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VOL. XXXVI. AUGUST, 1882. NO. 8.
THE
American Missionary
“THEY ARE RISING ALL ARE RISING, THE BLACK AND WHITE TOGETHER”
NEW YORK:
PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION,
ROOMS, 56 READE STREET.
* * * * *
Price, 50 Cents a Year, in Advance.
* * * * *
Entered at the Post-Office at New York. N.Y., as second-class
matter.]
CONTENTS.
* * * * *
PAGE.
EDITORIALS.
ANNUAL MEETING—Mr. Ladd’s Return from Africa 225
THE JOHN BROWN STEAMER 226
OUR OPPORTUNITY—Atlanta Church 227
CHANGE OF ENVIRONMENT Rev. W. W. Patton, D.D. 228
TEMPERANCE TEXT-BOOKS 230
BENEFACTIONS 231
THE FREEDMEN.
ANNIVERSARY REPORTS 231
ATLANTA UNIVERSITY, GA. 231
TALLADEGA COLLEGE, ALA. 233
STRAIGHT UNIVERSITY, NEW ORLEANS 234
TILLOTSON INSTITUTE, AUSTIN, TEXAS 235
VIEW ON BAYOU AT HOUSTON (Cut) 236
NORMAL SCHOOL, WILMINGTON, N.C. 237
LE MOYNE INSTITUTE, MEMPHIS, TENN. 238
LEWIS HIGH SCHOOL, MACON, GA. 238
“PINE GROVE COLLEGE,” KENTUCKY 240
FAMILIAR SCENE IN LOUISVILLE, KY. (Cut) 241
AFRICA.
MR. LADD’S JOURNAL 242
EGYPTIANS OF UPPER EGYPT (Cut) 245
THE CHINESE.
LETTER FROM REV. W. C. POND 246
CHILDREN’S PAGE.
A TENNESSEE BAND OF HOPE 248
RECEIPTS 249
* * * * *
American Missionary Association,
56 READE STREET, NEW YORK.
* * * * *
PRESIDENT, HON. WM. B. WASHBURN, Mass.
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY.
Rev. M. E. STRIEBY, D.D., _56 Reade Street, N.Y._
TREASURER.
H. W. HUBBARD, Esq., _56 Reade Street, N.Y._
DISTRICT SECRETARIES.
Rev. C. L. WOODWORTH, _Boston_.
Rev. JAMES POWELL, _Chicago_.
Rev. G. D. PIKE, D.D., _New York_.
COMMUNICATIONS
relating to the work of the Association may be addressed to the
Corresponding Secretary; those relating to the collecting fields,
to the District Secretaries; letters for Editor of the “American
Missionary,” to Rev. G. D. Pike, D.D., at the New York Office.
DONATIONS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS
may be sent to H. W. Hubbard, Treasurer, 56 Reade Street, New York,
or, when more convenient, to either of the Branch Offices, Rev. C.
L. Woodworth, Dist. Sec., 21 Congregational House, Boston, Mass.,
or Rev. James Powell, Dist. Sec., 112 West Washington Street,
Chicago, Ill. A payment of thirty dollars at one time constitutes a
Life Member. Letters relating to boxes and barrels of clothing may
be addressed to the persons above named.
FORM OF A BEQUEST.
“I BEQUEATH to my executor (or executors) the sum of ——— dollars,
in trust, to pay the same in ——— days after my decease to the
person who, when the same is payable, shall act as Treasurer of the
‘American Missionary Association’ of New York City, to be applied,
under the direction of the Executive Committee of the Association,
to its charitable uses and purposes.” The Will should be attested
by three witnesses.
The Annual Report of the A. M. A. contains the Constitution of the
Association and the By-Laws of the Executive Committee. A copy will
be sent free on application.
THE
AMERICAN MISSIONARY.
* * * * *
VOL. XXXVI. AUGUST, 1882. No. 8.
* * * * *
American Missionary Association.
* * * * *
ANNUAL MEETING.
The next Annual Meeting of the American Missionary Association
will be held in Cleveland, Ohio, commencing Tuesday, Oct. 24, at 3
P.M. Rev. C. L. Goodell, D.D., of St. Louis, Mo., will preach the
sermon. Other addresses and papers will be announced hereafter.
* * * * *
REV. MR. LADD’S RETURN FROM AFRICA.
Our readers, who have followed Mr. Ladd’s journey in Africa, as
given in his interesting journal, will be glad to know of his safe
return and of his excellent and uninterrupted health throughout the
entire trip, which extended about 2,500 miles up the Nile to the
mouth of the Sobat, which is within the territory designated by Mr.
Arthington for the proposed mission.
