THE FREEDMEN.

VIRGINIA.

Religious Interest at Hampton—Missionary Zeal.

REV. RICHARD TOLMAN, HAMPTON.

Six of our students united with the church by profession June 9th, the last Sabbath of the school-year, making twenty-seven who have joined us since November 1st, besides those who have connected themselves with other churches. After Commencement, May 23d, two more of the graduating-class came out on “the Lord’s side,” so that all but four of the boarding-pupils of that class are hopefully Christian; and one of these four seems now “not far from the kingdom of God.”

An interesting example of what Christian faith and perseverance may accomplish, is that of a colored brother connected with our printing-office. About a year since, he proposed starting a Sabbath-school in a destitute neighborhood, but was told that it would be of no use. He determined to try. Beginning with three pupils, the number has constantly increased, until now he has a school of more than eighty deeply-interested members. We need many such laborers in these harvest-fields.

NORTH CAROLINA.

The Church—Contrasts and Progress—Two Prayers.

REV. D. D. DODGE, WILMINGTON.

Our church-work is distinct from the school, the latter being not in any sense sectarian. We think we see marked improvement in the character of those who have been longest members of the church. They seem to hunger for truth for the purpose of living it, and their progress is, of course, steady and rapid. We are often thrilled by the rich experience as manifested by unconscious expressions in the prayer-meetings. We have received six new members during the year:

It may be well to hear what impression is made upon a new comer, so I quote from one of our teachers who has been with us only a year.

“To hear of the degradation of the colored people of the South is to know but little of it, for ‘the half can ne’er be told.’ It is humiliating to think that in our own beloved land there exists so much of barbarism and heathenish superstition. This is realized by looking at the homes and home-life of the poor people, but much more by noticing their form of religion.

“I had visited lowly cots and abodes of poverty, seeming devoid of even the bare necessaries of life. Sometimes, in one small house several families huddled together, the little ones swarming in the yard like bees from the hive on a sunny day. I had seen poor sewing women trying to earn a bare subsistence—trying to keep by that little weapon, the needle, the wolf from the door. And I had thought what must life be worth to such suffering ones? And yet the degradation of this poor people never came to me with such force as when, for the first time, I entered a colored church, and witnessed scenes such as I had heard of, but never could realize without seeing.

“The meeting was in progress when we entered, many talking or standing ready for a chance to be heard, others jumping and clapping their hands. One man, who gesticulated fiercely and screamed hoarsely, exhorted the brethren and sisters to ‘look out for the devil—he’s after yer—he’ll run yer inter the briers, but yer mus’ put on yer shoes—he’ll knock yer down, but yer mus’ get up an’ run, an’ put on yer shoes.’ Finally, in his frenzy, we could distinguish nothing except, in broken utterances, ‘put on yer shoes! put on yer shoes! put on yer shoes!’ amid the shouts of laughter and cheers which urged him on, coming chiefly from the female portion of the audience. He at length sat down exhausted, when a woman rose in mid-air, with a wild scream, coming down head-foremost, while all around were others shouting or jumping up and down. This, with variations, continued amidst quavering, weird music, the big cape bonnets bobbing to and fro, keeping time. At length the minister, who seemed to prefer order, wished to close the meeting, when immediately the people began to disperse, he calling to them to keep their places until after the benediction should be given, but they paid no heed. Whereupon he proceeded to lecture them on this wise: ‘If I were at one of your houses and should take my hat and leave without saying good day, you would think it was a piece of very ill politeness,’—and more to the same effect; but the tide not being stayed, he called upon a fine-looking young man to pronounce the benediction, which he did with such an air of ease and grace as contrasted strangely with all the surroundings, and I turned away in silent wonder at him, as being one of such a crowd. I never felt so truly thankful for a better way that is opened to them, and that even a few are struggling to elevate themselves,—are found sitting ‘clothed and in their right mind,’ learning truth.

“For there is a brighter side, and it is only by keeping in mind the motto, ‘look on the bright side’ that there is encouragement to make continued efforts for the uplifting of those who do not wish it for themselves. That there are noble exceptions we are glad and thankful. The little church planted here, as a branch from the true vine, though in number small, is noble in its strength of purpose, and the willingness of heart found in each member. So eager to learn, so thankful to be taught, it has been a pleasure to teach them as they have come to our night-school.”

