WHEN one dies whose great absorbing interests have been in the human and divine relations of men, who has interpreted human experience from solitary heights of soul that give him commanding outlook, or walked upon the level plains of daily toils and sympathies; when admiration, gratitude, and love are kindled in our breasts to divine glow,—we want to know what was the keynote of so powerful a character. The distinguished and signal expressions of human nature and character attract our attention and win our love according to their moral beauty, because we feel that they are of us, and that their lives and hearts are an expression of God to us. God in man is the great spiritual fact of this world; and the kingdom of heaven within, now here at hand, is the grandeur and glory of human experience. Horatio Stebbins.

ITEMS.

to the climate, and the translation of works on arborculture and the German forestry laws. ~Public Ledger.

'SCIENCE," in an editorial setting forth the advantages of local field-clubs, says: "Then, again, there would be a great influence on the extension of science-teaching in the public schools, that would certainly come from the existence of such local societies. The greatest danger that now menaces natural science is that the parrot system of teaching, so long aptaken in science-teaching. The presence of a plied to other branches of learning, will be little band of actual inquirers in any town will be the best possible assurance against this. Let the children have some share in the openair actual study, and the evil of the book sysexpres-tem will surely be mended in part, for its imperfections will be seen. It will often be possible to organize such a club in immediate connection with the schools of the town where it started. Experience in Europe shows that children readily and zealously engage in such inquiries, and need only a little direction in their work."

THE telegraph cable connecting Martha's Vineyard with the mainland has been laid by the Western Union Company and communication established.

THE new Dean of Westminster, by appealing to the public, has received over $18,000 for the purpose of turning a drinking shop adjoining St. Matthew's Church, almost under the shadow of the Abbey, into a wholesome coffee and lodging house.

THE total population of the United States is, in round numbers, 50,000,000, of which 43,476000 are native born, and 6,680,000 are foreign born. The colored people number 6,632,549. Thus about every seventh person nearly is a negro, and every seventh person nearly foreign born.

THE Duke of Westminster has closed no less than 24 public houses on his Grosvenor Square estate within the last five years. His Grace had closed 13 others previously. Of the 24 still remaining, several are already doomed, as the Duke will not renew the leases for the continuation as public houses.

PHILADELPHIA QUARTERLY MEETING

THE Christian Advocate states that Mrs. Will be held on Third-day, Eighth mo. 7th, at Anadibai Joshee, a Brahman lady of good social position, whose husband is postmaster 10 o'clock A. M., in the Valley Meeting house. at Serampore, has left Calcutta with several Special arrangements have been made to conmissionary ladies, to enter the Woman's Medi-vey Friends on that day to Maple Station cal College at Philadelphia, to fit herself to aid

in the elevation of her sex in India.

THE Mexican Government has undertaken to rehabilitate the extensive forests of the valley of Mexico. A contract has been let for the planting of 4,000,000 trees in that locality | within four years, beginning from next March, the contractor receiving $200,000 The principal varieties to be planted are ash, willow, poplar, eucalyptus, tronosjapones, mountain cypress and acacias, the contractor being bound to maintain them in good condition for two years after planting. Provision is also made for the study of the science of forestry by agricultural school graduates, the free distribution of fruit trees and other useful plants adapted

(Ellwood Thomas' lane), three-quarters of a mile from the meeting-house.

Trains leave the Reading Railroad depot, Thirteenth and Callowhill streets, at 7.40 o'clock A. M., on Third-day.

Members of the Select Meeting will take the 1 o'clock P. M, train on Second-day, from the same depot, for Port Kennedy, where Friends well meet them.

The return train will leave for the city at 4.45 o'clock, on Third-day afternoon. Tickets good both going and returning on Second- and Third-days will be issued at 65 cents the trip. Ask for Quarterly Meeting tickets. WILLIAM EYRE,

T. E. CHAPMAN,
ELLWOOD THOMAS,

}

Committee.

FRIENDS' INTELLIGENCER.

“TAKE FAST HOLD OF INSTRUCTION; LET HER NOT GO; KEEP HER; FOR SHE IS THY LIFE.

