The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1873-10-15

regardfu of the ties of consangunity full of veneer
alton for ancestral traditions and usages with pow
ers OF expression which often rise to impressive
and effective oratory.
HUMAYITAR1ANIsM.
Though the Indian has not attracted the attention
or called forth the Christian activities of our people
as the negro has done-for philanthropy in TINS
country has been for the most part monochromatlc,
and not much tnged by the red ray-yet efforts
have been more richly rewarded than those which
have been made for the spiritual good of the poor
Indian. Recently, indeed, noble advance has
been made in that direction. Within year or two
the Government has accepted the aid of religious
bodies in It's efforts to pacify and cviize the savages
on our Western p'aus. In Washington City, IN
January last, the Board of Indian Commissioners
held conference with some OF the Missionary
Boards which have been cooperating with the ON
cia agents of the Government and the reports
made and the addresses delivered indicate new
era in popular interests in behalf OF the civil ana
| spiritual condition OF the Indian. Those were I'm
| pressive words of Bishop Whipple when he said ::
:" Very much of the hostility Of the Indian is the
hostility of despair; II Is the terrible blow which
man who has no mercy to hope for, strikes toward
| his enemies And those were brave words ad-
dressed to the Board of Indian Commissioners In
1872 by the President of the United Sta es in refer
ence to the rumor OF change In the humane pohcy
which had been pursue toward the Indian. 'Such
a thing has not been thought of. | do not believe
Creator has placed the different of men on
the earth with the view OF having the stronger exert
his energies in extermnating the weaker. If any
change take place in the Indian policy of the Gov
eminent while hold my present Office it will be on
the humanitarian side of the question"
The improved condition of the Indians of the
South West Territory illustrates the happy results OF
Christian effort in their behalf. They are civilized
communities. They VICAR the dress aud live in
houses built and furnisosd as among the humber
classes in the States The5 TIL their fields and have
nerds of domestic animals. They have printing
presses newspapers, and books in the English Ian
guage and in Their own tongues. They have more
schools, more charches In proportion to population,
aud larger attendance on religious services, and con
tribute more money tor benevolent objects than the
people of any Territory of the United States. Life
and property are more ate among them, and there
are fewer violations of law among them than in the
territories occupied by the whites. Fourth Annual
Report of Board of Indian Commissioners.
The Southern Methodsts and Baptists are doing
faithful work among them So, too is the Northern
Presbyterian Board, especially among the Greeks
and Seminoles.
But the most extensive missionary operations in
the Territory are conducted by the Southern Pres
byterian Church. We have seven missionaries
three female missionary assistants and number Of
native helpers, together with important institu
tion Spencer Academy under the care of three able
instructors, and with judicious management destined
TO become power for good In advancing the edu
caonal and religious interests of the Indian people
Such are some of the geanings OF information
which have the honor to lay before you from the
| Missionary Field OF the South