The American Missionary. Volume 48, No. 10, October, 1894

THE INDIANS

MISSION SERVICES AT TWO KETTLE VILLAGE

BY MISS M. M. LICKORISH

The church at Two Kettle Village on the Cheyenne was dedicated May 19th. I was delighted to receive an invitation from Mr. Riggs to accompany the party from Oahe. We crossed the Missouri River in a boat, and on the other side took the carriage that had to be sent around by Pierre, an extra distance of thirty-two miles, in order to cross on the bridge. Doctor and Mr. Frederick Riggs, from Santee, now joined us, and the day being pleasant, the prairie covered with the wild flowers so abundant here, we had a most delightful drive.

About one o'clock we met missionaries and delegates from all parts of the Indian field at a place previously agreed upon, and there spent a most agreeable hour in social chat, and discussing the contents of our lunch boxes. A ride over the prairie is an excellent appetizer, and missionaries so exiled most of the time from all but a few of their own race, find these occasional meetings most pleasant, but having a long ride still before us, and a river to ford before dark, we were soon again on our way. About sundown we came in sight of the memorial church. It is situated on a little hill, and facing the Cheyenne River, and a lovely, picturesque valley, rendered more attractive just now by the numerous Indian tents scattered singly or in groups over the grass near the river.

Just before our party reached the ford, two of our missionaries, Mrs. Griffiths and Miss Dodge, were driving across, and the river being very high, the horse stumbled into a hole, but some Indians watching them from the bank went quickly to their assistance. They were soon taken ashore in another conveyance, but not before getting thoroughly drenched and gaining the admiration of the Indians for their courage. Reaching the camping-ground tired and hungry, it was pleasant to find a large new tent, made and erected by the Indian women, for the use of the white women of our party. Mr. Riggs's larger one, near by, was used by the men. The tents were all the round kind, used by Indians, with poles projecting from the top, and an opening left for the smoke of our little fire in the center, for the cool evenings made a fire very desirable. The opening for a door is a little more than three feet high.

The wife of the native pastor, Mrs. Phelps, had an abundant and appetizing supper ready for us. Our white ladies could but express their admiration for the composure and quiet dignity with which this Indian woman, who could not speak or understand English, entertertained, from Saturday until Monday, about thirty-five white people and natives at her table, and in a house of one room. She was a Martha we might emulate in this, for though careful for the needs and comfort of all, even the group of Indian women and children, whom she fed sitting on the floor in one corner of the room, while her table was surrounded by her most honored guests, she never seemed troubled and anxious, and received offered help quietly, never letting her extra duties keep her from the meetings. Before we spread our blanket beds in the tent, the women brought us dry grass to make them more comfortable, and we were all invited into the house each evening for worship before retiring.

On Sunday morning early we gathered in the neat little white chapel, made bright with numerous bouquets of wild flowers from the prairie. The grave of Elizabeth Winyan, that noble Indian woman whose life was spent in earnest missionary work among her own people, is near by, and the church is a fitting memorial. The Indians came from far and near, and filled the church till some had to sit on the floor for lack of seats, but this they did not mind, for, judging by the long hair and Dakota dress, we know many were but little used to the customs of civilized life.

The dedicatory prayer was offered by Doctor Riggs, and then followed the examination of two candidates for the ministry—Edwin Phelps, the son of Elizabeth Winyan, and her nephew, Elias Gilbert. The services and examinations were all in the Dakota language, but the intense interest and earnestness of the audience, as well as of those taking part, made them very impressive, even to those who hearing could not understand.

After a short intermission for dinner the council convened, and Dr. Riggs, acting as interpreter, so all might understand, the examination was concluded, and the two men who have been working so acceptably for the Master for some time were ordained to the Christian ministry, and received the right hand of fellowship, extended by Rev. C.F. Reed, of Pierre. Then followed the double wedding of two couples, who wished the sanction of Christian marriage to unions entered into according to the customs of their people in the past, but which are rapidly passing away before the enlightenment of the present. Several children were then brought forward for baptism, and the sacred promises of Christian training were made by parents who desire much for their children, but who are so unfit to lead, knowing but dimly the way themselves.

