Chapter 2

The "Jubilee Songs," and especially the "Jubilee Medley," attracted great attention. To hear "Steal Away," "Get on Board," "Swing Low," and all the other old-time songs, wound into one, and yet fitting into each other so perfectly and harmoniously, seemed almost a wonder.

The annual sermon was preached the following Sunday by Rev. J. R. McLean, pastor of the Congregational Church. In addressing the graduates he urged a practical use of the knowledge gained; he emphasized the fact that philanthropy is giving one's self, and he impressed upon them the necessity of co-operating with Christ in all things if success is desired in anything.

Wednesday was Visitors' Day at the school, and a larger number was out this year to witness the examinations and inspect work than for several previous years. Wednesday night the alumni held their regular meeting in the chapel.

Thursday, Commencement Day, dawned gloriously, and long before the time for the exercises to begin, people were wending their way toward the building in order to obtain a comfortable seat. There were three graduates, all girls, and they made a pretty sight as they marched slowly up the aisle and took their places upon the platform.

The Annual Address was delivered by Rev. S. A. Peeler, of the M. E. Church. He did not go back thirty years and tell the condition of the Negro at that time, and extol him for the rapid stride he has made, etc. He did not enumerate the things the Negro can do, but he simply and plainly stated, so that all who heard might clearly understand him, what the Negro, and every one else who desires success, _must_ do.

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BREWER NORMAL SCHOOL, GREENWOOD, S. C.

BY PRINCIPAL J. M. ROBINSON.

On the afternoon which witnessed the closing exercises of the Brewer Normal School, notwithstanding a promised storm, the chapel was well filled. The platform was tastefully decorated with flowers, ferns, and the national colors. We feel keenly the need of a large flag, and should some friend who sees this be moved to donate us one it would be very gratefully received.

The class of '96, composed of two young ladies and two young men, acquitted themselves well. The essay, "We Girls," by Miss Annie Laurie Fuller, was full of good thoughts, and pointed out very forcibly to the girls of the colored race their present advantages, and what as a result their responsibilities are.

Rev. H. H. Proctor, pastor of the First Congregational Church, of Atlanta, Ga., gave an able address on "Racial Contributions to American Civilization," which, while stating plain truths very plainly, gave no offense to the white friends present. For the first time in our knowledge of the school there were a number of white ladies in the audience, which we felt was quite a point gained. All expressed themselves as very much pleased with the address, the parts of the graduates, the music, and in fact with all the exercises.

Mr. Proctor's presence with us was an inspiration to all, both teachers and pupils. On the whole, the year was closed with hopefulness for the future and a greater desire to do work that should tell for the uplifting of the needy people with whom we are associated.

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TALLADEGA COLLEGE COMMENCEMENT.

Talladega College, Ala., observed its twenty-ninth anniversary at the usual time.

The first public exercise was by the preparatory students who had completed the course which entitled them to enter upon the collegiate studies in the fall. Four young men received diplomas at this exhibition.

The display by the industrial departments was unusually interesting. The sewing-room had on hand plain and fancy needle-work, finished garments for both sexes, among which were children's clothes made over from those previously worn by adults. This latter feature will commend itself to many homes where the custom of "making over" old clothes is one of the necessities. Girls taught in the sewing-room are able to make a livelihood by taking orders for work in this line. There is also a nurse-training department which is not only patronized by pupils in the required course, but volunteer classes have been formed consisting of the older male students and of mothers living near the college. A hospital bed was exhibited, and also the various sorts of bandages required in special cases. The boys' mechanical department furnished a large display in carpentry--mostly of a technical character. Then there were geometric and scale drawing, building plans of a varied character, and other work. The farm was represented in an appropriate way. Convenient appliances for care of stock, for housing farm products, etc., were shown, and live stock of various sorts was there--some varieties of which are giving to the college a wide notoriety for their excellence.

Public examinations were held in studies of grammar and advanced grades. The class in trigonometry gave evidence of the practical character of its labors by exhibiting a plat of the college property--some 270 acres in all--drawn to a scale and neatly lettered.

The literary and musical exercises of the commencement were very generously patronized by the white citizens. It is to be regretted that the college chapel is not sufficiently large to accommodate the audiences, and that scores were unable to get a sitting at the concert of Monday night. There is a hope that a more commodious chapel will soon be built.

There were present two distinguished gentlemen from abroad--members of the college trustee board, Dr. Beard, of New York, and Dr. Cooper, of Connecticut. The former spoke most felicitously on several occasions, and the latter delivered a very able baccalaureate sermon and the literary address. Rev. J. R. McLean, of Macon, Ga., preached Sunday night.

