xceeds that of the same grade from a manufactory.

But our day of days came on Thursday, when a large audience from
various parts of Southeastern Georgia assembled at our church to
witness the exercises of graduation. Although this is only our third
exercise of this kind, it has already become one of the great annual
events of Liberty and neighboring counties. Notwithstanding the heat
of the day and the dust, the church was packed by an audience of at
least six hundred. In thought, force and plainness of expression and
delivery, the orations of the young men were well up toward
"high-water mark." The subjects chosen were eminently of a practical
nature, and were treated in a very practical and forceful way that
went right home to the understanding and appreciation of the hearers,
as was manifested by the close attention that was evident on every
hand. The music for the occasion was furnished by the Normal
department, assisted by the grammar grades, and consisted of
well-drilled choruses, a duet and a solo. The exercises closed with an
appropriate address by the pastor, Rev. A. L. DeMond, and the
presentation of the well-earned diplomas.

It should have been mentioned that, on Tuesday evening, a reception
was given by the teachers to the members of the graduating class and
the alumni, furnishing a very pleasant social occasion. On Thursday
afternoon, the alumni of the school organized and held its first
meeting, consisting of literary exercises; and in the evening gave a
reception to the teachers at a neighboring house, thus giving a
pleasant ending to the school year of 1897-8.

It has been a busy week and one filled with hard work, and moreover,
such work as could not have been possible a very few years ago. A
diploma received now by a graduate means the completion of a
four-years' Normal course, and the work satisfactorily done.

* * * * *

COLORED TEACHERS IN THE SOUTH.

BY PROF. A. J. STEELE, MEMPHIS, TENN.

A full generation has passed since the emancipation of the slaves in
the United States and since the avenues of knowledge were thrown open
to the colored people through the doors of the school house. During
this time portions of three generations, parents, children and
grand-children, literally "Children's children to the third
generation," have, to a greater or less extent, availed themselves of
the tuition of the schools.

[Illustration: CHILDREN'S CHILDREN.]

Durin