Oh, that we might gather more into Christian schools, that intelligent as well as earnest Christians may be the leaders among these people in the future. Seven members were received into the church, and then we gathered a happy Christian congregation of two races, but one spirit, around the table of our Lord. It was a fitting ending to the delightful, helpful services of the day.

But a little later, there was still another meeting in the evening that will not soon be forgotten by those who were present. After the sun went down, in the long twilight that lingers so late here, the women gathered in a large circle on the green grass for a women's meeting. There were about forty women present, including those who formed a row outside, who wore the Dakota costume, and wished only to see and hear from outside, and come in at last to the feast. The meeting was led by Mrs. T.L. Riggs; portions of Scripture were read, prayers offered, and remarks made by the Dakota women. All entered heartily into the singing, which, like all the services, was in Dakota. Then each of the white women present spoke a few words of kindness and encouragement to the women, and their remarks were interpreted by Mrs. Riggs. After the close of this meeting the men were escorted to the center of the circle, and soup, which had been preparing in numerous kettles near by, was served to all.

We were glad to sit in the circle with those Indian mothers and speak to them of their children, our love for them, and how we were trying to help them. One could not be in such a typical gathering of Indians without noting the intelligent faces and strength of character depicted in them. One is continually surprised, not at the depravity of this people, but with their many good traits, and the progress they are making in the face of so many obstacles.

On Monday morning the council listened to reports from the field, and then adjourned. We were now soon on our way home. About sundown we reached the river opposite Oahe, but it was very much swollen and rapid. While we sat on the bank and ate supper from what remained in our provision boxes, we saw the young man who was to bring a boat across for us, struggling against the current. As he seemed unable to cross, we began preparations for spending the night there under the clear sky, but at last he succeeded in crossing in a little boat, and by much hard work and skillful rowing, taking two each time, Mr. T.L. Riggs was able before midnight to land most of us on the other side in safety, though the swift current and much driftwood made this somewhat hazardous. The rest made themselves as comfortable as possible without tents, and came over in the morning.

INDIAN MISSION COLLECTIONS

Not long ago a collection for benevolent purposes was taken among the Indians in the church at Fort Berthold. Supt. Hall, of the American Missionary Association, writes the following:

"The collection amounts to $15.02, and will be increased by out-stations. There were about twenty Indians in the congregation, and as all were not there a messenger was sent to have another collection taken in the evening at the meeting at Deacon Many Bears' house. Our people are always ready to give what they can. The boys and girls of the school, thirty-eight in number, all took a hand, giving of their allowances or earnings. Little lame Bertha wrote her name down for eleven cents, which was the 'widow's mite' with her. The names of some of the Indian contributors are: Red Fox, Strieby Horn, Little Eagle, Andrew Crow, Fighting Bear, Mrs. Two Bears, Mrs. Rough Horn, Mrs. Jack Rabbit and Louisa Crow Tail.

"The Sunday was a cold one, ten degrees below zero, and some of our leading members were camping out on their way with food supply from Minot, sixty miles north over a trackless waste of snow. One Monday morning Andrew Crow came in on horseback, with the result of the previous evening's contribution. We get little change here, so we put down the amount to be given on paper, and settle the account as we can by exchanges or work. We do not have many unpaid subscriptions."

Such facts as these abundantly prove that our Indian Christians are realizing the responsibility upon them to assist with their means in these great missionary movements. If all the churches in the land would give according to their ability as generously as did this Indian church on the prairie, not one of our benevolent societies would need suffer.

THE CHINESE

"THE PRESENT DISTRESS."

BY REV. W.C. POND, D.D

It is everywhere, and if in our little corner we feel the first impulse to murmur, we hear, forthwith, from the great apostle: "There hath no trial taken you but such as is common to man." And yet the trial is none the less severe, the distress is none the less intense, because it is universal. It may be that "misery likes company," though I could never see why, but in this instance I can truly say, would that we suffered alone!

I foresaw almost six months ago that the universal stringency would bring us an empty treasury long before the close of our fiscal year. It seemed due in justice to our workers to forewarn them of this. I told them that I would do my best for them, but that for the months of June, July and August this might amount to nothing; that I was not allowed, and ought not to be, to use the resources of the new year to meet any deficits from the old one, and that I was under solemn pledge to one of our chief benefactors never to let the mission run in debt. Consequently I could not and would not blame them if they ceased work and closed the schools. I am proud to say that not one teacher was found to accept my proposal. One of them wrote: "I am very sorry you are so short of funds. I feel sure that

'In some way or other,The Lord will provide.'

