izona; L'anse and Vieux de Sert, Michigan; Lac Court d'Oreilles, Bad River, Red Cliff and Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin; Fond du Lac, Minnesota; Lake Traverse, Devil's Lake, Ponca, and Yankton, Dakota; Nez Perce, Idaho; Crow, Montana; Absentee Shawnee, Pottawatomie, Quapaw, Modoc, Ottawa, Shawnee, Seneca, and Wyandotte, Indian Territory; Winnebago, Nebraska; Siletz, Grande Ronde, and Warm Springs, Oregon; and Muckleshoot, Washington Territory. The state of the surveys on several of the reservations where allotments have been authorized is such as to render it impracticable to commence the work at once, but surveys have been contracted for. Six special agents have recently been appointed and assigned to duty. Indian Citizenship. his white brother in moral and intellectual the Indians will be opposed to taking lands in severalty. They are loathe to give up their savage customs, and view with suspicion any inno vation upon their nomadic mode of life. They are utterly ignorant of the intent or effects of the act, and in many instances their minds are poisoned by false statements, and their fears alarmed by selfish white men both on and off their reservations. But I am gratified to state that the more the severalty act is discussed among the Indians, the more they come to understand its operations, and the more they see members of their tribes accepting individual holdings, and having houses erected, and farms fenced and cultivated, the more they are grounding their opposition to the act, and signifying their wish to accept its provisions. Where but a few years ago only individuals could be induced to receive homesteads, now whole tribes, with scarcely an exception in the tribe, are not only willing but anxious to have allotments, while many of the more advanced and better-informed Indians hail the act as the dawn of their emancipation from the bonds of barbarism, which for centuries have held their people in an iron grasp. Indian Education. Under this act it will be noticed that whenever a tribe of Indians or any member of a tribe accepts land in severalty the allottee at once, ipso facto, becomes a citizen of the United States, endowed with all the civil and political privileges, and subject to all the responsibilities and duties of any other citizen of the republic. This should be a pleasing and encouraging prospect to all Indians who, by experience or education, have risen to a plane above that of I have already referred incidentally to the inabsolute barbarism. The Indian is not unlike dispensable work done in the way of Indian education by the various religious organizations of the country. Although it discredits the Government, it is but just to say that for some years these societies have put more money into Indian school buildings than the Government has expended for that purpose, and the increase in the number of children attending school is in no small degree due to the fact that places in which to teach the children have been provided from other than Government funds. Moreover, as has already been stated, in the maintenance of "Every Indian born within the territorial limits of schools so established, the societies draw largely endowments and aspirations. He is proud of his manhood, and when he comes to understand the matter he will cheerfully and proudly accept the responsibilities which belong to civilized manhood. Within a very short time many Indians will be invested with American citi zenship, including, of course, the sacred right of the elective franchise. In fact many Indians became citizens on the date of the passage of the law, for it provides that: the United States to whom allotments shall have been made under the provisions of this act, or under any law or treaty, and every Indian born within the territorial limits of the United States who has voluntarily taken up, within said limits, his residence separate and apart from any tribe of Indians therein, and has adopted the habits of civilized life, is hereby declared to be a citizen of the United States, and is entitled to all the rights, privileges, and immunities of such citiwithout in any manner impairing or otherwise affecting the right of any such Indian to tribal or other property." zens Of course at the beginning it must be expected that on some of the reservations a majority of from their own funds to supplement the allowance granted these schools by the Government. In assisting in the support of such schools the office has been entirely nonsectarian, and all the leading denominations of the country are represented in Indian school work. News and Notes. Rev. Wm. Hurr, our Indian missionary at the Sac and Fox agency is much gratified at the growing interest among the people. He says: "The chiefs and all the leading men take an interest in sending their children to school, and talking to their people to send their children to school. The result is they have now fifty children in school, and all attend church after Sunday. school. "In my visit to some of the chiefs and leading men they faithfully promised me they would attend church and Sunday-school, which they have already done, and encouraging their children in the way, talking to them to learn their lesson, telling them it is for their good to make them to be able to teach their own people and lead them in good way. "When I first came here I found but few orphan children and few of the half-breed children, numbering about fifteen in all, and the Indians kept their brightest children at