of Major J. T. Brownell, late of the Gold Coast Artillery. This excellent officer writes, Articles for the Bazaar may be sent to the Rev. John Waddington, D.D., 9, Surrey Square, Old Kent Road; to the Office of the Society, 102, Fleet Street, London, E.C.; Dr. Fred. Tomkins, Library Chambers, 3, Tanfield Court, Inner Temple; Mrs. P. Taylor, Aubrey House, Notting Hill; Mrs. J. B. Brind Mrs Moseley, the widow of the much-beloved and respected judge who was stationed at Cape Coast, and greatly esteemed and regretted by all, and especially by the native population, has, I am happy to find, come forward and offered her services in establishing an infant female school at Cape Coast. Iley, College Hill, Highbury; Mrs. Burr, have had the honour of Mrs. Moseley's acquaintance before and since the death of her beloved husband, and a more sincere Christian, one more highly educated and energetic, and more devoted to the cause of education, I never knew. During Mrs. Moseley's residence at Cape Coast she was much beloved by the natives, and her departure for England was greatly regretted, and since that time she has been in constant correspondence with the king and chiefs of Cape Coast, who are most anxious for her return to continue the good work which during her stay she had begun. From my own experience, I can safely say there will be no opposition offered by the native parents in the formation of such a school. I am sure they will be delighted to send their children to the school, and will render all the assistance in their power to wards its support. I make this assertion, having had the supervision of a small school myself on the Coast, and I then found the parents anxious that their children should attend, and they made no objection to their being led in the ways of righteousness and to the knowledge of the true God. We have had an interview with the Chief Justice of Sierra Leone, the Hon. John Carr, whose knowledge of Africa extends over a quarter of a century. The Judge is deeply interested in the work Mrs. Moseley is doing so earnestly, as well as in the general work of benevolence now being prosecuted on behalf of the coloured people. He has promised his continued influence and liberal pecuniary support. 11, Queen Square, Bloomsbury, W.C.; HELP IN BATH. We are much obliged to our valued friend Mr. William Tuck, of Bath, for his kind appeal on behalf of the Bazaar in the "Bath Express" of the 27th October. Mr. Tuck appeals to the benevolent ladies of Bath for their help towards the Bazaar proposed to be held in London, the beginning of next year, by the British and Foreign Freed-men's Aid Society, in aid of its funds; more especially at the present time, as the Society is anxious as far as possible, to relieve the distress in Jamaica. Mr. Tuck calls attention to the deplorable condition in which hundreds of innocent persons have been placed, a large proportion of whom are women and children, now widows and orphans by recent events in that island. Mr. Tuck adds that he shall be happy to take charge of any contributions for the object, and forward them to the Society. We present the grateful thanks of the Committee to our valued friend, for his voluntary and prompt co-operation, and ask the friends of the Society to make similar appeals through the press, or as their own judgment may suggest in other parts of the country. All contributions, whether in articles or cash, will be acknowledged in the FREEDΜΑΝ. THE RESISTANCE TO BE OVERCOME. The forces arrayed against the emancipated millions of the negro race are more formidable and persistent than many of their friends imagine. The restoration of the Freed-men to a state of security, peace, and social progress, will not be effected without a long and arduous struggle. It is our duty to consider the difficulties of the task, and to take a correct view of the obstacles to be removed. What solid ground have we to expect permanently an improved state of things? When the sad intelligence of the outrage in Jamaica was received, we felt relief in the persuasion that deplorable as were the excesses committed they must lead to a change that would ultimately compensate for all the wrongs endured. The power of the pro-slavery plantocracy is broken for a time. A wise and upright governor has been appointed, who will have the aid, it is said, of a council formed of a better class of planters from the neighbouring islands. In the meanwhile the spirit of society in Jamaica remains the same, and its unconscious influence evidently affects even Christian missionaries located at Kingston, and other districts. Public opinion in favour of right must be of slow growth until a free press can be sustained by an intelligent and reading population. The more impartial and just the acts of the governor, the more likely he is in this state of things to be isolated and hindered for want of moral support. In addition to direct opposition to the efforts made