At any rate I shall not join the strikers, but keep right on." Another said: "Whatever stops, the work must not stop; pay or no pay, I shall keep up the school." Gin Foo King wrote from San Bernardino, with a sort of lofty contempt of the unbelief that could stop work for lack of pay: "God will take care of us; why should we fear?" Joe Dun, the latest addition to our force of helpers, and one from whose work for Christ I expect glad fruitage right along, replied to my message of deep regret that I could forward no salary to him for June services: "You need not send money; I have rice." Rice with water to boil it in, is good enough, some think, for any Chinaman. Perhaps it is. At any rate Joe Dun thinks that if that is all God gives it must be all he needs. Nevertheless our helpers, especially in the beginnings of service, must work the brain hard, and ought to have brain nutriment. And unless I can send something to him now, even his rice will fail.

What is thus expressed by some in words has been expressed in acts by all. It is a great relief to know that the work is going on, and at some points better than ever at this season of the year. It is a relief to know that there are no broken promises, and no accumulation of debt, involved in my failure to remit. But for this, the distress would be intolerable; the trial greater than I could possibly bear. But when I bring up the case of some of our most faithful and successful workers, and realize the fact, which I know to be a fact, that they are dependent on the little salaries they are wont to receive from me for very subsistence, my forewarning passes out of remembrance, and the whole burden rolls down upon my heart. God knows what he is doing, and I cast my care upon him and rest. But it seems to me that from somewhere the few hundreds of dollars—not more than $500 needed in addition to what I have reason already to hope for—must come.

Whenever it has been possible I have thrown the responsibility of sustaining the missions upon the localities in which they are situated. And in many cases this responsibility has been assumed with a cheerfulness and a generosity, considering the times, which has been greatly encouraging to me. And I cannot but hope that herein will be found one of the compensations for our anxiety and pain—a deeper and more general interest on the part of Christian people in this branch of the service of their Lord. One of the teachers, giving an account of a meeting which she held in the interest of her mission, anticipates such a result and says: "I feel sure that my hard, lonesome times are over, and that after this I shall have more help and sympathy. Isn't it wonderful how doing a hard duty will sometimes straighten out so many tangles?"

I venture to close this little sketch of hard heartwork with another quotation from this same teacher: "I sympathize with you in not being able to pay us teachers as you would like to do when you know how we work. But don't worry any more over me, for I shall manage splendidly (as I always do?). I guess you feel a good deal worse over it than we teachers do. Sacrifice is in order for missionaries and preachers, but we get pay that the world knows not of—rewards as much above money as heaven is above earth."

BUREAU OF WOMAN'S WORK

MISS D.E. EMERSON, SECRETARY

ANNUAL MEETING

The Woman's Meeting will be held on Thursday afternoon, October 25th, as one of the regular sessions of the American Missionary Association Annual Meeting, at Lowell, Mass. The programme will include reports from the State Unions, and missionary addresses by Miss Kate La Grange, from the mountains of Tennessee; Miss Mary P. Lord, associate of Miss Collins in the Indian work; and missionaries from the South.

We hope for a large attendance from ladies' and young people's societies. Do not limit your attendance to this woman's day. Come to the opening meeting Tuesday, and attend all the sessions. The secretary of the Woman's Bureau will have a room at the church for a rallying point, where the ladies and missionaries can meet for mutual acquaintance and information. Notice of entertainment and railroad rates will be found on last page of cover.

A FEW WORDS TO BOYS

The American Missionary Association needs the help of every boy. Send to the Bible House, New York, for leaflets that will tell what the American Missionary Association is, and what it is trying to do, especially for the Indians.

