Grand Rapids herald. [volume] (Grand Rapids, Mich.) 1892-1959, 1892-11-03
TO SAVE THE GIRLS
What the Missionaries i'm Alaska
Are Doing.
MRS. DAGGART'S ABLE PLEA
For the Maynard Members of Her Sc
IN Alsska-The Convention Re
Elects Its Old OfheeTs.

Mrs. Marcy led the devotional exer-
ci-es At the morning session of the
Home Missionary society aud the re-
port OF tue Alaskan mission MAS first
considered. The chief object Of the
mission Is the saving OF young Indian
girls from the life of immortality into
winch they are induced 10y visiting
sailors. The mission school is located
at Aupalaska.
Mrs. l.. II. Daggett. secretary Of the
Alaskan bureau, was present with her
report winch Was read by the secrc-
tary, Mrs. Aikens, as the Alaskan rep
laoored under the disadvan-
tage OF having a weak voice. The
paper opened with the statement OF
tree transportati n having been fur
nished by the North American Com
merclal company TO Alaska. Con-
unulng. she said: "Alaska's tirst greet
ing was extended TO HE AT midnight by
one OF Its most active volcanoes. By
noon | was seated IN our old dilapl-
fifteen bright faces of our girls. with u
background of two such sad, dis
couraged ones that my heart WAS
nearly broken"
..Hhere Is Our Homer"
The girls had been told over and
over that Mrs. Daggett was coming 10
bring them new home and every
steamer that came into the haTbor was
eagerly watched 10y both teachers and
scholars. Where ls our homer" came
from all sides. How could say did
not bring it. Last years annual meet
ing appropriated 81 1860 for salary and
travelling expenses of two teachers To
Alaska. Immediately after this the
commissioner of education was con-
suited. He agreed TO appoint and pay
two teachers. From the first it has
been the aim Of all connected with this
work to have IL considered a govern
ment school. Had 1t been otherwise
We should not have received the sane
ton OF the bishop of the Greek church.
The first Sunday after my arrival
had the pleasure of seeing this bishop
go through his ceremonies IN his gold
embroidered satin robes. This bishops
assistant often called st the home t.
JOIN with us at evening prayers. He
read our bible, and being one of Rus
sia's finest musicians, he most charm
ilgly played our organ and sweetly
sang our gospel hymns. The dissolute
mother of one Of our 14-year-old glr.s
was doing her best to get her to run
away. We did not know that the
bishop knew anything about this until
his assistant informed us that he had
said the girl should stay with us until
she was Is. This victory could not
have been gained had our school been
considered mission school. Two
years ago when these girls came to us
looking and acting more like animals
than human beings they could not
speak word of English. Today from
our little 6-year-old Barstra to TatIana
of 10 all know the names of The books
in the Bible and can turn to any chap
ter in them more readily than many
an adult in Sunday school and can
sing well. All the large ones are learn
ing to cook, two learning dressmaking
and one taking special lessons in vocal
and instrumental lessons from Mr..
Tuck.
Saving Girls From Sin.
L
two years those who knew them in the
holes in the ground-thelr only home
do not now recognize them. Are
these to be turned out to the wolves IN
human shape that come to our homes
and gaze II the windows, talk through
the cracks IN the fence and knot-hOles
In the hen-coop, as they do to one girl
who has not yet weaned herself from
these friends, from the whale ships OF
war vessels? When our new home is
built the fence we erect will protect
| them from this. They can never
/ safely go out alone except IN the front
| of the house, with the eyes of Mr.. and
| Mrs. Tuck upon them, never go tC
| these greenest Of hills and mountain:
so covered with loveliest flowers from
| base to summit that a single step can
not be taken without crushing them
never visit without one or more adult:
to protect them. Even then thes,
| creatures follow and stare at and speak
to them if not kept osely grouped
| around their escort. government
officer says that there are at tho Sea
] islands at least seveuty-tiye girls VIII,
/ need to be sent to us. Many will per
/ lsh If we do not take them"
The report closed with an urgent ap
peal for additional means and room.
| Considerable discussion followed anC
! the entire matter of the mission wa
referred to the general executive
| board.
| Afternoon session.
"Our friends from Louisiana Opened
the afternoon session with melodlo0
rendering of the hymn I'll Be There.
Mrs. & VI. Gould was made llf'
member. Mrs. After of Cleveland. @.
and Mrs a. 4. knapper were mad
life patrons. Mrs. Lew Marter O
| Michigan was made life manager
! The Rev. \. NJ. Gould and daughte
| were also made life members.
The subject of Desconess home he
! ing introduced by Mrs. MInsrd OF But
I falo IN a resolution providing for Al
from the general fund when necessary
/ Mrs. Norton cf New Mexico presente'
the report from the conference, show
ng that a gam had been made owe
/ last year.
The report Of the committee on nom
nations recommending the re-elecuo