"""VacM-f, X? cQob L*> REPORT OF VISIT TO THE MISSION OF THE MARSHALL AND CAROLINE ISLANDS, BY C. H. Wetmore, M. D., c Delegctte of t ha j Hawaiian rJ^oaod . 1886 . Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2016 https://archive.org/details/reportofvisittomOOwetm REPORT OF VISIT TO THE MISSION OE THE MARSHALL AND CAROLINE ISLANDS, BY C. H, Wetmore, M. D., ! 'Delegate of the TloJwa.iicvn. qJfoctrcL. A LMOST a decade has passed since your Board has sent a special delegate to the Micronesian Islands, and this is the first time you have commissioned a physician to go on an errand of mercy, or as you have termed it, “a visit of friendly counsel, medical assistance and cheer,” to the band of missionaries located on these small islands. Thunk you for your kind assurance that “there is no one who could more acceptably convey to them our earnest wish to do what we can for their comfort and help in their work, nor who would more en- tirely command the full confidence of our Board on a visit of this kind than yourself.” I hope I have not in any way disappointed your expec- tations, or given you, the mission, or the American Board occasion to regret the choice you have made in this matter. I am also thankful to yourselves and to the Woman’s Board for approving the suggestion made, that my daughter Lucy accompany me, and represent them by her cheering presence among those with whom she had been in correspond- ence the last three or four years as Secretary for the Gleaners and others at Hilo. In the early part of the voyage while looking forward to the work before me, my thoughts very naturally reverted to the time when Breth ren Paris and Andrews planned the Micronesian Mission during the middle year of the current century on their voyage homew r ard from the Hawaiian Islands, via Cape Horn. I need not say the God of Missions evidently guided their thoughts and helped them in their plans as they prayerfully decided that it was “necessary to have a foreign mission sent out from the Sandwich Islands, and in part be supported by the native churches in order to develop their Christian life.” Though the results have not been as great as they, the American Board, or we ourselves 4 then hoped for, the effects have certainly been very salutary both at home and abroad. We cannot be thankful enough for the past, and we must not lose sight of it as we consider the present and strive to learn lessons for the future. You will remember that on Monday, the 30th of November 1885, at 4 o’clock p. m., a number of Christian friends gathered on board the Star at Honolulu to see us off, and to manifest and express their interest in the Star, in us and in the mission work in Micronesia. After Rev. Hiram Bingham had commended us all in fervent prayer to an Almighty God, and had asked that He would direct the winds and waves to pros- per us on our way, and that He would fit us for what might devolve upon us during our absence, and in due time safely return us to our precious homes and friends, and after hasty farewells had been spoken, directions were given to cast off and get under way; we were soon out upon the wide, wide ocean, proceeding directly on our more than 3,00c mile voyage westward. Fifteen days of delightful sailing brought us to Jaluit, where we learned that the Germans had taken possession of the Marshall Islands. They had also fined the Ebon church five hundred dollars for breaking their treaty law with them of 1878, by interfering with traders in their sale of spirituous liquors to Germans. So, as might makes right , the natives paid half of the required sum, and became re- sponsible for the balance. While these things were pending, the Ebon chiefs passed certain laws relative to the sale or drinking of intoxicat- ing liquor, from which I quote as follows : I. It is unlawful for any chief or native on this island to be drunken, or to drink any kind of intoxicating liquor. A fine of from $10 to $40 was to be imposed upon any who might break this law. IV. All foreigners who are living on this island of Ebon, all cap- tains with their ships’ crews calling here, are hereby notified, that if any foreigner residing here or any captain calling here from whatever coun- try, shall sell, or give, or cause to be sold, or given, any kind of intoxi- cating liquor to any chief or natives here, he shall be held guilty, and shall pay a fine of forty dollars. In refusal of payment then their re- spective trading stations or vessels shall be under taboo law. I'he Germans acceded to it. The day spent here much relieved the monotony o< our voyage. We anchored December 17th, the 1 6th day of our voyage, at the Morning Star Harbor at Kusaie, in close proximity to what remains of the old Morning Star, which was wrecked here two years ago, and from which I brought away a few trifling me- mentos. At the mission station, we found Mrs. Walkup just getting up from sickness, and Miss Cathcart in great need of a change of food 5 and climate and of medical attention beyond what could be rendered here. Four days were spent in preparing for our trip back to the Mar- shall Islands. While here I had the opportunity of witnessing some of the '“Gilbert Island Training School” exercises, from which I received a favorable opinion of the work being accomplished among them. I trust many will be fitted to go back to their island homes and be helpful there in the work of the Lord. I saw little of the “Marshall Island Training