Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-05-24


meeting in the iuteges; Of the American
Missionary Association, whore work is the in
struotion and elevation Of the Freedmen, vas
held III the College street church in this city On
ThurfiIy afternoon and evening. Delegates
from several o.. the churches in Chittenien
County were present, and there visa moderate
attendance Of our citizens, much smsller than
there should have been in consideration OF the
importance Of the object and the interest Of the
meetings
Rev. Mr. Stafford. pastor Of tie College street
church, presided, and remarks were made by
Rev Lewis Gr0ut. Rev Mr. Woodwork, Dir
trict Secretary Of the Association at Boston,
and by Rev. DR.. Strictly, of New York. Cores
ponding Secretary Of the Association. The speakers
gave most interesting accounts Of the extent and
character Of the work among the Freedmen, and
Of the results thus far secured. Dr.. Strieby's
remarks were especially interesting. Among
the facts mentioned by him wap this. TO one Of
the colleges sustained by the Association in Geor-
gis, an appropriation WAS made by the State.
and an examining committee was appointed by
the Legislature, to inquire into the disporition
Of the fants and the results obtained This
committee was composed mainly of shareholders,
sni at ts head was Ex-Governor Brown, for
merry rebel governor Of Georgia. Before enter
ing on the duties, Gov Brown stated that he
was prepared to find considerable progress
among the colored students in the lower branch
es but as to the possibility Of any general
proficiency smong them in the higher studies he
was utterly faithless. After prolonged and
rigorous examination he owned, and publicly
stated, tina. he found himself compelled TO alter
his opinion on the latter point and be bore uu-
eQuivocal testimony rot only 10 the excellence Of
the instruction but to the demonstrated capacity
OF the negroes for successful pursuit. Of the
higher branches OF education. Dr. Strictly also
quoted the statement Of Senator Wilson, that
he believed this association had done more for
reconstruction and for removing prejuiioss
against the freedmen, than any other Eingle
sgency.
After the close of the main addresses in the
evening. remarks in support Of the object, we're
made by Rev G. D. Stafford and Rev. C. c.
Torrey Of Charlotte
Rev C. E. Ferrin Of Hiues5urgh. then offered
the following resolutions
! l. Resolrsd, That the missionary work among the
Freedmen Of the southern states has a p.efe rred
I claim upon the children Of God because
/ l. 1t stands between the Home and the FOREIGN
Missionary works and combines the most urgent
claims Of both.
2. II Is for people who are numerous ignorant,
poor, who have been op pressed, who are In danger
OF still further Oppression, and yet IN a large
! measure helpless and dependent on those who have
| oppressed them.
3. Its FIR people who are near US, who speak
! our language, who honor aud trust Us who loOE to
contribution promises the largest results from the
| outlay.
4. It is within our own beloved country, and for
fellow citizens aud thus It sppe to toe hu
uanity aad the 1atfiotsm Of every ci izen rs well
5. It's to convert constituent element Of weak
ness and danger in our Republic into element Of
| power and safety.
| for whom CHRIST csme and suffered and died as He
| came and suffered and died for u, these whom
Ch-ist came 70 ssnctify; &" For which Cause He Is
not ashamed to call them brethren"
ii. Resolved, That we heartily commend to the
churches and our benevolent fellow citizens the
| American Missionary Association as a wiss and
trustworthy agency through which 70 dispense their
charities for the benefit Of tho coloIed people Of
the South.
The resolutions were supported BY Mr.. Fer
rim in some forcibe remarks, and were unsni-
mou,ly adopted.
The Convention then adjourned.