At the closing session of our Sabbath-school, five young men made short addresses. Their words were hearty and stirring, and expressed a deep satisfaction with what they had gained in the school, as they looked back over the time they had attended, one of them adding modestly, “Not that I would have you think that I have learned so much of the Bible, for I don’t know anything of any great account.” Ah! but what he has learned he has practiced so faithfully that he is a shining light to all who know him, and his words are eloquent with the power behind them of a consistent life. All of these young men are a power for good in the city. Two others, members of the church, are not in town, but we believe they are living true lives elsewhere.

I close by giving you the quaint words of two prayers, offered when the family was away, and jotted down by the one teacher who was left in charge. The excellent spirit shines through the strange clothing:

“O, Lord! please make us wise enough to see sin before we get to it, that we may shun it; and won’t you please cause people to fall out wi’ their ways and accept your ways.”

For the teachers gone North:

“Bless those who is absent; be with ’em and keep an eye on ’em, and bless ’em week in and week out; bless those who is afflicted and isn’t feeling well; help ’em to get out of the state which they is in; prop ’em up in strength and also in grace, and prepare ’em for the work they is calkerlated for. Teach us Thy way, and make us more wiser in reading Thy word. Help us to grow more steadfaster, more loviner, more sincerer, and more wiser.”

SOUTH CAROLINA.

Brewer Normal School—The Year’s Work.

J.D. BACKENSTOSE, GREENWOOD.

This institution has just closed the best year of its history, and looks out upon the year to come more hopefully than ever before. The examinations on Tuesday and Wednesday were close, and eminently satisfactory to all present, and there was a good attendance.

The great day, July 4th, dawned. The morning was a little cloudy, the air was cool and delightful. A great crowd of people assembled at eleven o’clock in the morning, to hear orations from four of our former students: W. W. Frazier, R. J. Holloway, B. H. Wimms and L. C. Waller, who are now engaged in teaching. The young men acquitted themselves nobly, and all who were present speak highly of them.

The dinner given by the patrons and friends of the institution equalled anything of the kind ever given in this place. The table was loaded with everything that heart could wish for and that loving hands could provide. An exhibition, consisting of speeches, recitations and dialogues, interspersed with singing, took place in the evening. The house was filled to its utmost capacity, and it was with difficulty that the speakers could make their way to the stage. All present seemed delighted with the exercises.

Prizes were awarded to Miss Louise Griffin and Miss Maria Logan for being the best speakers.

Several of the white citizens of the place, including Rev. Mr. Smart, of the M. E. Church south, and Prof. Hodges, of the Male Academy of this place, were present at the exhibition, and expressed themselves as pleased with what they saw and heard. All the colored pastors of the place, with the exception of the African Methodist, were present during most of the exercises, and seemed delighted with the proficiency exhibited.

During the year the students’ rooms have been neatly furnished, and are now quite comfortable. The students have made gratifying progress in their studies, and we feel that a year’s advancement has been made. Twenty-six of our students are now engaged in teaching, and over eleven hundred pupils are under their care.

We have met with hindrances. We have been accused of prejudicing our students against their church, and of punishing them if they did not attend our Sunday-school; but, despite all this, our school has been unusually full, and our Sunday-school large and interesting. The students have all gone to their homes, or to some work, to make preparation for their return next fall.

GEORGIA.

Atlanta University—Examinations and Commencement.

REPORT AND COMMENTS BY A GEORGIA EDITOR.

[From the Macon Telegraph and Messenger.]

For several days the Board of Visitors, appointed by the Governor to the State University, have been diligently attending the recitations of the several classes of this colored seat of learning, and are greatly pleased with what they have seen.

The pupils are perfectly orderly, well behaved and respectful in their demeanor, and not a few are good scholars, and give satisfactory evidences of progress.

A large preponderance are of mixed blood, and several would pass for white anywhere. There is no perceptible difference, in the aptness to learn, between the mulatto and his coal-black associate. Perhaps the latter sticks closest to the text-book, and is less disposed to investigate. But this may be owing to his superior tractability and habits of obedience. Some of the best students, male and female, are full-blooded Africans.