School” work, except as I saw it on board the Star; the pupils, twenty in all, seemed anxious to learn, and very readily participated in the daily religious services; many of them are professing Christians. Such training schools will continue to be regarded as experiments, especially so while they are conducted so far away from the island homes of the pupils, and while the work is there being carried on by natives themselves with only a brief annual supervision by those who have had much experience in caring for the churches. They will undoubtedly do much good where they are; — time will determine where are their best localities for usefulness and success. While at Kusaie, we visited Lela harbor, where the Strong’s Island mission was commenced in 1853. More than twenty-three years have they been without a foreign missionary except by temporary visits. We were delighted to learn that they resolutely observed the Sabbath , during the recent visit of a German man-of-war, which took possession of the island on that day , which they (the Germans), would have had no more sacred than any other day. Rev. Likiak Sa is probably doing as well as any Kusaian would do left to himself. In some things he needs out- ward as well as inward help, which I trust he will have in the near future; his present wife is certainly far less helpful to him than his former one was in his ministerial work. We reached Ebon December 31st, just in season to attend their New Year’s Sabbath school celebration in the finest church edifice in the Marshall or Caroline Islands. Mr. A. J. Capelle, an old resident German trader, was marshal of the day, a post, which he filled most ad- mirably. Rev. Hiram had an important part to fulfill in the arrange- ments for a procession in his part of the field, which from some untoward circumstances, almost proved a failure. Mr. Capelle, though much dis- appointed, proved equal to the emergency, and brought the affair out in such a way, that it really reflected much credit upon himself. Hiram and the people and I looked upon it all as a grand success. There was great attention paid to dress by the people ; each class wore for the most part a like attire, and each teacher was decorated with an elegant sash ; the woman’s head “ leis ” were also very ornamental. You will not won- 6 der that all these things strongly reminded me of gala Hawaiian holi- days. The book of Revelations, from which they had long recitations, seemed to have peculiar attraction to them ; this appeared the more re- markable to us as our vessel bore to them the first copies of their New Testament, just printed and sent out by Dr. Pease, Principal of their Training School. I had the pleasure of addressing them, about six hun- dred in number, at the close of their exercises ; although they had been long in their oriental posture, they listened attentively to what I said through an interpreter; soon afterwards they gathered around their sumptuous “festive boards,” there to pleasantly complete the commemo- ration of the day. Four hundred (nearly all living on this islet), gath- ered on the Sabbath and engaged in their usual services for the day with marked decorum. Leaving Ebon, January 4th, 1886, we next visited Namarik, where we spent but a few hours with kedge anchor on the fringing coral-reef. About 300 persons assembled for a short service, review exercises, &c.; they were apparently pleased to see foreign faces, and hear their words of exhortation and admonition. We left Nabue, a former teacher, with them ; he had just spent an extra year at the Training School ; his ser- vices are greatly needed here, and we hope he will do well. We next proceeded northward to Ailinglab Lab, where we spent only one day ; although the station has but recently been occupied, the work has progressed very favorably. Rev. Andrew and Loninbunlik the teacher, are both active men and are exerting a good influence. The king, Kabua, lived near the mission premises ; he was not at home. We afterwards met him at Jaluit ; without an introduction we should not have thought of his holding such an office, as he and most officials in this region show little appearance of nobility, and certainly few, if any, of its “external emblems.” The king hopes that the station will be permanently occupied, perhaps from sinister motives. Two delightful days were spent at Mille, “the gem of the group.” We regretted Rev. Jeremiah’s absence. Thomas, the teacher, was at home, laboring efficiently in his department, and had for three months been doing the pastor’s work too, with the help of others. About 175 were present at our week-day meeting. They have the finest thatched meeting house I ever saw ; the walls are finished with much taste ; the braiding, or mat-like ornamental work of the siding, exhibited a great variety of patterns, which “ the women that were wise-hearted had wrought.” They have had the gospel sixteen years. A little more than three score years ago, the mutineers of the “ Globe ” here met their cruel fate, 7 among whom was the young brother of our Hilo townsman, Capt. John Worth ; he was a mere boy, reluctantly controlled, (as others were), by Comstock the leader, and then had to suffer the sad consequences. — “ Behold how changed ! to see them as I saw them, clothed and in their right minds, singing their gospel hymns, reading and reciting passages of scripture and exerting themselves to improve their minds and hearts, was a wonderful sight, such