_The Poncas_, of whose wrongs we spoke in the last number of the MISSIONARY, failing to receive justice at the hands of Congress, have commenced a suit to recover possession of their houses and lands now held by the Sioux, to whom the General Government has ceded them. The plaintiffs rely upon the fact that the Constitution of the United States makes a treaty a part of the supreme law of the land, and also extends the judicial power of the Government to all cases in law and equity arising under treaties; and they have in their favor established precedents by the courts for applying to the treaties with themselves this provision of the constitution. Judge Dundy has decided that an Indian is a _person_ within the meaning of the laws, and, therefore, discharged from the custody of Gen. Crook the Poncas whom he held for the purpose of forcibly returning them to the Indian Territory from which they had escaped. Thus it is decided that they may have the question judicially tested in the Federal courts whether they have been illegally restrained of liberty. This suit is to determine whether they may have not only their liberty, but their homes which have been forcibly taken from them in violation of solemn treaties. * * * * * ENCOURAGING SIGNS OF THE TIMES. (_From the Fisk Expositor._) Few things can be more gratifying and cheering to those engaged in the grand work of educating the colored people in Tennessee, than the fact that those having charge of educational affairs in the various towns, named below, either have, within the past few years, organized graded schools for colored youth, or are now taking steps for organizing such schools: Clarksville, Trenton, Shelbyville, Brownsville, Jackson, Union City, Bolivar, Paris, Covington, Pulaski, Columbia, Fayetteville, Mason Station, and perhaps some other towns. Another thing that all who are engaged in the educational work in the State, ought to regard as a hopeful sign, is the fact that the last Legislature, in all its zeal for retrenchment, made no effort to reduce the income of the free school system. This, and the fact, that much complaint was uttered by the people all over the State, because of the suspension of schools consequent upon the postponement of the collection of taxes by the Legislature, show how deeply the system of the State has taken hold upon the affections of the masses. Still another ground for hopefulness is found in the fact, that, whereas, year before last, not quite 39 per cent. of the colored children of the State were enrolled in the free schools, last year nearly 49 per cent. were so enrolled. And there are reasons for believing that the superintendent’s forthcoming report will show equally encouraging figures. * * * * * HELP WITHOUT MONEY.