5.  The Government should adopt a liberal policy in regard to the use of the vernacular in the Indian schools.  We are all agreed that the English language should be brought into use among the Indians at the earliest practicable period.  But the experience of all the past, in Indian civilization among the ruder tribes, has shown that Christian influences have been most successfully brought to bear by the use of the vernacular, in giving them the knowledge of the Word of God, in teaching them a practical morality, and in preparing them for civilized life.  We ask, therefore, that no restrictions be placed upon Christian people in their efforts for this great object.

6.  We ask that the Government exercise an absolute impartiality in dealing with the different denominations of Christians, in the distribution of appropriations, in the granting of lands for missionary uses, and in the appointment of officers, agents, teachers and employes.  We ask no favors in these respects, and we desire that none shall be granted to others.

* * * * *

NOTES FROM NEW ENGLAND.

BY REV C.J.  RYDER, DISTRICT SECRETARY.

“Miss ——­: 

“DEAR MADAM:  I understand you have got the school, but I can’t possibly board you, as social equality is not custom in this country.  I don’t think it would be pleasant for you nor for us, either.  I wrote this in order for you to look out some other place.  You need not depend on getting board with us.

“FEBRUARY 2, 1889.”

This letter was written to a cultivated Northern young lady who had graduated at one of the best high schools in the country and held a special recommendation, besides her diploma, on account of her excellency as a student and practice teacher.  She went South to help these people in their great need.  It was for Christ’s sake and in “His name” that she entered this field.  She secured board of a white family, but when they learned that she was going to teach the blacks and seek to lead them to Christ, this letter was sent her.  Every door was closed against this Christian woman because she was trying to save the poor and ignorant!  And it is eighteen hundred and eighty-nine of the Christian era and in free America!

But this plucky Yankee girl did not so give up her school.  She found a boarding place in the home of one of our missionaries, two miles away, and she tramps across these two miles twice a day, patiently putting in her best services, to bring light into the dense darkness of the very community whose doors were closed against her!

In connection with this incident of narrow prejudice read these words from Dr. Haygood’s “Pleas for Progress.”  “In all truth and common sense there is no reason for discounting in any respect a white man or woman simply for teaching negroes.  It is absurd.  I believe it is sinful.”  These earnest words were spoken by the eloquent divine to his Southern brethren, August 2, 1883, six long years ago.  If they only carried the conviction of the people to whom he appealed!  How strangely they sound, standing so close to this letter refusing board to a young lady because she is teaching these very negroes!  “How long, O Lord, how long?”