LAYING THE CORNER-STONE OF BOONE LIBRARY, WUCHANG The cadets who crowd the picture are the boys of Boone College

Τ'

says:

labor lost;

Thought without learning is perilous." The problems that press upon China at this time require both deep learning and deep thought. The country is awakening marvellously, and on all sides are heard clamors for reform. We wonder who is sufficient for these things? We know that many of the most active "reformers" are not. To change for the better a country like China requires all the aid that the accumulated wealth of past experience, the highest knowledge and wisdom of many lands, and the benefit of close study of history can give. Few Chinese at present possess these requisites; few are in a position where it is possible to acquire them. "Perilous" is the right word to describe efforts at improvement where "learning" is absent.

A splendid Christian effort to lead the coming leaders along the safe paths of learning was given visible expression on the first day of June, by the laying of the corner-stone of Boone Library, Wuchang. The dark clouds which overhung the city that day did not obscure the vision of those who look upward and know what this event signifies; nor could the torrents of rain which fell during the ceremony dampen the ardor of any one present. Our hearts were full of thankfulness for the progress of the library, and we saw, in prospect, the students of mission and government schools, the literati of the capital and surrounding cities, flocking to this storehouse of learning, to search out the wisdom which will help them over difficult situations, and enable them to establish, strengthen and settle the new China.

At the appointed hour the Boone brass band and the fife and drum corps (with a total of about sixty musicians) led the 370 students of Boone (including

bishop laid the corner-stone; the Rev. R. E. Wood took a large part of the service, and the Rev. L. B. Ridgely was master of ceremonies; while Miss Wood-to whose untiring efforts the library owes its existence, and who has interested so many persons all over the United States in Boone and in its library-was radiant at the prospect of actually realizing the hopes and labors of years.

But no one felt that the work is done, or that effort can cease. Such a library, to fulfil its purpose, must contain many volumes on all the chief branches of learning, in English and Chinese. It must have its travelling library to go inland to cities and towns where former Boone students are living. It must command the attention of officials and scholars all over the land by making itself invaluable to them. For all this work many more books than we have are needed. Lists of desired volumes are being sent to branches of the Auxiliary, and will be sent to any persons who desire to give them. All that is needed to complete the building itself-which will hold 30,000 foreign books, an indefinite number of Chinese volumes, have ample delivery, stock and reading-rooms, and an assembly hall for lectures upstairs which will accommodate 700 people-is $1,800. This does not include furniture. We rejoice to see how much has been provided and we are sure that somehow the residue will be supplied.

The contents of the box in the cornerstone are interesting, and I mention a few of the articles: English Bible; Chinese Prayer Book; record book, with names of donors to library fund, names of the faculty of Boone College, short history of library and of the college; names of students in the several departments of the college; photograph of the compound, giving college buildings; photograph of members of the Library As

sociation; Chinese coins of present time, including a string of cash; stamps in present use; THE SPIRIT OF MISSIONS, April number; The Boone Review and Boone Educational World.

Across the front of the building will be inscribed a text which carries no uncertain sound, in witnessing to the Source of all learning, and in proclaiming in this heathen city Him who is the Truth, the Light of the World.

"Christ in Whom are all the treas-
ures of wisdom and knowledge
hidden." (Col. ii. 3.)

And then follow fittingly two quotations from the Chinese classics:

"I looked up to them [the Master's doctrines] and they seemed to become more high; I tried to

penetrate them and they seemed
to become more firm."

"He enlarged my mind with
learning, and taught me the re-
straints of propriety."

So far as we are aware, this is the first and only public library in China. While many temples, and some individuals, possess large numbers of books, these volumes are not accessible to the public. The idea of a circulating library is a new thing, even in this land where learning is sought and venerated. The very character for "library" in Chinese means a "place for hiding books.” Boone Library will not conceal its wisdom on dusty shelves, but will let its light so shine before men that they may glorify our Father which is in heaven.

M

Y journey on the African steamer was delightful. There were eight other missionaries on board who were going to Garraway, some twenty miles from Cape Palmas. They were going independently of any Board, but three of them had been under the Methodists before, while the others were new. Among them were Congregationalists, United Brethren and Unitarians. There were only thirteen passengers on board, so we had a fine time. The officers on both steamers were very good to us, and on the African line the captain, an Irishman, gave orders to the first mate to have canvas chairs and hammocks made for Miss Seaman and myself. They are fine and we feel much favored. When on their homeward trip, they stopped here and sent us an invitation to come on board for tea, which, however, we could not do.

