THE SOUTH.

Rev. Joseph E. Roy, D.D., Field Superintendent.

Prof. Albert Salisbury, Superintendent of Education.

ANNIVERSARY REPORTS.

HAMPTON INSTITUTE.

BY MISS HELEN W. LUDLOW.

The fourteenth anniversary of Hampton Institute was observed on May 24. The morning was devoted as usual to examinations and recitations, with exhibitions of the products of the various industrial departments and their operation. The Senior class was examined in political economy and civil government, literature, ancient history, arithmetic and algebra. They did very creditably, stimulated by the occasion, as is usual, to do their best. They had undergone less brilliantly, but on the whole fairly well, a severer test during three days previous, of written and oral examinations, conducted by or before an invited examining committee, consisting of Prof. Samuel Elliot, LL.D., late Superintendent of schools in Boston, and Prof. Albert Salisbury, Superintendent of Education for the American Missionary Association Schools. The general average of the class on the subjects marked by Prof. Salisbury (arithmetic and political economy) was 70 and a fraction, several standing from 90 to 93. Dr. Eliot’s eyes not allowing him to inspect papers closely, the others were marked by Mrs. E. N. L. Walton of Boston, who came down to conduct for the third time the annual Normal Institute at Hampton for its Senior class and graduates.

The under classes had their customary reviews. The Indian classes were special attractions, as usual, particularly the division of latest comers, in which some tiny girls and solemn braves emulated each other in telling, in unexceptionable English, what went into and out of a remarkably omnivorous bag, and what evolutions were performed by its various contents; their teacher winning Dr. Eliot’s enthusiastic declaration that “her praises ought to be sounded from the gutter to the university.” The Indians also did well in geography, history, arithmetic and an elementary botany class. The little kitchen-gardeners from the Butler School were as captivating as usual in their white pinafores and red turbans and housekeeping accomplishments. The center of the industrial exhibition was the Stone Memorial building; handsome wood work, turned moldings, flooring, doors, sashes, etc., from the “Huntington Industrial Works;” shoes ready for filling the contract for agency supplies; shining tinware from the “Indian Training Shop,” sets of harness from the same; desks, settees, tables and cupboards made for the school, and a neatly painted sign—all the work of Indian and colored apprentices, whose names, with the period of their training, from five months to three years, were indicated on cards affixed to their respective productions. The wheelwright and blacksmith shops showed similarly ax-helves, wheels and iron work, and outside the door two gaily painted farm carts proclaimed the skill of Indian and Negro mechanics. The tailoring department showed suits of clothes made by colored and Indian hands. The girls of both races were represented by very neat sewing and inviting-looking cake. The farm products had a table to themselves; early vegetables, grains and grasses. An interesting exhibit was that of the little carpenters from the Butler School, a couple of miniature frame houses, clap-boarded and painted, with sets of tables, desks and chairs for furnishing.

The Normal School Press office had its own exhibit of printing and book binding. The press was running, the student compositors, boys and girls at their cases, and the veteran United States soldier at his book-binder’s table.

The various shops were all in operation through part of the morning, and many visitors walked through them to see the Afric-American, native African and Indian apprentices working side by side at their various trades in the commodious quarters in which most are at last accommodated. Some extended their walk to the barn to visit the stock.

The afternoon exercises in Whitin Chapel and Virginia Hall consisted, as usual, of essays by the graduating class and former graduates, with music by the school choir, a recitation of one of Whittier’s poems by a modest ladylike Indian girl of the Junior class, and a talk in the Sioux language by one of the three young Indian fathers now in training with their families at Hampton. His wife and baby boy stood admiring listeners in the doorway, ready to vanish when the applause of the latter became too vociferous. The Indian said impressively (interpreted by a school mate), “You all know that when a man walks in darkness, if he sees a light somewhere he will go to it; so I want you all to have compassion on us and teach us more of your knowledge. I am always thinking about the good news. I came myself to learn how to tell the good news to my people and show them the right way. We know that you have helped us, but we need more help. If anybody told you to do something you never had done before, could you do it at once? They will have to tell you three or four times before you know how to do it. My friends, that is just the way with the Indians.”

