National opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1865-1874, 1867-01-18
EI1si IEsEI;sbvsH.N.


more worthy. than that for the
christian education of the freedmen
in the Southern States. Of all the
agencies operating for their bencn;
we tH!nk none are more Trustworthy
than the American Missionary As,o.
citation. lite CHRISTIAN and evangcl-
lfsal IN character, though not secta-
Ian. Its officers are III perfect s,n-
patty with its work, the society hay.
ing, indeed. begun that work before
the war, and were then prosecuting
1t SO far as it was possible. It's
work is Cow of three kinds united
III the same agencies; first, and
chlcfest, instruction in the llidi
mcnts of an education. includingcv.
cry necessary to fit the negroes to be-
GONE SELF supporting and useful cit
liens; secondly, relief to their pres
ent absolute wants of food and cloth
ing; thirdly, religious Instruction,
proper missionary work, which the
first two branches of the society en-
terprise greatly facilitate.
The claims of this enterprise and
its advantages BESIDE of other claims
upon our missionary contributions
are readily seen. Here are about
four millions Of people, their
ance tors only a few gen,
eratiOns back all heather, them
selves 4 little raised above heather,
ism, having gained some knowledge
Of civilized life, and by their sudden
freedom they are open to our labors,
and exceedingly eagerto learn. The
events and results of the war have
made them our warm friends, and
more than willing to rcceiveinstruc-
ton from us. They are in our own
country, easily reached, withou.
crossing the ocean as we must to
reach other missionary ground.-
They speak orr own language, so
that no new language needs % be
reduced to writing or learned; he
bible, school books or literature need
not be translated, as is required IN
other missions, and no old systems
arc to be overthrown. or old prciu-
iices combatted. They welcome
with joy our teachers and miSsiona-
ries. Scattered among them are
men of ardent picty who have al
ready had some experience inprcach-
ing to their people, and who at once
become efficient helpers. Under
the fostering care of the govern
ment, and the generous aid of mis-
sionary efforts now, there is strong
promise that the institutions of re
ligion and education, on the New
England model, will be established.
and in a few years, maintained by
themselves without our aid. The
government is now well disposed To
protect the teachers, and to aid
them 10y furnishing school houses.
and other nee esSarics. The negroes
are eager and apt to learn, and ia
{oraoly disposed to accept what we
teach them, adopt our ways. initiate
our social institutions, and plant
onr religion ,,rmly ON the Southern
soil.
In this work many of the best
and influential Southern statesmen
give their encouragement. Con.
corning an effort of Rev. +. j.. Car
',oza-a negro, native of Charleston,
educated in England-to establish
mt Charleston, :. c., Il thorough
normal school for the training of
!.oIOrcd teachers, which enterprise is
cnceuss ged and aided by the Amer.
lean Missionary Association, G. a.
Trenholm, late secretary of the Con
fedcrate treasury, writes: ~ have
visited his school, aui derived en-
tire saiisfaeti9p from ma observa-
tons. l have no hesitation IN eX
my cordial approval Of the
enterprise Rev. Thomas Smith,
pastor OF the Second Presbyterian
Charleston, Whites: IL can
cordially recommend bgth Mr., Car
doza. and this cnterpri~, which be.
lieve to be the best plan Tor securing
the educational advancement Of the
freedmen" w. ID. Porter. jieut
of y. c., 81 cordially M.
prove Of Mr.. Cardoza's plan to cdu.
rate the coIored people of the city"
r. &. Gaillard, Mayor Of Charleston.
i willingly express my appreciation
If this, and of ever similar effort"
ieorge y. Bryan, Judge Of the dis
riot court, OFFS {, "Thc enterprise