for the advancement of the Freed-men we must take into account the inert force of those who wearied by excitement, imagine that effort is useless, because they have failed themselves to remove the obstruction. "It is all in vain," they cry, when practically they have made no serious attempt to do the work. All their real activity is directed against the cause they were supposed to maintain. There is nothing new however in all these opposing influences, no strange thing has happened to us. Whatever the strength or multiform character of the resistance, it must be overcome. There is a power in good to master evil if we occupy the right position and avail ourselves of the divine sources of help. The hereditary enemies of the Freed-men surely calculate on the time when the energies of the Abolitionist or philanthropical party will relax. They know that the storm of excitement will subside into a dead calm. The political spasm will be followed with perfect collapse. They watch their opportunity and in the interval of comparative apathy regain their power and revenge themselves on the helpless people for their temporary check. The history of the anti-slavery movement abounds with examples of violent reaction. The Jamaica Assembly enacted the most cruel and oppressive laws. When their atrocity was sufficiently marked the British public were roused and the unjust legislation of the We must have an adequate motive. Preplanters was refused the sanction of the liminary service may be rendered from vacrown. There was little practical amend-rious motives of mixed and inferior order and ment, however. The members of the Assembly we are to accept it cordially, but to accomreturned to their odious work, and framed other laws equally oppressive, and ultimately gained their object. The result, we know, is to be found in the misery and degradation of an uninstructed population, and the decay of one of the most beautiful and productive islands on the face of the globe. plish the noblest task nothing less will avail than the philanthropy that springs from pure and vital Christianity. This alone can invest the cause of the Freed-men with an interest that will give unfailing zest to the work in which we are engaged. The brightest examples of such philanthropy we find in men like Wilberforce, Buxton, Judson, Carey and lasting pillory of English history; but what Knibb. shall be said of us who have condemned the There must be calm and invincible determi- barbarities inflicted in the heat and fury of nation with a single aim. Real strength in a work like this comes at the moment of extremest weakness, and victory springs from defeat. In his last public speech in England, Knibb said, "Twenty-one years ago, when I landed in Jamaica, there were only four missionaries connected with the denom ination to which I belong. During the first seven years everything appeared dark and gloomy with respect to freedom. Immersed in those scenes of cruelty which often filled my heart with anguish, I closed them by beholding one of the deacons of my own church stretched on his back and flogged for praying in my own house; and as soon as that scene was transacted, I made the resolre calmly and deliberately, that I would watch every movement, and seize the most favourable opportunity that Providence should present, to undo the heavy burthens, and to bid the oppressed go free." We shall find a similar steadfastness of purpose in all who are called to such service. They may be struck to the earth, but they rise in strength that renders them invincible. the military raid, if we allow the surviving victims to pine from hunger and sink to the grave by a lingering course of destitution and suffering, which true humanity would have stopped in a single day. Ex-Governor Eyre is certainly amenable to justice. His acts ought to pass through the closest and most solemn scrutiny. But if we are to submit him to the ordeal, let us not enter the court under the reproach that comes to us in the sighs and tears of the patient and perishing people of Manchioneal and Morant Bay. We have an example to set in this matter before the civilized world. Finally, we want the power of close combination. The forces arrayed against the Freed-men are too great to be overcome single-handed or by the most strenuous efforts of a particular denomination. We do not forget or undervalue the services of different sections of the Christian Church in Jamaica. Earnest and self-denying men have been found in various communions whose labours have been continued under the severest trials. We would There must be the force arising from strengthen the hands of every faithful minister consistency. There is in every just cause a and teacher. There is neither place nor netest of sincerity. In the case of the injured cessity for any new ecclesiastical organization, people in Jamaica the proof of a true regard but practical co-operation is essential in renfor right and