Diplomas were presented to the twenty-eight members of the graduating class. Interesting speeches followed by several of the invited guests. Prof. Newell, Superintendent of the Maryland State Normal school in Baltimore, Dr. Eliot, Rev. Dr. Furber of Newton, Mass., Rev. Dr. Mix of Fall River, Rev. Dr. Burrows and Rev. Mr. Spiller of Norfolk, the last, a colored minister, all made very enthusiastic and telling impromptu addresses under the inspiration of the occasion.

The average attendance of pupils for the year just past, has been 510, of which 110 have been Indians. The work done compares favorably with that of former years. The annual reports of the Principal, teachers and heads of industrial departments, published in the June number of the Southern Workman, and still more fully in pamphlet form, with the treasurer’s report, give many interesting details of Hampton’s work and prospects.

FISK UNIVERSITY, NASHVILLE.

MISS ANNA M. CAHILL.

On Sunday, May 20, the baccalaureate sermon was preached in the chapel of Livingstone Missionary Hall. This and all the other exercises of Commencement had the added interest of being the first held in our new building—a building in whose beauty and usefulness for school purposes we have rejoiced all the year.

Ten young people—three graduating from the higher normal course and seven from the college course—listened to the earnest words of President Cravath, spoken especially to them, from John 14:23, on the power and need of an inner life of communion with God.

The annual missionary meeting which is always held by the missionary society on the evening of Commencement Sunday, was duly observed. Tidings had reached us of the illness of Secretary Woodworth, who was to have given the missionary address, and, failing to supply his place, we were thrown back upon our own existing missionary zeal, which, we were glad to find, burned brightly enough upon the home hearth to make a solemn, impressive hour of this last Sunday service.

Our Commencement week happened to coincide with “military week” in Nashville, for which great preparation had been made, and the city was gaily decorated with the national colors, and crowded with people. We had feared the effect of the excitement on the school, but found no cause for anxiety. Our pupils were too much absorbed in their work to be drawn away by the attractions of the parade ground, and our audiences seemed not to be much increased or diminished by the event. The class admitted to college on Monday evening numbers eight, three of whom are children of professors in the university. Among the essays and orations of the evening, were pleas to imaginary millionaires in the audience for a gymnasium, a conservatory of music and other improvements. Thus the incoming classes are seeing needs and making demands which the university has no means of meeting.

On Tuesday there drove up to the door of Livingstone Hall a furniture wagon, from which was unloaded a suspicious-looking rectangular box addressed to Prof. A. K. Spence. Strange that through the law of association so much of harmony can be suggested by so simple a geometrical form. Curious eyes watched the opening, and saw with delight on lifting the top a handsome Steinway square grand piano. It was carried into the chapel and placed upon the platform. Rumor said it was a gift, but nothing further could be learned until Commencement day.

In the midst of the exercises of the higher normal graduation on Wednesday evening, Secretary Woodworth entered and took a retired seat on the platform. His health was so far restored as to enable him to travel, though not in time to reach us before Sunday. The alumni address, which formed part of the programme of the evening, was given by Prof. McPherron. After this Secretary Woodworth was called out from his retirement and spoke for a few minutes. The list of alumni was read, the present work of each stated and the announcement made that steps had already been taken by the alumni to raise gradually a sufficient sum to endow a professorship in the university.

The last great day, Thursday, was as perfect as clear skies and fresh, dustless air could make it. A large audience of both white and colored people assembled early. The young men marched to Jubilee Hall, and a procession was there formed to return to the chapel. The British flag was draped over the platform on this birthday of England’s queen, and the room was bright with terraces of flowering plants. The seven young people who appeared as candidates for a degree represent many years of work on the part of student and teacher; the average length of time spent in the institution by members of the class is seven years. The one young lady took for her theme, the great field of work opening before and among the girls of the South and the necessary training for that work. Spoken from her standpoint her words were full of solemn meaning. After the graduates had finished their part, we listened eagerly to the address of Dr. Washington Gladden on the causes of poverty, ignorance and vice—the threefold evil against which we are fighting.

