing or learned, the bible, school
books or literature need not be trans
lated, as is required in other missions.
and no old systems are to be over
thrown, or old prcjudices combatted |
They welcome with JOY our teachers
and missionaries. Scattered among
them are many men Of ardent piety |
who have already had some expert |
ence in preaching to their people,
and who at once become efficient |
helpers. Under the fostering care OF
the government, and the generous AID
of missionary efforts now, there is
strong promise that the institutions
of religion and education, on the New
England model, will be established.
and il few years, maintained by
themselves without our aid. The
government is now well disposed to-
protect the teachers, and to aid them
by furnishing school houses, and other
necesSaries. The negroeS are eager
and apt to learn, and favorabIy dis
posed to accept what we teach them
adopt our ways, initiate our socia
institutions, and plant our religion
firmly on the Southern soil.
In this work many of the best and {
Influential Southern statesmen give
their encouragement. Concerning an A
effort of Rev. f. l.. Cardoza, a negro. +
native of Charleston, educated in Eng.
land, to establish at Charleston, S. c.. q
a thorough normal school for the train
ing of colored teachers, which enter.
prise Is encouraged and aided by the D
American Missionary Association, G. j.,
A. Trenholm, late secretary of the n
Confederate treasury, writes: II have A
visited his school, and derived entire n
satisfaction from my observations. | :,
have no hesitation in expressing my r.
cordial approval of the enterprise"
Rev. Thomas Smith, pastor of the i,
Second Presbyterian church, Charles
ton, writes: 81 can both cordially G.
recommend Mr.. Cardoza, and this en-. S;
terprize which | believe to be best de
plan for securing the educational ad.
yancement Of the freedmen" W.D A.
Porter, Lieut. Governor of S. c.. 81 cr
cordially approve of Mr.. Cardoza's #,
plan TO educate the colored people cl,
oil the city" p. c. Gaillard, Mayor &C
OF Charleston, al willingly express to
my appreciation Of this, and of every m,
similar effort" George T. BRYAN Of
Judge Of the District Court. Of s G. III,
. he enterprise of Mr.. Cardoza has tn,
my entire approval, and commands nv to
sympathy and wishes for its re
success James J. Orr, Governor Of ev
. r, ~ = earthly approve of the tn
''"o o. Mr.. Cardoza to cducat,. W,
- ,'' Aghly the colorcd children n, no
y 'arlcston. am satisfied that bo 70
merits and should receive the en-,
fidencc of tic public in his laudabl. II.
undertaking." ~
Such sentiments as these are sure.
y encouraging, not only to our christ W
ian bencvolcnce, but as well TO our VIZ
patriotic efforts while seeking the oo
restoration of the Union, and the more nv
han former harmonious relations of tri
nc parts of the whole Country ,.l,,