Persons who have kept themselves informed through the public
press of the condition of things in the Upper Nile region will
be prepared for Mr. Ladd’s somewhat discouraging report of the
state of the country. The Arab leader and prophet, Achmet, of
whose successful rebellion the papers have from time to time given
brief intimations, Mr. Ladd found to be dominating completely a
portion of the very region in which the mission is to be located,
and it was by Divine interposition that Mr. Ladd was enabled to
explore so much of the territory and return safely. Intelligence
of a startling character received at this date (July 8), shows
that Achmet has achieved another victory over the Egyptian troops,
more decisive than any heretofore won, involving the slaughter of
3,000 of the Egyptian forces, which must for the present, at least,
annihilate the authority of the government in that whole region,
while the condition of Egypt itself, likely to become the theatre
of a terrible war, gives little promise that its authority can be
speedily re-established in the remote provinces of the Soudan. A
delay, therefore, is inevitable in our movements in Eastern Africa.
In the meantime, as was originally planned, Mr. Ladd is endeavoring
to marshal a new recruit of colored missionaries for the Mendi
mission, and expects to accompany them thither at the close of the
present wet season.
* * * * *
THE JOHN BROWN STEAMER.
Some months ago we sent out our circulars to the Sunday-schools
in our churches, asking for $10,000, to enable us to build this
memorial steamer for mission work along the west coast, and up and
down the rivers, in that portion of the “Dark Continent” where
there are no roads, and no beasts of burden, no horses, no camels,
no oxen, not even mules. The need is great. The steamer will save
time, toil, and human life.
Inquiries come to us respecting the success of our appeal. We are
glad to answer: At this date, July 5, we have received $5,524 for
the steamer, and some pledges are yet unpaid. We are also receiving
additional remittances almost every day, and believe that the
amount needed will ultimately be realized. But we are anxious
to hasten the matter. Rev. Mr. Ladd has just returned from his
exploring tour in Eastern tropical Africa, and proposes to visit
our Mendi Mission in Western Africa (for which this steamer is
intended) as soon as the rainy season is over. We ought to have the
full amount for the steamer by September 1.
A good friend, in sending some money, says:—“Why moves the cause
so slowly? In looking over the list of donations, I am pleased and
grieved; pleased that so many are interested to give—grieved that
so few special donations for this very important object are made.
“Friends of Africa, if you could realize as I do the urgent need
of this steamer to save life and to advance the mission cause, you
would speedily pour in the money for it. It ought to be in service,
doing its greatly needed work this coming autumn. If you will go
to Africa and make one trip (as I have made many) to the Mendi
Mission, in a ‘dug out’—a canoe dug out of a log—the distance of
more than 100 miles, most of the way on the ocean—you will then see
and feel the need of this proposed steamer. O, why does not every
Sunday-school send in $50, $20, $10 or $5? Why do not individuals,
who have in hand a great abundance, send $50, $100 or $1,000,
and so have this noble work accomplished at once? Come, friends
of Africa, supply the means and send forth this new messenger
of mercy, to cause a great shout of joy to go up from the weary
missionaries and from a long-suffering people!” Who will heed this
plea from one who has known the field and suffered much for it?
* * * * *
OUR OPPORTUNITY.
We find it in Kentucky. Our Executive Committee recently sent
their Field Superintendent to that State for a bit of inspection.
As a sample of opportunity we refer to the deeply interesting
article in this number from President E. H. Fairchild. The A. M.
A. has taken up that school and has assumed the support for six
months of Miss M. R. Barton, a student of Berea, from Illinois.
That school-house, which is the only one in Jackson County that
has windows in it, will give out a good deal of light among those
mountain people. At Cabin Creek, our old ante-bellum battleground,
in the foot-hill country, the people are building an “Academy,”
with the money subscribed on the condition that there shall be
no respect of color. The A. M. A. has been asked to lend there a
helping hand. At Williamsburg, the county seat of Whitley County, a
town sixty years old, where a church has never yet been finished,
_though three have rotted down during the process of building_,
Rev. A. A. Myers has returned to his old A. M. A. work, and has
inspired the people to build a church edifice 40×60. He works with
his own hands by the side of the citizens. He gets the base-ball
club to give an hour a day to the digging and rolling of stone for
the foundation. The First Congregational Church has been organized,
and now the same people are bent upon getting up a high school,
having turned to this Association for help, which will be gladly
rendered, negotiation being already on foot to secure the teachers,
who the citizens say must come from north of Mason and Dixon’s
line. This town, with fine water power and rafting facilities on
the Cumberland, has already attracted several mills and wood-work
factories, one of which is to make _oars_ for the market in Europe.
The railway that is to cross the mountains to Knoxville will soon
reach this place. Out of the mountain country still further back
of this, it is said, went Dick Yates to be the War Governor of
Illinois, and also its present Executive, Governor Cullom, and
other notabilities. At another county seat, which can scarcely be
reached on wheels—horseback being the almost exclusive mode or
travel; Mr. Myers and his wife having come seventy miles in this
way to the recent Berea Commencement—at this place, Beattyville,
the A. M. A. is to aid a recent colored graduate of Berea, O. W.
Titus, to run his, the only colored school in the county, through
the school year. In these mountains is our opportunity.
