The American Missionary | Page 5

are true to the instruction of that institution, when they take up their work in the world. Sixty-seven have graduated from this institution; forty-two are teachers; eight, ministers; three, doctors; two, editors; two, foreign missionaries; eight, lawyers; one is a student; and one a real estate agent. Pretty good showing for Fisk!
The annual oration was delivered by the writer, subject, "The Student's Workshop, Tools and Work."
The rendering of the Hallelujah Chorus by the full choir of trained singers was especially fine, and reflected great credit upon the director.
* * * * *
TALLADEGA COLLEGE, TALLADEGA, ALA.
BY MRS. H.S. DEFOREST.
Talladega College observed its nineteenth anniversary June 9th to 13th. The large gathering of students, alumni and friends, the enthusiasm and interest manifested, and the report of what has been accomplished during the past decade, showed the hold it has obtained on the hearts of the people.
The exhibitions of Cassady School, which is the feeder for the higher grades, were held the week previous. Large and delighted audiences listened to the creditable performances of the young people, who showed in their parts the faithful work of teachers.
On Sabbath morning, the baccalaureate sermon was preached by Secretary C.J. Ryder, of Boston. Many valuable and practical lessons for the graduating class were drawn from his somewhat unique text, "And falling into a place where two seas met," Acts 27:41. Various currents in life will bear us hither and thither unless we are founded upon the rock and there abide. The closing words telling of the inscription upon an ancient cross, teneo et tenior, will long abide as an inspiration and help with those who heard.
At 4 P.M. the Sabbath-school prayer meeting gathered together students and teachers in a tender farewell, and at night the missionary sermon was preached by Rev. E.J. Penney, of Selma.
The examinations of Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday gave evidence of thorough work and of painstaking study.
On Wednesday night, four young men, graduates of the Theological Department, were ordained. The sermon was preached by Rev. A.F. Beard, D.D., the ordaining prayer offered by the President, a most appropriate charge given by Pastor Snell of Birmingham, and the right hand by the Moderator, Rev. J.R. Sims, of Shelby Iron Works.
The graduating exercises were held on Thursday morning. Six students received diplomas from the Normal Course, and five were graduated from the Theological Department. Essays and orations showed thought and originality, and were well delivered. If all the noble sentiments expressed are carried out in the lives of the speakers, a class has gone out from our walls who will make a stand for truth and righteousness, manly men and faithful womanly women.
After the conferring of diplomas and the awarding of prizes, President DeForest gave a _resum��_ of the growth of the college during the ten years of his connection with it. The number of students has increased from 203 to 427, instructors from 9 to 18. In this time, theological graduates have passed from 7 to 28, and normal from 18 to 64.
The alumni dinner was partaken of with relish by graduates and invited guests, and after the physical man had been refreshed an intellectual feast was spread. Older graduates testified to their indebtedness to the College which by one, quoting the words of another, was said to be "de main spring ob de fly wheel ob de whole conjunction." Visiting friends spoke of their interest and satisfaction in the work of the school, and Drs. Beard and Haygood, with appreciative and hopeful words, fittingly closed the festivities.
On Thursday night, Dr. A.G. Haygood, Secretary of the Slater Fund, the steadfast friend of the black man, gave an address. His eloquence, wit and earnestness held a large audience in close attention for more than an hour, and he left with them much matter for thought.
Teachers and pupils have now said good-bye and college halls are vacant, but the work of the year will bear fruit as scores of students go out to the labors of vacation in the dark and needy districts of the South.
* * * * *
STRAIGHT UNIVERSITY, NEW ORLEANS, LA.
BY PRESIDENT R.C. HITCHCOCK.
The interest shown by the public in the annual exercises of this school increases each year, and for those of more general nature it is quite impossible to obtain a room large enough to accommodate the audience that assembles.
The baccalaureate sermon was preached on Sunday night by President Hitchcock at Central Church. On Monday night, the Sumner and Philomathean Literary Societies and the Band of Mercy held their anniversary meeting, and listened to a very interesting lecture on "Life at a German University," by Rev. G.W. Henderson. Wednesday night, came the annual concert and exhibition. This has for two or three years gradually taken more and more the character of an exhibit of the gymnastic exercises, singing, etc., from each