frriAinal eDinnturtiratiDn%. THE EDUCATION OF THE SOUTHERN FREEDMEN, BY ONE OF THEMSELVES Though I know that the friends of the freed men, in the North, feel a deep interest in their we lf ar e and progress, and have shown their sym pathy in benevolent deeds, still I sometimes fear that even they have not a full conception of the m agnitude of the work of educating and fitting for intelligent citizenship these newly emanci pated millions. Looking on from the distance of a thousand miles, and calling to mind the hun dreds of missionary teachers, who, during the past three years, hive been at work in the South, it will, doubtless, appear to many in the North, that these people have had, within their reach, good, if not superior means of acquiring intelli gence and educatien; and the conclusion is likely to be reached, that the mass of the freedmen should, by this time, be sufficiently advanced to conduct intelligently their own educational af fairs. Nov, I do not, by any means, wish to try to disparage the results of the labors of the self sacrificing men and women who have so nobly led the march of education 'into the wilds of Southern ignorance and barbarism, but I do de sire that the friends in the North may not fall into error in regard to what has" been accom plished, and that they may have a correct know ledge of the situation. Three years ago, when the work Of educating the freedmen commenced, the teacher or mission ary had two principal obstacles to combat. The first was, the malicious prejudice andlhe deter mined opposition of the whites; the second was, the ignorance of those whom they dune to in struct. Iv required fully one-half as much thought and care to counteract the former, as it did to overcome the latter. School-houses were burnt, in some instances teachers were assaulted and even killed, and, generally, all banner of in sult and annoyande was tried by the Whites to dishearten them and to 'discourage them from their work. Then the bitter passions engendered, or, at least, increased, by oar late Civil war, had not died away, and the teacher stood surrounded by enemies, determined in their hostility to the education of the freedmen. In those dark days, it was a bold thing, even here in Alabama, to, raise the standard of man's rights and declare for freedom and education. Now, all that is changed. There is not a village, hamlet, or precinct in this whale State, where a freedmen's school may not be opened and taught with perfect safety. The spelling book has once more gained the day, as it ever must, and the Southern people have every where been. forced to recognize the fact 'that the black people are to be educated and enlightened, and that they are powerless to prevent it. So much has been accomplished toward overcoming the slaveholder's hostility to education. Now, as to the extent and progress of the schools. It must be borne in mind that, while many teachers have been sent into this field, still no society has aimed to establish schools at other than central points. In other words; the thou sands of youth in the smaller places and rural districts have, so far, been almost entirely desti tute of schools and instruction. I have not the statistics by me, but I estimate (roughly) that there must be, at least, 50,000 colored youth of schoolable age in the State of Alabama. It can not be that over 5,000 of these have had any thing like systematic instruction. In'this coun ty (Lauderdale), as nearly as I can estimate, there are about 2,000 colored youth between the ages of 5 and 21 years. Of this number, per haps 300 are gathered in schools. This state ment will give you an idea of th'e vast dispropor tion of the force of teachers compared with the work to be done. I have Said that - the societies aimed only to establish Schools at central points. In this they showed wisdom. A well-regulated school at any county town of the State would be a great source of benefit to the freedmen of that county. It would be a radiating centre. But there is 'a significant fact connected `with nearly all of these schools which must be borne in mind. I allude to the Normal feature round in most of them. In nearly all freedmen's schools the idea is kept pfominently before the Minds of the pu pils that they, particularly the older and nore advanced ones, are to make use of their acqnire ments in instructing others. We generally find it practicable to gather into a Normal crass, those who give evidence of capacity for . teaching, and instruct them with especial reference to that work. So far as my knowledge extends, this' plan has everywhere been attended withthe rnost gratifying results. From these Normal classes we have not only been`able to supply the primary departments of our Central Schools with good teachers, but also to sendleachers into the coun try to open small schools of their dim, which are generally self-supporting. This much we have been able to do here at 'Florence,' 'and at tither points, perhaps, more has been done in the same way. So it will be Seen that every central school is, to a great extent, a Normal school, and, pro perly conducted, is able to do much toward sup plying the surronnding country With teachers. Of our own pupils here, eight are, at this time, or have been, 'engaged 'in teaching. There are, perhaps, ten who are capable of conducting small primary schools, and some of whom will engage in teaching during 'the present summer-months, o the country. IninOther year we could proba bly increase this niniber of young teachers to twenty.five, who again would,' perhaps, be able to gather 'into sahobls and instruct 1000 or 1200 others. And thus the work will go on, un less from want of means or other causes these central schools are compelled to stop. Touching the pecuniary condition of the , outhera people : the whites; even those who for merly were regarded as wealthy, are now nearly