* * * * *
In the First Congregational Church of Atlanta, Ga., Pastor Kent
having led his people into a system of giving, found that the first
response for the American Board, with envelopes, brought in $68,
from _two hundred and two_ contributors. This was preceded by five
missionary sermons, illustrated from a large missionary map, and by
a rousing Sunday-school missionary concert. “Do you wonder we are
jubilant?” exclaims the pastor. “It is interesting, but not at all
surprising, to observe how giving promotes spirituality. Our prayer
meetings are full of interest lately, and this increase seems to
date from our recent determination to put our hands to the work of
the Redeemer beyond our own confines. It is delightful. The idea of
‘the world for Christ,’ is getting hold of them, and I am confident
it will prove the most direct route to self-support. Several have
expressed to me the conviction that they must not only give for the
world, but that they must do more for the home church.”
* * * * *
CHANGE OF ENVIRONMENT
BY PRESIDENT WM. W. PATTON, D.D.
This is a phrase with which the physical philosophers have made the
public ear familiar. The advocates of Darwin’s views have assured
us that all the variations of animal form may be explained by the
relations of life to environment. “Natural selection,” as the key
to the development of different species, denotes simply the effect
which accompanying circumstances have upon life, health and the
exercise of particular organs. “The survival of the fittest,” a
companion phrase, means merely the fact that those forms of life
endure which have the most favorable surroundings. And no one can
doubt that in the chain of causation, which links things together
in this world, there is a continual and most important interaction
between all life and that which environs it.
But may we not ascend, in our reasoning, from animal life to human
thought and character, and find the same law operative? As human
health, form and vigor are found to vary with phenomena of climate,
such as heat and cold, moisture and dryness, and with geographical
location among mountains and valleys, or on broad plains, by the
sea-coast or in the interior, so do we not notice that mental and
moral development depend upon the outward circumstances amid which
one lives? Our natures are plastic, and easily take the impress of
objects with which we come continually in contact. Education is
not merely that from books, but that also which is received from
all manner of surrounding influences, as they exist in the home,
in social intercourse and in the community at large. We see whole
nations continue, century after century, on the same low level of
barbarism, because no change occurs in their outward circumstances
to bring new forces to act upon them. Our Indian tribes are an
illustration. They live, out on the western plains, precisely as
their fathers did for ages before them; and thus they will live
so long as the modifying influence of civilization does not reach
them, and bring a change of environment.
Let such a change occur, however, and a revolution takes place,
whatever race may be involved. Even the most favored nations
improve rapidly, when any external fact comes in, to change
circumstances, and thus to alter the current of thought and
the channel of action. Think how much of modern civilization
is owing to three things, themselves external and mechanical,
yet powerfully affecting mind by their incidental effects—the
invention of gunpowder, of the mariner’s compass and of printing.
But if, in addition to new inventions and industries, there be
brought in schools and churches, to operate directly on mind and
heart, the effect is like placing people in a new climate. It is,
indeed, scarcely a figure of speech, when we sometimes speak of an
intellectual and moral atmosphere—meaning thereby the totality of
constant influences in a community, which affect opinion, modify
character and control conduct. As we breathe the air, every moment
of every day, thinking little of the fact, yet continually drawing
in health or sickness, life or death, so are we unconsciously but
most really influenced for good or evil by all that is going on
around us; by public opinion, social customs, example of friends
and neighbors, existing institutions, industries, amusements,
studies, reading, conversation and religious exercises.
It is a slow process to raise an entire population or a numerous
class of people; but much may be done rapidly, if we select some
of the young of both sexes and change their environment, and so
prepare them to introduce the leaven of improvement into the
mass. Thus, allow colored children to grow up in communities of
prevailing ignorance, superstition and immorality, where they
live in miserable hovels, see only examples of coarseness and
rudeness and hear only a negro dialect, and they will naturally be
like their parents and the neighbors. Nor will it be sufficient
merely to put spelling-books and readers into their hands. Their
surroundings are still depressing and degrading. But send some
of these youth away to such institutions of education as the
Atlanta, Fisk and Howard Universities—in other words, make a total
change of environment—and the effect is marvelous. In addition to
having access to books, they go where the entire conception and
standard of living is different and elevated; where religion is
intelligent; where morals are pure; where manners are refined;
where language is grammatical; where clothing is whole and neat;
where public sentiment is on the right side of disputed questions.
It is, indeed, breathing a new atmosphere, where every breath
is health and life. I have watched, with great interest and
satisfaction, the effect of these incidental influences, during
my five years’ connection with Howard University. The revolution
which will occur in a rough specimen of humanity from the interior
plantation districts—dull of countenance, and rude in manners and
in dress—would scarcely be credited. He finds himself in a new
world on reaching Washington, and mingling with older students
and the city population. New ideas of dress, speech and behavior
come to him daily. Chapel exercises, prayer-meetings and the
preaching on the Sabbath raise his religious conceptions. The
novel sights along the streets stimulate as well as interest. The
competition of fellow-students arouses ambition. He hears numerous
celebrated public speakers, and, on Saturdays, goes to the Capitol,
and listens to Congressional debates, sees eminent men, visits
the Patent-Office, the Smithsonian, the National Museum and the
Navy-Yard, gets an idea of our government and of politics, and thus
is hourly absorbing valuable knowledge at every pore. Three or four
years of such an environment make a very different man of him; and
all his new ideas he carries back to his home, and thus becomes a
power for good in the community.