Read the following letter, by Miss Mary P. Lord, our missionary among the Sioux Indians, and let us know what you will do to help teach Indian boys how to become good men:

Dear Boys:

No doubt you are already interested in Indians, from stories you have read of them. And perhaps you think they are very strange people, quite unlike white people. In some ways they are. But if you could come out here to our little Indian village (Little Eagle Village it is called), on the Standing Rock Reservation in Dakota, I think you would very soon be playing with the Indian boys just as merrily as you do now with your boy friends at home. Perhaps Ben Black Dog would show you some of the little gumbo images that he made when the mud was soft, and then it grew dry and hard, as the clay does that some of you use in school; and perhaps he would show you how he makes his life-like horses and riders, and buffaloes, and dogs, and all the rest.

One day I saw some boys playing with their gumbo figures, and heard one of the boys say "akicita," which is the Dakota word for "soldier"; so I suppose little Indian boys "play soldier," too! Then every Indian boy from the time he is a baby has his pony. One ten-year-old boy was telling me the other day what good care he tried to take of his pony, and I was very glad he thought about it, and knew that his "Charlie" ought to be well cared for. All the boys like to ride, but sometimes they forget that their ponies ought to be kindly treated, and to have proper food and rest. Indian boys have their favorite games, too, just as white boys do, only their games are different. One is throwing long, slender sticks, which they make in a certain way; but in order to know just how they make and throw them, you may have to come and see them do it. I am afraid I cannot tell you.

And they like to run, and jump, and play together very much as you do, only (shall I say it?) I think they are more quiet in their playing than many white boys I have seen and heard. They are not all alike any more than white boys are. Some are naturally very bright and quick to think and to act, and others not as much so. Some of the boys and men are diligent and hard workers, while others are lazy. Some like to study, and others like better to play. A large new Government boarding-school has been lately built in our little village for the Dakota boys and girls. One very cold day, a boy, perhaps fourteen years old, came walking fifteen miles, without overcoat or mittens, and alone, to ask if he might be received as a pupil in the new school. I think he must be one of the boys who likes to study, and who wants to learn. Such boys get ahead. Some Indian boys are naturally very gentle in their manner, and although their clothing may be ragged and dirty, and the homes in which they live are not nearly so bright and attractive as perhaps your father's stable is, yet these boys appear as gentlemanly as if accustomed to the little courtesies of the parlor in civilized life. One verse in the Bible says: "As he thinketh in his heart, so is he," and I think it is the gentle thoughts in the hearts of these Indian boys that make some of them so truly gentlemen, notwithstanding their surroundings and lack of training.

Some things that they say and do are very funny. After one of our village boys had been to the new boarding-school two or three weeks, he came to our house one day of an errand. While he waited, he said to Winona (that is Miss Collins) "Do you sleep on a bed the way we do at school?" She told him that she did, and then he said: "A long time ago, when I was little and not very wise, I used to come here to your house, and I always thought you slept on that table [the dining-table] but, now I am beginning to see clearly."

The same ten-year-old friend gave me a lesson one day in digging potatoes. And another time when he had ridden the pony Bessie to drink at the river, his younger brother came to the house with him. The two are as devoted brothers as any that I know, and when I reached out Ben's pay toward him, he motioned me to give it to Daniel instead. Very likely it was shared afterward, but at least I thought it showed a generous spirit of brotherly love.

Fourth of July and Christmas are great days here as well as among our white friends in the East. This year I had the pleasure of attending two Christmas-tree celebrations. The first was at our little church Christmas evening. The house was full, some of the boys and young men being obliged to sit on the edge of the little platform and on the floor, and everybody seemed happy. The next evening I drove about six miles, to the Oak Creek Station, to share in the festivities at Cross Bear's house. There, too, they had a tree, and a Santa Claus dressed up in a big, shaggy, fur coat, a very tall hat decorated with Indian designs, and in his hand he carried a stout staff on which he leaned, as if he felt the burden of many winters. He was just as funny as your Santa Claus, as he stood bowing and bowing, and making his little speech.

Indians like to have a good time all together, whether it is Fourth of July, or Christmas, or a prayer-meeting, or a feast. And we are very thankful that now they enjoy meeting in these ways, instead of having the old-time heathen dances. We are thankful that when we speak of Indians now, we do not mean a race of people who are only waiting for a chance to scalp us. They are our friends, as we are theirs.

God has been revealed to them, and they are coming out of their heathen darkness into His light, and they are learning how to live purer and better lives, to think new thoughts, and to be Christian men instead of heathen savages. We who have always known of God, and heard His word, must help them "in His name." Think, dear boys, if there is anything that you can do.