home. But it is now just the other way; they are sending their best and brightest children, and I am very glad to see the great change. dent men, but out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh,' and it would have done you good to have seen the earnestness with which they told what great things the Lord had done for them. Their faces fairly beamed with joy and gladness. "On the following Sunday evening, after our Sunday-school, we all went over to the First Church, and papa had the pleasure of baptizing them before a large and appreciative congregation. About fifty Chinamen were present, and seemed deeply impressed. She "The night before Mrs. Sanford left we had a very impressive meeting at our chapel. made a good talk, and nine of our Christian boys followed her, expressing their grief at her departure, yet pleasure that she was going to make known Christ among their countrymen in their own land. Among these were the two men who were so recently baptized. One of the boys used the occasion to exhort the un"It is very hard for them to give up their old converted pupils now to accept Christ; and traditions. They are giving way little by little. when papa gave an opportunity for those wishIf their children were all at school, the time willing to take an immediate stand for Jesus Christ, soon come for a great change. As I am here five arose and expressed their determination to alone to preach to these people it is lonely for begin at once. me; no ministering brethren visit me. meetings are well attended every Sabbath. The work before me is great in this western part of the Indian Territory among these blanket Indians. age to do so." I am glad to see that God our Father has given me friends among these blanket Indians. talking with them they listen with respect. ask the prayers of our churches, that God may hasten the time when these people shall fully adopt Christianity and civilization." The Chinese. 66 Our I hope that ere very long we may have the joy of seeing these put on Christ by baptism also. Let us pray that they may have the cour In I Miss Nellie E. Hartwell, daughter of Dr. Hartwell, and for some time his assistant in San Francisco, has felt it her duty to go as missionary to China. She writes: "I would gladly have sailed with Mrs. Sanford, but feared the effect on the school might be serious if we should both leave at once, and so I decided to wait until March, when Miss Willsie will have worked in.' "On Wednesday night, November 30th, after our usual prayer-meeting, the two Chinese converts of whom I wrote in a former letter came before the church and gave their Christian experience. They are both exceedingly diffi Missionary Spirit of Chinese Converts. Rev. Fung Chak, of Portland, Oregon, December 31st, says: "I baptized four persons, two men, one lady and one boy, the son of Brother Seid Bark, who is the chairman of our Mission. Seven have been received by baptism since this year. Herewith is a receipt of twelve dollars, which we offer to the Board, and hope you will accept it as a little gift to the Lord. "I received a letter from Rev. E. Z. Simmons, of Canton, China, and he says that the Southern Board had the benignity to bestow $2,400 to send to Canton to purchase a place to build a school-house. Both the lot and building cost about $3,300. Our good brethren here were bestirred by God's spirit, and had contributed $200 to send home to aid in this work. I received a letter from Brother Lum Kow, of Chicago, and know that he has subscribed $100; also an epistle from Brother Lam Chow, of Oakland, Cal. He says that they have raised about $70, and the Chinese of Demerara have given $100. All this gives us assistance in this great work. I trust our Heavenly Father will bless this precious labor, that it may be much advantage to Christ. I earnestly hope you will pray for this work, that it may bring forth much good fruits and convert many precious souls to Jesus. May God bless you in your work." Pepper, pastor Rev. W. H. Spencer, Rev. E. O. Stevens, of Burmah, C. F. Hathaway, Esq., a historical sketch by Rev. E. Leger, and an address in French by Rev. J. N. Williams, General Missionary of the Baptist Home Mission Society in New England. A very pleasing feature in this movement of progress in our Baptist French evangelical work is the fact that the French themselves have manfully borne the burdens of the enterprise, contributing over twelve hundred dollars-a large amount, considering their circumstances. This house, with -Writing of the death, some time since, of one of the Chinese Christians in Oakland, Mrs. Bradway says: "I think I never felt more the reflex influence of the work on my own soul than when I closed Ju Gin's eyes in death and real-seating capacity of two hundred and fifty, with ized that a soul had been rescued from heathenish superstition, and had gone to his God in the triumphs of Christian faith. I think his death has been particularly blessed to all the members of the school. And even outsiders, who may have had no confidence in the Chinese, have had to acknowledge their sincerity when witnessing the Christian burial of one of their number." Mexico. From January 31st to February 3d, in the city of Mexico, a general assemblage of representatives of evangelical missions in the republic will be held. Secretaries of some of the missionary societies | of the United States are expected to be present. The name of the Corresponding Secretary of this Society appears in the list as one who is "expected." Other duties, however, prevent his attendance. As this is the first gathering of the kind in Mexico, and as an excellent programme has been arranged, no doubt it will prove very beneficial to the cause of evangelical religion in that country. We have arranged to furnish our readers with facts of interest concerning the meetings. The French. MAINE.