I am perfectly delighted with this beautiful land. Of course we have plenty of work, more than we can do

sometimes, yet I am perfectly contented and happy. We are located on the mountain-side, facing the Atlantic Ocean. On our left is the ocean; to our right is a native town called Grebo Town, with a great many fields and streams. In front are the inlet, lagoon and lake, all having been cut off by the sandbar. In the lake are two large islands, and on one of these are a cotton and palm tree, besides vines, etc. When the sun goes down the color on these great spaces of water is beautiful. Nothing but southern seas and sun could be so beautiful. The sunset is glorious and all too soon gone, for there is no twilight. It is either daylight or night, and one cannot enjoy these beautiful moonlight nights because of the great dampness. We sleep in blankets all the time; the evenings are really chilly, and when it rains it is cool indeed. It is now near the end of the dries, but we have had a great deal of rain, more than the people have had in the dries for a long time, so it has

been rather pleasant, for it was not quite so hot.

Monday, Wednesday and Friday are the dispensary afternoons, but although these are dispensary days, there is someone here all the time for medicine and sores-and such sores you never saw. I thought those at the hospital at home were horrid, but these are as bad and worse. Nine people out of ten in this place have sores, even the children, and really they are hard to cure.

Every Thursday afternoon the children have a half-holiday, and go over to the beach, which is only twenty minutes' walk from here, or in a canoe to some nearby town. Several weeks ago we went to Tousõ, where we saw the girls come out of the Groe Groe bush. So many children are put in the bush when very young and remain there until they have reached an age when they can be given to someone for a wife. A girl is not always given either, for the man who wants her sometimes asks for her when she is a baby and she is saved for him. Then when she is old enough the man pays the girl's mother some large sum and she is given him. Men cannot secure a divorce, but the woman can by paying the man twice as much as he paid for her. The natives wear some clothing, probably a Turkish towel wrapped about the waist, and maybe a bright-colored kerchief for an apron. The men who come in from away back wear several strings of beads and a bead apron. They love jewelry and bright colors, and shoes are worn only by native kings. About two weeks ago King Condeke, or Sand Fish, came here to see his daughter. He wore a yellow and black country-cloth faded shirt, gray hose and gaiters, and carried what we might have called a whip, a leather whip with a loop handle, which had a piece of leopardskin about it, but it was his sceptre! This was carried over the left shoulder. He had two wives with him. He wishes us to do all we can to bring his daughter up right. The people live in mud huts with thatched roofs. They have no floors except mother-earth. They cover them

selves with country cloths and drop anywhere and go to sleep. Men and women dress much alike, except that the more civilized men dress more like ours, but the women add little more than a chemise until they become wholly civilized. The men do the hut-building, sewing of clothes and chemise, and settle disputes, while the women do all the cooking, carrying of water and other burdens, look after the children and plaster the houses. They pound the cassava, dry the fish, etc. The men shave their heads in queer designs when mourning, and the women cut their hair short and tie white strings about their necks, wrists and ankles.

Although Africa may be an "open sore," it is most interesting. I know Cape Mount is. It is the healthiest town on the West Coast. In less than a month I gained fifteen pounds, and in January weighed 145. The cool sea breezes help to make us comfortable, and we eat a good deal of the native food. I rather like it, all except butter pears, and these make me think of tripe. The bishop stopped here; and what a dear old man he is! He arrived on the government launch from Monrovia and came to see us first. It was dark and we had to send someone back with a lantern so he could find his way. He came back on Sunday and the boys' school came and had general catechising. Then after having tea we went back to the mission to four o'clock service. He came to examine the school. I felt rather shaky, for school opened only February 1st, and I did not exactly know where and what and how the children were doing, but he seemed much pleased.

I am called out sometimes in the middle of the day or night to see some sick person at the other end of town, and last night I did not get in until late after being called to see a sick woman, and had supper at 10 P.M. Remember me in your prayers, that I may prove faithful and helpful, and that I may have strength and courage and be able to set these girls a good example of living better lives.

B

EFORE an unpretentious house

in a straggling precinct of the very new city of Chicago, on a certain day in June, 1859, a young clergyman strode up and down, eagerly awaiting the coming of someone. At last his impatient patience was rewarded as a tall spare figure swung with an athletic stride up the street. This also was a young clergyman of striking appearance. Toward him the waiting friend darted and throwing his arms about him exclaimed: "My dear brother, you have been elected Bishop of Minnesota." The friend who gave the announcement was Robert Harper Clarkson, afterward Bishop of Nebraska, and the one to whom he spoke was Henry Benjamin Whipple.

In St. Paul's Church, St. Paul, the little band of clergy and laymen who made up the convention of the Diocese of Minnesota had met to elect their first bishop. Twice a presbyter of prominence had been nominated by the clergy but was not confirmed by the laity. An intermission was proposed for prayer and conference, during which, in what seemed quite an accidental manner, the name of Henry Benjamin Whipple was men