FRIENDS IN NEED ARE FRIENDS IN

DEED.

BY REV. I. E. GRAEFF.

Stories of Indian cruelties have been told so long that every child in the land is familiar with them.

The simple fact that men and women of liberal culture and of large experience are willing to band together in this way and give much of their means and much, or all of their time to this self-denying work from purely benevolent motives, is a spectacle of which a high-minded, enlightened Christian people may well feel proud. Such able and generous defenders of the poor and the weak are a bulwark of strength to any nation, and in a republic they are the most reliable guardian of the public honor and safety. It is for this reason that every child, in this broad American commonwealth, should be told what these Indian Associations are organized for and what they are doing.

When the white people from Europe first came to this country they found the Indians here. The two races soon came into conflict, and great wrong was done by both of them. Gradually, as the whites grew in numbers, they drove back the red men and took possession of their hunting grounds. In this way the whole country was taken, except here and there a reservation which the government still allows to These ladies and gentlemen have the Indians. Many treaties were made formed themselves into associations for with the different tribes, but soon these the simple purpose of seeing that the were either wilfully broken or silently Indians be justly, fairly and kindly ignored and disregarded. These and treated, and that all reasonable and other wrongs caused frequent Indian possible efforts be made by the national wars, which cost many lives and large authorities to train them to a better sums of money. Cruel, wicked and way of living. And they are taking expensive as this policy was the very earnest and decided measures to American people seemed to regard it accomplish the object for which they as the only proper and feasible one have formed their organizations; and until quite recently. Now, at last, we they go about this business in a very are trying in good earnest to educate practical common sense way. these poor savages; to train them to the usages of Christian civilized life, and to make them good and useful citizens of the country.

If treaties have not been kept, laws not enforced, promises not fulfilled, or in any other way solemn obligations violated, these volunteer guardians This new and humane Indian policy urge the government to do its duty. was first proposed by public-spirited No one having any knowledge of our citizens and friends of humanity, who Indian affairs can doubt that there is urged its adoption upon the authorities a crying necessity for such friendship at Washington. And, even now, its in the case. It is to be very much success depends mainly on the efforts regretted that such an organized agenof the friends of the Indians, who cy of humane temper and aim, was not have organized for the purpose of at hand from the earliest dawn of our looking after the rights and interests history. But as it is at hand now it of these helpless wards of this great should be understood and vigorously nation. The women of the country supported by the whole country. first organized for this benevolent But the new policy aims at much work, and hence the " Women's Na- more than the enforcement of past obtional Indian Association has the ligations. It urges the enactment of honor of being the oldest society of better laws, and the enforcement of the kind now in the field. But the better government, while the treaty men soon followed in the good work, and a few years ago the "Indian Rights Association" took its rise and stands as a powerful auxiliary, side by side, with the organization of the fair

sex.

fallacy is to be given up altogether. Lands are no longer to be given to tribes as heretofore, but to individuals who shall hold them in their own name, right and title. A full protection of the law is to be given through the

courts. Civilized industry is to be en-effective enforcement of the new policy couraged and developed. Schools of a may demand. All this is done to lower and higher grade are to be es- create an enlightened public opinion, tablished and maintained. And citi and to secure proper action in behalf zenship, with the ballot, is suggested as of the long neglected children of the the coming completion of this gener- forest. And when this is done for the ous scheme of Indian emancipation. purpose of enlisting the good wishes Of course, this cannot be done without and co-operation of the people in a the vigorous co-operation of the gov-matter which so deeply concerns the ernment. Money in liberal amounts whole nation, it is asking but little inmust be appropriated by Congress, and deed, when it is suggested that the the right kind of agents must be appointed by the department to put this policy into force. For this reason the friends of the Indians do not only appeal to the benevolence of the people, but they apply themselves with all the force of their enlightened energy to the work of bringing the legislative and executive authorities of the country into hearty co-operation. And if if it costs money to do this thing in an effectual way, it is certainly better, and wiser, and nobler than to spend as much, or even a great deal more, in fighting and rooting out these troublesome savages.