all bankrupt. All classes of persons find it difft uilt to live here. There is very little money in ireulation in the South, and the country is so unsettled that enterprises of nearly every kind have stopped. The freed-people especially, libor hard, and have done so since the close of 'the A'Ar ; but so far, they have realiied 'very 'little zuriney from their labor. Most of what 'they 'lave earned, to their credit be it speken, jbeY 'ti .ive applied toward the purchase orsinall hra THE AMERICAN PRESBYTERIAN, THURSDAY, JULY 16, 1868. for their families. Last year a large cotton crop was raised, but, as every oue knows, from some cause or other, cotton sold for from four cts. to five cts. per lb. less than it cost to produce it. Planters lost heavily, but cotton speculators reaped a harvest. Unfortunately the southern people, white and black, very generally still cling to cotton as their chief staple. But I take it that stern necessity will yet teach them to diversify their crops. Could the people of the north witness the manly struggles of the freedmen for independence, in spite of the many obstacles which beset their way, I am sure they would feel encouraged still to extend the helping hand; and could they know with what grateful and prayerful emotions aid of any kind is received by these poor suffer ing people, they would never, never regret that, in the goodness of their hearts, they were led to extend their sympathies toward the freedmen of the South. To give you an idea of the animus with which many of these people are inspired, let me relate an incident. We have lately had quite a freshet in this section, and much of the bottom land, some.of which had been planted, has been flooded. A few mornings since, as I was riding along the river bank; I saw a fine specinien of the " new is sue " (freedmen) sitting on a fence, looking at about four acres of water outspread before him, beneath which was his corn-field. After offering him words of condolence, I asked him how he was going to manage it. " 0," said he, with a broad grin, that showed entire absence of any thing like melancholy or despair; "when the wat er falls, I'll plow up the land ;and plant it again." Said I, " Old man I You'll do." He replied, good-humoredly, "I reckon." These people, de pend upon it, will come up; only give them time, and opportunity. My chief anxiety now is, whether we are finally to close our efforts here in June. .1 humbly and prayerfully trust that Providence will open up some way for us to continue the work here next fall. We now have every thing in order for another year of more successful labor than any heretofore. To break off suddenly now, would be sad indeed, and Lpray that we may be enabled to go on until we can safely commit this truly noble work to other and more faithful hands. Truly yours, , OSCAR M. WARING. FLORENCE, Ala., May 8, 1868. Ktattm'o Catat. teis 6 ' Publishers will confer a favor by mentioning the priced of all books sent to this Department: JEAN MACE'S BOOBS. The unrivalled clearness, fluency and • facility of the best French lecturers and instructors is well known abroad. They know better than any other civilized people how to popnlat:ize'science. Arago was not more famous for his mastery of knowledge than for his skill in making it corn preheesible to tha dullest listener. There is a. captivating combination of brilliancy, simplicity and thoroughness in the presentation of, scienti fic truth to the young and the uninitiated by this class of French savans that answers a very general want and that has been widely respond ed to by the public. JEAN MACE'S Book, the HISTORY or 'A O 3IOIJTHFUL OF. BREAD,• is a late illustration of this gift so peculiarly French. Starting from the act of mastication, the author describes, in " Letters to a little Girl," the pro cess of digestion, the alimentary system and the entire relation of food to the human body. The second part of the book is occupied with a de scription of the various orders of animals. All the leading facts in the structure of man, and the other animals, as living beings, are brought to view, and with such liveliness and picturesque ness of style and such assiduous and yet cheer ful and happy attempts at' illustration, that a child of eight or ten can scarcely fail to be in-. terested; while many, older persons would, be in terested as they never were before, in the mys teries of their own physical• constitution. There is throughout a reverential recognition of the Deity, and a constant aim to inculcate gratitude to the wise and benevolent Author of our being. The same may be said of a second volume, by the same author : " THE SERVANTS OF THE STOMACH," which, relates to, the muscular and bony parts of the body, the brain and nerves. Seventeen editions of the,first of these works'had been issued in Paris in 1866. The translations, reprinted from London editions, with some slight revision, are issued in subStantial and handsome style by Messrs. Harpers, of New York, and are for sale by J. B. Lippincott & Co., at $1.75 per volume. From CAuFrroN, New York, we have receiv ed RICHARD B. KIMBALL'S last novel, entitled " HENRY . POWERS BANKER, How he achieved a Fortune and Married ;" a very slight story, in which some of the most trite expedients of the Story-teller are used ; while its revelations of Wall Street Life and of the workings of passion, principle, hypocrisy, cunning and legitimate bu `siness enterprise in the commercial circles of the metropolis, cannot compare with those drawn in the earlier work of Mr. Kimball, entitled " Was he Successful ?" The manner in which bogus companies are gotten up and the culpable care lessness of good men, and of religious newspapers in allowing their names to be used in such enter ririses, are well shown up. The chief merit of the work lies , perhaps, in its description and anal ysis of the cs lowa upright