aroundworldortra00peebiala-1

ATJSTKALIA. 73
Ethnologists and Australian residents differ in their estimates
of the native character. Certain missionaries, pronouncing
them the lowest specimens of humanity, declare
that they have " no conception of Jehovah, innate depravity,
justification by faith, nor pardon through a sacrificial redemption."
This is quite likely ; all of which, putting the
evangelical construction upon these terms, is quite to the
credit of these " heathen " aborigines.
It is the united testimony of thoughtful, honorable men,
however, that aboriginal children are noted for retention of
memory, quickness of perception, and readiness to acquire
the usual elements of education. This was demonstrated by
the experimental school at the Merri-Merri. And, a few
years since, an aboriginal boy in the Normal School of Sydney
carried off the prize from all his white companions.
They are trusting and affectionate among themselves. Respect
to age is rigidly enforced. Without the hollow fashions
and jealousies, without the conventional decorum and restraints,
of civilized society, they sing and gambol in the
evening-time as though life were a continuous carnival.
Suicide is unknown among them. Some of them tattoo
themselves. The women use ochre, and other colored ingredients,
to paint their faces. What of it ? English, French,
and American women quite generally paint and powder.
What a merciless tyrant is fashion !
TESTIMONIES EST
FAVOE OF THE WILD AUSTRALIANS.
These inhabitants, evidently a cross
between the African
and the ]\Ialay, exhibit some excellent traits of character.
Archbishop Folding, of New South Wales, said to the Sydney
Legislature, " I have no reason to think that the primitive
natives, uncontaminated with modern civihzations, are much
lower than ourselves, in many respects. The missionary
Ridley, noted for his candor, declared that in mental acumen,
and in quickness of sight and hearing, they surpass most
white people."