freedom was in the kind and dering them effective support. Acting alone judicious relief of the thousands of widows and no missionary society is equal to the work. orphans who were known to be bereaved, All need to be re-enforced. It is a diversion homeless, half naked and destitute. Wanting and a disadvantage for their agents to contend in that practical manifestation of unfeigned against oppression and to agitate for the rephilanthropy, every other step must be shorn dress of grievances. of its moral influence. To do them justice the wasted, and local irritation produced that planters of Jamaica were prompt and generous greatly impedes their proper work. If good in making recompense to the sufferers of their men will associate in the spirit of enlarged own class. They raised a subscription imme- benevolence to succour the weak, to protect diately, and after restoring the property de- the defenceless, and to exercise a vigilant and stroyed, had six hundred pounds as a surplus. kind supervision, the necessity for a periodical There has been a humiliating contrast in the tornado of public agitation may be prevented. treatment of the injured families of the Freed- · A Jamaica planter is not of necessity grinding men which we have no heart to describe. The intolerant, exclusive and oppressive. With infamy of the arrest and execution of Mr. forbearance, conciliation, combined at the Gordon, like the leprosy of Gehazi, will cleave same time with an inflexible regard for equity, to Governor Eyre for ever. Nothing can pre- we may yet witness the co-operation of all vent him from taking his place in the ever- classes for the common good. Time is lost, money When it is known that the friends of the Freed-men have no party aims in view, and no political influence to seek, that they are the friends of Jamaica because they are the friends of humanity, when it is seen that they have a fixed and unwavering purpose to exercise vigilance with discrimination, to report what is good, as well as to expose what is evil fearlessly yet with candour, the best of our own countrymen in the Island will work with us. We shall yet find our way to the conscience and heart of right minded men at home. The proper course of action will open before "It behoves us to remember," said Earl Carlisle, "that the pathway to great achieve ments has frequently to be hewn out amidst risks and difficulties, and that preliminary failure is even the law and condition of the ultimate success." It is for true philanthropists in the mother country and in Jamaica to determine in the spirit of unity and of faith, that a steady course of practical and systematic work of instruction and help shall be pursued, and the world will reap the benefit in their own time and in many succeeding generations. us. OUR FRIENDS IN NEWCASTLE. There is something so healing and refreshing to the spirit in the outflow of quiet and genuine benevolence, that we are unable to express our sense of its manifestation in our esteemed friends in Newcastle. The package forwarded so promptly for the destitute people at Morant Bay, has been carefully sent to its destination. The sewing machine, kindly provided by the same earnest co-workers will be used for a short time by the missionary's daughter, now in England, so that she may be able to train others. Here then is the gentle beginning of a true Christian Sisterhood. We are quite sure that the example will not be lost. It will be a relief and source of grateful satisfaction to many who have simply glanced over the pages of the FREED-MAN, to do something in earnest. The work of social renovation will gradually unfold, if the mothers and daughters of England will only unite in prayer, and in steady effort for its promotion. THE ST. THOMAS-IN-THE-EAST REBELLION.We understand that the Government, having been instructed by the Colonial Office to institute inquiries into excesses said to have been committed by certain civilians during the suppression of the Rebellion in St Thomas-inthe-East, have instituted legal proceedings against them, which will be brought before the Circuit Court, at St Thomas-in-the-East to be held on the 18th of November; and that Mr. S. D. Lindo, Solicitor of this city, has been engaged on behalf of the prosecution.— Jamaica Paper. LIFE IN THE MOUNTAINS OF JAMAICA.-An article under this title, copied from Chambers's Journal, appears in the Jamaica Gleaner. The object of the writer, is to show that the people of Jamaica, with the exception of the Europeans, are all ignorant and dishonest. "So it is," he says, throughout the length and breadth of the island. The predial excursions of the negro stultify the efforts of the poor white man to realize a living by his industry, and neutralize the power of the white gentleman to form a permanent home for his family in Jamaica." The white gentleman is much to be pitied in such a case-but "what a man soweth that shall he also reap." If he would have helped to give religious instruction to the people, with industrial training, he would have found a very different community, especially if he had set them a good example. It is not too late to begin. The broken negro dialect, ought years ago, to have given place to correct English. It is a standing memorial of educational neglect. In our next number we may give a specimen of the higher civilization of Jamaica from the correspondence of himself. The Executive Council Lieutenant Brand. THE CONDITION OF JAMAICA.