The graduates and the subjects of their themes were as follows:

NORMAL DEPARTMENT.

The Uses of the Imagination Louise M. Johnson, Talladega Folk-lore Marietta G. Kidd, Talladega True Womanhood Annie B. Williams, Jacksonville The Times that Try Men's Souls Robert A. Clarke, New Berne There is More Beyond Wade A. Jones, Vincent

THEOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT.

The Condition and the Value of Definite Preaching, Manuel L. Baldwin, Troy, N. C.

The Conquest of Alexander the Great in its Relation to the Spread of Christianity, John I. Donaldson, Paris, Tex.

The Relation of Infant Baptism to the Kingdom of God, Robert W. Jackson, Durant, Miss.

Dr. Andrews presided at the exercises and delivered the diplomas.

Two representatives of the alumni also presented original exercises:

Leaders Demanded by this Epoch, Rev. H. E. Levi, B.D., Talladega (Normal '87, Theological '95)

Alumni History, Miss Eliza A. Jones, Selma (Normal '91)

The Alumni dinner and business meeting followed, and the address on "Manhood," by Dr. Cooper, at night, closed the series.

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SNAP SHOTS AT SOME TALLADEGA STUDENTS.

BY PROF. E. C. SILSBY.

One day last year there came unannounced a boy who had walked fifty miles to get here. He was an orphan, had been working until he had secured a good outfit of clothing, and, having been told of this school by one of our pupil-teachers laboring in his neighborhood, concluded to come, "work his way," and get an education. There seemed to be nothing to do but to reward his faith by receiving him into boarding-hall and school-room. He was an apt scholar, worked diligently, and is still doing well.

Not long ago a young man, twenty years old, appeared with a diminutive satchel and applied to enter school. Upon inquiry a college official discovered that he lived some thirty miles distant, that he had only $3.50, no expectation of getting any more money, and that his scholarship was very poor. He stated that he had been converted about four years before and sometime afterward had a "call to preach." Later, he explained the nature of this "call" thus: "One morning just before day, as I lay in my bed, I heard a voice. It said, 'Does you remember what the Lord Jesus Christ said to his disciples just before He descended into heaven? Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.' I studied about this, and finally asked the Lord did He mean for me to preach. He gave me a feeling that He did. I tried to get the idea out of my mind, but it kept coming back, and here I am." He was advised to stay out until he could earn money enough with which to make a beginning. But he wanted to enter school even if he could stay in but two weeks. He was therefore examined, placed in the second reader room, given a book and a Testament, and the promise of work to pay his tuition. He found a boarding place, and for a brief period of time enjoyed the privileges of the school room according to his request.

A young woman, daughter of an early friend of the College, is here. Her father (now in heaven) had experienced the conditions both of slavery and of freedom, and his children have inherited that father's interest in education to a large degree. This, his youngest daughter, is cared for by her brothers, and the solicitude they exhibit in her welfare is very touching. May she finish her course with honor, and perform a noble work "for Christ and humanity."

A few years ago a man and his wife left the service of their employer in a neighboring city, rented a little cottage in Talladega, and entered the same class in one of our lower grades. By prudence and economy they had saved some money and were able to live comfortably while prosecuting their studies. They have passed regularly up the grades and are happy in the progress they are making. During the long summer vacation they find employment, and are on hand promptly at the fall opening of the school. They are both active church members, and the man expects to study for the ministry after sufficient preparatory training.

Here is a case several times repeated. It is that of a girl who is making her way unaided by parental effort. She spends the long summer vacation teaching a country school. The pay is small, board must be paid out of her wages, and her scanty wardrobe must be replenished. She has made a deposit with the treasurer, and has arranged for work at the boarding hall to help out in the matter of college bills. She has no time for play, no money for luxuries, but she is plucky and is bound to have an education, and it looks as if she would succeed.

A young man is here. He came with plain clothes, although they were clean and new. Out of wages--less than ten dollars a month and board--he had saved an amount which, with work out of study hours would insure him a year in school. Once he came without money, but we could not receive him. He therefore determined to come next time _with_ money, and his success we note above. Promotion for good scholarship came soon. Religious influences were strong, and he became a Christian. He is now among the most trusted and valued pupils.

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ALBANY NORMAL SCHOOL, ALBANY, GA.

BY MRS. ALICE L. DAVIS.