When the final piece of music had been sung, Prof. Spence asked permission to say a few words, and after some rapid wheeling of pianos to certain places on the platform, announced that Mrs. General Fisk had presented the new piano for the chapel of Livingstone Hall. Its companion was given by the same lady some years ago for the parlors of Jubilee Hall. Mention was made of the many other gifts of Mrs. Fisk, and a vote of gratitude for her kindness was heartily given by the entire audience. To afford an opportunity to hear both pianos together, Mendelssohn’s wedding march was played as a quartet.

A prominent Southern gentleman of Nashville, himself a former slaveholder, was present for the first time with other invited guests at the alumni dinner, and spoke warmly, cordially and strongly for our work. The most encouraging comment that I have heard on the exercises of the week was made by a former student, who was present: “It seems to me that every Commencement is better than the last.” So may it continue to be while Fisk University stands.

TALLADEGA COLLEGE.

BY REV. C. L. WOODWORTH, D.D.

Talladega, in Eastern Central Alabama, is a bright village of a thousand people, lying high up among the hills, away from the malaria which lurks in the valleys below. The air is soft and bracing, the water pure and sweet, and the whole region eminently beautiful. Here Talladega College was founded in 1867. The college is beautiful for situation, and in this respect would contest the palm with any institution we have, except possibly, Fisk at Nashville. Encircled on all sides by green mountain ranges, lying far up among the hills, it is one of the most inviting and salubrious spots in the State, and must have been foreordained as the site of a college.

The institution is well equipped for work. Stone Hall, Swayne Hall, Graves Hall, and Foster Hall are solid and comely, and have accommodated more than 298 students the present year. And of the campus, on which Swayne Hall sits, shaded with superb water oaks, it must be said we know of nothing finer in the South. Connected with the college is a farm of some 200 acres, mostly cultivated by the young men. Here they learn the art, as well as the science of farming, and here the supplies for the students’ table are principally raised.

It may be doubted whether any school of the A. M. A. is occupying a more needy field, or has around it a larger constituency. Alabama has a colored population of some 630,000, for whom Talladega College is the only institution in the State offering to them the advantages of the higher education. For the supply of trained teachers, of educated ministers, and of intelligent and reliable leaders—for this immense multitude Talladega must be the main reliance. The college, therefore, has a mission at its own doors, and for the present has more than it can do to meet the home demand. Its students are scattered throughout the State, as teachers and preachers, and their influence is felt in every public interest.

The Faculty of the college is able, clear-headed and intensely in earnest. President De Forest is an enthusiast in his work. Scholarly, inspiring, magnetic and full of faith in the capacity of the negro for the finest culture, and to reach the highest manhood, he does not mind the isolation of his position, nor the ostracism attending it, but finds perpetual joy in seeing the good work prosper in his hands.

It was my good fortune to be present during parts of three days in Commencement week, though not permitted to witness the exercises on Commencement day. Of the general air of the school there can be only words of praise. The quiet of the students on the campus, on the streets, in the class rooms, the self-respect in their bearing everywhere manifest, was a token both of the discipline of the school and of the spirit of the scholars. We heard creditable examinations in grammar, in Virgil, in the evidences of Christianity and in the life of Christ. But the exercise which interested us most was the reading of six or seven essays by members of the theological class. These papers, we were assured, had received scarcely any alteration in passing through the hands of the professor. They were clear, sharp, radical in thinking and independent in style and expression. Two college presidents were brought to the bar of criticism, and it really looked as if the students had the best of the argument. Yet there was no appearance of arrogance or of self-conceit; only the air of honest, thoughtful men.

