The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1896-05-02
NINE OWN PEOPLE
What . Native Alaskan Has
Accomplished.
FOR THE MINISTRY.
So That He Can Return to the Land He
Loves and Carry With Him
Christianity.

Tho first native Alaskan to win . regu-
lar collegiate diploma and degree was In
Seattle yesterday. Two years hence. when
he shall have completed his theological
course Of study at Lane theological semi
nary. where he 10 now \ student. he VIII
probably have the honor Of being also the
first native Alaskan ordained TO the min
istry.
This gentleman 10 Edward Aarsden. who
lives at New Metiakahtla, Alaska, and who
10 Just on his way home from Cincinnati. the
seminary having just closed for its sumn1ep
vacation Of four months. Mr.. Marsden has
a bright, intelligent face. and. a. might
be expected from his thorough collegiate
training, uses excellent language. He has
high ideals his supreme object apparently
being thorough culture in order to aid In
the work OF lifting up his people to better
civilization.
''In 1851" he said last night. II frst felt
the stirring of this impulse distinctly.
had . taste for refinement, but nav that
there was much beyond where then was.
In company with several other young men
from my home 1 went 10 S'tka. where
studied hard for three years. securing .
measurably good preparation for college.
Thea IL was thought best for me to 20 on
further. Through the good influence OF
Dr. Sheldon jackson I went East IN 1891
and entered Marietta college. Marietta, o..
where graduated four years later in the
class OF 1885.
II am now taking . course in Lane the
oingical seminary. by which hope to fit
myself for my main work In life. that OF
preaching to my own people. Along with
my ministerial studies, however. l am
taking a course n law. planning TO csm-
plete the two parallel courses al the same
time. two years hence. I shall then have
finished my ten years schooling. and
hope TO 20 at once among my own people
TO begin my work.
cit used 10 be regarded ~ doubtful
whether the native Alaskan could take on
the higher American civilization. / do not
wish to boast Of my own achievements.
but l think I may say that In view OF
wha, has already been accomplished
among US by education and Christianity.
the work Ia no longer doub tfil. But I,
viii be hard work. and to IL have formed
the cherished plan Of devot-ng my Ese-
shall have the cheerful cooperation OF
others who are now drawn into good
courses Of preparation for their high mis-
SION. and together We mean 20 Try TO
carry among our owu people four thirss.
Christianity. education. Industrial devel-
opmen.. and the principles OF law and
good government.
II grew much attached 10 my college
mates In the East, and re all shed tears
when we parted the other day NJ Csncin-
natl Outside Of the college curriculum. I
have had the .nest.nAbie privilege Of be-
ing associated with representative people
IN the Eastern states. and Of travelling 50
as 10 secure 4 better grasp & our great
institutions Whatever benefit have re-
celved from these sources ! hope 10 carry
back and share with my people
This was the burden Of Mr.. Marsden's
story. the refrain to which every recurring
statement OF his work brought him My
peopi~-ny own people-o1r native Aiss-
kAns-the native land love 50 we'll were
scns Of the phrases that fell from his ps
IN conversation He had been brought
prominently before the psopiccf the East
at educational ana religious gatherings.
ard on such occasions bis speech has been