-The following is an extract from a private letter just received from Jamaica:-" Nothing can be more extraordinary than the change that has come over the black people. Strife has ceased among them, and court after court the magistrates in petty sessions have nothing to do. As yet the new Government is not inaugurated, nor do we as yet know anything about it. Our present Governor, Sir J. P. Grant, appears to be a man of marvellous caution and prudence; he seeks neither counsel nor advice, and keeps his wisdom to was dis Mr. Brand replies to a temperate and courteous letter by Mr. Buxton, with a wild farrago of abuse. Both letters are so disgusting that we shall not allow a sentence from them to pollute our pages. banded on the 15th of September, and the out not to be the case. THE Rev. W. H. Jones has just returned to town as we are going to press. We speak in grateful terms of the kindness of friends too numerous to mention, at Poole, Bournemouth, Waterloo, Christchurch, Cross-in-Hand, Waldren, Hailsham, Rotherfield, Burwash, Rye, and Winchelsea, at which latter place the Mayor took the chair. Our best thanks are presented to the clergy, ministers, and gentlemen of these several localities. POOLE, DORSET.-Our friend, the Rev. W. H. Jones, delivered a lecture at the above place on Tuesday, November 13th, 1866, taking for his subject, "the present state of affairs in America, and the prospects of the four millions of freed slaves in that country." On the same evening he addressed the chil- It is a significant fact, showing the great dren of the Sabbath Schools of the town, change in public sentiment within a few illustrating his address, for the amusement of years, that two colored men have been elected his young and interested audience, with a to the Legislature of Massachusetts; Charles L. powerful magic lantern. The attendance and Mitchell from Ward Six in this city, and E. collections were good. Thanks to our friends. G. Walker from Charlestown, both intelBOURNEMOUTH.-On the 14th ultimo a meet-ligent men, who will well represent their ing in aid of the British and Foreign Freed- constituents. Men's Aid Society, was held in the Congregational church Bournemouth; the Rev. Nicholas | Freed-Men's Aid Society is placed under great Hurry presided. The meeting was addressed by Mr. Jones and the Chairman. Committee is under great obligations to the reverend gentleman, whose consistent advocacy of the cause of human freedom and the abhorrence of the oppressions of slavery are consonant to that Gospel of which he is so efficient and devoted a minister. The SHANKLIN, ISLE OF WIGHT.-On November 5th, Dr. Fred. Tomkins addressed a highly respectable assembly in the Institute of the above beautiful town. The Rev. G. W. Southouse, M.A, the Rector, was in the chair, supported by the Rev. Mr. Hole. The lecture was listened to with deep attention and much interest was awakened on behalf of the colored people. A number of ladies are engaged in working for the forthcoming Bazaar. The meeting was addressed by the excellent Rector, the Rev. Mr. Hole, and the Rev. W. H. Jones, from Canada. LIEUTENANT BRAND has addressed a letter to Mr. Charles Buxton, M.P., which the friends of Mr. Buxton, with reason, suggested must be a mere hoax. Such, however, turns THE Committee of the British and Foreign obligation to the Peninsula and Oriental Steam Packet Company, for the response recently made to an application for free freight for the articles which may be contributed for the relief of the poor sufferers in the island of Jamaica. J. M. Lloyd, Esq., the Secretary, writes: "My Directors desire me to say that they will be very happy to forward free of freight the package containing articles for the relief of the poor people of Jamaica, referred to in your communication, and they wish me to add that they would be glad if you will let them know from time to time when you have a further package of the kind ready for transmission." We have already despatched one package sent by Mrs. Richardson, of Newcastle. We now ask for further aid for the poor despoiled sufferers at Morant Bay and elsewhere. We need not specify what is required, if our humane friends will bear in mind that these people were by the atrocious wrongs of their persecutors deprived of their all. Communications to be addressed to the Secretary of the British and Foreign Freed-Men's Aid Society, 102, Fleet Street, London, E.C. |