The class of students as a whole seemed made up of earnest, aspiring youth, eager for an education and willing to make every possible sacrifice in order to secure it. As an instance, I saw a man in the grammar school, somewhere from thirty-five to forty years of age, who will work in the foundry six months or a year, and then will take his earnings and go to school as long as they will last. This he has been repeating for years. Another was pointed out to me who had worked on the farm a whole year, and then was using up his credits in schooling and board.

I should not give a complete idea of the college unless I spoke particularly of its religious tone. This is of the highest, and was especially satisfactory. President De Forest is a man of profound religious convictions, and has not the slightest faith in education which does not include the moral as well as the intellectual character. Hence the Bible is put underneath all the courses of instruction, and religion made the practical and ever-present duty of the daily life.

Talladega, like so many other institutions, needs endowments for its various chairs of instruction. For lack of these it is sadly limited in the good it might accomplish, and its Faculty are badly handicapped and bearing burdens which are making them old before their time. Let me whisper into the ear of men who are asking what they shall do with the wealth committed to their care: Here is an object worthy of their largest charity, and, at the same time, an object most needy and most appealing. Let them give to this thousands and tens of thousands, and they will make no mistake.

STRAIGHT UNIVERSITY, NEW ORLEANS.

REV. W. S. ALEXANDER, D.D.

It would, we believe, be the judgment of the Faculty and the public, that the past year has been one of exceptional prosperity. Our catalogue shows a roll of 380 names with an average attendance larger than any previous year. The examinations in the Law Department came first in order. The ordeal was severe, certainly a fair test of legal reading, and fidelity to lectures. Ten young men, eight white and two colored, met this ordeal with great credit to themselves and their instructors, and received their degree of Bachelor of Law. They have since been admitted by the Supreme Court to practice in all the courts of the State. It should be mentioned as a sign of growth in public sentiment, that one of the Professors in the Law Department, a native Charlestonian, has lately published a Book on Admiralty Law, and on the title page appended to his name the following: “Professor of Commercial Law, Equity, and Admiralty in Straight University.” The Sumner Literary Society was addressed by Gen. R. B. Elliot, formerly in Congress from South Carolina. He is one of the most eloquent representatives of the colored race. His treatment of the theme “The Advance of Civilization in the United States,” was able, eloquent, and scholarly. It was a rare pleasure to listen to him. He was a friend of Charles Sumner, and the dead statesman had no more eloquent eulogist than he. Our Alumni Association was addressed by Rev. A. E. P. Albert, of the class of ’81. His oration was a careful defense of the negro against the rude and savage assaults recently made upon him. A poem was delivered by Mr. Colwell, of Baton Rouge, of the class of ’79. It possessed real poetic merit, and was gracefully delivered. He was cheered to the echo. It was interesting to observe the hearty enthusiasm of the audience over “the coming poet.” The Annual Exhibition at the University Chapel, under the direction of our most faithful and efficient Dean, was a great success. The Chapel was crowded to excess, and a happier audience is seldom gathered.

Our Commencement on Tuesday evening in Central Church was an indication both of the excellence and efficiency of the instruction afforded by the University, and the strong hold which the school has gained in the public regard and appreciation. The large auditorium was crowded. A fair estimate of the audience would place it at 800, and they remained with delighted attention from 8 o’clock to 11 o’clock. Four young men and one young woman graduated from the Classical Department, and two young men from the Higher English Department. Their orations were well and carefully written, showing mature thought and manly convictions. It was certainly suggestive of the possibilities of the race to see the manly bearing of these young people, and to hear them treat with real ability and eloquence such themes as “The first Century of the Republic,” “The Survival of the Fittest,” “Pride of Race” and “Head Workers and Hand Workers.” To those who have a chronic habit of detracting from the abilities of the negro we say, “beat them if you can.” It was a delightful feature of Commencement that the son of our beloved dean took his diploma in the Higher English Department, and delivered an oration on “The Future Fields of Conquest in Science,” which did credit to his heart and his head. We departed from our usual custom in conferring upon two of our graduates the degree of Bachelor of Science. It was the judgment of the Faculty and our Board of Trustees that this should be done. The young men have devoted several years to classical and scientific study in the University; their scholarship has averaged 9¼ on a scale of 10, and they have pursued such special studies as the Faculty have assigned them. At the close of the regular examination a special examination was appointed for them before a committee of the Board of Trustees, in whose presence they also read a scientific thesis, the one on “Applied Electricity” and the other on “The Copernican System.” Thus closes another school year, and we are able to say as never before: “Hope is in the ascendant” for our beloved University. Service this year has been a joy, and Almighty God has crowned that service with his blessing. To Him be all the glory.

