On Tuesday morning, after the usual opening exercises, the Rev. Mr. Upshaw gave an instructive and stirring talk on the evils of the use of narcotics. A good letter from the Junior Christian Endeavor band of Ionia, Iowa, was read to the students, who returned a hearty vote of thanks for the draft for five dollars therein contained for a clock for our chapel, also for the promise of a scholarship for a student next year. Then the long line of students repaired to their respective class-rooms, followed by the friends who came to listen to their oral examinations. The latter were in all grades, from the seniors who replied to questions in Latin, mathematics, etc., to the tiny tots in room No. 1.
INDUSTRIAL WORK.
A conspicuous feature in the day's programme was the exhibition of articles made in the sewing department. Hundreds of specimens were effectively displayed against the walls of the large office. There were nicely made garments, bright patchwork quilts, dressed dolls illustrating hygienic styles of dress, buttonhole work and neat patches. Much of the work done won warm commendation from the visitors present, and that by the boys of the third grade received a full share of praise. In many cases it was difficult to believe that the specimens of work done in May were wrought by the same pairs of hands as the great, uncouth stitches made on the companion pieces furnished in January. Yet each pupil has had but two hours' instruction a week. We hope during the coming year to enlarge and improve the department. Extending our sincere thanks to the kind friends who have sent us supplies for the sewing, we would, by the way, very modestly suggest that a good sewing machine is needed here, and if one should be forthcoming from the beneficent ones who have an especial interest in this most important branch of education, we should indeed hail its advent with fervent gratitude.
Tuesday noon found us with our friends again gathered in the chapel, where prizes were awarded to those who had made the most improvement in sewing. One little girl had said to her sewing teacher: "Oh, if I can only get a prize for sewing, just a card, or anything, to show my mother that I am improving, and that she is getting something in return for the dollar she pays for my tuition!" From the nice books, etc., sent us in boxes by Northern friends, we distributed our prizes. To this little girl we were glad to give something, which rejoiced her heart, and the gleaming eyes of several other pupils—notably those of the boys of the third grade—as they came forward for the coveted honor, was a pleasant sight. Before dismissal, the Rev. L. B. Maxwell gave us a bright and helpful little talk. Tuesday night, in the freshly decorated and densely crowded chapel, was given an exhibition by members of all grades of the school. The songs, recitations, readings, gymnastics and tableaux elicited much delighted applause.
Thursday morning the school assembled to listen to the reading of promotions. One of the pleasantest memories of Beach Institute which the workers there carried away to their vacation was that of the sight of the eager yet self-controlled company of students, which, holding its breath to listen, yet, when it heard, spent no breath in murmurs of delight or of disappointment. Only the graver, self-reproachful expression or radiant smile betrayed the feelings of the listener.
ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES.
Thursday evening the Anniversary exercises took place. Palmettoes, roses, etc., made our chapel a place of beauty. Over the platform in artistic design, the class motto, "Row, not Drift," hung above a great boat decorated with the blossoms of the cape jasmine, suspended over its crossed oars, tastefully tied with the class colors—nile green and cream white. All showed effectively against a soft background of white overlaid with festoonings of the long gray moss. Our eight graduates, seven girls and one stalwart youth, "a rugged young oak in the midst of roses," rendered their parts in spicy essays, humorous reading, graceful and spirited recitations and earnest oration in a manner which won due signals of appreciation. The choruses, etc., were sung in good style, the diplomas were given, the successful contestant for the scholarship from the new tenth grade was announced, the class song was sung, and then Richard R. Wright, who in his boyhood sent to Northern friends the message, "Tell them we are rising," and who is now President of the Georgia State Agricultural College for Colored Youth, followed with an address replete with that which might instruct and enthuse this class of 1894, which was about to embark in boats in which they were to "Row, not Drift."
As one listened to this address, again what an inspiring scene met the eye—the gifted, cultured speaker, his very life an inspiration, the semicircle of earnest, hopeful young graduates, the chapel and adjoining rooms crowded with an audience whose appearance betokened education and refinement, among whom were doctors of divinity, editors and other professional men. One could but only exclaim, "Within these thirty years, verily, 'What hath God wrought!'"
Oh, that American Christians could be brought to such a sense of the tremendous needs of this Negro race at the South, that through myriad channels the needed supplies would flow, to continue and enlarge this, the Master's own blessed work.