They read Greek and Latin, demonstrated problems in mathematics, discoursed upon international law and the Constitution, recited history, geography and grammar, and, in short, pursued successfully the curriculum of our highest schools.

To the questions propounded by the Board, too, they usually gave sensible and intelligent replies, showing powers of thought and self-reliance not commonly attributed to our colored people. Indeed, while it would be wrong to say that the recitations were perfect, yet it can truly be affirmed that they were highly creditable, and compared well with the examinations of our white institutions. Again we repeat, the decorum and behavior of the entire body of students indicated a most marked improvement, as compared with former years, and was unexceptionable.

The teachers are inferior to none in the State for thoroughness, patience and skill in imparting knowledge. They possess the confidence of the pupils, and, under the wise administration of President Ware, everything moves like clockwork, and no serious outbreak has ever occurred.

The discipline is mild, but resolute and excellent. We could detect, after seven years’ operation, not a stain upon the spotless floors, and no pencil defacement or knife-marks upon walls or furniture, while, on the contrary, everything was in print throughout the building.

There are now in attendance upon the Atlanta University 244 students in its various classes and departments, as follows: Regular College Students—Seniors 4, Juniors 10, Sophomores 3, Freshmen 7; total 24. In the Scientific School there are 6 students; in the Preparatory Department, 37. In the High Normal School, 72. In the Normal School proper, 104, and one post-graduate student. These sum up 244 pupils, as above stated.

Thirty-seven Alumni have gone forth from the University, thirty of whom are engaged in teaching, four are ministers or pastors of churches, two are mothers of young families, and one has deceased. It is a noteworthy fact, also, that every graduate is a professor of religion.

The resources of the University are derived from the annual appropriation of $8,000 made by the State, the donations of the American Missionary Association, amounting in the past year to $1,615.28, and one permanent scholarship of $300. Board per month, including tuition, room, fuel, lights and washing, is only twelve dollars, hardly sufficient to cover bare expenses, and certainly not affording one cent of revenue.

The students are required to sign a pledge to abstain from the use of liquor and tobacco; they enjoy the advantages of an excellent miscellaneous library, which contains some illustrated volumes and standard works very rare, and of great value. It was for the most part the gift of the late R. R. Graves, Esq., of New York, and contains 5,000 volumes.

On Tuesday, His Excellency, General A. H. Colquitt, was pleased to spend the morning in attendance upon the examinations of the University, and expressed himself highly gratified with the progress made by the pupils. At the close of the day’s exercises, President Ware invited him to address the assembled school. The Governor responded, in one of his emphatic, eloquent, sensible and touching talks, which was listened to with breathless attention, and repeatedly elicited unbounded applause. His advice to the pupils was paternal and faithful, while as a Christian he did not fail to point out to them the value and supreme necessity of the salvation of their immortal souls. It was an address that reflected more credit upon our worthy and popular chief magistrate than the grandest oration pronounced before the most august assemblage in the land. After he had concluded, several members of the Board of Visitors were invited to make remarks. Among those who responded were Judge W. D. Harden and Rev. T. G. Pond.

The exercises of the University of Atlanta closed June 27th with the usual commencement programme, and the delivery of diplomas and certificates to fifteen graduates.

The Lloyd Street Church was probably as closely jammed and artistically packed as ever were the contents of a sardine box. There were no vacant spaces, no possible squeezing in of another auditor, no interstice, window or aisle opening that did not have two occupants where one only could be comfortably accommodated. As a rule, too, the colored assemblage was well dressed and orderly, barring the occasional plaintive wails and impassioned screams of sundry pickaninnies who their mothers would insist should have a place in the picture.

The writer, unavoidably detained by other duties, did not arrive upon the scene until the exercises were considerably advanced. Then came the tug of war to reach his associates on the stage. He charged two or three times, but was ignominiously repulsed and hurled back, like chaff before the wind. But the bonhommie of those simple people was excellent, and tumbled and panting for breath, your correspondent at length reached the rostrum, and obtained a comfortable seat hard by.

It is sufficient to say that those it was our privilege to hear acquitted themselves with credit, and their enunciation and training as elocutionists evinced much care and skill on the part of the teachers of belles lettres in the University.

Some of the graduates, both male and female, are intelligent looking young people, and really exhibited powers of original thought in their essays and speeches that would have done no discredit to any institution in the country. Their manner and demeanor, too, was uniformly courteous and unexceptionable, and we confess to a very deep interest in their future welfare and career.

