(2)

the people that such a thing was impos-
sible without an entire surrender of the
principles Mr. Duncan had inculeated for
the past twenty years—principles which
have made him conqueror over stupen-
dous obstacles and difliculties. We could
see that there was room for one church
only at Metlakahtla.

Many willing hands were ready and
pleased to help us on shore, and to carry
our baggage to Mr. Duncan’s house. One
is at ouce struck with the respectful and
respectable appearance of the people, who
form a marked contrast with Indians seen
at other parts of the coast. The village
presents a neat, trim appearance with its
beautiful church standing in a square
with streets on the four sides—the uni-
formly built houses, the paved streets,
the trade shop, the workshops, ware-
houses and cannery, all show a master
hand and great judgment. Near the land-
ing place is a large building called the
market house, where strange Indians can
find warmth and shelter, whether thev
come to trade, or happen to be detained
from any cause. This shows great care
and forethought on Mr. Dunean’s part,
whilst in other places they are left like
dogs on the beach. We had many visitors
the evening of our arrival, and were sere-
uaded by a brass band. The next day
being Sunday, we attended divine service.
When the bell rang the people could. be
seen flocking in from two sides into the
fine large church, about double the size
of this building. A more impressive
scene could not be—the wrapt attention
of the large congregation (about 600) was
in marked contrast to that of more civil-
ized worshippers. The men were com-
fortably and cleanly dressed, and the
women clad in plain dresses, shawls, and
handkerchiefs for head-dresses, gave one
the impression that they came to worship
—sedate, quiet, and earnest—not as if
they came to see and be seen. The re-
sponses were repeated by all in a loud
and distinct voice, as if they meant what
they were saying. The organ was played
by a native like a professor; the singing,
heartily joined in by all, was truly grand.
In the afternoon Frederick Ridley, a na-
tive, preached in an easy, fluent style,
reading a chapter in English first, and
preaching in Chimsean. The service is

as near that of the Church of England as
possible, without vestments or outward
adornments, which in cther communities
have so much attraction tor frivolous
church-goers.

On the following Monday evening we
were invited to attend a meeting in the
church, at which about 500 persons were
present. One of the native elders opened
the meeting with prayer. Then many of
the most prominent men made speeches
in an easy, eloquent manuer, offering us
a hearty welcome, and all expressing sor-
row at the divisions in their once united
and happy village, where a short time
ago they all worshipped under one roof.
I am afraid they attributed a power to us
which we did not possess—that of re-
storing peace and harmony, and helping
them to remove the cause of their trou-
bles. The control those people exercised
over their language in speaking to a ques-
tion on which they feel so deeply and
keenly was truly wonderful. No harsh
words, no threats of violence, no inviting
to a breach of the peace—affording a very
marked contrast between their behavior
and that of white people under similar
circumstances.

We replied. to their speeches, com-
mending them for their moderation and
excellent conduct, for their devotion to
their friend and-teacher; counseled them
to go on as they had done in their faith
and religion, and as law-abiding citizens,
and on no account to take the law into
their own hands, but to place their com-
plaints and grievances by petition before
the governor general. This they agreed
to do, and we left them preparing memo-
rials and petitions.

Indians from different parts of the
country on hearing of our arrival left
their hunting and fishing and came dis-
tances of from 50 to 60 miles to see us to
give us a welcome and to express sympa-
thy with Mr. Duncan. Frequent messa-
ges of sympathy came to him from the
surrounding heathen tribes, all con-
demning Bishop Ridley for attempting
‘*to reap where he had not sown.” They
say Mr. Duncan gave his life to us, toil-
ing and laboring to break our heathen
customs and bring us to the light. He
ploughed the land, sowed the good seed

' which is growing and ripening, and now