he
fetters of prescription, has been permanent. The recuperative energy
displayed by France in the last twenty years is a marvelous example of
the strength imparted by liberty.

The educational work of the American Missionary Association in the South
makes no revolutionary disturbance. It quietly opens a path for talent
whose existence had been before unnoticed or denied. It has been already
instrumental in bringing forward many men and women to positions of
influence. Beginning with the lowest branches of education, it trained
the first colored teachers for the State school systems. Its schools
for higher education have as yet come far short of supplying the demand
for advanced teachers and for educated ministers and other educated
professional and business men.

We cannot make talent, but opening the door for talent to find
development and activity adds rich gifts to the Nation's life.

* * * * *

_IRRESPONSIBLE INSTITUTIONS._

_The Independent_, in its Symposium of December 11th upon Gen. Booth's
Plan, has an article from Charles D. Kellogg, Superintendent of the
Charity Organization Society, in which, referring to a certain
irresponsible piece of charity, he says:

We do not believe that it is right for any one to ask for the
support of such an individual enterprise, except from those who
give it because of personal knowledge and confidence in the
manager. When the public is appealed to, such contributions take on
the nature of trust funds, the receipts and disbursements of which
should be audited and accounted for in the fullest and frankest
manner. To encourage such private, uncontrolled and unaccounted for
undertakings, is simply to open the door for any number of
conscienceless schemers who are quick to impose upon the benevolent
public.

The same is true of irresponsible educational institutions. All who
receive funds for such charitable purposes, are virtually stewards of
_trust money_ and ought to give an account of the same. All properties
thus developed ought to be put into a shape to be held securely and
perpetuated, and not left to become the personal possession of the
solicitors. Pious zeal and "faith" do not prevent the waste in such a
case. "Wisdom would not put cut and hammer-faced stone for the
foundation of a mountain school house, and costly glass in the windows,"
but "faith" has done this, and keeps on doing similar