who stop before the complete course has been
mastered to successfully fight the battle of life, then highest
education is infinitely superior to the higher education. Indeed it is
the only education that helps abundantly not only the graduates, but
also those unfortunate legions that drop out while yet undergraduates.

In attempting to solve the Negro problem, the industrial or lower
education has been tried on the Negro and found wanting; the higher
education has been tried upon both races and has succeeded but little
better than the lower education; if we will cast aside our prejudices
and try the highest education upon both white and black, in a few
decades there will be no Negro problem.

Clark University, December 1, 1901.

TOPIC X.

WHAT ROLE IS THE EDUCATED NEGRO WOMAN TO PLAY IN THE UPLIFTING OF HER
RACE?

BY MRS. R. D. SPRAGUE.

[Illustration: Mrs. Rosetta D. Sprague]

ROSETTA DOUGLASS SPRAGUE.

The subject of this sketch was born in New Bedford, Mass.,
June 24, 1839. She is the oldest child and the only living
daughter of the late Frederick Douglass. At the age of five
years she moved with her parents to Lynn, Mass., where the
first narrative of Frederick Douglass, written by himself,
was published. Its publication attracted widespread notice
and stirred the ire of slaveholders in the vicinity from
which he escaped. His many friends fearing for his safety
arranged to send him abroad.

His wife has often told of the demonstrative and
enthusiastic young father catching up his infant daughter
and fervently thanking God that his child was born free and
no man could separate them. Among the many friends who were
solicitous for the family were two maiden ladies, Abigail
and Lydia Mott of Albany, New York, who were cousins of
Lucretia Mott, the well-known philanthropist and friend of
the Negro. These women, who conducted a lucrative business
on Broadway, opposite Bleeker Hall, were also staunch
Abolitionists. Being anxious for the welfare of the little
six-year-old daughter of Douglass, they sought the privilege
of caring for her while the father was abroad. The wife and
three sons remained at their home in Lynn during the
father's absence. Mrs. Sprague has frequently spoken of her
stay with the Motts, who were in good circumstances, and
with their one