VOL. XL.

PHILADELPHIA, EIGHTH MONTH 11, 1883.

No. 26.

EDITED AND PUBLISHED BY AN ASSOCIATION OF FRIENDS. COMMUNICATIONS MUST BE ADDRESSED AND PAYMENTS MADE TO JOHN COMLY, AGENT,

AT PUBLICATION OFFICE, No. 1020 ARCH STREET.

TERMS:-TO BE PAID IN ADVANCE.

The Paper is issued every week.

The FORTIETH Volume commenced on the 17th of Second month, 1883, at Two Dollars and Fifty Cents to subscribers receiving it through mail, postage prepaid.

SINGLE NUMBERS SIX CENTS.

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REMITTANCES by mail should be in CHECKS, DRAFTS, or P. 0. MONEY-ORDERS; the latter preferred. MONEY sent by mail will be at the risk of the person so sending.

AGENTS:-Edwin Blackburn, Baltimore, Md.
Joseph S Cohu, New York.

Benj Strattan, Richmond, Ind.

Entered at the Post-Office at Philadelphia, Penna. as second-class

matter

ELISHA TYSON.

It frequently happens that the ambitious in their bold career, acquire a notoriety nearly allied to fame; while genuine and modest worth is forgotten or disregarded, or, perhaps, eclipsed by the brilliancy of its own exploits. Military ambition, wading through oceans of blood to attain its ends, as it invokes the admiration, often secures the applause of mankind. The narrative of its progress is perused with intense and growing interest, excited by the imposing grandeur, and, perhaps, the hideous desolation of its march.

as his efforts may be regarded, we deem it a duty to exhibit, in a few words, his claim to the notice of the world, as a friend to the rights of man and a benefactor of the human race.

He was born in Montgomery county, Pa., about the year 1749, whither his ancestors had removed at the same time with William Penn, to escape the persecution which threatened them in Germany. Even at the period of his birth, the sensibility which since has distinguished Pennsylvania on the subject of slavery, was keenly felt; and it is most probable, that the sentiments by which he was actuated on his removal to Baltimore, were imbibed in his native State, and only confirmed as occasions afterwards presented for their exercise, or opportunities occurred for their reduction into practice. Enviable the State which produced, and happy that which enjoyed such a member; but truly fortunate they whose rights found such a champion!

While thus the achievements of a ruthless victor form the subject of a ponderous folio, and elicit many a glowing panegyric-the tale of the philanthropic hero, whose silent adventures presenting few incidents to dazzle, and none to dismay, are told in still fewer neglected pages, may be known but to a small number of his contemporaries. This is especially true of Elisha Tyson, whose history, In the present state of popular feeling, it though furnishing something to embalm his requires not only an ordinary sensibility to sufmemory, and dignify human nature, is fering, but a frigid regard for the rights of the scarcely known beyond the circle in which slave, to induce an espousal of his cause. As he moved, except to those who have been the the feelings of a community second the efforts objects of his benevolence. He labored for of the advocate, he incurs no hazard-he is the cause of human freedom-for the ad- supposed to violate no right of property-to vancement of human happiness; uninfluenced invade no sanctuary of justice. The thing by the hope of fame-solicitous only for in- itself, it is true, remains immutably the same dividual and public good. Anxious as he-but the vision of the people is altered; that seemed to escape commendation, and humble which was once viewed with apathy, is now