as the angels must desire to look into.” Thence, January 13th, we sailed for Jaluit, touching first at the mis- sion station, where we anchored the next day. Over 200 were in at- tendance at the meetings. What we saw here convinced us that Rev. Lanien, their pastor, and Laijariko, their teacher, have not been idle in their work. The people, I think, are highly favored in having such men to labor among them, and they appeared to appreciate their labors. Rev. Jeremiah of Mille was rendering aid in their work, while he was waiting for an opportunity to return to his pastoral charge ; he ought not often to make such trips away from his home field. .... The Marshall islanders are “ bold navigators,” especially, when you consider that their large ca- noes, sometimes called “proas,” are made by fastening the breadfruit boards together with cocoanut cords. It will be noticed from what I have said that four islets in this group Have four pastors, and four others are destitute of them, though Hiram visits Namarik from time to time, doing what he can for them. Seven teachers are employed in the islets of four different lagoons ; three of whom have just entered upon their work, late pupils from the “ Marshall Island Training School.” There are twenty-three church buildings and nearly six hundred church mem- bers on these islands, many of them reflecting much credit upon the la- borers, who have spent so much time here, and none need ever regret the money expended in carrying on the work upon which the beloved Master has placed his seal. Two hundred and twenty-seven have been received to church-membership during the interval between the last and the present visit ; only twenty-nine have been suspended, and seventeen deaths have occurred since December, 1883. Their benevolent contri- butions have amounted, even “in their poverty,” to $532.30, which has more than sustained the laborers employed, leaving American Board funds free for use elsewhere. Twelve hundred Sabbath school scholars meet pretty regularly for instruction in their 23 schools, while about half that number of children attend the day school in their eight school-houses. During the period under review and previously there has been more or less fighting going on in the northern islands ; the Germans have made such doings “ taboo ” among them ; if there is in future any fighting chief here they promise to take him far away from his home and country. 8 While there has been a marked retrograde movement reported as having taken place at Arno and Majuro, it is a matter worthy of note that Thomas from the former, and Lajariko from the latter island, have been converted and educated in the Mission Training School, and are now doing effective, commendable work in Mille and Jaluit. It should be our prayer that the more northern islands of both the Radick and Ralick chains of these island groups be re-opened to the blessed influ- ences of the gospel of peace , which alone can permanently quell the war spirit and bring true comfort and joy to their hearts. The heavy storm, which swept over the Hawaiian Islands last No- vember, and sent the Star back from Hawaii to Honolulu for repairsi reached these islands a little later, and greatly damaged the bread-fruit* banana and kalo crops, thus creating a not inconsiderable temporary famine among the people, accompanied in some places by epidemic dis- eases, which will for a time partially obstruct the good work. New crops will soon appear and put them again into their normal condition. Miss Cathcart evidently exerted herself to the utmost in attending to the work she was unaccustomed to in these islands, where, though there were no particular demonstrations, she was kindly received and much assisted in her efforts for their good ; she, herself, will report what she has accomplished. After returning to Kusaie and finishing up our work there, we pro ceeded to Oua, Ponape, where we landed Sabbath afternoon, and had a very cordial reception from the Rands and lady teachers, which was a little later seconded by Mr. Donne on his return from one of his preach- ing excursions ; he lives a life of solitude, but seems very happy and use- ful in his work. On Tuesday following, January 26th, we started for Pingelap, but late in the afternoon we ran upon a small coral shoal in Ponape lagoon, where we remained upwards of forty hours. I need not say we heartly rejoiced when we were afloat again, damaged only by a small leakage. The Captain was aloft at the “ look-out ” at the time, and I was on the top of the pilot-house ; neither of us saw the reef un- til just before the vessel struck ; had we gone only a few feet further to the leeward we would have shunned it and saved much anxiety and toil. • — -Psalm cxxviiri. Lack of steam power sent us this way instead of by a shorter, bet- ter route, which our Captain was anxious to take. On Monday following, February 1st, in company with brethren I)oane and Rand, we landed at Pingelap, where a multitude of children met us at the beach singing their beautiful song, ending with Glory, Glory, Hallelujah. 