It is just as well that our people should at once fully grasp and comprehend the problem of the negro’s future. He is a citizen both of the United States and of the Commonwealth of Georgia, and possessed of equal rights and privileges with the most favored of the Anglo Saxon race. No law can be enacted which does not include and apply to him, and the freedman is now an essential and integral portion of the community. Hence, it should ever be the mission and duty of the superior race to treat him kindly, and to spare no pains to elevate this new element to its proper place in the body politic. They, equally with ourselves, help to make the law-givers and rulers of the country, and how can they act intelligently in the premises unless educated and duly qualified for the responsible trust, which, doubtless, was prematurely and unadvisedly thrust upon them by the gift of the ballot.

We must deal with circumstances as we find them, and not look backward, but forward and upwards. The negro race is a fixture in the South and will never die out, either by emigration to Liberia or from natural causes. It is susceptible of great improvement, and can be made largely conducive to the welfare and prosperity of the country.

The exercises over, President Ware, after a short, but singularly appropriate address, delivered the diplomas and certificates of scholarship to the fifteen graduates, remarking, that as they were printed in English they would not be in the predicament of some bachelors of arts who could not translate their own Latin diplomas. Thus ended the examinations and commencement of the Atlanta University.

We cannot, in all candor, pass on without again commending this institution to the good will and sympathy of the white people of Georgia. It is conducted upon proper and conservative principles. Its president and corps of instructors are honest, faithful and capable. Its pupils well behaved and exemplary. Its influence, we fully believe, will be for good to the African race, and it is to be hoped that the State will ever continue to bestow her patronage upon a foundation which is doing more than any other to elevate and bless the African race, which is destined to form an important element in the future politics and government of the country.

Lewis High School at Macon. Examinations and Entertainments.

MISS ANNETTE LYNCH.

It has been my happy privilege to visit this institution, after an absence of two years, and note the progress made by the pupils, as shown in the recent examinations and closing exercises of the school-year of 1878.

As a former teacher in the school, I was better able to judge of that progress than a stranger; and truly, looking back to those who were promising pupils then, but in lower classes, and seeing so many of them now in the highest class, and doing credit to themselves and teachers, is not only gratifying, but an encouragement to all who have taken an interest in the work here through all its vicissitudes. The school is now under the very able management of Rev. M. O. Harrington and wife, with Miss L. A. Abbott as assistant, and has ninety-three pupils enrolled. It is answering well the purpose of its establishment, viz.: To provide for colored pupils at Macon and surrounding places a higher education than the common-school, without the expense of going elsewhere.

The examinations on the 13th and 14th were listened to by a large number of the more intelligent of the colored patrons and friends of the school. Members of the press were also present, and showed themselves highly pleased. The pupils went through their examinations in all their various studies in a manner which showed they were perfectly familiar with all they had gone over in their text-books. All showed thoroughness and promptness, from the lowest to the highest class. Problems in algebra were demonstrated, axioms given, translations from Latin and English sentences analyzed and parsed, in a manner that did credit to teachers and scholars.

On the night of the 14th, a literary entertainment was given by the pupils, which included vocal and instrumental music, with essays, declamations, etc. Two allegories, “The Pilgrim’s Choice,” and “Light Hearts’ Pilgrimage,” deserve special notice, for not only the beautiful manner in which they were rendered, but for the life-lessons they taught, and the mental power developed by those who had so successfully learned their long and difficult parts. The essays, “Missed Lessons,” and “Little by Little,” and “No Excellence without Labor,” showed marked ability in the pupils, and a strong desire to aim high and persevere in their efforts to obtain greater advancement. The quartette singing was listened to with almost breathless attention; and, indeed, one could not help thinking that here was a band that, with proper training, might in time rival the famous Jubilee Singers. I am sure little Miss Kitchen, the youngest of the singers, would even now create a sensation in any audience; her fearlessly clear, high tones give promise of a “star” singer, could she have proper training.

Teachers and scholars deserve great credit for their efforts, and their merit is appreciated to that degree that they have been called upon to repeat the entertainment on the 17th.

A Bright Day in Athens.

MR. JOHN MCINTOSH.

