GEN. GRANT’S RECEPTION AT STRAIGHT UNIVERSITY.
Just as the Missionary was going to press, we received a letter from Dr. Roy, who is now in New Orleans, giving a brief sketch of the visit of Gen. Grant to the Straight University. We have also a more full account in the New Orleans Times, but we can offer our readers in this number only the shorter narrative. Dr. Roy writes:
“We gave a reception to Gen. Grant in the chapel. Flags were displayed at the front and behind the platform, with the big map on the wall and a placard ‘Our Country.’ The school and the patrons filled the hall. Prof. McPherron led his scholars in some exquisite classic music; Prof. Alexander made the welcoming address in behalf of the Straight University. Gen. Grant responded in one of his laconic and fitting speeches, which was greatly satisfactory to the colored people. Gen. Grant said:
“‘It is a good sign to see such a University as this attended by colored people who were for so long deprived of any such advantage. Those who have gone before you had no such advantages. But by the gift of these institutions, those here are taking the first great step towards improving the advantages guaranteed to them by the Constitution. Great advantages are given these people by the provisions of the Constitution and the Amendments, and the colored people are coming to improve them. The privilege of emigration is permitted and allowed to any people. But other things being equal, every one is happiest in passing his life in the locality where he was born. So that I am glad to see you improving these opportunities. I hope everything for the colored people, and may you make freedom a blessing to yourselves. Gentlemen, I thank you for your kindness.’
“Then the Field Supt., in behalf of the A. M. A., followed, thanking the General for the peace-policy which he had inaugurated, and which is affording so much aid to our work among the Indians; and thanking him for his word in China, upon Chinese emigration, which has helped us in our missions on the Pacific coast. The Superintendent also reported the extent of the work of the A. M. A. at the South, the patriotism of the colored people, and their hunger for knowledge. A young lady, in behalf of the students, presented the General with a bouquet, and Col. Lewis (colored), Collector of the Port, responded for the colored soldiers of Port Hudson. The scholars and friends then filed around and shook hands with the General.”
