he race is saved. A new generation, who knew nothing of
slavery but much of the dangers of freedom, are taking hold upon
manhood. They must be taught to read, to think, to work, to save and
to love goodness for its own sake. If all this can be brought about I
believe the Negro question will be settled. This must be done. I trust
that not all of the 1,500 who have lately signified a willingness to
enter the mission field will suppose that all of the ignorant and
needy millions are on the other side of the globe. We hear a good deal
just now about patriotism. Now, how can one better prove his
patriotism than by giving his money or service to save his country
from ignorance and degradation? It will pay you back in dollars and
cents, to say nothing of the reward of learning that "it is more
blessed to give than to receive."
* * * * *
INTEMPERANCE.
The few lines below indicate the quality and flavor of the papers
read by the graduating class at Atlanta University.
One of the great causes of intemperance in our land is that lack of
self-respect which the present state of society induces among the poor
and laborious. Just as long as wealth is the object of worship and the
measure of men's importance, and is regarded as the badge of
distinction, just so long will there be a tendency toward
self-abasement and self-abandonment among those whose lot gives them
no chance to acquire it.
Such naturally feel as if the great good of life were denied them.
They feel themselves neglected. Their condition cuts them off from
communion with educated and refined people. They think they have
little or no stake in the general weal of life. They feel as though
they have no character to lose, consequently intemperance takes
possession of them.
This evil of intemperence is said by some to be the greatest of all
evils. It is the cause of the ruin of some of our fathers and
brothers, and I am sorry to say it ruins some of the mothers. When we,
the temperance girls and boys, ask them to leave off their habit of
drinking, they tell us that it does them good. When cold it makes them
warm, when warm it makes them cold. When troubled, it cheers
them. When weak, it strengthens them. It is certainly killing them by
degrees.
* * * * *
STUDENT'S LETTER.
THE BLUE-JACKET TEACHER--FIRST SCHOOL EXPERIENCE.
From youth I was impressed that the "Yankee" was the terror of the
world, capable
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