May 24th, the closing exercises of my school came off. Between the hours of nine and four o’clock, over two hundred persons gathered into the Knox’s Institute, to witness the closing exercises and a spelling-match between my school and another from a different section of the city. Prof. A. Brumby, of the Georgia University, and the Mayor of Athens, were present. These distinguished visitors remained some hours, and, on leaving, spoke very encouragingly to my pupils and patrons. They said that they noticed many indications of progress and thoroughness.

Prof. Brumby said he was perfectly astonished, and so were his pupils who came with him. He said good work was being done at the Knox’s Institute, and he hoped that this work would continue. The Mayor said many good things, among which were these words: “You are not only being taught lessons in books, but also lessons of virtue and morality.” He bade us go on. My school beat in the spelling-match, and this encouraged my pupils greatly. The Athenians are awake. I shall return the latter part of June to labor for three months under the free-school system.

The Religious Work in Georgia.

REV. F. MARKHAM, SAVANNAH.

The religious work of the A. M. A. in Savannah and the vicinity has never been in as prosperous a condition since I have been here as at the present. The increase in the congregations and the membership has been greater than any previous year.

At Savannah, twenty-four have united with the church; fourteen children have been baptized. The Sabbath-school has more than doubled in numbers. Over two hundred scholars are enrolled; the average attendance is about one hundred and sixty.

Ogeechee Church, which is ten miles from Savannah, has received nineteen members. Brother McLean has the confidence and support of his people. He is doing a good work in the Sabbath-school. His wife is a good worker, and a great help, especially in the Sabbath-school. There are about fifty scholars in the school. They also teach a day-school and a night-school.

Plymouth Church, at Woodville, three miles west of Savannah, Rev. J. H. H. Sengstacke, pastor, has had an interesting work of grace in the Sabbath-school. Twenty-eight united with the church, mostly from the Sabbath-school, which has about seventy-five scholars. The day-school numbers now about fifty; in the winter it had a hundred; now the children have to work.

East Savannah is two-and-a-half miles from the city—a little village of colored people. A few whites are there, who live by selling liquor to the colored people. There are nearly three hundred children in that vicinity. The A. M. A., by the assistance of a Boston friend, built a little church there. J. H. Stephens, a student in my theological class, started a Sabbath-school, and preaches to the people. The children are very wild, though some have bright intellects, and can make useful men and women; but they are as uncultivated as the children in the centre of Africa. It is very hard to keep the attention of such children, and secure a regular attendance at school. Mrs. Markham and Hattie B. Markham and Mr. Floyd have been going out regularly every Sabbath to work in the East Savannah Sabbath-school. Sometimes they have had eighty or ninety scholars, then only forty or fifty; the average has been about sixty.

I can see a decided improvement in the conduct of the scholars. They come in and go out orderly, pay better attention, and begin to understand what a Sabbath-school is for; when they leave for home, they do not make such hideous noises, but go along the street more quietly. They have to be taught everything. There are thousands upon thousands of children in Georgia in the same condition. We hope soon to be able to organize a church at East Savannah, of twelve or fifteen members.

Belmont is four miles south-west from Savannah. The church here is supplied by Wilson Callen, a very faithful man of God. The church suffered here by a bad man, who preached for them, but was last year expelled from church. He claims to be a preacher still, and is doing what he can to draw the people away. The work is gradually improving, both in the church and Sabbath-school.

Louisville, two miles south-west of Savannah, has a church of about twenty-five, and a Sabbath-school of about the same number. Brother Callen supplies this work also, and is growing in the confidence of the people, and his school and congregation are increasing. We hope for a revival here.

Midway Church, in Liberty Co., is about thirty miles from Savannah; Rev. J. E. Smith, a graduate of Atlanta University, is pastor. This church is in a healthy and prosperous state. Since Rev. Floyd Snelson left here, to go to Africa, there have been added nine members. I hear many encouraging things about Brother Smith’s work there. There are now about two hundred and forty members. Here is a fine opportunity to do good. The most of the people are securing permanent homes. The colored people need to be taught to act and think for themselves, and feel responsibility.

There is great need of more help here. The day-school ought to have additional help. There is a necessity for a woman of cultivation. All mission work is like a child—it must grow or die. I hope the people at the North are not willing we shall die.

