The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1908-07-10
/ LETTER FROM WEAK
Young Missionary to India Writes of
His Trip to Lucknow and
of His New Work.

Harry H. Weak, who graduated
from Dakota Wesleyan University
one year ago last month, Is now en-
gagged in missionary work in India,
and is located at Lucknow. He adj
dressed a letter to some OF his
friends in the city and we are per-
mitted to publish the. same, beltey-
ing that many would enjoy hearing
from the young man. His letter fol-
lows:
Dear Friends:|I arrived at Bonn
bay after a pleasant voyage OF one
month from the date of leaving New
York. On the way We had glimpses
of Southampton, London, Gibraltar.
Marseilles, Port Said, and other in
teresting ports. The voyage was very
interesting and the provisions for our
comfort were ample. 1 travelled
from Bombay to Lucknow by rail
and was astonished at the excellent
railroads the India government has
built. Many of the public highways
are also in splendid condition for
travel and transportation at all sea-
sons of the year.
Lucknow is a large city of nearly
100000 inhabitants and famous since
the mutiny of 1857, during which a
heroic defense Of the residency was
made by the garrison consisting of
soldiers, civilians and loyal natives.
Interesting ruins yet remain to show
where the walls stood and where the
bullets struck. The city also has a
large number of palaces and tombs
which formerly belonged to thu
Rajars or Kings of Oudh. The palace
and mosque are especially promi-
nent. In the former Is a labyrinth.
OF such intricate construction that
once inside it would be impossible
for a stranger to find his way out
again. It was once the residence Of
the kings numerous family.
A general characteristic of all In
dian cities is that there are no side
walks; the streets are narrow and in
almost every case crooked. The
buildings are low and built mostly
from mud or brick. Lumber cannot
be used owing TO the destructiveness
of the white ant. The railroad ties
are made of iron largely for the same
reason.
Out mission In Lucknow has a
large printing establishment, the Isa-
belle Thoburn college for girls, a dea-
coness home. the Reid Christian col
lege for boys, a high school and two
large churches, one for English
speaking people, and one for native
Christians. Efficient workers are at
the head Of. these institutions.
I spent a month In Lucknow get
ting familiar with the customs, study
ing the language, and completing two
years OF the English Conference
course Of study. At the North India
Annual Conference, which met in
Lucknow, January 8. | was appoint
ed to Shahjahanpur to take charge of
9 boys high school and the English
church. There are pol students at
present in the high school and IA ma
tive teachers At the time Of grad
uation the students are quite prof.
Client: In the s of English. l have
organized q class of 80 of these adj
vanced students into a Bible class
which meets every Sunday morning.
They are all either Hindoo or No
hammedans. but seem very anxious
tosAearn. ] trust this will prove an
opensdoor. I also design to give lee
lures to all who understand English,
at least once each month. My mtnis-
terial work is mostly with the non.
conformists OF the soldiers in the
garrison stationed here; l preach ia
them every Sunday evening, conduct
g weekly sprayermeeting, and next
Sunday I purpose to organize a Bible
Study Glass among them. The city
has q population Of about 10000 and
ours Is the only Mission here. We
have therefore, a great opportunity
q well as a heavy responsibility
among these people.
AAS ISSiu6uCSS Oh foreigners III
India are GENERALLY built from brick
withssthick walls and wide verandas
ito exclude the heat. The Missiona.
rvs house, as a rule, is roomy and
comfortable, though very simpl.
furnished. People In India seem t.
need four meals a day. generally TAX,
at. & and 10 am, and at 8 and Z
p: "a. The first and third of thes,
generally consist Of toast and tea, tn,
others are more substantial.
The cost Of my trip out was $342.
So, counting the freight on my libra
~ ~, which was $3.50. This amour
was within the strictest economy.
Though roses bloom in the gar
dens. M would think the snow wa
/. flying TO hear the constant jingle,
OF sleighbells which the natives pu