ciation, and hope that the gifts of the churches will
continue to be accompanied by their counsels and their prayers.

* * * * *

_THEOLOGICAL INSTRUCTION._

The association is undertaking to supply the serious need, met all along
its lines of missionary service, of a more intelligent and consecrated
ministry. For the use of our Biblical Training School for the ministry,
at Fisk University, we are engaged in the erection of the building; and
the work has been taken hold of by the Fisk University Singers, who are
meeting with cheering encouragement in the churches. It is our hope
that, within the coming year, an adequate structure may be provided for
this important work.

The theological department at Howard University has received a valuable
accession to its faculty in the person of Prof. Ewell. This work will
now be re-classified and developed, and will offer unexcelled advantages
for practical training in preparation for the gospel ministry.

* * * * *

_CONFERENCE WITH INDIAN COMMISSIONERS._

The Annual Conference of the Board of Indian Commissioners with the
representatives of the various religious bodies having charge of Indian
Missions was held in the parlors of the Riggs House, January 8th. The
presence of Senator Dawes, Representative Cutcheon, and other
distinguished persons, gave weight to the deliberations, and special
interest was added to the meeting by the troubles now prevailing in the
Dakotas among the Sioux Indians. Commissioner Morgan, Captain Pratt of
the Carlisle School, General Armstrong of Hampton, and the Secretaries
of the Missionary Societies presented an array of facts and of recent
information that gave a more favorable aspect to the situation than is
generally entertained. The disturbance among the Indians is confined to
at most 5,000 among the 250,000, and strong hopes are entertained that
serious bloodshed may be avoided. And yet, so great is the uncertainty
hanging over this matter, that before these lines reach our readers, the
daily press may give sad news of battle and disaster.

The discussions of the Conference were ended with a series of
resolutions, the purport of which may thus be summed up: The Dakota
trouble is confined to a small number of Indians, and is due to the
inevitable opposition of the chiefs and anti-progressive elements among
the masses of the Indians. The removal of experienced Indian Agents fo