TEMPERANCE WORK IN OUR SCHOOLS.
Our esteemed neighbor at 58 Reade Street, Mr. J.N. Stearns, Publishing Agent of the National Temperance Society, recently made a visit to Florida. On his return trip, he visited several of the A.M.A. schools in the South, and his practiced eye of course detected the facts in regard to temperance instruction and influence. We quote the following items:
At Beach Institute, Savannah, under care of the American Missionary Association, Miss A.A. Holmes principal, I found 230 pupils and a strong temperance sentiment. The entire school receives sound temperance instruction. Stirring temperance songs ring through the halls. A Band of Hope holds regular meetings. "Mother Goose and Her Temperance Family," was performed with great satisfaction by the pupils, and a photograph group of the actors taken and preserved as a memento of the occasion. "Alcohol and Hygiene" and the "Catechism on Alcohol" are among the studies.
At Charleston I found Avery Institute slowly recovering from the effects of the earthquake which effectually scattered its students. Over 200, however, were now in attendance, under the auspices of the American Missionary Association, with Professor M.A. Holmes principal. Temperance is a cardinal virtue here, but they greatly need a temperance library and other literature. All these schools have a severe struggle to sustain their ordinary work, and must depend largely upon outside help for temperance literature. They can use to great advantage and carefully distribute, without expense, to the community round about if only the material is furnished.
At Wilmington, N.C., a great work has been accomplished. It has 20,000 inhabitants, 12,000 of which are colored. In 1881, when the vote on prohibition was taken in the State, it was all against the proposition. A wonderful change for the better has taken place. I had a most pleasant visit to Gregory Institute of 250 pupils, Mr. George A. Woodard principal. This is also under the American Missionary Association. "Alcohol and Hygiene" is taught in the higher branches and temperance pervades every department. An open temperance society, with Rev. George S. Rollins president, holds regular evening meetings, with temperance songs, recitations, dialogues, essays and speeches, for entertainment and instruction. The regular meeting occurred the evening I was in town, and I greatly enjoyed the exercises. Carolina Mills was proposed for membership, and a committee of three appointed to "investigate and report." The report was "favorable," and read in regular order and adopted. The candidate came forward to take the pledge, and proved to be a young man of genuine African descent. The entire programme was rendered with great credit to all concerned.