-The dedication of the new house of worship for the French Baptists in Waterville, Maine, was a great event in their history. Rev. J. N. Williams furnishes a brief statement concerning it, as also other paragraphs about work in other New England States: stained glass windows, a pretty spire, painted without and within, tastefully seated, with platform carpeted, a two hundred dollar Estey organ, and all furnished with exception of pulpit desk and chairs, is a marvel of cheapness, being the result of the careful expenditure of only some twenty-five hundred dollars, including amount subscribed for a two thousand pound bell when copper falls." MASS. Another item perhaps worth mentioning: Three French Canadian converts were baptized Sabbath, December 18th, in the All three heads of families, and one a quite recent First Baptist Church, Springfield, Mass. convert from Romanism. -Rev. L. O. H. Coté, of North Adams, Mass., says that “in visiting the Roman Catholics I find that they are very accessible. They welcome me very kindly indeed, and like to hear the word of God." -Brother Williams communicates the sad intelligence that Rev. J. D. Rossier, our missionary to the French in Boston and vicinity, died January 2d, after a sickness of about four weeks. He was an excellent man, whose loss will be greatly deplored. Brother W. says: "Mr. Rossier had, to a high degree, the respect and confidence of our brethren here in Boston. Expression was given to this sentiment at the ministers' meeting, Monday morning, by Dr. Bosworth, Dr. Marshall, and others. Much kindness is being shown to him and his family, the Tremont Temple Church meeting the expenses of his funeral, and others showing kindness and giving assistance. A wife and five "A new and handsome church edifice, erected children dependent upon him makes it a case in connection with the work of Rev. E. Leger of great hardship and affliction. What we need among the French in Waterville, was dedicated now most imperatively is a good, strong man to on the 20th of December by services in French occupy Boston, and give also instruction to and English, consisting of a sermon by Dr. A. P. | French students at Newton. May the Lord Mason, of Boston, and addresses by President provide." The West. UTAH.-Rev. M. T. Lamb, itinerant missionary in Utah, finds interested audiences to hear his lectures on the Book of Mormon, and is distributing many copies of his book exposing its claim to be of divine origin. "The bulwarks of Satan in this town are evi dently tumbling down before the Gospel; saloons are starving out, gamblers are leaving and While people are looking toward the church. the population here is not quite so large as three years ago, the attendance at church is large. Recently we had quite an emigration of nonchurch goers, and a more substantial and respectable class of citizens are filling their places. Though our hearts have sometimes failed us in in-behalf of our cause here, we are now gathering up courage again, and we trust that the Lord has yet in store for us a great blessing." In his travels he finds shocking instances of the horrible evils of polygamy. At one of his meetings several arose to express their desire to become Christians. He says: "One of these is a case of such peculiar terest that I think you would like to hear about it-a middle-aged woman whose husband has been made an inhuman wretch by his extreme fanaticism. A few years ago he went to Ogden to meet a new arrival of emigrants, and picked out a young, green, ignorant Dane, who could not speak a word of English, whom he had never seen before, and brought her to his home here and installed her as second mistress of his house. "His first wife, recently a mother, was not yet able to sit up, and knew nothing of his purpose until "Number two" was brought in. As soon, however, as the situation had been taken in by his children-three of whom were boys nearly grown-they rose up in rebellion, put them both outdoors, and threw out the bed and furniture. He went to a small adobe house in another part of the city, where he still lives with "Number two." "Two or three nights after the above rebellion the first wife, in a fit of desperation, and half insane, got up in the middle of the night, and taking her little infant, went over to said adobe house and tried to break in the door, demolish the windows, etc., when the noise awakened neighbors, who kindly led her back to her own home. She, of course, hates polygamy, but has been clinging to the Book of Mormon. My lectures and book have been opening her eyes, and last evening she rose for prayers. The final outcome is yet in the future. Pray for her." -The Ogden Sunday school made a Christmas contribution to the Society of $8.50. The Christmas exercises attracted the people so that the house was packed. Brother Barnett says: "The good Mormons are very much troubled about us Baptists. They have some cause." ARIZONA. Rev. J. M. Green, of Prescott, reports the church in a healthier condition than ever since his connection with it. Prayer meet ings and Sunday school are well attended. DAKOTA.