American Missionary | Page 3

seem to see only the ignorance and vice of
the Negro, and the inveterate race-prejudice against him; or at least
they appear to be so occupied in dilating upon these hindrances that
they have no time to devote to their removal, and, so far as their
influence goes, they discourage others from doing anything.
On the other hand there are those who, while they see all these
difficulties, only find in them the strongest incentives to the most
earnest efforts to relieve the Negro from them. Which of these two
classes is the wiser?
Some persons propose as the solution of the race problem,
disfranchisement; and they point to the bad legislation of the blacks in

South Carolina and Louisiana a quarter of a century ago, when scarcely
any of them could read, and almost none owned property. On the other
hand, there are those that are industriously trying to educate the blacks
and inspiring them to the acquisition of property, and not in vain. More
than two millions of the blacks can now read, and more than two
hundred million dollars' worth of property is now owned by them. They
are thus being prepared to vote wisely.
Which of these two classes of persons is solving this problem to the
best purpose?
There are other persons, in Congress and out, urging the deportation of
the blacks to Africa, a thing impossible to be done, and, if possible, it
would be harmful to those that were sent, as well as useless to
benighted Africa. On the other hand, there are those who are training
the colored people of this country in education, industrial habits and
stable Christian character, thus preparing them as missionaries to
Africa.
Which of these two classes has the wiser theory?
* * * * *
HIGHER EDUCATION OF THE COLORED PEOPLE.
The eagerness of our colored population for education is strikingly
shown in the reports given on another page from our institutions in the
South--reports of over-crowded rooms, and students dismissed by
scores, and even hundreds, for want of accommodations.
We call special attention to the report from Fisk University, in
reference to the higher grades of education. It will be seen that, even in
that place, a relatively small number are in the higher classes, and yet
there is a sufficient number of these to indicate that some of the pupils
are seeking what is absolutely essential to the race, to wit, that some
should have the best education attainable.
While it is true of this race as of all others, that the masses can receive
only primary training in letters and in industry, there must be some of
their number who can be leaders in thought and influence. No race can
make progress without such leaders, who can command the line of
march. There must be the inspiration that comes from the success of the
leaders. Hooker's men did not ascend Lookout Mountain in a steady
line. There were some far ahead of others, cheering and encouraging
those following at greater or less distances, till at length the whole

array stood on the brow, and thus won their position.
The warfare is different, but human nature is the same. The Negroes are
no more of equal capacity than white men, and there is just the same
call for differences in their attainments in scholarship and in general
influence. And if those advanced in scholarship shall have Christian
character as well as education, it will render their leadership all the
more safe for their people and the nation.
* * * * *
SPRING CONFERENCES AND CHURCH WORK.
Five of our Conferences in the South have held their spring meetings.
The reports we have had from them indicate that they were of unusual
interest. Almost without exception they are pronounced to have been
the best ever held. The high character of the sermons, addresses and
discussions shows that these ministers are fit leaders of the people.
Their reports of the progress of the work among the churches is
encouraging. On another page of the MISSIONARY will be found
some brief sketches of revival scenes and of individual experience and
effort. This branch of the work of the Association deserves and will
receive increased attention and assistance.
* * * * *
MISSISSIPPI IMMIGRANTS.
We alluded in a recent number of the MISSIONARY to the attractive
advertisements of railroad and immigrant companies in the South, and
we expressed the fear that many colored people might find the change
to be disappointing. But the process goes on, and the rich bottom-lands
in the State of Mississippi are attracting many hundreds and thousands
of new settlers. Perhaps there is no better place to which they can go,
for there are no better lands in the South. The great point is