Why will not Christian people appreciate these facts and amply
sustain the American Missionary Association in its noble work of
planting and strengthening the educational institutions which
operate to change for the better the environment of the colored
race in this country? All improvement must be by an influence from
without, which shall quicken and inspire, which shall teach and
guide; and there is no such influence comparable with that which
comes from the combination of schools and churches.
* * * * *
TEMPERANCE TEXT-BOOKS IN OUR SCHOOLS.
Our institutions have always been temperance societies. Mr. John
M. Stearns, Sec. of the Nat. Temp. Soc., at its recent annual
meeting, reporting his tour through the South, said that, as he was
talking to the students at Fisk University, Prof. Spence reported
that every student was required to sign the total abstinence pledge
or to leave the institution. At Atlanta University, he found that
all of the 310 students had signed the same pledge; and this is
also true of all our other schools. Then our students, as they go
everywhere in their vacations, become temperance propagandists,
organizing societies, circulating the literature of the reform and
securing signatures to the pledge. But, during the past year, our
Executive Committee have thought to take a step forward, and so
have voted to require the use of some temperance text-book in all
our schools. Mr. Stearns found them introduced into many, and by
another year they will be found in all. The Atlanta University has
already had Dr. Richardson’s Temperance Lesson Book in use for two
or three years, to the highest satisfaction of all concerned. The
examination of the class in this book in the presence of the State
Board of Examiners was pronounced by a visitor the best temperance
lecture he had ever heard. Let such text-books go into all the
schools of the South, and they will hasten on a revolution.
* * * * *
_The Roanoke Collegian_, of Salem, Va., referring to the John F.
Slater Fund, says: “The most needed _right_ of the negro now is
his ability to _write_.”
* * * * *
BENEFACTIONS.
John B. Eldridge, of Hartford, Conn., leaves by will $20,000 to Mt.
Holyoke Seminary, and $15,000 to Carleton College, Minn.
Ex-Gov. Chas. H. Hardin, the founder of Hardin College, has given
$19,000 to build a new wing to the edifice.
Mrs. J. S. Herrick, of Madison, Wis., has given $10,000 towards the
Professorship Fund of Chicago Seminary.
Senator Joseph E. Brown, of Atlanta, Ga., has given $50,000 to the
Baptist Theological Seminary, at Louisville, Ky.
Mrs. Ella J. Wheeler, of Boston, has given $30,000 for the
endowment of the Friends’ School in Providence.
Edwin C. Litchfield, who founded the observatory at Hamilton
College, has just given it $2,000 for additions, and has assumed
the payment of the salary of an assistant for Prof. Peters.
With a start of $30,000, given by Mr. E. N. Blake, of Chicago,
the sum of $70,000 has been raised in the West for the Baptist
Theological Seminary in that city; and now it is proposed to secure
$110,000 in the East, $45,000 of which is already pledged.
_The Executive Committee of the American Missionary Association at
its last Annual Meeting appealed for_ $500,000 _for the endowment
of its chartered institutions at the South. The anniversaries of
the different colleges of the land are calling the attention of the
benevolent public to their growth and wants. We especially urge the
claims of the colored people South to a full share of the gifts
made for endowment purposes._
* * * * *
THE FREEDMEN.
REV. JOSEPH E. ROY, D.D., FIELD SUPERINTENDENT, ATLANTA, GA.
* * * * *
ANNIVERSARY REPORTS.
ATLANTA UNIVERSITY, GEORGIA.
BY REV. C. W. FRANCIS.
Unless you could look through our eyes you would not know, from
a formal record of the closing exercises of our school, how much
interest and hope and pathos are crowded into these busy days.
On Sabbath morning, June 11th, President Ware preached to a crowded
audience, the sermon to the graduating class from the text 1 Tim.,
4th chap., 8th verse, giving a forcible presentation of the thought
that right doing is profitable in all respects, for this life. The
examinations were continued for three days, and were attended by
a committee of the Board of Visitors, appointed by the Governor
of the State, who, at the close, made to him a highly favorable
report, which has been published with his approval. Two evenings
were occupied by the exercises of the two literary societies of the
school, which were favorably received by good audiences.
On Thursday, the commencement exercises were held at Friendship
Baptist Church, one of the largest in the city, kindly placed at
our disposal for this purpose, which was filled with a closely
packed audience of about 2,000 people, well dressed, orderly,
attentive, and evidently having a personal pride in the results
exhibited. The appearance and conduct of this commencement audience
in successive years affords a good indication of the steadily
improving condition of the mass of the people, viewed with great
satisfaction by friends who have opportunities for comparison.
A class of twelve was graduated, ten young women from the Normal
course and two young men from the College course, all of whom
presented pieces which received much commendation for their
simplicity, directness and good sense.
The annual address was delivered by Rev. E. W. Bacon, of
New London, Conn., and was a forcible and eloquent plea for
self-education, which was singularly appropriate to the
circumstances of the young people just leaving school, to whom it
was primarily addressed.
