For three days we listened to examinations of the scholars conducted orally by the teachers, and written examination work from the higher classes was laid before us. We were also present at the anniversary exercises of the Institution. It is with pleasure that we bear testimony in behalf of the accuracy and thoroughness manifested both by the teachers and scholars. We have never seen stronger proof of careful and successful teaching, and the discipline and government cannot be surpassed in any Institution.
The scholars were neat in appearance, orderly in deportment, and serious in application. The teachers were remarkably proficient in their several departments, and the scholars seemed to be impressed with a deep-seated earnestness, calculated not only to advance the intellectual status of the colored race, but also to make of them better men and women.
The practical sciences are not neglected. A visit to the culinary department showed us that the female students had been thoroughly taught the art of cooking good dinners, without which even the intellect would pine and languish. Calisthenics, also, constitute a part of the training.
We found the buildings and grounds in the best of order, evidencing the same watchful eyes which overlooked the entire Institution.
The school-rooms and furniture were entirely free from defacements of any kind, showing a marked difference in this respect between the Atlanta University and most other colleges.
An interesting feature is the Library, composed of a collection of about five thousand volumes, selected wisely for the purpose of interesting as well as instructing the scholars. To the library there have been added during the past year, three hundred new books of recent publication.
In connection with the library is a reading room, in which can be found the leading magazines and daily papers.
The future of the University seems truly bright, and a better opportunity can never be given our colored citizens for a thorough education.
We commend the entire corps of instructors, and must express the confidence which we feel in the capacity of the president, Mr. Ware, and in his fitness for the position which he occupies.
In conclusion, we think it proper to dwell for a moment upon the fact that the Atlanta University, besides the influence which it wields directly upon its scholars, reaches, through the many who pass out from its walls as teachers, almost the entire colored population of our State. While the mental man is being developed, the moral man is carefully trained, and temperance and religion are important parts of the instruction given.