beheld_with_revulsion. But at the period | sioned for utterance, of the latter. It was when the subject of our sketch removed to remarked that he endeavored equally to Baltimore, slavery in all its shocking forms, avoid the witnessing of both: satisfied with not only flourished, but was nurtured by the the performance of a sacred duty, he turned kind hand of the Maryland legislature; the away from the bending knee and half articupublic sympathy had not been aroused; nei-lated blessings of the slave, while his soul ther the dictates of unerring nature nor true appeared invulnerable to the maledictions of logic had been listened to; slavery was re- the master. Superior to fear himself, the garded as a trade, and its continuance a mat-terror of his name, and the firmness of his ter of commercial policy. Men of the best character, paralyzed the slavedealer. Inhearts, wisest heads, and greatest influence in stances of his courage are related, which may the State, protected it as a source of legiti- be read almost with incredulity. On one mate property, and deemed its existence a occasion, learning that a negro entitled to political good; and he who dared to touch liberty was confined on board of a ship, lying that sacred subject, was not only called inter- at anchor about a mile from Baltimore, just meddling and officious, but, perhaps, forfeited about to sail for New Orleans, he procured his claims to good citizenship, and endangered two officers and approached the vessel. When his personal safety. With these fearful con- within hearing, he said to the dealer, “I unsequences arrayed in perspective before the derstand that a colored person in thy possesview of Elisha Tyson, he did not hesitate to sion is entitled to his freedom." Upon the obey the dictates of duty and compassion. trader's denial of the allegation, Tyson read some documents which described the negro's person and evidenced his manumission; but just at that instant, a breeze induced the captain to order the hoisting of the sails to put to sea. Sensible of the importance of prompt exertion, our philanthropist declared his intention to board, desiring the constables to follow him; when the dealer, unsheathing his dagger, swore "that the first man that dared set foot upon that ship, was a dead man." Without consulting the cold dictates of prudence in defying the drawn steel of a ferocious villain, Elisha Tyson leaped on board, crying out, "Then I will be that man!" The ruffiian retreated in dismay, suffering his victim to be dragged from the hold where he was secured, without resistance, and without a murmur. The trader was invited to contest his right to the negro in a court of justice, to which, he was informed, the case would be submitted; but aware of the worthlessness of his claim, or being obliged to depart, no opposition was made, and the man was restored to freedom.

Though every energy of his mind was employed to effect the entire abolition of slavery, yet, as he knew that to be hopeless during his own life, he devoted a large portion of it to the rescue of such as were illegally detained in bondage. Whenever, in his inquiries, he perceived the absence of a link in the chain of title to a slave, he filed a petition for the trial of the right, regardless of the vituperation and abuse, which, on these occasions, always flowed in plentiful streams from a thousand sources. But the respect which he entertained for the legal institutions of Maryland, never permitted him to attempt the manumission of a slave, but through the instrumentality of a court of justice. Difficulties in the legal right, frequently arose from a variety of causes; these he submitted, in every instance, to the judicial authority. Indian origin-a free maternal ancestor, or the importation of progenitors from a foreign country, as they broke the fetters of bondage, were the objects of his inquiries. The prosecutions which he brought about were singularly successful, very few being able to withstand the scrutiny of a legal investigation. He took his measures with great caution, and never filed a petition till his own mind, at least, was free from doubt, as to the right of the slave to liberty. He is said, in the course of his life, to have been instrumental in liberating 2,000 slaves-a number, which, if left to themselves, would soon spring up into a powerful nation!

When he obtained a triumph, the conduct of the master and the slave was of course very different. Curses on the law, its ministers, but above all, on the head of the disinterested mediator, often polluted the lips of the former; while big tears and expressive silence, indicated the sentiments, too impas

It was customary, at the period when the subject of our sketch commenced his career, to crowd together such wretches as were intended for exportation, in hideous dungeons, rendered more frightful by the facilities which they afforded for every species of torture. These receptacles of degraded and injured humanity, were numerous within the precincts of Baltimore; but by his efforts they diminished in number to two or three. In one of these, he ascertained that several free negroes who had been kidnapped, and destined for Georgia, were confined. Information was only the forerunner of pursuit. Determining to liberate them, he solicited some friends to attend him; but they, aware of the danger, and believing an attempt at

by the immediate guardianship of heaven. When the trials came on which he had himself elicited, he remained firm, collected within himself, and applied his whole mind to the examination of witnesses, in the management of whom he exhibited great address. The fact is, such was the opinion abroad of his penetration, that in despair of eluding his scrutiny, false witnesses were frequently disdisarmed, and surrendered at discretion.