One finds that every year the enrollment grows larger. The people are increasingly appreciating the work done by the school. Every one who can afford it usually sends his children to our school, but there are others who are extremely poor but who are equally anxious to send their children also, and in order to do this they make great sacrifices. Many mothers work at the washtub from Monday morning till Saturday night, and do all kinds of manual labor, to obtain the money with which to keep their children in school. Some of our neediest pupils prove to be the best in their classes. One boy, whose widowed mother is unable to keep him in school, may be seen every day before and after school going in search of odd jobs to obtain money with which to pay his tuition.

This boy is one of the brightest pupils we have. There are others who are equally anxious to obtain an education. Many will walk distances ranging from three to seven miles to school every morning. The interest in the school increases yearly to such an extent that the building, which at first was thought to be large enough to accommodate all who would come, is now entirely too small to accommodate the pupils that we have. It will be almost impossible to get along next year without more room. We are greatly in need of a chapel where we can hold our devotions and have our public exercises. Without more room the work will be greatly hampered.

The third anniversary of our school was held last week. These exercises are always looked forward to with the greatest interest and pleasure by both parents and pupils. On June 4 was our exhibition of the primary and intermediate grades. The audience was made up of the fathers, mothers, and friends of the students. They seemed anxious to have each pupil acquit himself well, and the pupils seemed equally as eager to do their best to please the audience. The programme, which was well rendered, was made up of essays, declamations, solos, duets, and choruses. "Bernardo del Carpio" and the quarrel between Brutus and Cassius were rendered in a manner worthy of more experienced pupils.

On June 5 were the exercises of the grammar grades. The programme was made up of essays by two young ladies, who had completed the grammar grades; instrumental solos by the music-pupils, trios, and choruses; also an address by Rev. Mr. Sims, of Thomasville, Ga., who spoke on the subject "Wanted." He pointed out the need of education, of religion, of wealth, and especially of sterling morality in character. This address was highly appreciated by the large and enthusiastic audience.

Could my reader have been present he would have realized that the people are hungering and thirsting after knowledge, and are beginning to regard our school as a well-spring to supply them.

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CHANDLER NORMAL SCHOOL, LEXINGTON, KY.

MISS F. J. WEBSTER, PRINCIPAL.

In reviewing the history of Chandler Normal School for the past year, we find more reasons than usual for courage and gratitude. In all departments of our work we see evidences of the mental and moral advancement of our pupils. The year has been one of progress and prosperity. Nothing has occurred to hinder the work. The conscientious performance of duty has been the rule of the school, and the students who entered with any other purpose in view soon discovered their mistake and saw that they did not have the approval of their companions.

The forerunner of the closing exercises was the presentation of the cantata "Little Red Riding-hood," by the pupils of the intermediate grades. This entertainment drew as large an audience as the chapel, a room that has a seating capacity of 600, could accommodate. The music, both vocal and instrumental, was excellent, and illustrated most fully the remarkable progress that has been made in this department within the past three years.

Two days were devoted to the annual written examinations, momentous occasions, that were crowned with success so far as the majority of the pupils were concerned. The ordeal of examinations closed with the public oral ones on Friday morning. On the afternoon of the same day occurred the exhibition of the eighth grade, the class finishing the grammar course. The essays presented on this occasion were all upon subjects suggested by the pupils' study of United States history.

The exercises of Monday morning were wholly musical. The first part of the programme consisted of the cantata "The Musical Enthusiast," and the second part of a piano recital. All the music presented was of a high order, most of it being classical.

On Tuesday a declamatory contest was given by the young women of the normal department. The prize offered by a friend of one of the teachers was a year's tuition in Chandler School. The selections were from standard authors, and were chosen with the purpose of testing to the utmost the ability of the young contestants. During the past year much interest has been manifested by the pupils in work of this sort, and most noticeable progress has been made by many of them.

At the close of the contest a very interesting and eloquent address on the subject of temperance was given by Rev. J. S. Jackson, pastor of the Congregational Church in Lexington. The thoughts presented were full of inspiration for all who heard them.

On Wednesday morning an intelligent and appreciative audience assembled in the chapel to listen to the commencement exercises. Three young men presented orations, and three young women essays, on this occasion. There was but one graduate from the higher normal course. An oration on the subject "Frederick Douglass," presented by a young man who had completed the tenth grade, was considered an unusually creditable student production and elicited much applause.

