ATLANTA UNIVERSITY.
PROF. THOS. N. CHASE.
Our annual examinations are made interesting and exciting by the presence of visitors appointed by the Governor, who this year, as usual, attended the three days of examination and one day of literary exercises.
The grades were examined in South Hall and the normal preparatory and college classes in the new Stone Hall. Some of the visitors evidently thought the interior of Stone Hall most too fine for poor students, and so we often felt moved to call attention to the simplicity of its construction, and the fact that good Boston desks do not cost much more than the very cheapest kind.
On each day quite a large number of spectators was present.
While numerous complimentary remarks were made we do not think that some features of the school were fully appreciated. Latin, Greek, higher mathematics and metaphysics still possess a charm for scholars, both South and North, while modern methods in the lower grades attract the attention and win the admiration of only an appreciative few.
The specimens of map drawing and of original designs in industrial drawing were considered good by competent judges.
For several years a large part of the public have had object lessons from nature and in form of a daily exercise, with especial reference to teaching them to make simple and exact statements in clear and correct language; and in their examinations they were said to show marked ability in making nice distinctions and using good English.
The experiment of the senior normal girls in cottage housekeeping under the direction of one of the teachers meets with universal favor. Everybody in these United States thinks every girl ought to know how to keep house well, and the best way to learn how to do a thing is to do it. The outcome of the work in this department is highly satisfactory, and we wish we had a larger cottage for next year.
The silk culture has been worth the while for the sake of the entertainment and instruction it has afforded, even if no pecuniary benefit came from it. The worms “wound up” their business, at about the same time the rest of us did ours, and everybody said “Well done.”
The competitive gardens formed another feature in our work. These were a rod square and thirty-six in number. Beets, beans, peas, potatoes and onions were the crops. The potatoes were dug on the last day of examination, and it was found that our native African had gained the first prize, having 82½ pounds on his square rod. How about slavery’s developing the African race?
As the visitors inspected the new barn, the twelve full kits of carpenters’ tools donated by a friend in New York City, though still unused, were not concealed from view. Funds for a shop have now been pledged, and a teacher of carpentering is to be employed, even if some other department is suspended, and the boys are to be taught the use of tools, in obedience to the prevailing sentiment of what ought to be, and in the hope that such instruction will help the colored man to hold his present position in the mechanical field.
ATLANTA UNIVERSITY BUILDINGS.
On Commencement day “everything passed off well,” and a clergyman from Boston was heard to say, “Good thoughts well expressed.” Sixteen young men and women received diplomas or certificates, and listened to parting words from the president.
Governor McDaniel honored us with his presence, and sent a verbal message to the graduates, saying that he had been much pleased with their exercises and felt a warm interest in them.
At the alumni meeting an excellent paper was read by an alumnus upon the subject of industrial education, and several speeches were made, showing intellectual growth and telling of good work done.
Within ten days from Commencement, as many as three-fourths of our students will be scattered all over the State, and in many places in neighboring States, metamorphosed into dignified and wise pedagogues. May they all meet with great success in their day-school, Sunday-school and temperance work, and in their efforts to stimulate the people to acquire property and make for themselves pleasant and pure homes.
We were glad to have with us Prest. De Forest and Prof. Ellis, of Talladega College, the former of whom preached the baccalaureate sermon, that abounded in gems of deep and practical thought, incased in clear and transparent language.
At the meeting of the Board of Trustees, Sec’y Strieby was re-elected, and one of Atlanta’s most prominent men in business, social and religious circles, who had recently declined the office of Mayor, consented to become a member of the Board. Resolutions were passed, thanking Messrs. King, Cassedy and Sessions, and the representatives of the late Hon. W. E. Dodge, for gifts to the school.
Crowded halls, continued success in old lines of work, and encouragement in new, added buildings, generous gifts, growing favor among the people, good reports from graduates and the constant presence of the Divine Spirit lead us to thank God and take courage, believing that the school is accomplishing its mission in the main, and that the financial clouds that lower will be dispelled in due time, as others have been in the history of the institution.