Two members of the class which was graduated, had, during the year,
been called away from earth, as well as five from other classes,
being an unusual number of deaths in one year. A precious work of
grace was enjoyed during the year, and more than thirty professed
conversion, of whom fifteen united with the school church. All the
members of the graduating class were professing Christians, which
may also be said of nearly every class which has been graduated
hitherto.
As an evidence of the increasing favor with which this school and
its work is regarded in the community, there may be appropriately
quoted some of the remarks of Rev. C. A. Evans, of the M. E.
Church South, pastor of a large church in the city, formerly
General in the Southern army, who spoke at the close of the class
examinations: “I did not expect to say a word, but I comply with
an American habit of making a speech whenever called upon. I am a
Georgia man, and my children are all Georgia born, and I wish them
all to stay here. It is a kindred wish that every one of you may
remain a citizen of Georgia. I also wish that the friends who have
come from afar to be your instructors shall not take to themselves
wings and fly away, but shall settle in this grand old State, and
their children after them. There is no enmity between the white
and colored people in this State. There is a growing desire of
the white people, as you will find, for your welfare. They are
anxious that you should have the best in social life, the best in
intellectual life, and in moral life, to which you can attain. The
State is benefited by good citizens, and God is glorified by true
manhood. I have looked upon these exercises with great interest
as a fellow citizen, expecting to live with you and to come into
contact with you in a thousand ways. I am glad for all I see and
know.”
Remarks in a similar strain were made by several other prominent
gentlemen in attendance.
EXTRACTS FROM REPORT OF THE STATE BOARD OF EXAMINERS.
We do not believe that we have ever seen better teaching than
we find done at the Atlanta University. Evidences of the same
thoroughness appeared in all grades of the grammar school and
throughout all the classes of the higher departments.
We were particularly struck with one feature in the method
of instruction adopted in this institution, and that was the
accuracy of the language in which every question was required to
be answered. The answer is not only to be given correctly as to
substance, but it must be expressed in words both grammatical and
appropriate; if not, the pupil reciting is asked to correct it, and
if unable to do so, it is passed to others of the class.
Your committee noticed another feature in the management of the
university to which they desire to call your attention as worthy
of high commendation, and that is the manual labor training that
is here afforded in connection with the literary course. Every
student, male and female, is required to work an hour each day
at some useful labor, either on the farm connected with the
institution, or in the household and kitchen department. The
tendency of this regulation is not only to greatly reduce the
expenses of board, etc., but to induce habits of industry, and
impart valuable practical information for everyday use in after
life. The farm, including the beautiful grounds immediately
surrounding the college buildings, contains about sixty acres, and
is under the direction of a thoroughly practical and energetic
gentleman who keeps everything in admirable order and brings out
the best possible results. Specimens of field and garden crops,
embracing a great variety of grasses and forage plants, cereals
and vegetables, were exhibited to your committee, evincing great
efficiency in this department. Samples of the culinary art were
also shown us, and if our eyes and our palates did not deceive us,
they reflected great credit on those who prepared them for our
inspection and entertainment.
Special contributions have been obtained for the establishment of
an industrial department for instruction in the more useful trades.
“Stone Hall,” the gift of Mrs. Valeria G. Stone, of Malden, Mass.,
is in process of erection. Other new buildings are projected for
the coming year.
At a recent meeting of the trustees of the university, a resolution
was passed to institute forthwith a post-graduate course of two
years for graduates of the normal department. Its privileges are to
be open to those who have maintained a high standard in the regular
course, and who give promise of efficiency in work for which this
special training is designed to fit them, and the preference is to
be given to graduates of one or more years standing. This course,
while not neglecting intellectual culture, by providing for courses
of reading and for attendance upon recitations and lectures, and
for practice in teaching, is to provide special training in nursing
the sick, sewing, cutting and making of garments, care of household
affairs, the inauguration and management of mission work, and in
general whatever training seems likely to prepare young women of
culture for the responsible duties of actual life. At the same
meeting the trustees directed the executive committee to select as
soon as practicable a suitable person as principal of this course
of study, who shall also be matron of the family of young women who
may be gathered for this purpose; and they are further directed to
prepare plans for the suitable accommodation of such a family.
The trustees also voted that an industrial department for boys be
at once organized, which shall provide for training in carpentry
and other mechanical work; and the executive committee were
authorized to make the necessary arrangements.
* * * * *
TALLADEGA COLLEGE, TALLADEGA, ALA.
BY PROF. GEO. N. ELLIS.
The prelude of our twelfth anniversary exercises came Friday
night, June 9, in the form of a school exhibition by the lower
departments, consisting of declamations, recitations, concert
exercises, etc. This was something new and drew a large and
appreciative audience. The participants came attended by a throng
of relatives and admiring friends, and the programme passed off in
a manner creditable to all.
In lieu of the usual baccalaureate sermon Sunday morning, Rev.