ALABAMA.

Two Ordinations at Talladega—How Churches Begin and Grow.

REV. GEO. E. HILL, MARION.

I have just had the pleasure of attending two ordinations of colored men, the first of the kind I ever witnessed. These young men were recent graduates of Talladega College, and, having only last week attended the examinations in the Theological Department of this institution, in charge of Prof. Andrews, I was prepared for at least a respectable appearance on their part.

But the event exceeded expectation. In the first instance the examination of the candidate continued through two hours and was very searching and thorough, the council consisting in part of three college professors.

The young brother maintained his self-possession, and appeared almost as much at home in theology as if he had been a professor himself. Indeed, I may say of both these brethren, in all my remembrance of ordinations at the North, I have seldom seen a candidate for the sacred office appear better on the whole.

It is truly inspiring to behold the work which such a college as this is doing for the colored race, not only in providing good schools and teachers, but in raising up an intelligent ministry, and in planting the right kind of Christian churches.

Here, for example, at A., where we were the other day, there is the old established Episcopal Church, for white folks, and, perhaps, a colored church or two, where “faith” is more insisted on than “works.” A new order now comes in, which is at first looked upon with distrust as an innovation. A church is organized with eight or ten members. Preaching is statedly kept up by students from the college. The congregation steadily increases; and, in three years, partly through the exertions of the members, and partly by the kindly aid of the “Iron Company,” a neat little chapel is built, with a miniature parsonage alongside. A pastor is called, and an ordination takes place, conducted with as much solemnity and decorum as if it were in the suburbs of New York or Boston. The people outside look on. Strangers are attracted in. Distrust gives place to respect. The influence is contagious. Shiftlessness and immorality have been exchanged for industry and thrift. Society is reconstructed. “The tree is known by its fruits.”

May the good work go on, and such trees and such fruit be multiplied a thousand fold!

I was grieved to learn that, in the case of one of these young pastors, with a wife and child, all the pay he expects to receive is fifteen dollars a month from the A. M. A.

Closing Days of Emerson Institute—Algebra—“Lower ’Strumties” and the Ledger.

MISS S. J. IRWIN, MOBILE.

The school at Mobile closed satisfactorily. Public examinations were held on the last two days. The interest manifested by the attendance of the people was highly gratifying, and as some of the examinations were beyond the understanding of the majority of the audience, it was noticeable that they should have remained during the day at the expense of their dinners, and a number of the working men at the expense of a day’s income, in order to show their appreciation of what was being done for their children.

There were examinations in all studies pursued during the year; and the commendable degree of faithfulness and zeal which has been the marked characteristic of the scholars, was evinced at the close.

The advanced grammar-class ended its lesson with the correction, on the black-board, of a letter by a colored candidate for office, recently published; the class gave rules for its criticisms and explanations.

An algebra-class was reported by a Southern lady of high intelligence, who had taught that branch for a number of years, as the best she ever heard, doing credit to any class or grade of scholars.

The exercises of the primary room, also, elicited much comment on the careful drill that had been bestowed in the endeavor to convey the spirit of study, and not alone the “letter” thereof, although the “Busy Bees” were not far in advance of that fundamental branch of education. They could readily grasp the fact, in the physiological lecture, of the different parts of the body, although their undeveloped articulation could only pronounce the arms and limbs as the “upper” and “lower ’strumties.”

A white gentleman of much educational experience, who has charge of an academy for young men, left his own duties to be present during the last day; and his final address to the pupils was pleasingly commendatory of their progress and attainments.

In his original and epigrammatic manner he told them to go ahead, and get beyond these lazy white boys, who liked to have so much done for them—for you can do it! He had tried to shame his boys before, by telling what the Emerson Institute scholars could do, and he surely could now. He concluded, urging them not to forget to bring, and the parents to send, the little tuition money which came due once in a while, and was so small a recompense for what they received.

A paper was read by two of the oldest scholars, entitled “Emerson Institute Ledger,” for which the subscription price was readily paid, which was announced to be “undivided attention, payable in advance.” Some members of the audience offered to pay for the paper if it could be regularly issued.

