ITEMS FROM THE FIELD.
Talladega, Ala.—The Southern Industrial Association held its second annual fair at Talladega, Ala., November 11-14. This Association is officered in part and largely helped by Talladega College, and its object is to promote the industry and physical good of the Freedmen. The weather was favorable, the attendance was large, many coming quite a distance, and the display of articles was unusually good. In agricultural and garden products, in fancy articles, in needlework, both plain and ornamental, and in the culinary department, especial excellence was shown. The exhibition of stock was meagre, with the exception of fowls, which were numerous and remarkably fine. Some blacksmith’s hammers, tables, and an upholstered chair, would compare well with similar productions from the best Northern workmen. More than seven hundred entries were made, and the premiums awarded were worth about three hundred dollars. The fair stimulates industry, and marks a real advance in the condition of the people. Many of our white friends paid well-deserved praise, and one late slaveholder, said to have owned nearly a hundred negroes, was so pleased as to make a cash contribution to the treasury, and offered to double it should there be a deficit. On the last evening, the College chapel was full to overflowing, while Rev. C. L. Harris, of Selma, gave a very bold and moving and powerful address of more than an hour in length, on the African in America. The address showed what an African can do, and it pointed out what an African should become. Take it all in all, the Fair marks a good step upward and gives fresh hope for the future.
McLeansville, N. C.—Our school is growing larger—double what it was at the corresponding time last year. Many expect to come after Christmas from abroad. Must enlarge our accommodations.
Tougaloo, Miss.—We now have seventy-nine boarders, and have had to go into the barracks again. A prospect of increased attendance, and what to do with the students we can none of us imagine. We ought to enlarge our accommodations immediately.
Mobile, Ala.—School overflowing. If we have room and teaching force enough, we shall have three hundred in attendance by February 1st. Without increased room and help we shall be obliged to turn away many that would enter the intermediate and normal departments. We have already begun this at the primary door.
Atlanta, Ga.—Mr. A. W. Farnham, late principal of Avery Institute, has become principal of the Normal department of the University, to assist in making the best teachers possible for that region.
Fisk University.—The number of pupils is rapidly increasing, and there is a prospect that the students will be too many or the accommodations too few.
Woodville, Ga.—Our school is crowded. If you had not built the parsonage, the pupils could not have been accommodated. You have done a great deal of good for the people at this place. Almost every day, children are refused admittance, because we are so full. The only hope of our church, so far as I can see, is in the children educated in our schools.
New Orleans, La.—“I wish you could have heard some of the expressions of gratitude to the A. M. A. in our services during your Annual Meeting in Chicago. The church observed the day by remembering the Association in their Tuesday evening prayer meeting.”
Marion, Ala.—In one envelope yesterday, the collection being for the A. M. A., was $5 from a hard-working man, this being one-tenth of the man’s crop—one bale of cotton, which brought $30—showing that your work for this people is not wholly unappreciated. We made the A. M. A. a special subject of prayer at our church meeting last week. Sixty-three at Sunday-school yesterday. Boys’ meeting at the Home fully attended. We have had a “reception” at the Home—all our people, men, women and children, including babies. We only want the special influences of the Holy Spirit.
Florence, Ala.—On the Sabbath, November 23d, a new church edifice was dedicated at this place. Pastor Wm. H. Ash was assisted by Field Superintendent Roy; by student Anderson, from Fisk University, who had preached for the church the year before Mr. Ash came; by the Presbyterian pastor, who offered the prayer of dedication; and by the M. E. South Presiding Elder. Fifty of the best white citizens of the place were present; among them, besides the ministers named, two other Methodist preachers, ex-Governor Patton and four lawyers. These friends contributed freely to the balance needed ($70) to put in the pulpit and pews, which had not yet been secured. It was all raised in a few minutes after the sermon. The house is spoken of by the citizens as the only modern church in the place. It is indeed a gem. It is twenty-five by forty feet, with a brick foundation, a steep roof and a little belfry. It is well painted on the outside, and on the inside ceiled in varnished yellow pine. The total cost was $950. It was built with great economy under the supervision of Mr. Ash. “Howard,” of Boston, is a man who knows how to make fine investments in this line, as several of his ventures of this kind have proved. To his $300, the Central Congregational Church, of Providence, R. I., to which Mr. Ash belongs, added $100. One year ago, more than twenty of the influential and well-to-do members of this church removed to Kansas, else so much of aid would not have been needed. We learn that those people are highly respected in the communities where they have settled. Pastor Ash and his educated wife are greatly devoted to their people. They are also teaching a parish school, which is much approved.