TOUGALOO UNIVERSITY.

The assembling of the Sunday-school and the study of the lesson entitled Paul and Barnabas in Cyprus, with “Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them,” as its key-note, seemed a most fitting introduction to the Commencement exercises upon the close of which a large number of the students were to go forth to their summer’s work.

Following the Sunday-school exercises, and in keeping with the custom of previous anniversaries of this institution, a Sabbath-school convention was held, in which was discussed a variety of topics calculated to stimulate and aid the students in their Sunday-school work. These exercises were enjoyed by a large number of people, many of whom were from a distance.

At 7:30 P.M. the chapel was again filled. The well-drilled choir sang “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills” in a way to inspire all present. The sermon to the graduating class was upon the words, “Return to thine own house and show how great things God hath done unto thee.”

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday were occupied with the oral examinations of the different departments. These examinations were well sustained by the students, who gave good evidence that their instructors had been faithful and thorough in their work. The attendance of visitors upon the examinations was good, but as the last day drew near, large numbers arrived by every train. Many came by their own conveyances. One persistent young man, a former student, eager to attend the Commencement, came a distance of thirty miles on foot. On Wednesday evening the audience room was filled with an expectant throng. The exhibition which called it together was greatly enjoyed, and reflected much credit upon those charged with the laborious task of planning and training and bringing it to pass.

When Thursday morning dawned, many more were added to the number of visitors already present. The audience assembled promptly at 11 o’clock. Members of the State Board of Visitors, with other distinguished guests, were upon the platform. The music by the choir elicited much praise. Three young men and two young women having completed the Elementary Normal Course were graduated, receiving certificates of fitness to teach the common English branches. Five others were appointed to supplement the programme of literary exercises.

The essays and orations presented covered the following range of topics: “The Teachers;” “Genius and Success;” “Whitewash;” “Why a Young Man Should Seek a Thorough Education;” “The Material Advancement of the South;” “The Cause of Temperance;” “As You Would Have It;” “The Study of Physical Science;” “The American Missionary Association;” “Home.” The Principal of the Normal Department then presented certificates to the graduating class, setting forth in a few well chosen and emphatic words the nature of these certificates, of the step the graduates had taken, and that there was more beyond. Col. J. L. Power, editor of the Clarion, a man of wide influence in the State and a staunch friend of the school, spoke on behalf of the State Board of Visitors, of which he is the Secretary. He paid a glowing tribute to the work of the school and of the American Missionary Association. In referring to the essay on “Whitewash,” he said there was no whitewashing done at Tougaloo—that it was the genuine stuff. Referring to the oration on the American Missionary Association, he said he had known considerable about the Association and its work, but that he was amazed at the magnitude of its work. In closing his speech, which also was without “whitewash,” he said it would be the pleasure of the Board of Visitors at the meeting of the next Legislature to ask for at least as large an appropriation as the institution had received for the last two years. Rev. Dr. C. B. Galloway, Editor of the Southern Christian Advocate, was then introduced. He commended the work of the institution and expressed his satisfaction with the original, direct, practical, common-sense way in which the essays and orations had been written and presented. He was impressed with the absence of grandiloquent gush, so characteristic of the youthful mind on Commencement platforms.