9 We spent two days here watching the different phases of the work ; in all of which we were much interested. The change effected here in less than fourteen years, by Rev. Thomas, helped byManassaand Tepit, in the earlier labors, after strenuous exertions had been put forth “ to prevent the coming of the missionary God,” is perfectly marvellous. Their church is almost large enough to seat 1,000 people, the entire pop- ulation of the island ; its walls are built of coral-stone laid up with mor- tar ; the roof is thatched, and the floors are made of bread-fruit planks ; there was also a long flat pavement, about five feet wide ; the materials for it were quarried from the coral reef ; some of the stones were a fathom and a half long, three feet wide, and four or five inches thick ; this pavement was about an eighth of a mile long, extending almost the entire length of their village of huts and houses. All these things show both industry and interest in the church enterprise. ■ Rev. E. T. Doane took great pleasure in exhibiting both here and at Mogil a beautiful banner , sent to him from Oakland, California, by Rev. Dr. McLean’s Mission Sabbath School for use on such occasions. The morning after we took leave of Pingelap, we landed at Mogil, where a good work was begun in 1872. It was a gloomy sight to wit- ness half of the church members suspended ; seventeen of them pro- fessed penitence, and were restored to church fellowship ; the king of the island, who was the eighteenth, failed to give satisfactory evidence of sorrow for the past and was put upon a longer probation. Boaz, the deacon of the church, though blind is a valuable man among the one hundred and fifty inhabitants of the island. Rev. E. E. Rand had the pleasure of bringing back with him six couples and four boys from the two islands, who are to enter as new pu- pils in his Training School at Oua, Ponape. The buildings of this insti- tution are too contracted for carrying on successfully the work in con- templation. Five new girls came with us to become members of the “ Girl’s Home,” taught by Miss J. E. Fletcher and Miss A. A. Palmer. We had several opportunities of attending the evening exercises of the school, where Mr. Rand’s scholars were also assembled, and we bear testimony to the wholesome influences exerted upon them in these and various other ways. Henry and his wife are useful helpers in both schools. It was vacation while we were there, but the schools were not disbanded. The Girls’ school-house needs an addition to it. 1 deeply regretted that in my office as physician, I felt obliged, after much deliberation, to advise and urge Miss Palmer’s return with us to the islands on account of her general nervous condition, which seemed IO to call loudly for a temporary change ; she has improved much on the voyage, and will, I doubt not, be able to return quite invigorated and much better fitted for the arduous duties which always devolve upon persons who conduct a boarding school. This being a short voyage was one great reason why it was considered better for her to go now, rather than at a later period, especially as there was a prospect of her having medical attention both in coming and returning. Statistics show that in these “ Eastern Caroline Islands,” there are 723 church members and 15 church-buildings; 5 persons have been re- ceived into the church by baptism, and 24 restored from among those who had been suspended ; 12 deaths were reported at Mogil. There are 475 pupils in 1 1 Sabbath schools; in 6 day schools there are 325 day- scholars. During the period of one entire generation the mission work has been in operation on the island of Ponape. Adverse influences still ex- ist here, hindering the good work, as they did at the Hawaiian Islands years ago. With five tribes and as many kings for 3,000 people there would naturally arise from such sources many antagonistic elements to be contended with disheartening to the laborers. Mr. Doane labors as- siduously for the small churches now under his supervision, helped in many ways by Mr. Rand. The church meetings and Sabbath schools* which I attended were both orderly and attentive. Brother Sturges’ though laid aside from his labors of thirty-three years in this field, must, on the whole, review' it in his California home with comfort and delight, even though the piety just now (as I judge), is at rather a low' ebb, ex- cept in a few localities, and even in them a fresh out-pouring of the Spirit is greetly needed. On our sixth day out from Kusaie, December 28th, bound for the Marshall Islands, the rotten trestle-t?ee of our foremast gave way when under sail with an ordinary breeze ; our vessel was much disabled by the loss of the “topgallant sail and royal.” This could not be remedied short of forty eight days from lack of suitable material for replacing it. Here at Ponape, ten days were required to put us in trim for our on- ward voyage. During this detention we had the pleasure of visiting the wonderful Ponape-ruins, covering several acres. Descriptions of them may be found in the Friend of December, 1862, by Rev. E. W. Clark, and in the August number, 1857, by Rev. Dr. L. H. Gulick. They are well worth visiting. The steam-launch presented to the Star by Hi s Majesty, King Kalakaua, and re-fitted by our engineers, w r as of much service to us on several pleasure excursions ; it was also very helpful in towing large boats loaded with wood and water, and in taking merchan- dise to and from the mission stations. The natives were amazed at see- ing so small a craft propelled by steam-power ; its attractions were not eclipsed by the .larger vessel. We were obliged to leave for Rule on the seventy-sixth, instead of the sixty-eighth day of our voyage, mentioned in your instructions and expectations respecting our movements in this