ENCOURAGING SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
(From the Fisk Expositor.)
Few things can be more gratifying and cheering to those engaged in the grand work of educating the colored people in Tennessee, than the fact that those having charge of educational affairs in the various towns, named below, either have, within the past few years, organized graded schools for colored youth, or are now taking steps for organizing such schools: Clarksville, Trenton, Shelbyville, Brownsville, Jackson, Union City, Bolivar, Paris, Covington, Pulaski, Columbia, Fayetteville, Mason Station, and perhaps some other towns. Another thing that all who are engaged in the educational work in the State, ought to regard as a hopeful sign, is the fact that the last Legislature, in all its zeal for retrenchment, made no effort to reduce the income of the free school system. This, and the fact, that much complaint was uttered by the people all over the State, because of the suspension of schools consequent upon the postponement of the collection of taxes by the Legislature, show how deeply the system of the State has taken hold upon the affections of the masses.
Still another ground for hopefulness is found in the fact, that, whereas, year before last, not quite 39 per cent. of the colored children of the State were enrolled in the free schools, last year nearly 49 per cent. were so enrolled. And there are reasons for believing that the superintendent’s forthcoming report will show equally encouraging figures.
HELP WITHOUT MONEY.
The Rev. H. E. Brown, of whose evangelistic work under the auspices of the Y. M. C. A. of the South, and among the colored churches of the South, we have spoken, makes at once a suggestion and an appeal which must strike every one as exceedingly practical, common sense and valuable. His letter which is given below will explain itself. We urge, most earnestly, upon the Christian scholars of the North this opportunity, without cost of money, and with but little expenditure of time, for doing a most valuable work for the colored people. If men of acknowledged authority in their several departments of science and art would furnish such articles as are asked for, the result must prove highly beneficial to these people who so much need, and are so eagerly seeking, knowledge in regard to practical matters on which depends largely their welfare. The physician, the lawyer, the farmer, the political economist, the scientist, all these might with great profit to these people respond to this call. We trust that the mere suggestion of Mr. Brown will prove sufficient to call forth abundant answer:
“Lansing, Mich., July, 1880.
“Dear Sir: An opportunity is now presented for leading scholars to afford substantial help toward the solution of the colored problem of our country. Colored editors of ten papers, chiefly for colored people, published in Washington, Charleston, Raleigh, New Orleans, St. Louis, and other Southern cities, request for publication a series of scientific articles, of about a column’s length, say a thousand words, such as would be, at once, helpful to ministers, teachers and students, and would stimulate future inquiries among all classes. I am aware that the preparation of such articles will cost valuable time which can scarcely be spared from pressing duties; but the promise of benefit to the colored race is so great in the elevation of tone of their papers, and in anticipating so-called infidel science, that I take the liberty to ask you to prepare, and send me, one or more such articles, that I may copygraph, and forward, gratis, to the several editors who desire them.
“Yours truly,
“Henry E. Brown, Secretary
“for International Committee of Col. Dep’t.,
“Y. M. C. A.”