But his efforts to procure the liberation of those illegally deprived of their freedom, constituted but a small branch of his labors in the cause of slavery. He wrote and procured to be written, articles for the press, to enlighten the public mind, and render it alive to this revolting subject. By this and similar means, he was instrumental in modifying some of the laws in reference to it, and, it is hoped, paved the way for the extinction of so unnatural a relation as master and slave. At the time of the discussion of the celebrated Missouri question, so interesting to the friends of freedom, he had an advertisement inserted in the newspapers, inviting the citizens of Baltimore to meet, for the purpose of considering the propriety of petitioning Congress against the claims of that State. Much ferment was excited, and warm discussion the consequence; but the debate resulted in or

their rescue utterly hopeless, not only refused their assistance, but advised the relinquishment of so hazardous an enterprise Having spent a great part of the night in vain efforts for aid, he set out alone at an advanced hour to beard the tiger in his lair. Oaths, imprecations, and loud convulsive laughter, announced to him on his arrival, the assemblage of several negro traders-those bloodhounds of the human species-in gay carousal. He entered without hesitation, announcing thus the object of his visit: "I understand that there are persons in this place entitled to their freedom." "You have been wrongly informed," replied the leader, "and besides, what business is it of yours?" Whether I have been wrongly informed," calmly rejoined the unwelcome visitor, can be soon made to appear; and I hold it my business, as it is the business of every good man in the community, to see that all doubts of this kind are settled;" at the same time approaching the door of the dungeon. "You shall advance no further," thundered the leader, placing himself in a hostile attitude and uttering a tremendous oath. By an effort of strength, perhaps providentially conferred, our hero broke through the arms of his opposer and hastened to the dungeon. At the door stood a fierce sentinel, a Cerberus with a cocked pistol instead of jaws, which pre-dering a memorial to be presented for signasenting to the breast of Tyson, he swore he would shoot unless he desisted. "Shoot if thee dare!" answered his collected adversary in an elevated tone, "but thee dare not! coward as thou art for well does thee know that the gallows will be thy portion!" The menacing pistol fell harmless at the side of the miscreant, and Tyson, seizing the light which he held in his left hand, entered the dungeon without further molestation. There he beheld several miserable victims of cruelty, one of whom was gagged. Upon inquiry, he was informed that a mother and two boys among them were free-that they had been decoyed away, and placed there with a view to perpetual slavery in Georgia. Assuring them of succor, he went in pursuit of two constables, who, upon the execution of a bond of indemnity, rendered their assistance. The finale was, that the mother and boys were declared free-one of the traders was convicted of their kidnapping and sentenced to the penitentiary. Thus did this benevolent man seek out and relieve objects of distress The Indians were somewhat estrangedand injustice, and reckless of personal jeop- their confidence was impaired-and suspicions ardy, drag the offenders to punishment. Nu- were engendered; it was necessary to alter merous instances similar to those we have this state of things, before they attended to given might be related, in which he displayed the object of their mission. At their numerstriking presence of mind, and undaunted ous conferences with the Indians, Elisha courage; and instances of such imminent Tyson mostly addressed them, in terms which hazard as could not have been harmless, but at length convinced them of the sincerity of

tures to the citizens of Baltimore. In less than a week, more than 2,000 names were subscribed to the memorial, and it is thought that so large and respectable an assemblage of names from a slave-holding State, contributed in no small degree to the rejection of the claims of Missouri. It is true, it was not permanently beneficial, since the claims were finally admitted by means of a compromise.

The benevolence of this philanthropist, ever active, and equally indefatigable and extensive, at the advanced age of sixty years, induced him to offer his services to the Yearly Meeting of Friends, in a mission to the Indians north and west of the river Ohio. A Friend, of Baltimore, by the name of James Gillingham, accompanied him in this perilous and fatiguing journey; after encountering numerous privations, and escaping the dangers of a wild and inhospitable forest, they found themselves surrounded by its fierce and untutored inhabitants.

their visitors' professions, and the wisdom of of the wheel of a lottery on one of the most their counsel. Having impressed them, by frequented streets of Philadelphia. Long many forcible appeals, with the importance of abstaining from intemperance, and the superiority of civilized to savage life, these benevolent men retraced their steps to their own firesides and friends, in the possession of that joy of heart which accompanies virtuous actions.