We see then what these Indian associations are aiming at, and what they are trying to do. If we, however, really knew to what trouble they go and what sacrifices of means and of time and of convenience many of them make, to reach the end which they have in view, we would likely feel more sympathy for, and take a deeper interest in their work.

efforts of these societies should be largely and liberally sustained. A decided popular opinion, firmly expressed, will help greatly in getting the needed legislation and the appropriation required. And where it is possible auxiliary societies should be organized and the work systematically done.

It may be suggested, also, that the boards and societies of the various churches are encouraged to come forward and establish their respective missions among the many tribes which are yet left entirely destitute of such Christian care. The Women's National Association has a few missionaries of their own sex in the field, and these are doing a good work; but the case calls for much more extended effort. Should not the churches feel themselves called to this work specifically, now that the heathen are everywhere becoming an object of Christian missions? Here are hundreds of thousands of heathen right at our own door, occupying the same soil with us. and coming in constant contact with our own people. Many of these are ready to learn the lessons of our civilization, and of the blessed Gospel, if only these are brought home to them by the force of Christian sympathy. Should not the churches then come up to the help of the National organization in pushing forward this grand movement of saving the Indians?

Both of these associations have very active corresponding secretaries. These do not only keep up a very extensive correspondence for the information of the public and the transaction of business, but they attend numerous public meetings and deliver addresses for the purpose of furthering the cause. In some instances they have visited the Indian reservations, and made a careful investigation of the actual state of The measure appeals also with pecuthings there. They circulate numer- liar force to the young. The sooner ous documents, giving a clear state- these imbibe broad and liberal views ment of the doings of the societies and about matters which concern the nathe government, and setting forth the tional conscience the better it will be claims of the work as a movement both for themselves and for the counof national importance. They have try. The age stands in peculiar need executive committees, and these look of high moral sentiments. There is after matters at Washington particu- vast room for the exercise of these in larly, urging such action upon the dealing with these barbarous wards of department and upon Congress as the the nation. Hence, let the young, in

their tender years, be confronted with Mrs. McGlashan is another missionthe Indian problem in all its solemn ary. She is with the Otoes, and was blessings. They cannot learn too soon sent out at the same time with Miss that they are bound, by every consid- Howard. She says the Otoe women eration of humanity and patriotism, to are fine looking and have great intelaid in Christianizing Indians and teach-ligence, and are very kind to each ing them the manners and usages of other, except when one is thought to Christian communities.

The Indian problem is therefore a fit subject for universal consideration. That friends in need are friends indeed is always true, and it is doubly true in our Indian affairs. The iniquitous policy of the past calls for an atonement, and all honor to such as have come forward at their own free will to plead for these poor, weak, helpless, persecuted aboriginal children of our American soil. Can American freemen refuse to hear the appeal and to respond to it in the generous temper of the age?

be near dying-then she is abandoned to her fate. This lady is doing the same kind of work that Miss Howard is doing-visiting and nursing the sick, teaching the women how to sew, cook, and keep house, and impressing upon all the saving truth of the Christian faith.

All this is no easy work. It is connected with great difficulties and many hardships. These missionaries walk two and three miles on the prairies alone, from wigwam to wigwam, rather a serious and risky undertaking for a Miss Howard is missionary of the woman; yet they say they are not Women's National Association among afraid. Truly such heroism can only the Poncas. It is her business to teach be inspired by the love of Christ and the children of the tribe to speak, read the love of souls. By such example and write English, also to work and become self-supporting; to teach young parents how to make their homes comfortable and attractive; to teach women how to cook the foods of civilization, and how to care for their children, and, most surely, to teach all within reach, in the simplest way, redeeming Christian truth.

and self-denial the hearts of the Indians are secured, and they are constrained to believe in the love of the white man's religion. Bringing them a gospel for the body and the home is a sure way of preparing their hearts for the Gospel of the Word of God.

