We are glad to add to the other testimonials from able and intelligent Southerners, a few words from the remarkable Thanksgiving Sermon of Rev. Atticus G. Haygood, D.D., President of Emery College, Oxford, Ga.:
“There is a vast mass of illiteracy among us. There is white as well as black illiteracy. There are multiplied thousands who can neither read nor write. They must be taught.
“Let us wake up to our want of educational facilities. Our public-school system is painfully inadequate. Our colleges and universities are unendowed, and they struggle against fearful odds in their efforts to do their work. We are one hundred years behind the Eastern and Middle States. We are also behind many of the new States of the West.
“For the negroes themselves. * * * * Much depends on those who, under God, set them free. By every token this whole nation should undertake the problem of their education. That problem will have to be worked out on the basis of co-operation; that is, they must be helped to help themselves. To make their education an absolute gratuity will perpetuate many of the misconceptions and weaknesses of character which now embarrass and hinder their progress. Much also depends upon the Southern white people, their sympathy, their justice, their wise and helpful co-operation. This we should give them, not reluctantly, but gladly, for their good and for the safety of all, for their elevation and for the glory of God.”
BENEFACTIONS.
Three Israelites in Germany devoted 1,400,000 marks to charitable purposes without distinction of faith.
Mr. J. H. Wade of Cleveland, O., has given $92,000 to the City Orphan Asylum, $12,000 of which is to be applied for a school-house.
The late John M. Pinkerton, Esq. left about $300,000 to Pinkerton Academy at Derry, N.H. Mr. Pinkerton was a native of that town, and the Academy was founded by his grandfather.
The late E. R. Harris, of Preston, England, left over £300,000 for the establishment of public institutions for the town, of which £100,000 will be expended for an orphan home, and £50,000 for a science and art school.