Edward W. Bacon, of New London, Conn., delivered a missionary
discourse. To his mind, a missionary was not a religious drummer
nor a mere itinerant preacher. He was a settler, locating in a
community, growing up with it, molding its moral, social and
religious life. To the young colored men of America, educated
and consecrated, no field offers grander opportunities for
distinguishment, in these respects, than does long-neglected
Africa. Mr. Bacon said his object was to induce some one to become
a missionary. His able and practical sermon will not be barren of
results; and when the call for workers shall come, Talladega will
respond with her quota.
At night President De Forest gave one of his practical talks to the
students about to go out for the summer. It was crowded with good
advice, plainly put, and will not be forgotten.
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday forenoons public examinations were
held in the various departments. They seem to have passed off
satisfactorily to examiners, examined and visitors. One of the
latter who spent his whole time in seeing and hearing as much as
possible said: “I have not been into an examination which does not
reflect credit on teacher and scholar alike. Everything shows that
most excellent work has been done.” Theology is still the high
water mark of scholarship, but the “small Latin and less Greek”
of the institution are gradually rising and are not to stop short
of the line of a full college course. There is a good deal of
“back-water” waiting to be turned into these channels as soon as
they are properly enlarged.
Wednesday afternoon occurred the prize declamations and essays.
The evening entertainments for the week were, on Monday night,
a scholarly and uplifting address by Rev. Mr. Bacon upon
self-education; on Tuesday night exercises by the young people’s
literary societies, which showed commendable efforts in the
way of self-improvement; on Wednesday night, the usual church
prayer-meeting, one of the most enjoyable of all our Commencement
gatherings; and on Thursday night, a concert by the Musical Union
who rendered the Cantata of Esther, the Beautiful Queen, to the
satisfaction of a densely packed house and with an income to the
Union of nearly fifty dollars which they pledged for a new piano.
Talladega sends out no graduates this year. Though according to
previous standards, students were ready to receive their diplomas
both in theology and normal studies, they voluntarily chose to
spend another year in further preparation for life’s work. The
exercises of Thursday morning consisted of eight orations by
representatives (four each) from the college preparatory and
theological departments. In discussing standard and current
themes, they showed a grasp of thought, a clearness and vigor
in presentation certainly far from discreditable to any public
rostrum. _We were proud of them._ A little further mental
discipline in mathematics and the classics and they will be well
prepared leaders of their people.
At these various exercises more than the usual number of visitors
were present. During some of the examinations in the chapel the
room was fairly filled with listeners. Upon the platform were
leading white citizens of the town, and some from abroad. Among the
latter were Rev. O. W. Fay and Judge Buckley, of Montgomery, who
spoke most warmly of what they saw and heard.
Talladega College looks back upon the year just closed as the most
prosperous one in her history. It has seen new buildings reared,
others repaired, greatly needed improvements made, and a fair
beginning in the way of endowments; to the many friends throughout
the North whose gifts have caused these things to be, we are
unspeakably grateful. It has seen most thorough work done in all
departments of study, more than a score of its pupils confess a
newly-found Saviour, and much activity in mission and Sunday-school
work on the part of the more advanced. Already many applications
for another year are coming in.
* * * * *
STRAIGHT UNIVERSITY, NEW ORLEANS.
BY W. S. ALEXANDER, D.D.
Our commencement began properly with the examination of the Law
Department, and the graduation of eleven law students. The list
of graduates from this department now numbers 50 names, of whom
43 have been awarded their diplomas within the last six years. It
is an interesting fact that of our 50 law graduates 35 have been
white and 15 colored. Side by side they have been gathered in the
lecture rooms of the Professors, and have met in the crucial test
of the final examination.
The Faculty is admirably constituted both on account of legal
attainments, and real genuine interest in the young men. Four
lectures are given each week. The prospects for the incoming class
are excellent, both as to numbers and quality, the white element
predominating as usual.
The great need of this department is a reference library. Many of
the students are poor and law books are costly. Now the professors,
though at great inconvenience, permit the students to consult
their standard works. When we have a building devoted to the three
professions, the law library should become at once an accomplished
fact.
This year in the academic department we had no graduating class.
Our anniversary exercises have been somewhat out of the usual
order, but thoroughly interesting and successful. Perhaps never
have we met the popular taste more fully than this year. The old
graduates were invited to return and take part in the first public
anniversary meeting of the Alumni. Seven accepted the invitation
and entered heartily into the project, and others sent the cordial
expression of their regrets.
The meeting was held in Central Church. A large and intelligent
audience was present, and entered fully into the spirit of the
occasion.
The orations were exceedingly well written and delivered. The
oration of Rev. A. E. P. Albert, a graduate from our classical and
theological department, on the subject, “Senator Jones’ speech, or
is there to be a war of races?” was a surprise even to Mr. Albert’s
friends, on account of its brilliancy, its vigorous thought and
sustained eloquence. It is to be published in full in one of our
city papers, and I wish all unbelievers in the mental capacity of
the African would read it and pass upon its merits.
Wednesday noon occurred the Literary Exhibition in the University
Chapel. What a storm raged without! It seemed as though the
flood-gates were opened. We had it almost entirely to ourselves,
only a few good friends venturing to face the tempest. The
orations, compositions, dialogues, and select readings evinced
decided talent in writing and speaking.