After the Commencement dinner the graduating class held their “Ivy Exercise,” which consisted of a class song, class poem, planting the ivy and an address by a member of the Faculty.

In the evening R. W. Jackson, class of ’80, delivered the address before the Alumni, on “Decision.” It was well written and full of interest. At its close Mr. G. W. Jackson of Whiteside, Tenn., a former student, and Miss Rosa McCutcheon of Chattanooga, Tenn., class of ’82, stepped upon the Commencement platform and were united in Christian marriage, constituting by this sacred tie a Christian family. Thus closed a most successful year of faithful work.

THEOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT, HOWARD UNIVERSITY.

REV. J. G. CRAIGHEAD, D.D.

The anniversary exercises were held in the Fourth Presbyterian Church, Washington City, May 4, when six young men who had completed the regular three years’ course of study received the usual certificate of the department. Five delivered addresses before a large audience, and were subsequently complimented by many of the most judicious friends of the race who were present, for the discriminating and just treatment of their subjects, and for their evident improvement of the advantages of instruction which they had enjoyed. One of the graduates sails in June for Africa, as a missionary of the Presbyterian Board; another is waiting an opportunity to labor on the same continent; the remaining four go to the wide and needy field in the South—each in a different State, so great is the demand for capable laborers.

The past year has been one of marked favor and prosperity to the department. Thirty-four students have been under instruction, and there has been no interruption in study, by reason of sickness, either on the part of professors or students. The location of the institution on the high ground north of the city, overlooking both it and the Potomac River, is most conducive to health, while it secures the quiet essential to educational work. With a complete and regularly systematized course of studies extending over three years; with six Professors (thanks to the wise liberality of the American Missionary Association) imparting instruction in all the branches of study pursued in like theological seminaries in this country, pious young men can here be prepared to become effective workmen for Christ, either at home or abroad. As these advantages become better known to those wishing to study for the ministry, we may expect that an increased number will seek to profit by them.

And this is desirable for many reasons. With our present facilities we could equally well instruct twice or thrice the present number did the men present themselves having the proper preliminary education for the study of theology. Our greatest need is scholarships, both to secure this elementary training and to assist students while in the theological department. Without some aid, but few can obtain a proper education for usefulness in the university. Not much is required, as compared with what white students require and receive, but this little is necessary to stimulate personal effort, and to help them over insurmountable obstacles on the road to useful knowledge. Is there a cheaper or better way for patriots or Christians to solve this social, political, moral and religious problem?

WILMINGTON, N.C.

BY MR. W. H. THRALL.

Perhaps the tendency of this people is to give much prominence to showy performances. We have aimed this year in Wilmington to check this, and not to allow preparations for the “exhibition” to interrupt regular recitation-room work.

The scholars were early given to understand that the last monthly examinations would be more than usually difficult; that they would be oral as well as written, and that very much would depend upon the results. The last four days of the school year were given up to the examinations. If the readers of The American Missionary could have hurried through the deep sands of Wilmington’s streets, to our school building on one of those days, they would have seen four rooms crowded with anxious workers, telling with tongue or pen, what they had been learning during the months past.

Some of the pupils, after writing steadily for two or three hours at a time begged the privilege of continuing their work at the noon recess and after school hours. The papers spoke for the thoroughness of the work that they had done.

Upon the walls were hung map drawings, specimens of penmanship and of freehand drawing, that would compare well with exhibits which I have seen in rooms of the same grades in the best schools in the North. In the First Primary Room were two things of especial interest: a table covered with needle-work made by the smallest girls of the school, and two sets of papers placed side by side, showing the penmanship, spelling, figures, etc., of the same pupil in October, 1882, and in May, 1883. The work of the pupils of that room at the number-table, and their writing and reading, encourage us that there is reason for hope in the coming generation of colored people.

