Birmingham age-herald., 1894-10-28

have for ages possessed degree of civiliza- tion hitherto unexpected in the wilds of the dark continent. They live in well con structed houses, and wear clothing made of an exquisite texture of palm hber woven in hand looms. Their wood carving is ex- quisitely beautiful. They work in iron. I was shown by Rev. A. l.. Phillips, field secretary of colored evangelistic work in the south, a number of specimens of Baku- ban art. Among them was a robe of Prince To-en-zaida, son of Lukenga, made of palm fiber with border woven in stripes of harmonious blending; wooden cup most ingeniously carved. as if by some very sharp instruments; weapon somewhat like the old Roman short sword, with an inlaid hilt that rivaled in beauty the famous Florentine mosaic; and number Of rugs of lovely design.
 When Mir. Sheppard was in London, last June, on his way home, he was introduced to the Royal Geographical society by Dr. Baines, and related his discoveries geo. graphical and ethnological among the Bakuba. These were regarded as so inter- esting and important, that at the close of his address he was unanimously elected fellow of the society. When asked how the geographical society accounted for the high degree of civilization existing among the Bakuba, MT. Sheppard replied that some members of the society thought they de- rived it from the ancient Egyptians, while others thought the ancient Egyptians had gotten their civilization from the Bakuba.
 Mir. Sheppard will sail from New York in May for London, where he goes to tll a number of dates that will be made for him by the Geographical society, and will speak again at Exeter hall, where he was received enthusiastically last June. From London he returns to Bakuba Land, taking with him Mr. and Mrs. Rowbotham, two mis- sionaries who are sent to assist him in his work among the Bakuba.
 Now comes the prettiest part of my story. During his course of study at the Tusk a. loosa Theological institute Sheppard be- came betrothed to a dainty little yello W Lucy Gaunt, who possessed good educs- ton and phenomenal voice. During the absence of her betrothed she availed herself of every opportunity for culture within her limited means. She took singing lessons under a good voice trainer, and when her valued teacher in the colored public school at Birmingham, Ala. Their wedding, which took place recently at Tuskaloosa, was the social event of tho season among much eclat. The young wife will accom- pany and assist her husband in his chosen work. F- ae
 The colored race in the south is noted for it's fine voices. Mrs. Sheppard's Is tones are marveIously rich and sympathetic.g Her crystalline voice nipples like liquid star+ light scented with jasmine. Her rendering of aHome, Sweet Home'' surpasses iu pathos Patti'ss famous rendition, and to hear her sing the 'Swanee Ribber' in the true negro dialect would fill Nilsson's bosom with envy. Imagination vainly attempts to picture ths return of Idr. Shep pard and his yellow nightingale of wife to the oourt of King Lukenga. What will the wise men say? The power of music fot rhe conversion of souls has been exemplified in the efforts of MT. Sankey and others. WhatMr. Sheppard has; been able to do by his great zeat, tact. and eloqnence at the church in Congo land is known; what he will be able to accomplish assisted by the lovely voice of his wife in the beautiful gospel songs of the Christian faith fancy delights to picture. Doubtless we shall hear of the copversion of whole tribes. "Musio hath charms to soothe the savage breast" and the Bakuba are far from being savages.
 1uskaloosa, Ala.s. ev