only continue and enlarge the sphere of these bright spots, and kindle
others in new localities, the time will come when the light will
displace the darkness and the dawn of a new era will come. Friends of
the Negro race, patriots and Christians! furnish the oil for these
bright spots and help to multiply them.

* * * * *


THE GOVERNMENT AND THE INDIANS.

On the 13th of March, some of the Secretaries of the missionary
societies, and others interested in the welfare of the Indians,
had an interview with President Harrison and with Secretary
Noble, of the Interior Department. We were kindly received, and
the Secretary solicited information from us as to the methods in
which he could aid in furtherance of Indian civilization. A
number of suggestions were made in response, and the following
outline is given as a summary of the points presented to the
Secretary:

1. That the appointment or retention of all officers and employés in the
Indian service of the Government shall be on the sole ground of
fitness--that ability, integrity and an interest in the welfare of the
Indians, shall constitute the only required conditions. We are not
ignorant of the difficulties involved in securing such persons,
especially with the low salaries paid to some of these employés; and we
shall be abundantly satisfied with the purpose of the Government to
reach the nearest attainable success in this direction.