The closing exercises of the school were held Tuesday evening, May 29th. The hall, the aisles, entries, doors and windows were crowded. The men even climbed the verandas to reach us. The pupils had flooded us with the choicest flowers, grasses and foliage, and the hall was beautifully decorated. The part the pupils had in adorning it spoke well for their taste. At the appointed time the audience of between four and five hundred was called to order, and the programme commenced. For two hours and a half the throng sat or stood, listening to recitations, declamations, dialogues, essays, one oration, songs, etc. I wish the people of the North who question the promise of this race could have been present. There was hardly one hesitation in the recitations; the essays and oration showed thought and good English; and little boys and girls gave concert recitations in perfect unison.

Important features of the programme were, a tableau called “The tempted boy and the guardian angel,” designed to give an object lesson on temperance, and an illustrated poem by pupils of the Grammar and Normal Room. Both of these exercises proved the pupils’ readiness to understand and their quickness to execute. The teacher in charge had but little time to teach them, yet everything was done with ease and rapidity.

The evening’s entertainment was a fresh exhibit to us all of the talent and the tact that lie dormant in this race, which is to be the ruling race in twelve States at no distant day; and we bade “good-bye” to our pupils with new courage to go on with a work which must be slow, but is essential to the very life of our country.

EMERSON INSTITUTE, MOBILE, ALA.

BY MISS HELEN D. BARTON.

Anniversary exercises at Emerson Institute, May 25th. The much-talked-of and long-looked-for last day of school had come. Though it was the last day many of the last things had already been done. The last hour of hard study was over, the last recitation heard, the last examination paper marked. The two days preceding had been devoted to what were, by courtesy, called oral examinations. In reality, however, much of the time, in the lower rooms at least, was devoted to the entertainment of the visitors. The favorite songs were sung and the best recitations made. If George Washington’s mother or sister came in, George’s classes were called, his slate work was examined and compared with others, and he was invited to recite his “speech.” A variation from the programme was made again and again that as far as possible the visitors might judge of the work of the children in whom they are more especially interested. This could be done as the certificates for promotion were given on the standing of the pupils in the written examinations held the second week in May.

Friday morning the children came together as a school for the last time. After devotional exercises the departments were dismissed to their own rooms, where the teacher read the per cents. of the examinations and presented each pupil with a certificate grading him for the coming year. Many faces brightened with pleasure. Some few showed dissatisfaction; having fallen slightly below the desired average they find the obnoxious word conditionally written on the card. Others still feel bitter disappointment; having failed, they must remain in the same grade. Some of these deserve our sympathy, the failure being caused by poverty or sickness; others are only reaping the reward of carelessness and indolence.

When the distribution of certificates was completed, Miss Caughey, the principal, went in turn to each department, and after adding her word of encouragement to the disappointed ones and approbation to the successful ones, invited the promoted class to seats in the room the next grade above. This ceremony was impressive, and many showed the conflicting emotions of joy and sadness, joy at the honor conferred and a sadness at the thought of separation from teacher and schoolmates which caused them to go reluctantly to the places assigned.

At the appointed hour in the evening the assembly room was filled to overflowing with the eager happy children and their friends. After prayer by Rev. O. D. Crawford the exercises given by the pupils were called in, according to the programme. Mr. Crawford and General Slaughter, Post-Master of the city, made brief remarks. Where each one endeavored to do his best, it is difficult to mention those who excelled. “Mother Goose and her Friends” chiefly served the spice for the entertainment. One of our white friends found it difficult to believe that this ancient singer of nursery rhymes was not a middle aged woman instead of the young girl she really is. The “Friends” were received with enthusiasm also, even down to the “brave boy” Johnnie Horner, the baby of our school. The tableau of “Hiawatha” was thoroughly enjoyed. In “Songs of Seven,” the recitations “Seven Times One,” by little Odelia Chavanah and “Seven Times Seven” by Miss Sallie Washington, were received with gratifying applause. The valedictory by Miss Belle Daniels deserved and received high praise. To critical eyes, no doubt, many defects were evident; but our audience seemed well pleased and congratulations were freely given. I think most of those present would agree with old Aunt Gracie in her remark, summing it all up: “It was delightful to be looked at.”