In the evening a concert was given at the church, with a few
literary exercises. The musical programme was judiciously arranged,
and was thoroughly appreciated by an audience of six hundred people.
The year has marked an advance in scholarship, and the University
has acquired a firmer foothold in the city and state.
If we are quick to discern and seize upon opportunities of
enlargement, the immediate future will furnish abundant room for
the employment of busy hands and devoted hearts.
* * * * *
TILLOTSON INSTITUTE, AUSTIN, TEXAS.
BY JUDGE C. T. GARLAND.
The Tillotson Collegiate and Normal Institute has closed its first
full year since the building of Allen Hall, and its Texas friends
are full of congratulations on the progress made.
The Baccalaureate Sermon on June 4, by President W. E. Brooks, was
listened to by a large and attentive audience, and was peculiarly
happy in its adaptation to the occasion, and to the financial,
intellectual and spiritual interests of the colored race.
On June 5 and 6, occurred the examination of the classes.
Listening to these students, and considering the time they had
spent at school, one could not see that they exhibited that mental
inferiority so often attributed to their race in the past. Let one
instance suffice. I was so much struck with the solid intellectual
qualities of one young man, a coal black negro, that I sought him
out and advised him to study law. Conversation with him elicited
the fact that his only schooling of account had been during the
last five months at the Institute, while his attainments would
indicate a good common school education, such as is ordinarily the
work of ten years.
[Illustration: VIEW ON BAYOU AT HOUSTON.]
On the evening of the 6th, a crowded audience being in attendance,
there were declamations and readings, with vocal and instrumental
music at suitable intervals. Then came addresses by Rev. Dr. E.
B. Wright, a trustee of the Institute, and by other prominent
clergymen and educators. The evening closed with a general
reception in which visitors, students and faculty gave themselves
up to a happy hour of congratulations and whole hearted social
intercourse such as colored people so much delight in.
On the 7th inst., essays, declamations, readings and music were
listened to with unwearied attention by another large audience,
including many distinguished visitors, who stayed from the
beginning to the end of the exercises.
The oration by A. S. Green, on “The Possibilities of Our People,
and how they may be realized,” was received by the audience with
special interest. At the conclusion of the exercises, addresses
were delivered by Gov. O. M. Roberts, Ex-Gov. E. J. Davis, and
other leading citizens. All the speeches were of deep interest, and
whether from Democratic or Republican lips, they were alike full of
appreciative good will toward the noble work done by such agencies
as the American Missionary Association. In particular, I wish space
and memory would permit me to write out for publication, every
word uttered by Govs. Roberts and Davis, but their words on paper
would convey but a feeble impression of the interest and emotion
exhibited by them. As might have been expected from an audience
largely colored, the addresses were listened to with breathless
attention, except at intervals marked by hearty, though decorous,
applause.
A noted feature of the exercises was the good elocution of the
students, resulting mainly from the brief training received at the
Institute. To one accustomed to the old time thick and indistinct
plantation pronunciation, the change seemed indeed wonderful.
Those who had seen the students at the beginning and at the end
of the term remarked a striking improvement in their personal
appearance. Intellectual, moral and spiritual culture had impressed
its stamp upon their countenances and was exhibited in their
deportment.
Throughout the year much interest has been shown in the Tillotson
literary and temperance societies. Their meetings have been
numerously attended by the people of Austin and its vicinity, which
has added to their zest and usefulness.
It need not be said that the moral and spiritual welfare of the
students has all along been closely looked after. If any one
of them of fair ability does not go out from the Institute a
thoroughly trained Sunday School teacher, it will be his own
fault and not that of President Brooks. Happily, both students
and outsiders have shown great interest and appreciation in their
attendance on the Sabbath services at the institution.
* * * * *
NORMAL SCHOOL, WILMINGTON, N.C.
BY MISS A. C. CHANDLER.
The examinations at Wilmington Normal School closed Thursday, June
1. Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, quite a number
of interested parents and friends came in to inquire and see for
themselves what their children had been doing for the year. After
listening to various recitations and exercises, they expressed
themselves highly gratified.
Friday evening the annual exhibition took place in Memorial Hall.
About 400 were present.
No special attempt at decoration was made, yet the stage was not
wanting in floral adornments, two large, tall baskets of handsome
flowers standing one on each side. The wall back of the stage was
prettily and tastefully decorated with green boughs, moss, and a
little white drapery.
At a little past eight o’clock the school marched into the hall,
and took seats as near the front as possible. The children made
a good appearance, being neatly and some of them very prettily
dressed.
The programme consisted of about twenty parts, interspersed with
good music. The selections specially attractive were the cantata,
“Grandpa’s Birthday,” three recitations upon the subject of
temperance, a concert declamation entitled “A Leap for Life,” given
by seven young men, and the recitation, “Auction Extraordinary.”
Some of the pieces given by the little folks were very pleasing.
The selections were all well rendered, and won many complimentary
remarks from those present.
Rev. Mr. Dodge being called upon, responded with a few well-chosen
words appropriate to the occasion, after which the benediction was
pronounced.
* * * * *
LE MOYNE INSTITUTE, MEMPHIS, TENN.