-Rev. H. C. Woods, D.D., writes about the dedication at Brookings. This church was organized May 2d, 1880 with a membership of eight. The first two years it had no house of worship and no pastor. Its first house of worship, costing $3,000, was dedicated June 1, 1882. This expense was met by a membership of twelve, with the aid of a gift of $500 from the Church Edifice Fund. In five years the congregation outgrew this house. The new building has cost, with furnishing, $4,300. ference room, Bible class room, library and It has, beside the main audience room, a conparlor; and when thrown together will accommodate 500. Architecturally, both without and within, it is very attractive. Adjoining the house of worship is the parsonage, costing $1,550. The entire property of the church is valued at $10,200. So much for the material side. Within the five years there have been added to the church by baptism 53, by letter 38, by evidence of conversion in connection with the experience 17. Not less than 200 have given work of the church. Many of these were stuand some have united with Baptist churches in dents in the Agricultural College located here, other places and others with other denominations. During these five years the church has contributed to benevolent objects the sum of $1,200. The great work thus accomplished is due under God largely to the wise and efficient leadership of Rev. G. S. Clevenger, who for five years has been the pastor. This church has been assisted by the Home Mission Society during these years, but now that its house of worship is completed will soon be self-supporting. This record illustrates two things most clearly: First, investments in Home Missions, in the planting of churches in important centres in the West pay richly, pay "an hundred fold," The And, secondly, the wisest policy selects the very ance truths through them each week that I can. "But with the shadows there are some bright things to report. "I was very kindly remembered Christmas. I received a check for $25 from friends here, and Christmas eve the Lutherans invited me to come in to their "Tree." I went, and received Rev. J. R. Deckard, writing December 14th, $20 in gold. My Bible class presented me with says: "The Baptist church at Mandan, Dakota, held special meetings for nearly six weeks. Rev. Dr. Armitage's History of the Baptists. Some friends in Detrolt sent me a year's subscription to North American Review, and I have received J. McFarland, Colporteur of the American Bap-have shipped some books-about fifty-to me. notice that some friends in East Orange, N. J., tist Publication Society, for North Dakota, rendered valuable assistance. Ten persons were received by baptism, three by relation-total 13. One candidate awaits baptism. Since Nov. 1, 1886, 25 members have been added to the church. Present membership, 32. Sundayschool enrollment the present quarter, 107. OREGON.-Under the supervision of Rev. G. J. Burchett, D.D., general missionary, the work in Oregon is moving on admirably, though important enterprises are held back for lack of funds. He says: "After the first of April we will have at least seven new church-houses off our hands and can push on then with greater speed. But of course we do not want to lose any ground between this and April 1st. Our country is filling up as never before. Oregon and California have just been connected by railroads, and every train brings new forces of some kind into our State. Our work so far has been of a very encouraging kind. Our people seem to be growing in liberality; many of our churches are engaged in revivals, and many are being converted." A list of the books has been sent me and they are just what a pastor wants for his library." IOWA. ness. -Rev. W. C. Pratt, of Sheldon, in a recent letter, writing of the death of Rev. C. E. Higgins, formerly general missionary of the State, but lately pastor at Sibley, says: "The death of our brother, C. E. Higgins, lately settled at Sibley, causes me sadness and a sense of loneliI had hoped much from his coming to this part of the State. I said to him recently you realize that you and I are the only Baptist ministers doing anything in these four counties?' Said he: I just begin to realize it.' I was planning to visit him at Sibley, to talk over the prospects for northwestern Iowa, when I received the circular announcing his death. I "This is a card playing and dancing com- can scarcely be reconciled to it. The departure munity. I never saw or heard of a place where of Brother Brasted from Spirit Lake to Minnecard playing was so universal. By day and sota, leaves me now the only Baptist pastor night--in stores, in offices and places of busi- in the five counties of Lyon, Sioux, O'Brien, ness, everywhere, this thing is found. Oh! Osceola and Dickenson. On this same field for the coming of the Lord with might to are about sixteen Methodist Episcopal paschange all this. This is what I am hoping and tors diligently at work. The contrast is humilpraying for. The editor of the weekly paper itating. We need and must have, if possible, has placed two columns at my disposal, one for at least one traveling missionary on this field. religion and the other for temperance. I try There are several towns of over 1,000 population and put the most forcible Gospel and temper- | each, and many smaller towns, enterprising and MINNESOTA.—Battle Lake seems to be appro-Do priately named, for, according to the account of Rev. Myron Cooley, the conflict between the forces of darkness and of light is a severe one. No wonder that at times he gets discouraged. He says: |