on an
exceedingly sensitive temperament, was to make this son of a white
father and black mother cherish a feeling of intense hatred toward all
white people as he was growing up; but being led, in the good providence
of God, to a Christian training-school where he heard of One who
suffered every indignity, and when dying in torture and ignominy prayed,
"Father forgive them, for they know not what they do," new thoughts and
feelings came to him.

He thought there might be cruel men in the world now who know not what
they do. He was led to bow in penitence and submission at the feet of
Jesus. It is now his chief joy that since he entered upon the path of
learning, he has, as a teacher, given several thousand children a start
in the same path.

The little old chapel at Tougaloo having burned down in January, 1882,
he graduated in the spring of that year, from our elementary normal
course, in the new barn, Ayrshire Hall. He has since passed through our
higher normal and college preparatory course, and is pursuing further
studies in another institution, in the intervals teaching, and going
from place to place with the great desire in his heart of bringing about
a better condition of feeling and living, among the people of the State.

I quote from his printed speech: "We read of a time when 'a nation shall
be born in a day.' We have seen it come to pass, and this people is a
babe yet. 'Is not the babe a blessing in the house? Its very
helplessness is a blessing, in that it educates the finest sensibilities
of humanity.' The problem to be solved now is how to nurse this babe
aright. The thoughtful observer will be easily convinced that the
careful and proper education of girls is the first step in the solution
of this problem.

"The education of girls is of the most vital importance for the
uplifting of the colored people of the South. Yes, I venture to say that
_the whole South_ will depend upon their condition for its prosperity.
True progress depends upon the sacredness and sanctity of the home. That
a people or a nation may be happy or prosperous it must have enlightened
and intelligent homes, and for this purpose the girls must be educated
in virtue, industry and self-reliance.

"The colored woman in all conditions and under almost all circumstances
is abused by all races and classes. There are individuals who love and
respect her, but no one fears to _insult_ her as they fear to insult
other women. Let her turn whe