region. At Rule we had a warm welcome from the Logans. After a day’s rest we took in Revs. R. W. Logan, Solomon and Moses, and a little later two teachers, Ma- nassa and Joram, on our way to the Mortlocks ; we reached our anchor- age at Oniop on Sunday, February 21st, where Mr. Logan had formerly labored and finished translating the New Testament into the Mortlock language. Caleb, a teacher at Etal, does some of the work of a pastor here, aided by Samuel in many things. The next day we crossed this Lukanor lagoon and spent twenty-four hours at Lukanor station, where Caleb joined us ; it will require time for this church to return to its wonted traces, the people having largely forsaken their first love. Much good instruction was imparted to them ; we hope the seed sown will be fruitful and thus do them much good. We next sailed over to Ta in the Satoan lagoon. Rev. Opetaia came on board before we anchored. In a short time Mr. Logan called the brethren together in our cabin, and there inaugurated an association for the purpose of carrying on more effectually, successfully, and satisfactorily the great and good work at the Ruk lagoon, and the Mortlock and adjoining islands. Capt. Bray and I were invited to sit with them as corresponding members. This meet- ing I look upon as the crowning event of our voyage. The course pur- sued by one of the ministers required investigation and amendment if possible. Influences from outside sources had been at work, rendering the party less inclined to heed advice or profit by it. Prayer had been daily offered for “ the wisdom that is from above ” to guide in all that was said or done. It proved a melting season, and the penitent brother resolved to continue his work without further complications in the trad- ing business. A heavy load was lifted from every heart, and all went forward with new hope and vigor to finish the contemplated work before us. We visited Ta, Satoan, Kutu and Mor in the Satoan lagoon. Ope- taia and Opetinia, his wife, went with us to all these stations and on to Etal. They have much influence at each of these islets, and we hope they will ever make that influence tell upon the spiritual good of those churches and congregations. Of these places Satoan was the one where the mission work seemed the least hopeful, and where there was much apparent lack of interest in the religious exercises, conducted while we were with them. At Etal we were greatly interested in the day-school examination, where seven good sized maps were used ; the exercises showed that the pupils had been well instructed. The people have not out-lived the good results of Rev. Moses’ work here in past years. At each islet we found classes, who read well in their Testaments and Bi- ble-story books, in all of which much interest was manifested. Leaving the Mortlock Islands we passed on to Namaluk, where Joram from Pingelap is stationed as teacher; his school was in a flour- ishing condition, and the churcn was doing as well as could be expected without a pastor. The following day, March 3rd, at Losap, Rev. Solomon’s home, we found everything just as we expected to, after having been with him twelve days at sea, and after having seen his helpful work among the Mortlock churches. A large group of children at the beach, singing their “ Morning Star Hymn ” and beating time with their little fancy carved paddles. Everything was “as neat as a pin” at his house, in the church and all about it ; the flat white sand-yard in front of the church was the handsomest one I ever saw. His people showed that they had been both fed and edified ; all that needed to be done among them was simply to supplement and confirm the labors of the past and the present. Another day brought us to Nama, an out-station which Solomon visits as often as circumstances will permit. Rev. Moses lived and la- bored among them one year, when the “ Macedonian cry ” came for him to take up his residence at Ruk, and there enter upon the pioneer work of preaching “ Christ and him crucified,” where he has at times hazarded his life for Jesus.” The labors of both Moses and Solomon at Nama are evidently redounding not a little to the glory of God in the salvation of men, and in the permanent establishment of Christian ordinances among them. It is to be regretted that the sickness of Solomon’s ex- cellent wife, Susan, is keeping him away from his work for the present. The following Sabbath, March 7th, we spent at Ruk with Mr. and Mrs. Logan at their station, which they very aptly named “Anapauo,” from a Greek word meaning a resting place — such we found it to be in reality to us, who had been long at sea. The sweet milk, cream and fresh butter, which we partook of there, were pleasant reminders of Judge McCully’s valuable present of a fine cow to the Logans as they were re- turning from their late visit to the United States. The people gathered as usual in the church both in the morning and afternoon and paid very good attention to what was said to them, all the more to be wondered at when we remember that this field has only been occupied a year and a half. The change effected in the surroundings, in the way of clearing, planting and building were surprising to us. Arthur Logan is a promis- 1 3 ing young man ; he helps his parents much in various ways, while he is at the same time prosecuting his studies. The assistance Mr. Worth, a converted seaman, is rendering here is well worthy of mention ; let us hope