It is curious to note what most interests visitors in certain departments. Straight University sends large numbers of imaginary letters written by pupils from various parts of the world. The visiting public read these letters with as much avidity as if the innocent epistles were real letters, and the neat manuscripts are already well thumbed. One of the best letters, all things considered, is from a pupil from Honduras, who has only been studying English two years. His letter, signed Emilio Mazien, is first rate.
The display from the Indian School at Santee, Neb., consists of school books printed in the Sioux Indian language, and these are a first, second and third reader, a moderately advanced geography, a hymn-book, and "Dakota Wowapi Wakan," or Bible in the Sioux tongue. A little oblong crocheted tidy is made of parti-colored stripes, each one the work of a young Pocahontas, who has added her name, age and tribe to which she belongs. In fact all the Indian work is thus marked—the young red men and maidens seeming particularly careful to give their tribe. This school also exhibits shoes, harness, tin cans, step ladders and models of household furniture. The girls have sent long linen bands full of buttonholes, aprons and undergarments finely hemmed.
The Atlanta University sends silk-worms, cocoons, a neatly drawn map of the city, and fine examples of free-hand drawings applied with colors.
The kindergarten exhibits from Storrs Atlanta school are very cunning, and the photograph of the ebony kindergarteners, taken while at their tasks, is like a picture. The work of the children, braided wraps, embroidered animals and paper contrivances, will compare favorably with any kindergarten in the country.
The exhibit from the Hampton Institute, Virginia, is placed upon a pedestal. This school is properly a State Agricultural University for the negro race in Virginia and for such Indians as may be sent to it by the National Government. It has 600 members, and these have sent some very fine harness, woolen work and carpentry work.
A curious display from the Gregory Institute, Wilmington, N. C., teaches quite a lesson in domestic economy. The girls have sent specimens of "stocking darning" and of that still more economical and homely employment known as "re-footing old stockings." A patchwork quilt made by the boys, forms a part of this display. Looking over the exhibits made under the American Missionary Association, the writer is pleasantly impressed with the excellent care with which the colored and Indian pupils all over the country are being instructed in trades. As cooks, carpenters, blacksmiths, farmers, brick-makers they are being practically instructed, as well as being given good collegiate educations.
The display of drawings from the Le Moyne Institute, of Memphis, is exceedingly beautiful and attracts universal admiration, as being most artistic and complete.