Addresses by ministers and others followed the examinations; the school sang “Gathering Home”; the circulars announcing the next year’s school-work were distributed; the hope was expressed of seeing the familiar faces again after these intervening months of vacation; the Lord’s Prayer chanted; the benediction; warm and tearful words of farewell between pupils and teachers, and the doors closed upon another year’s work.

MISSISSIPPI.

The Year at Tougaloo University—Results and Reforms.

REV. G. STANLEY POPE, PRINCIPAL.

As we look back over the school-year, we have every reason to feel that it has been a successful year.

The health of the teachers has been good; their devotion to the work unsurpassed, and their success in the school-room everything that could be expected.

The general health of the school has kept up well. There were only two serious cases of sickness, and no deaths, for which we are very thankful to our protecting Father. None were even obliged to leave school on this account.

The attendance from abroad has been much larger than usual, and those attending have uniformly been anxious to remain during the whole session.

We graduated our first class this year, and there has been quite a class spirit developed, so that there is a strong desire on the part of the pupils to remain in school and graduate in the classes that they are now in.

The religious work has not been marked by as many conversions as we had hoped to see; but there has been great progress made in Christian activity in certain directions, especially in Sunday-school Work and Temperance Reform.

The Sabbath before Commencement we spent in Sunday-school Convention. Steps were taken to organize a Sunday-school Union, which promises to greatly enlarge our usefulness to those in the surrounding country. No such work has ever before been undertaken.

In our temperance work we were opposed at the outset by the leading students. For some time it looked as though we were not going to bring them to the point of taking a stand, even after they were brought to see that the people were being ruined by strong drink. But the victory was most complete. Students who had to leave before the year closed, sent back for pledges. They were hard at work in the temperance reform. When school closed, every one who was going out to teach, and many others, took pledges, and went out enthusiastic to their new field of labor. This seems to us the peculiar feature of our work this year outside the school-room.

The work in the school-room has been marked by thoroughness. Gen. J. A. Smith, State Superintendent of Education, writes me: “Only having attended your exercises one day, I am hardly prepared to give anything more than impressions hastily formed. I will say, however, those were all favorable. The examinations of the classes, so far as I heard them, especially in mathematics, surpassed my expectations * * * Judging from the order and system exhibited, I was led to believe that the discipline of the institution was excellent.”

Nothing could more fitly have followed the instructions of the year than Rev. W. S. Alexander’s address, on Commencement Day, on “Natural and Acquired Right.” It was full of interest and wise application.

LOUISIANA.

“Here am I; Send Me, Send Me.”

One of many Applications.

June 24, 1878.

Prof. A. K. Spence:

Dear Sir—I just received a catalogue from Fisk University, and I must frankly express myself as gratified at the noble work that is being accomplished by Fisk University.

I am anxious to attend the University so as to prepare myself as a missionary to Africa. I have a poor mother, and I am her only support, and I know not how I shall ever be able to make preparations.

Let me know the provisions made for those preparing to go on mission.

I have made quite an advancement in the English branches, but desire to pursue the High Normal course proscribed in your institute, and also the studies of the theological course.

I feel that I must go to Africa. “Here am I; send me, send me.”

See what can be done for me. I can bring certificates of my advancement made, and also of character. I shall patiently wait to hear from you, and trust you will not forget me.

Your brother in Christ,

F. C. L.

FROM NEW ORLEANS TO NEW YORK.

REV. W. S. ALEXANDER.

The Commencement season, marking the completion of a year’s work and the beginning of welcome and needed rest to the teachers in the South, is now well over, and those who have wrought so faithfully during the year, are enjoying the quiet of their Northern homes. While en route to New York, it was my pleasure to visit several of our most prominent institutions, and I shall be glad to speak of what I saw. By way of preface, let me say of

STRAIGHT UNIVERSITY

that the school-year closed happily and successfully. The examinations, which are the best test of scholarship and progress, gave great satisfaction to our friends, and the teachers were glad and grateful to feel that the year’s work had been a good one. We graduated ten young men from the Law Department, of whom eight were white, showing the appreciation of the manner in which this department is conducted. It is entirely self-supporting, the professors accepting the fees of the students as their compensation. Next year we anticipate a class of twenty-five. We graduated three young ladies from the Academic Department. They were superior scholars, and will be successful teachers. At our annual exhibition, and at the Commencement exercises on a subsequent evening, an audience of 800 were in attendance, to show by their presence their deep interest in the prosperity of our beloved institution.