and pray that the grace of God may help him to hold out to the end in the good work in which he is engaged, and that more seamen may take a like stand, striving to undo the bad work of the past. Monday and Tuesday, the 8th and 9th of March, were spent a 1 Fefan and Urnan. I did not fully appreciate Manassa until I saw him at his home, engaged in his special work. If he has not much ability in speaking, he certainly has in working. He has evidently showed the people by his life what it is to be a Christian, and his instructions have not been in vain. At Uman we made a brief visit, accompanied at both places by Mrs. Logan and Rev. Moses. Uman was the first station in Ruk lagoon occupied by a missionary. Moses has done a good work here, and I hope and trust he will be spared many years to continue in it. The 10,000 inhabitants in this large Ruk lagoon are in perishing need of the gospel ; new places are opening up among them for new la- borers. Titus and David are going forth to sow the seed ; others must be raised up and sent forth to engage in similar self-denials and toils. More workmen from the United States, men of piety, energy and devo- tion, ought immediately to receive appointment to this needy field, — un- less the tidings, which came to our ears at Ponape (that the Spanish have taken possession of these and other Caroline Islands), shall put a stop to Protestant labors here, or prove a hindrance to the evangelizing work. By referring to statistics it will be seen that at the “ Central Caro- line Islands” viz : the Ruk, the Mortlock and neighboring islands, there are 15 church buildings with a membership of 1,036; of whom 60 have been added to the number the past year; in 13 Sunday schools, there are 1,1 20 scholars, and in the same number of day-schools there are 979 pupils. I had the opportunity of seeing 176 children brought for- ward by their parents, and by baptism consecrated to the Lord; no of them at these islands, the others at Pingelap and Mogil. There are two d raining Schools for the Caroline Islands, one at Po- nape, the other at Ruk, in which about 50 are being educated with refer- ence to the future needs for the spread of the gospel in this island world. In my opinion there should be but one Training School, in- stead of two, unless larger appropriations can be made in the future for their sustenance than has been in the past. While passing through the Mortlock and neighboring islands, I noticed that it was difficult to get pupils for the Training department to go as far away from home as Ruk 14 for this object. Mr. Logan brought seven couples with him from the Mortlcck region, who wished to enter his school. Straws show which way the wind blows. In considering the work accomplished, and being accomplished westward as well as eastward, it must be remembered that those, who bore the heat and burden of the earlier days, did much by way of prep- aration for later work ; if need be, they must be willing to decrease, while younger men increase, knowing that it is all for the glory of God. It was very noticeable that the people at the Mortlock Islands, and others in that vicinity, wear less clothing than people in the other groups, which we visited ; from what I could learn there is a gradual improve- ment in this line. No more nude babies are to be accepted at the bap- tismal font. The Mortlock-Islanders have bright eyes, and many of them intelligent, and interesting faces, when not besmeared with paint. The Ruk people have a wilder, fiercer look, and hence more difficult to be influenced for good. Both fields have many attractions for missionary laborers. “ The atolls and lagoons of all the low coral islands early attracted and engrossed my attention as they do that of every visitor from abroad. A belt of cocoanut trees, about roo feet wide, covers the outer border of each islet. In the center there are huge bread-fruit, and in some places, jack-fruit trees, showing their top-most branches above the sur- rounding lofty palms ; the roots of the former are of peculiar growth ; I measured one of them, which jutted out from the trunk of the tree seven feet above the ground, and extended out as many feet more be- fore it wholly disappeared in the earth beneath ; it was about four in- ches thick. At Kutu I observed a mere roof-like thatched house six feet high, whose gable-end was closed with a single slab made from such a root-projection ; its breadth at base was ten feet and the width five feet from point downwards ; the entrance was at the other end a mere hole about a foot and a half wide, and two feet high. This is a charac- teristic house of the Mortlock Islands. These coral islands having an average elevation of but five feet above ordinary high-water mark, wonderfully sustain not only a dense vegetable growth, but minister to the livelihood of an abundant popula- tion. Cocoanut trees are a veritable “God-send ” to such a people ; on many of these islands the cocoa-nut water is all that they have to drink, save what is distilled to them from the clouds, and it is all that they want. They live on bread-fruit, jack-fruit, the meat of the cocoanut, kalo, pandanus fruit, and in some places, bananas, arrow-root and pine- apples. Fish also are abundant. i5 Living largely upon a fish diet often aggravates cutaneous diseases. I noticed numbers of such maladies wherever I went. Added to these I w^as often called upon to prescribe for other diseases, which other