WOMAN'S STATE ORGANIZATIONS

MAINE

WOMAN'S AID TO A.M.A

State Committee—Mrs. C.A. Woodbury, Woodfords;

Mrs. A.T. Burbank, Yarmouth;

Mrs. Helen Quimby, Bangor.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

FEMALE CENT INSTITUTION AND HOME MISS. UNION

President—Mrs. Joseph B. Walker, Concord.

Secretary—Mrs. John T. Perry, Exeter.

Treasurer—Miss Annie A. McFarland, Concord.

VERMONT

WOMAN'S HOME MISSIONARY UNION

President—Mrs. J.H. Babbitt, W. Brattleboro.

Secretary—Mrs. M.K. Paine, Windsor.

Treasurer—Mrs. Wm. P. Fairbanks, St. Johnsbury.

MASS. AND R.I

1WOMAN'S HOME MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION

President—Mrs. C.L. Goodell, Boston Highlands, Mass.

Secretary—Miss Anna A. Pickens, 32 Congregational House, Boston.

Treasurer—Miss Sarah K. Burgess, 32 Congregational House, Boston.

CONNECTICUT

WOMAN'S HOME MISSIONARY UNION

President—Miss Ellen R. Camp, 9 Camp St., New Britain.

Secretary—Mrs. C.T. Millard, 36 Lewis St., Hartford.

Treasurer—Mrs. W.W. Jacobs, 19 Spring St., Hartford.

NEW YORK

WOMAN'S HOME MISSIONARY UNION

President—Mrs. Wm. Kincaid, 483 Green Ave., Brooklyn.

Secretary—Mrs. Wm. Spalding, 511 Orange St., Syracuse.

Treasurer—Mrs. J.J. Pearsall, 230 Macon St., Brooklyn.

NEW JERSEY

WOMAN'S HOME MISSIONARY UNION OF THE N.J. ASSOCIATION

President—Mrs. A.H. Bradford, Montclair.

Secret'y—Mrs. Wm. O. Weeden, Upper Montclair.

Treasurer—Mrs. J.H. Dennison, 150 Belleville Ave., Newark.

PENNSYLVANIA

WOMAN'S MISSIONARY UNION

President—Mrs. A.H. Claflin, 191 Franklin St., Allegheny.

Secretary—Mrs. C.F. Yennee, Ridgway.

Treasurer—Mrs. T.W. Jones, 211 Woodland Terrace, Philadelphia.

OHIO

WOMAN'S HOME MISSIONARY UNION

President—Mrs. J.G.W. Cowles, 417 Sibley St., Cleveland.

Secretary—Mrs. Flora K. Regal, Oberlin.

Treasurer—Mrs. G.B. Brown, 2116 Warren St., Toledo.

INDIANA

WOMAN'S HOME MISSIONARY UNION

President—Mrs. W.A. Bell, 221 Christian Ave, Indianapolis.

Secretary—Mrs. W.E. Mossman, Fort Wayne.

Treasurer—Mrs. F.E. Dewhurst, 28 Christian Ave., Indianapolis.

ILLINOIS

WOMAN'S HOME MISSIONARY UNION

President—Mrs. Isaac Claflin, Lombard.

Secretary—Mrs. C.H. Taintor, 151 Washington St., Chicago.

Treasurer—Mrs. L.A. Field, Wilmette.

IOWA

WOMAN'S HOME MISSIONARY UNION

President—Mrs. T.O. Douglass, Grinnell.

Secretary—Mrs. V.H. Mullett, Clinton.

Treasurer—Miss Belle L. Bentley, 300 Court Ave, Des Moines.

MICHIGAN

WOMAN'S HOME MISSIONARY UNION

President—Mrs. George M. Lane, 179 West Alexandrine Ave., Detroit.

Secretary—Mrs. J.H. Hatfield, 301 Elm Street, Kalamazoo.

Treasurer—Mrs. E.F. Grabill, Greenville.

WISCONSIN

WOMAN'S HOME MISSIONARY UNION

President—Mrs. E.G. Updike, Madison.

Secretary—Mrs. A.O. Wright, Madison.

Treasurer—Mrs. C.M. Blackman, Whitewater.