BY PROF. A. J. STEELE.
The close of the year brings us also to the close of the first
decade in the history of Le Moyne Institute. The founder of
the school has gone to his reward and his works do follow him.
The institution which he founded is but at the beginning of
its usefulness and of its possibilities. This year we graduate
a class of ten from the full course (four years), the largest
class yet sent out, and the fourth. Thus far the graduates of the
school, excepting one only, have taught almost continuously since
completing the course. The ten members of the present class will
teach; some of them expect to pursue their studies further at Fisk
University, after working a year for the means.
The public exercises at the closing this year were unusually
interesting, judging from the attendance, not only of colored
people, friends of the graduates, but also of prominent white
families of the city. Formerly gentlemen of this latter class
only came, now quite as many ladies as gentlemen are seen in the
audience that fills and overflows the church. I do not suppose that
of the many who read this account, even those who look back to the
joys and excitements of “graduation” can realize just what that
word implies to our students here, with the memory of their past
and with the difficulties of their present and future in mind.
To receive the diploma with its ribbon and “broad seal” and formal
address, to listen as the principal parties interested to the
“annual address” by the “Judge” or “General” or “Colonel” as the
case may be, and it is sure to be the one or the other of these, to
sit on the broad platform, to receive flowers and flowers, to be
cheered and complimented and envied by admiring friends—we all know
what these mean to a “graduate.” For my part, and for yours, too,
dear readers, I know it is a matter of rejoicing that in all our
land there is not a youth who may not hopefully look up and forward
to the enjoyment of these things.
I should not have taken so much of my space for this part of my
letter, for I have little now left in which to tell of the every
day experiences and work of the year. How for want of room and
accommodations we have, during the year, had to turn away over
fifty pupils who applied in person for admission; how a more
regular and steady attendance has told for good on the scholarship
and work of the school; how the Spirit blessed us in the conversion
of not less than thirty of our pupils.
In all our successes, as in all our discouragements, the good hand
of our God has been upon us, and we rejoice in it all that we see
His work going forward and yearly gaining new triumphs.
Our outlook for the coming year is most assuring, and our only
serious difficulty would seem to be want of room for all who come
to us. Our building must be enlarged.
* * * * *
LEWIS HIGH SCHOOL, MACON, GA.
BY REV. S. E. LATHROP.
The Primary Department closed on Friday, May 26. The little folks
did well with their songs and speeches, and were neatly dressed.
There are some funny things among them sometimes in regard to
names. For example, Lily White was a coal-black Ethiopian. This
department has been crowded into a low basement room in the
Teachers’ Home this year, for lack of accommodation elsewhere. We
all rejoice with teacher and scholars that there is hope of more
roomy quarters next year.
On Saturday, the 27th, was the closing exhibition of the Sewing
Class, under charge of Mrs. Lathrop. Seventy-six girls this year
have been in the class, meeting on Saturday forenoons. Friends
in the North have helped by contributing patchwork, basted
garments, etc., and the girls have been taught plain sewing with
the making of mottoes, bookmarks, etc. Only sixteen sessions
were held, but the amount of work accomplished was surprising.
There were displayed in the main school room eighteen patchwork
quilts and one hundred and twenty-one finished garments, dresses,
aprons, underclothing, etc., all neatly made, and showing decided
improvement in sewing. There were some short readings, recitations
and singing, and then a few brief talks from Prof. Hodge and
others, and afterward the garments were distributed to those who
made them, amid thankful hilarity.
On Monday and Tuesday, 29th and 30th, were held the closing
examinations. These were more rigid and thorough than for a long
time before, but the classes generally did well, and acquitted
themselves with much credit. During the year there have been held
monthly examinations, and the classes have been more thoroughly
graded than ever, so that there will be less confusion than usual
in opening the next school year. Quite a number of visitors were in
attendance, both white and colored. Rev. B. F. Breedlove, pastor
of the largest Southern Methodist Church in the city, was present
a part of the time, and publicly expressed his gratification and
commendation of the work done.
On Wednesday, the 31st, occurred the closing exercises, beginning
at 9 A.M. The school went through with their essays, declamations,
dialogues and songs in a way that reflected credit upon them and
their teachers. The church was well filled with spectators of
all colors. Three students received certificates of graduation
from the High-School course, and these will probably go to
Atlanta University or elsewhere in the fall. After the programme
was finished, some of the visitors were called on for speeches.
Hon. Felix Corput, Mayor of the city, responded in few but
commendatory words. Hon. B. M. Zettler, County Superintendent of
Schools, made quite an extended address, with somewhat of eulogium
and considerable of good counsel. Rev. E. J. Adams, a colored
Presbyterian clergyman from Baltimore, a man of fine education
and ability, made an excellent address. He spoke very highly of
the great educational work of the A. M. A., in whose service he
has himself labored, as a missionary in Africa, and also in this
country. Mr. J. J. Clay, a prominent white citizen, spoke with much
apparent sympathy and earnestness, commending education and the
work of our school. There were several other short speeches from
former students or patrons of the school, all showing deep interest
in its work.