na- tionalities had scattered among them and which are doing a sad work, for all of which there will be a reckoning, sadder still at the tribunal above. Another distressing sight was that of seeing persons traveling about with Elephantiasis Arabica (elephant-legs), — not as yet amenable to the healing art ; a few of them, it is said, have been benefitted by living for a time in a cold climate. Annual epidemics of influenza visit the islands ; one of which made its appearance w'hile I was there. Dys- entery and diarrhaea prevailed at Kusaie, and some other places; the sequela of the hurricane, before alluded to, which swept over these isl- ands last November. A few cases of bilious remittent fever also re- ceived attention. It is not much to be wondered at that malaria should be developed in the vicinity of mangrove forests, growing in mud and water upon the fringing coral-reefs, which skirt the margin of the shores in so many places at the high volcanic islands ; the disease, however yields readily to early heroic treatment Only one case of Chinese lep- rosy was brought to my notice, though I heard that there was one death from the disease, a short time before our arrival. I judge that cases of it are rare in this portion of Micronesia. The volcanic islands alluded to are Kusaie, Ponape and Ruk ; of the former two, some call one and some the other “The gem of the Pacific;” they almost alike deserve the name. One never tires of locking at their lofty mountain-peaks, from 2,000 to 3,000 feet high, indented by deep ravines, and clad from base to tip with dense green foliage with here and there living springs of water. It has occurred to me that a young Christian physician and sur- geon, who has a heart for missionary work, might be profitably employed in going back and forth on the Morning Star. His first duty would of course be to attend to any persons who might need his services on the vessel, and to those on shore, who are in the employment of the mis- sions and for this receive his passage, board and washing. Money, which he would obtain for helpful work outside of this, and from the sale of medicine to traders and others, would more than clothe him and supply any extra wants. It would also lessen the necessity of frequent home returns for rest and recruiting, and at the same time quiet many an aching heart longing for medical attention. If possible place no bar- rier-reef to this project. I am not forgetful of the new steam advantages, which have fallen to my lot on this voyage, which are the results of so many heart offerings i6 for her construction and running expenses by a multitude of Gleaners, Sabbath school children and others in America, and various parts of the world. To them all many thanks are due for their self-denying contri- butions for this sacred object ; it was quite an incentive to my coming on this voyage, which otherwise might have proved very tedious. To use a homely expression, or proverb, it would be “penny-wise and pound-foolish ” to send the vessel forth again without so modifying her machinery that the anchor could be raised in a few short moments by steam-power, instead of leaving it, as it now is, to be lifted by the muscular labor of all “ before the mast,” who are few in number ; thus property which is too valuable and too needful to be so exposed, is sometimes in this way greatly jeopardized. If early lost where are the children, who would have the heart to build another steam-vessel for the mission work in the North Pacific? A word to the wise is sufficient. During the voyage we have anchored 31 times. We visited 25 different mission stations, if I may reckon in the number Lela harbor and the Kapali station at Jaluit, which have been occupied by the American Board in past years. In doing this steam has been used very sparingly and economically. At 23 of the places enumerated I spoke publicly sometimes more than once, through interpreters, to congrega- tions numbering in all from 4,000 to 6,000, who were gathered for review and instruction. I endeavored chiefly to point them to “ Christ and him crucified,” to give them in a simple earnest way, the old, old story. — to urge upon them the importance of supplying themselves at once with the New Testament, recently printed in their language, — to learn and obey bible precepts, to “ put on the whole armor of God,” to carefully see to it that old things pass away and all things become new , and in short, that we all be daily and constantly preparing for the “ mar- riage supper of the Lamb,” that we, having been cleansed in the blood- fountain, may be gathered at last “at the King’s right hand,” and there hear him say to us, and the whole “Israel of God,” “Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Respectfully submitted, CHAS. H. WETMORE, M. D., Delegate, &c., &c. EXTRACT OF LETTERS RECEIVED FROM MICRONESIA. From Rev. E. T. Doane—Ponape. Number of churches on Ponape as now organized, 13; native teachers, 12; Sunday schools, 9; total number of pupils, 300; church membjsrs now in regular standing, 451 ; no new members admitted to the churches the past year; members restored to church fellowship the past year, 10 ; children baptized, 6 ; native day-schools, 4 ; number of pupils in same, 225. Schools have in places been kept up ; the monthly contributions fairly done ; Sabbath congregations large : the Christians have grown in grace, becoming clearer minded as to Christian duties, stronger in pur- pose