We make our appeal, first, to the churches. Is this Association on your list of charities, and does it receive attention at least once a year? Do you take the collection for it in the best way? Do you give it a place in the monthly concert? Is it remembered in the Sabbath School?
We appeal, secondly, to individuals. When you provide for the charities of the year, do you make a liberal provision for the redemption of the colored races in our land? Do you keep in mind their relations to the highest welfare of the country? Do you remember what part the negroes and Chinamen may take in the conversion of Africa and China? May we not rely upon your gifts even by hundreds and thousands as the months go on? We want that three hundred thousand dollars; and nothing is more sure than that it will come, provided churches in their several capacities, and individuals in their large-hearted benevolence, will respond promptly and prayerfully, according to their ability. If men and women are ready to enter the dens of darkness and sin, to baffle and destroy not the troublesome wolf—like young Putnam in our nation’s early history—but Satan and his wicked devices, surely we ought to be willing to furnish and hold the ropes.
THE NASHVILLE CONFERENCE.
A Conference of officers and workers of the American Missionary Association was held at Fisk University, Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 26 and 27. There were present ex-Gov. Washburn, of Massachusetts, the recently elected President of the Association; Rev. W. H. Ward, D.D., and C. L. Mead, Esq., of New York, members of the Executive Committee; Sec. Strieby, and Dr. Roy, Field Secretary. The teaching force was represented by Pres. Cravath and Prof. Spence, of Nashville, Tenn.; Pres. Ware and Prof. Farnham, of Atlanta, Ga.; Pres. DeForest and Prof. Andrews, of Talladega, Ala.; Pres. Pope and Prof. Hatch, of Tougaloo, Miss.; Pres. Alexander and Prof. Jewett, of New Orleans, La.; Prof. Wright, of Savannah, Ga.; Prof. Gordon, of Charleston, S.C.; Prof. Steele, of Memphis, Tenn.; Prof. Hodge, of Macon, Ga.; and Rev. O. D. Crawford, of Mobile, Ala. Gen. Armstrong, of Hampton, Va., and Pres. Fairchild, of Berea, Ky., though not directly connected with the Association, were present by invitation and added largely to the interest of the gathering.
The meeting was convened to consider the whole educational work of the Association in the South—with a view to its unity and efficiency. Many of the teachers present had been long in the service and brought to the discussion the benefits of large experience and wide observation in regard to the educational aptitudes and progress of the colored people.
Among the results were
1. That while the mass of this race must be educated for the common walks of life, yet a competent number must be trained as leaders in their progress; and as essential thereto, they need many a Moses and many an Aaron, and these must be of their own race. For these the best facilities ought to be furnished, and such facilities should be near at hand. Statistics were presented showing that at the West as well as at the South the students in the colleges were from the immediate vicinity. Many a young man gets a thorough education when the college is near who never would get it if the college were distant. This is especially true of the colored student, who can find work or teaching and cheap board near home, which he could not find at a distance, to say nothing of the expense of travel. In view of the facts, the Conference recommended to the Association to strengthen the college departments in Atlanta and Fisk, and introduce college studies in Talladega and Straight as fast as the means and the fit student material would justify.
2. It was shown that more and better theological instruction is needed for the Freedmen. No race can rise without an intelligent ministry. The young colored people of the present generation have had some education themselves and demand better educated ministers, and the half million of children now in school will contemn religion or become infidels if left to the teachings of ignorant pulpits. The Association was asked by the Conference to establish, in addition to the Theological Department in Howard University, a Theological Seminary further South, as soon as practicable, and to sustain in efficiency the Theological Departments at Talladega and Straight.
3. The review of the Industrial Departments was interesting and satisfactory. The farm at Tougaloo produces largely the supply for boarding-house table, and furnishes something for export—especially strawberries. At Talladega the land is neither extensive nor very fertile, yet yields fairly. Both farms furnish labor for the boys, and the boarding departments there, as also in Atlanta, Fisk and elsewhere, give employment to the girls. These Industrial Departments do not pay pecuniarily, but they do pay in healthy mental and moral stamina, and in a preparation for practical life. In view, however, of the difficulty in management and marketing, no additional farm industries were recommended.