The commencement address was given by the Rev. W. T. Bolling, D.D., pastor of the Southern Methodist Church of Lexington. The speaker prefaced his remarks by saying that much surprise had been expressed by many of his friends that he, a former slaveholder and an ex-Confederate soldier, would consent to deliver the commencement address for a school devoted to such a purpose as was Chandler. He assured these individuals that our school had no warmer friend than he, nor one more in sympathy with its work. No address could have been more helpful and stimulating than was his. All who had the privilege of listening to it were cheered and edified.

At the close of each day's literary exercises the majority of the audience accepted the invitation to examine the work of the sewing-classes on exhibition in one of the recitation-rooms. A large number of articles, all carefully made by hand, gave abundant evidence of the industry and skill of the girls of both schools.

The closing entertainment of commencement week took place in the chapel on Wednesday at 8 P.M. The programme for that occasion consisted of a cantata entitled "The Cadets' Picnic," presented by the little pupils of the Hand School. The night was stormy, but for all that the large chapel of Chandler School was comfortably full. Fifty small children, carefully trained and displaying perfect self-possession, took part in this entertainment. The teachers of the Hand School had every reason to feel gratified with the results of their work.

The teachers of both the Chandler and Hand schools have labored diligently for the moral and spiritual upbuilding of their pupils during the past year. The meetings of the Christian Endeavor Society, held each Friday morning at 9, have been productive of the best results.

The Sunday-school work has been very encouraging. Chandler and Hand Mission Sabbath-schools together numbered more than two hundred pupils at the close of the year. Nearly all of these children were from communities destitute of every other Christian influence.

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EXTRACTS FROM A LETTER OF A SOUTHERN PASTOR.

I desire to explain to you some features of what I conceive to be the most interesting scheme I have witnessed in the South for a long time. You have, I suppose, received one or two copies of our little paper. Let me give you a bit of history concerning it.

It was a short while after the "local option" election, in which the friends and advocates of temperance and good government went down in inglorious defeat before the red-faced saloon-keepers and other votaries of vice, when the executive committee of the "Prohibs" saddled the cause of defeat on the Negroes' shoulders. The cause of defeat agreed upon, a few generous-hearted men thought it would be much better to make some kind of effort to elevate the Negro than to grieve about what was already done. So the idea of a manual training-school was advanced by two gentlemen, one of whom is a stanch Southerner, who for a long time had the unenviable reputation of believing and openly advocating the strange and illogical theory that the Negro has no soul; the other is a minister of Southern birth, but of Northern education. Infatuated with the prospects of ultimate success, and having, it seems providentially, come upon a man who was a printer and owned an outfit, they talked with him, and he, needing work, was evidently smitten with the idea. Thoroughly understanding themselves, they sought a conference with a few representative colored men. I was among the first to be interviewed. The minister put the matter before me, and I saw nothing unworthy in it, and it drew out my sympathy immediately. After talking the whole matter over we agreed to call a meeting. The meeting was called in the well-furnished office of a colored man. There were six present--three white men and three colored men. We talked over the matter again, each one stating his limitations in the affair. I asked the white gentlemen present if they thought they could stand the sentiment that would doubtless be brought to bear upon them. They said, "While we anticipate opposition, we are sure we can withstand all assaults." "Then," said I, "we have nothing to lose." The whites were to have a part of the paper and the colored a part--a quarter or a half, as they might desire. I was asked to take charge of the colored department, and with reluctance I agreed. The paper went through eight issues. The whites interested in it found the pressure too great for them, and the owner of the outfit found the support entirely too meager. The white editor while in attendance at a church convention was in some cases refused the courtesy of a Christian introduction. One young woman who was a friend of the editor refused to introduce him to her friend because he was in the newspaper business with a "nigger." A banker was asked to subscribe, but refused, saying there was too much ---- "nigger" about that paper for him. The merchants generally refused to advertise in it. After an existence of about eight weeks the paper ceased temporarily or permanently, I know not whether the former or the latter. When I talked with the originator of the idea he candidly confessed: "I was born in the South, held slaves in the South, have lived in the South all my life, but the prejudice among the white people against the Negroes is greater than I thought. While I am entirely independent of public opinion, the reflection on my friends Mr. ---- and Dr. ---- has been very great."

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LETTER FROM A FORMER STUDENT AT MOBILE.

Dear Friend: I entered Emerson Institute the first Monday in October of 1892, but long before that time I had contemplated going there to school, though not having any immediate support I could not attend until the above-named time. Just two days before I entered the school I had accepted a position as clerk, but seeing the great need of an education I quit immediately and entered school. When I entered Emerson I had not been in school for about seven years, but had to some extent been engaged in study. I had no sure means of support, but was determined to educate myself.