to live for Christ, resisting outside temptations more strongly. With the aid of a native boy from the Mortlocks, we have printed not a little : questions and portions of the Bible hymns, and we have begun the printing of tracts in leaflet form to be distributed without money and without price. There is here an inviting field of labor. I believe the Master is calling to it On January 22nd, I think it was, the Star got under way from the Oua station, sailed down within the reef of Ponape, ran aground on a small flat just near the mouth of the harbor. She hung here two days, then with a pretty bad leak, she started for Pinalap and Mokil. Reach- ing the first island, we found some things to pain us, but there was so much to delight, we soon lost sight of our sorrow. The teacher, Thomas, is a noble man and doing a good work. He is well spoken of. A heavy cyclone struck the island early in the fall, sending inland a heavy sea that swept off some dwellings, destroying a large amount of taro, the main stay of the people for food. Acres of this precious arti- cle were entirely ruined. It will we fear, be a famine for the people, or near that, the coming year. This people do well in contributions monthly. They have but little to give from, but they give freely. It was pleasant to see how well in clothing they keep themselves ; to see, too, their long stone slab coral- stone walk between rows of dwellings. The church is large and cool. i8 The cyclone mentioned above came near destroying it. A large school house separate from the church, is kept in good order. As a summary of the work we may say: the number of church members is 236; day school pupils, 75 to 100 ; baptized this year 5 ; restored to church fel- lowship 7 ; babes baptised. 56; population of the whole island, 800 to 1,000. Passing westerly from this island, we reach Mokil, a gem of a coral island. The island is small but well provided with food. The popula- tion is small, not more than seventy five or a hundred souls. We may say the day school is at zero, but we landed a teacher who, we trust, will revive it. A good man, a deacon but blind, leads the devotions of the people Some have wandered the past year or two, but they came back this year, penitently I trust. Number of church members, 36 ; restored this year 17 ; day school averaging 25 pupils. F>om Rev. R. IV. Logan — Ruk. The Morning Star reached us February 18th, and the next day we sailed for Mortlock. We took along Moses, Solomon and Manassa, and calling at Namaluk, we took on board Joram. At Mortlock we organ- ized the teachers into an association or general meeting for the discus- sion of questions pertaining to our work. Capt. Bray and Dr. Wet- more sat with" us. On the whole, matters at Mortlock are more favora- ble than we had expected. One great obstacle to progress at Mortlock is the tenacity with which the people cling to their old customs ; the red paint, which is an unmitigated curse, the long hair, the filthy clothing and the nakedness, the kennel houses, &c. I hope by working steadily and patiently by means of letters to teachers, schools and churches, visits, & c., to secure some progress in these directions. Schools are in an unsatisfactory state. In some the pupils had been allowed to use tobacco, in others not. In many, gymnastic exercises— three fourths heathen dance — have taken up more time and thought than real study. These were the things to be exhibited when the Morning Star came, and were enjoyed by the spectators, but I am convinced that the influence on the schools is almost wholly bad. The old heathen dances have a very strong hold on the affections of the people, and they are not infrequently indulged in, sometimes with the tacit approval of the teacher, at other times against his protest. We hope by our gen- eral meeting to secure unity of action and of teaching on all these points. 19 We bring seven promising couples to our school ; all church mem- bers and all old enough to go to work as school teachers and preachers as soon as they can get enough mental discipline and knowledge. The present year is one of unusual straitness for food. The last summer’s crop of bread-fruit was very small, and there is but little this winter. Titus, who came last September, has so far recovered that he has taken the station at Tunuk on this island (Uela), and the outlook there is promising. This is the station formerly occupied by David and Marka- pen, and is an important point. David and Sara, who came just now, are not yet located, as it is hard to choose between the several points desirous of having him. Solomon will stay with us for the present. Dr. Wetmore sees some hope that his wife may get better. Joram at Nama- luk is inefficient. It may be better to let him go home another year and drop out of the work ; or he may improve. Kelep and Julia are both far from strong. They will spend considerable time at Lukunor the year to come. He is to have charge of Lukunor, Oniop and Etal, while Obediah will have charge of Ta, Satoan, Kutu and Mor, all on the same lagoon. At Oniop, Mor, Losap and Nama, we appointed school teachers, and I hope soon to be able to have a school teacher at each place where they have no preacher. We much need lumber for flooring houses for our scholars. Ten dollars will fit up a cottage which will do very well for two families. We can only get floors here by hewing out of bread-fruit trees, and these are too precious to be sacrificed.