It has been said that this school cannot be carried on successfully here in the summer, for it has been tried and uniform failure has been the result. But if the Lord be with us we shall endeavor to carry on the work; if we fail, it will be no more than what has been done already.
One of our greatest difficulties is to secure teachers; we have tried very hard to get some from among the colored people, but have few as yet.
We are very grateful to those who have come from the Colored Presbyterian Church in the city to help us. But we feel especially thankful to Mr. J. W. Cromwell, editor of The People’s Advocate, a colored newspaper, published in the city. He holds a high position in one of the Government departments here, but this does not make him forgetful of the children of his humbler brethren. He is found every Sunday afternoon at the Lincoln Mission (unless called away from the city) teaching the youth some truth from the Bible.
Indeed, he manifests such zeal in our work that we cannot but believe him to be one of our warmest friends. He is our example for all educated colored young men.
ALABAMA.
Florence and Her People.
REV. GEORGE W. MOORE.
Florence is one of the prettiest towns in Northern Alabama. The climate is fine, the water good, and the scenery picturesque. It stands upon the banks of the majestic Tennessee, which is fast being opened to navigation; boats now come here from the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, and it is intended to open its channel so that it shall be navigable as far as Chattanooga.
This is a land of abundant foliage, and one cannot but be attracted by the beautiful gardens of flowers and groves of cedar. To those seeking rest, or health, the springs of various kinds of water and the wholesome food are especially welcome.
Good air, pure water and magnificent scenery, ought to have a good influence upon its people, and it may truthfully be said that Florence furnishes a good example to our race; her people are healthy, cheerful and hospitable. Some of them have nice homes, and there seems to be a disposition in all to improve their condition. To this end, they have societies, schools and churches, and, last but not least, they work.
One of the additions to the town is a beautiful Congregational edifice, which is a little gem, and the people, irrespective of race, say that it is an ornament to the city; but, best of all, it is paid for.