Mrs. Amelia S. Quinton, of Philadelphia, the corresponding secretary It is not yet a year since Miss How- of the Women's National Associaard commenced her missionary work, tion, on her return from her visit to but her reports are full of interesting some of the Indian tribes in the statements of what she has done. She far west, presented to the Women's found a mother, with a sick baby strap- Congregational Board in Chicago and ped on a board. She got a doctor who to the Women's Presbyterian Board cured the baby. She persuaded the there, as also to the officers of the mother to take her child in her arms, Women's Baptist Home Missionary Soand to put him on a bed to sleep, "as ciety, facts connected with the fields white squaws do." She found a sick she visited, asking, that, if practicaIndian man in a dreadful condition. ble, each of these Boards take one He had been wounded and the flies station for permanent work or plant a had found his wounds. She nursed mission in one or more of the remainthis poor sufferer, and he was deeply ing sixty-six tribes unprovided for, and affected by her kindness. She says: from each of them she received an en"I could not repress the sobs as I couraging answer. walked away from the sick bed of this Enough has now been said to show poor, dusky-browed sufferer. I find what our new Indian policy is aiming enough to do for the sick, as they seem at, and what those are doing who have to think that I can help and do some thing for them." This shows what kind of work Miss H. is doing among the Poncas, and how they appreciate her labors.

organized for the purpose of helping the poor red men. These people are friends indeed if we are at all able to judge them rightly from what is given out to the world as the record of their

He did not disapprove of it. The reason of this silence is plain. The Jews were a nation of shepherds, and it was not until late in their history that they learned to trade. Strange that the least commercial people of antiquity should have become the greatest traders in the world.

As there were no business men in those days, it is not strange that so little is said about business in the Bible. Indeed, we are not quite certain that the apostle when he wrote the beautiful words, "not slothful in business, fervent

deeds. It is, however, the record of what comparatively a few are doing to make our new policy a grand success; but the work belongs to the whole country, to all the people and churches thereof. Shall not the bloodbought liberties of the nation stand as a warrant, that our national flag shall no longer cover the iniquities of former days, and that the aboriginal children of our American soil shall have a share in the blessings of American citizenship? And shall not the bloodbought faith of the church be a better warrant still, that the love of Christ in spirit, serving the Lord"-meant and of fallen suffering humanity will constrain believers to come up to the help of the friends of the Indians, so that these heathen of our national household may be brought from the darkness of their barbaric life to the light and power of the grace of God? That the various denominations are so harmonious and so ready to take hold of the work is a hopeful sign. Truly these are the days of broad is. sues and marvellous events. Is not the full glory of the Kingdom of God in the world beginning its bright millennial dawn?

THE CHRISTIAN IN BUSINESS.

BY THE EDITOR.

The Bible has very little to say about business in the modern sense of the word. When the word is used at all, which is not very often, it generally means a man's employment, whatever it may be, and not merely those forms of trade and commerce which we call business. It was in the former sense that Solomon said: "Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings he shall not stand before mean men"; and St. Paul exhorts the Thessalonians: "Study to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we have commanded you."

business in the sense of trading or dealing in merchandize; but for all that we have no doubt that if he were living to-day he would so use them-for they are worthy of being written in letters of gold, as the cherished motto of every Christian merchant.

How can a man of business be a Christian? The question is sometimes asked in a tone of wonder or incredulity. How can a man of business be a Christian? As though it were almost impossible to be a man of business and yet preserve one's Christian integrity.

We would not stop to meet the question in this form, if it were not for the fact that it has been bandied about even by people who ought to know better, until it has become to many young persons a life question, which they vainly imagine to be unanswerable. There are thousands of young people who have just entered, or are about entering upon a commercial life, some of whom have earnestly determined to be Christian men in their chosen occupation; but can it be denied that there are others who are already under the sinister influence to which we have referred-imagining that to make money without earning it, is the object of business, and that it will never do to be chary about the means of reaching the great object?

