“All this was abundantly manifest by their general bearing on this occasion, the prompt organization of their meeting, the dignity and good sense of their presiding officer, a negro black as night, the secretary likewise, but models of courtesy and tact, their self-possessed and orderly manner of conducting their business in a large presence of trustees, teachers, and visitors, in the accounts they gave of their work, their trials, their methods, and successes.”
After giving reports of their varied experiences, hindrances, and hopes, a discussion followed as to the desirableness of raising the educational standard of Hampton and making it a real college. There was a good deal of feeling in favor of such a move, and the alumni came, finally, to a standing vote requesting such a change of the trustees and faculty.
General Armstrong, the Principal, seconded by Secretary Strieby, the President of the Board of Trustees, with a good deal of frankness and tact, managed to bring the meeting to a feeling of the sensibleness of just such a course as that they had enjoyed, and to receive finally, in response, hearty expressions of approval of that which had been already done, and of the general sufficiency of the advantages provided.
Early on Thursday morning the Presidential party arrived, and were welcomed by a salute from the guns of Fortress Monroe. With other guests, they were escorted over the farm to the new barn, 100×150 feet in size, and covering the stables, the agricultural and other machinery, blacksmith shop, etc. The cash balance against the farm for the year is $326.03. The printing-office shows a credit balance of $400. The students have earned during the year $12,236.75 in the varied industries, which, though not profitable in the net pecuniary result, are among the most important educational agencies of the institution; for the knowledge of practical work, and the ability to perform intelligent labor, are among the most important attainments for the colored students, both as citizens and as teachers.
The catalogue shows 332 pupils on the roll, of which 202 are young men, and 130 young women. The graduating class numbered 57. In the examinations of Thursday morning, the teachers showed the tact and thoroughness for which they have been always noted, and the results in the intelligence and interest of their pupils were most gratifying.
The new class of fifteen Indians attracted much attention. Their history has been already given. Five of these Indians are going, in September, to Bishop Whipple’s school in Minnesota. Ten remain at Hampton as permanent students. Bear’s Heart, White Goose, Squint Eyes, High Forehead, Wild Horse, and Big Nose will probably change their names, although the Indian for each has a romantic sound. The negro students take very kindly to their new friends, and there is promise of entire harmony between the two races. Proposals are in discussion between General Armstrong and the Government at Washington that include the education of more Indians, and the co-education of an equal number of Indian girls, so that the experiment may not be one-sided in its future developments.
We abbreviate from the admirable letter of an editor of the Baltimore American his account of the commencement exercises:
“At 1:30 P. M. a procession, headed by the Normal School brass band, was formed on the lawn. President Hayes and the trustees of the school took the lead, while the invited guests and visitors followed after, in rather irregular order. Seats were reserved on one side of the hall for the pupils of the school. The platform was occupied by distinguished visitors, with President Hayes as the central figure. The audience was composed of the most intelligent and highly cultivated people of Hampton and the surrounding country, reinforced by the élite of Norfolk, who came in two excursion steamers. Nearly all the educated people of this section of Virginia are friendly to the Hampton Normal School, and take much pride in its success.
“Four essays were read by members of the graduating class, and four speeches were made. The subjects discussed were of a practical nature, and were treated with vigor and originality.
“I can barely mention the speeches that were made in Virginia Hall after the graduates received their diplomas. Rev. Dr. Strieby, of New York City, President of the Board of Trustees, briefly reviewed the work of the year, and commended the spirit of liberality shown by the Virginia Legislature in providing for the support of the Institution. After he had concluded, Attorney-General Devens was introduced by General Armstrong, and made an impromptu speech of remarkable directness and force.