Leaving New Orleans on Tuesday evening, June 4th, we were met at Jackson, Miss., by Brother Pope, with whom we went to

TOUGALOO.

What a delightful location! my first thought was. It does not require a great degree of self-denial to spend the winter in such a retreat as this. The mission-house is situated in the centre of a plantation of five hundred acres, and the approach to it is through a superb grove or forest of oaks, festooned with Spanish moss. Coming from parched and dry New Orleans, where the sun smites so fiercely in midsummer, the country around Tougaloo seemed delightfully fresh and cool. I found teachers and pupils in the midst of their annual examinations. I was impressed with the faithfulness and thoroughness of the instruction given here. There was no “coaching” and no prompting, but every student was put to a fair test of scholarship and proficiency. The singing was an important and interesting feature of Commencement week. Tougaloo could send out its troop of Jubilee Singers, who would win general favor. Great credit is due to the teachers of vocal and instrumental music. The institution, already in such good condition, should have, at the earliest day, increased accommodations for boarding-scholars, enabling them to receive a larger number of mature pupils from all parts of Mississippi. From Tougaloo I went to

SELMA, ALA.,

for a day only. This is one of the prettiest towns in Alabama. The county has a dense negro population, so that the school must always have abundant patronage. It was pleasant to find here Mr. Silsby, whose father was an efficient worker in the same field many years. Mr. Burrell, who is still living, has the great satisfaction of knowing that his benevolent gift has been so fruitful of good results. I reached

TALLADEGA

in time for my appointment on Sunday. This was another surprise to me. Situated in the mountain region of Alabama, with a grand outlook on every side, with fresh breezes from the hills, and with valleys clothed with verdure, it certainly seemed as though a Divine hand guided in the choice of this favored site. The Baccalaureate sermon by the college pastor, Rev. Mr. Hickox, was able and timely. The examinations were full of interest, and brought out the real merit of the instruction and the zeal and diligence of the students. I was particularly pleased with the theological examination conducted by Rev. Mr. Andrews. It covered a wide range of study, and showed that the young men had been taught to think and reason for themselves. I noticed with great satisfaction, in the boarding department, the orderly and polite deportment of the seventy-five young men and women who gather three times a day in the same dining-hall. It was like a quiet Christian family. The training received here will be beyond value, and will reach many families in the State. Were a boarding department not necessary, it would be very desirable for the culture of manners and the direct influence on character of the association of the sexes.

MEMPHIS.

It was a long and wearisome journey to Tennessee. I was never sure of making a railroad connection, as we do on the grand trunk lines. Le Moyne Institute has an interesting history. Dr. Le Moyne, the noted Cremationist, was the generous benefactor of this institution. Without him, it would not now exist. I was too late for the examinations, but in time for the Commencement exercises. They were held in the pretty Congregational Church, and were highly creditable. I found here a company of live, enthusiastic teachers. The mission-house is a most home-like place, and it was not difficult for me, on inquiring of citizens, to ascertain that Le Moyne Institute is thoroughly prized in Memphis. With the same corps of teachers as now, they can hardly fail of success. Here, as in many other points in the South, dormitories are urgently needed. They cannot secure, without them, the best class of students, and the school will remain, at best, a High or Normal School, when it might be the College, in West Tennessee, for the colored people. If some man of Dr. Le Moyne’s generosity would put up a fine building for a dormitory, he would be planting seed-corn which would yield many harvests in the coming years. A fact which touches our hearts at every repetition of it, is that, years ago, during the yellow-fever epidemic, two of the teachers heroically remained at their posts and ministered to those smitten with the fever, and cheerfully paid the forfeit with their lives. Such men and women are made of “good stuff,” and the cause they represent has a right to popular sympathy and support.

With regard to our general work in the South, I was glad to notice everywhere quickened zeal, followed by greatly increased prosperity. I believe the good work among the freedmen was never so efficient as to-day, and never so richly deserved the hearty sympathy and generous benefactions of the good people of the North. As it is no time to sound a retreat when an army has gained its earliest victories, so it is no time, in the work of education and evangelization among the freedmen in the South, to repress zeal or to slacken effort, or to retrench where retrenchment would be fatal; but to push forward till the highest results are achieved.