It is said that trade is purely mercenary; that business is nothing but a struggle for gain; and that no person would have anything to do with it if it were not for the hope of making a fortune.

As far as commerce itself is concerned apart from a few references to trading caravans and commercial voyages to distant lands in the days of Solomon, we Now we cannot deny that there is a find absolutely nothing on the subject so-called kind of business which is purely except a few passages in our Saviour's mercenary. "There are some persons

parables from which we infer that who go into trade as though it were a

respectable kind of larceny. They ex- parts where they may be wanted, dispect sharp practice, or to profit by un- tributed into small parts and sold out fair advantages. They would not say to customers for use. All which reit, and probably do not know it; but quire a great risk of capital, great conthey, nevertheless, really expect to triving, long correspondences, expenthrive by a filching operation which sive transportations, adding as much they call business, just as a particularly and as real comfort to the uses of life, sharp knife may be expected to cut." as if the articles were drawn out of the These are the men who are constantly soil by the hand labor of the persons getting up "big things" in the hope of engaged. They do in fact a work very deceiving the unwary, who are perhaps to-day selling Alaskan Railroad bonds, secured by an expected Government grant of innumerable icebergs, and may perhaps to-morrow get up a joint stock company to search for diamonds in Siberia. These are the merchants who delight in "corners," and would in a moment, if it were, in their power, "lock up" the food of the nation, though starvation should be the resultmen who during our civil war rejoiced to circulate falsehoods-false tidings, whether of success or of national disaster in the hope of "bulling" or bearing" the market as the case may be. When men of this class inquire, How can a business man be a Christian? -meaning such business men as they themselves are-we are not prepared to answer the question-we give it up." But surely such people have wrong ideas as to what constitutes business-and all men who are engaged in legitimate business agree in denouncing their course.

Business properly understood and followed is no more mercenary than any other employment, whether of the hand or of the brain. A man who is engaged in legitimate business deserves his profits, and has to work as hard for them as though he were engaged in any other kind of labor. "The calling of the merchant," says a distinguished writer, is "grounded in nature. Thus one clime produces ice, another oranges and figs, another sugar and coffee, another cotton, another furs. In like manner iron, gold, silver, salt and coal, are distributed locally in spots, on different or distant shores. Medicines are sprinkled here and there, some in one region and some in another. And then all these supplies and comforts of the different regions must be gathered by the merchants, transported to the

much like that of the rain, or the rainclouds, which instead of leaving the world to be watered by waterspouts, falling here or there once in a thousand years, take up the water that is wanted in parts remote from the sea, carrying it off thither by their wind sails, and there making small the drops for a gentle and general distribution, let it fall on the ground, sprinkling it all over. These rain-clouds are the merchants of the sky, and trade is distribution in a like beneficent way." But says the objector there is so much deception in business, that it is hard to preserve one's integrity. We agree that there is much deception that passes under the name of business. There are for instance manufacturers who produce merchandize that is manifestly fraudulent - there are articles of food which we unsuspectingly consume, which contain but a trace of the genuine article. It is, perhaps, a mercy that we do not always know what we eat and drink, or we might sometimes be in danger of refusing our food and starving to death.

There can be no doubt but that such dishonesty is very deleterious to the prosperity of legitimate business. The fraudulent manufacturer or dealer would seem to be able to sell at a lower price and yet secure larger profits than the honest trader, and hence the latter is sometimes sorely tempted to do the same thing.

Still we would not give much for the integrity of the man who is led astray by such a temptation. It is the motive which influences the counterfeiter and swindler of every shade or name, and no persons are more hearty in its condemnation than genuine men of business.

Fraudulent merchandize may be successful while the fraud is undiscovered; but the exposure which is sure