Twenty-Six Years in Burmah (Volume 4); Records of the Life and Work of Joseph G. Binney (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1880 Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XII. EDUCATIONAL WORK IN MAULMAIN. 1845-1850. THE last of April, 1845, Mr. and Mrs. Binney took possession of their new house on the new Mission premises, called Newton, a little way out of the town. The following is an extract from Mrs. Binney's journal: There have been many obstacles to prevent our taking possession of this place. First, many of the brethren had doubts as to the healthfulness of the location. Although abundant testimony was procured that there was not more sickness there than in other parts of Maulmain, yet appearances were unfavorable. In the rains it is surrounded by water, and portions of it affected by the tide in the dry season. This difficulty was overcome by the facility with which the ground could be drained, but a more serious obstacle has arisen from Government having failed to meet expectations. When the purchase was made, a large part of the land was unoccupied, beside the Mission compound. Mr. Vinton and Mr. Binney's plan was to obtain a grant of this for a Karen village, and thus an important step would be taken in bringing this wild people in contact with European civilization, and make a home for Christians coming to town, either for business or instruction. Since the great fire, the Government has forbidden Burmans to put up their frail houses in the city, and they have sought land here until every nook and corner is occupied, so that the Karens will be in a state very similar to that in which they were before they left the city. Still, there were other considerations which induced the purchase, and we have taken possession alone; the Vintons were to follow in four weeks with their schools. While we do not seem to have an inch of room to spare in our new house, yet we have all we really need, and are content. As t...