Page:Visit of the Hon. Carl Schurz to Boston, March 1881.pdf/54

Rh . Gentlemen, the committee have received several letters from distinguished gentlemen, two of which I propose to read; the others will appear in the morning papers. [He then read the letters from ex-President Hayes and ex-Secretary Sherman, printed on pp. 74, 75.] Gentlemen, I am now going to call for testimony for the Indians from a gentleman who knows something of their feelings. I ask you to listen to the Rev. Dr. George E. Ellis.

occasion of welcome and respect to our guest—a distinguished statesman and public servant—reminds me of a scene where last I was in his company when he was treated with like honor and grateful regard. It was quite unlike this scene, and yet there is an intimate relation between them. It was nearly a year ago, when, with the honored President of the nation, and a marvellous concourse of people, he attended what we may call the Commencement Day at the Hampton Normal Institution for Negroes and Indians. It was in Virginia Hall. The pupils are called blacks and red men; but they seemed of every color, even some of the prismatic ones. When our guest rose to speak to them, there was a greeting which interpreted itself. It was not boisterous or noisy; but its sounds and gestures, the gaze of eyes, the attent of ears, all expressed its heartiness, its depth, and fulness of feeling. The Indians recognized in him their wise and