LE MOYNE INSTITUTE, MEMPHIS.

[A large amount of space is given in the Memphis Daily Appeal, the Daily Memphis Avalanche and the Public Ledger to reports of the anniversary exercises of the Le Moyne Institute. These, with accompanying editorial paragraphs, indicate the high esteem in which Prof. Steele and his corps of workers are held and the appreciation of his school. The anniversary was attended by two thousand people. The enthusiasm is represented to have been continuous from the beginning to the end of the exercises, and the effort of Prof. Steele to raise money for the Institute from the citizens of Memphis was endorsed by many present. We give below an extract from the Appeal which represents how our work is regarded by the better class of Southern people.—Ed.]

The feeling in this city in favor of universal education was never stronger than it is now. This is plainly shown by the interest everywhere manifested in the Le Moyne Institute or school for negroes, which gave so enjoyable an entertainment at the Greenlaw Opera-house Monday night. A number of prominent citizens who were present expressed the greatest surprise and astonishment, and the opinion was general that the inculcation of ideas such as those of which the graduates seemed possessed was bound to do good to them, and by reflection upon the balance of the community.

“Was the entertainment at the Opera-house just as you reported it?” asked a gentleman of an Appeal reporter yesterday.

“Justice was not fully done,” was the reply.

“And the Le Moyne is a colored institution?”

“Yes.”

“You surprise me,” the gentlemen replied. “I have heard the Le Moyne frequently spoken of, but had no idea it was accomplishing all it is said to have done. Why, the subjects chosen by the essayists could be handled only by those possessed of considerable knowledge.”

“Yes, it is a new idea in the South,” remarked a listener, who had been present at the entertainment, “and I find it difficult to say whether I was most surprised or delighted. I heard every essay and recitation from beginning to end, and there was not a break or stumble, no stopping to recover breath, no tedious repetitions. The absence of the parrot was noticeable. The novelty of the affair held my attention at first, but I soon forgot this, and found myself drifting along with the essayists as they waded into their subjects. Another thing that struck me forcibly was the absence of rant in the young men and the failure to giggle on the part of the young women. They seemed to take it as a matter of course that they were there, and that their audience would be interested in what they might have to say. I, for one am heartily in favor of keeping up the good work. No man who thinks can say that every negro in the land would not be better off and better fitted to cope with the age in which lives, if he had enough education to enable him to throw off the dense cloud of superstition—a mixture of ignorance and faith—in which he is now enveloped. The country would be better, its tone purer and healthier, if every man in it were educated.”

“The music furnished by the graduates particularly attracted me,” said a lady teacher who heard it. “I have always contended that the negro had a passion for music of a certain rich and melodious kind, but could not appreciate its delicate shading, and could have no conception of it as a science. I am ready now to say I was mistaken. Though the music the other night was nothing extraordinary, I heard enough to convince me that its interpreters had a good idea of symphony, and could with proper training, rise to a high degree of excellence. The solo ‘I’ll Follow Thee’, was one of the sweetest things I ever heard in public or private. The voice of the young woman who sang it was pure and clear, every cadence soft and melodious, every note in perfect tune. It was a genuine revelation.”

“The whole entertainment was a revelation to me,” remarked an old planter. “I attended the exhibition out of pure curiosity, never dreaming that it would impress me as it has done. I have always scouted the idea of negro education, and I may say I have been its enemy. I am perfectly willing to give way now, however. But I have one lingering fear—that it will take a wrong direction and have a tendency to create an idle class and deplete the ranks of labor, farm labor especially. If those who have the training of the negro will keep this danger before them and guard against it, then the result of their labor will be good; but if they fail and allow their pupils to think labor is degrading; to think that man’s only province is to cultivate his mind, then the result will be deplorable. This I notice, however, has already been seen, and I cannot say I have any fears on that score from the Le Moyne Institute.”

Perhaps no subject has been more discussed than this since the exhibition last Monday night.