character, not unfre quently found in mercantile circles, and of the power of a pure affection to keep alive courage and correct principle in a young man, exposed to the trials 'and temptations of the beginning of a mercantile career. Price $1.75. ROSE MATHER, by Miss MARY J. HOLIES, from the same house, is a story of the War, thorough ly patriotic, pure, pervaded with genuine unre served piety, and wrought out of the abundant materials furnished by the various phases of the straggle, at home, on the battle-f eld, in rebel prisons, and in perilous flights, with considerable dramatic skill. Based on familiar scenes and in &dents and simple in tone, it cannot trulybe call ed common-place. The perusal will 'quicken pa triotism and serve to keep alive a remembrance FICTION. of those times when it seemed natural even for the habitually indifferent to recognize God, and when so many were led, by His awful providen ces, to ask His aid and to seek pardon through His Son. Price 51.50. MESSRS. WYNKOOP & SHERWOOD, 208 Ful ton street, N. Y., have sent us, through DUF FIELD ASHMEAD, their "Handy Volume Edi tions of Thackeray's PENDENNis. It is print ed in very clear, legible diamond type, in double columns, much resembling the famous diamond edition of Dickens. There is, also, a handsome steel portrait of Thackeray, and a dozen copies of the author's, own grotesque and effective illustra tions. Travellers will find it very well suited to their wants. JEV/NILES. THE PRESBYTERIAN BOARD are showing con stant enterprise in their line. We have recently from their press, in 18mo., pp. 136, ONLY A PENNY, by Nellie Grahame," well illustrating the value of those small sums of money so frequently in the hands of children, and impressing a lesson of practical benevolence of the highest utility. Two, illustrations. Also: " MARGARET ASHTON, Or Work and Win, by Mrs. S. A. Myers," pp. 336, admirably illustrating the inadequacy of a formal sort of piety, backed up by Catechism and Presbyterian rigidity in the training of Chil dren, especially the wayward and open sort of bad ones •; the story has sufficient variety of inci dent and of character to be deeply interesting. It belongs to the better class of Juveniles, and will do good in ,the homes where a stiff and un lovely form of Presbyterianism prevails. We note that " Puritans " are said, pages 5 and 6, to have settled in Eastern Pennsylvania, but they are afterwards spoken of as Covenanter& "HAR OLD and other Stories, by the author of " Jennie Graham," 230 pp., is from the pen of one who knows his trade and whom the children need only know, to reckon him among their real friends. Three illustrations. " ONLY THIS ONcrE by Nellie Grahame,7 pp. 72. TWo illustrations. Well describes the en ticements, by whieh sin lures ihe unstable into her paths. HENRY HOYT has issued a small but excel lent book, for Little Girls, according to the title page, but pleasantly conveying lessons of value to all children, upon the duty of ,giving the heart to Christ and of suitably endeavoring to win others to the same duty. It is entitled ° THREE CHRISTMAS DAYS." Pp. 74. lIIISCELLANEOES. Messrs. Jowl - WYETR & Bab. have issued a very neat 16mo. volume, entitled : "The Fam ily Adviser, and Guide to the Medicine Chest. A concise Handbook of Medicine, by a Physi cian." We Auld of course much prefer a com petent guide away from the medicine chest, but in the absence of that, it is the next best thing to know how to use remedies in those emergencies where a physician cannot be promptly obtained, or Where the matter is scarcely serious enough for his attention. There is no purpose in author or publisher to discourage the reader from procur ing the advice of a competent physician. The book is 'very neatly printed. 'it PEEISMICALS " AND 'PAMPHLETS. Teti SCHOOLMATE FOR JULY, Joseph H. Allen, Boston, (Vol. 22, No. I) still oontirmes to give the children wholesome, attractive, piquant Sto ries, Declamations, Dialogues, &c. $1.50 per annum. THE THEATRE. By Was. P. BLEED, D.D. An 'excellent tract, issued by the Board of the other Branch, fearlessly exposing theligeurable cor- - ruptness of everything about the .theatre, and shoviing up, with unsparing and. truthful hand, the intolerable foulness of the theatricals of our day. .HARPgtt's BAZAR reaches our table with more than promptness—nearly two weeks ahead of time. We suppose the exigencies of fashion can be best met by such issues in advance of time. The adaptation of the Bazar to the large class of we ! , it aims to supply is really astonishing. We hatre counted as many as seventy patterns traced on a single one of those cabalistic Sheets with which the publishers supplement their regular issues. It is a perfectly inexhaustible resource for ladies wanting something to do." THE CATALOGUE OF MIAMI, 0.; UkI'VERSI TY shows 117 in the Collegiate and 69 in the Preparatory department. Robert L. Stanton, D.D., is President and Rev. S. H. McMullin, late of West Philadelphia, is ProfeSsor of Greek. THE NORTH BRITISH REVIEWTOT June,lB6B, (New York : Leonard Scott, Pub. Co.; Philaklel phia, for sale by W. B. Zieber), cornnaences•with an article on " A Liberal Education," discussing the rose-water theories of Education from which the study of the classics is to be excluded. "Mis tral's Mireio " is an account of tin idyllie Poem in the lately-restored Provencal dialect of France. " Saint Louis," is an historical picture of the last of the Crusaders; the worthily sainted French King, who died August 25, 1270, a victim to his zeal for the overthrow of Mohammedanism. His life-long reverence for his noble and courageous mother was not the least commendable of his characteristics. "Creeds and Churches" is one of those Articles which area sign of the Time's. Dean Stanley's argument for the continued union of Church and State, is shown to be exceeding ly defective. The responsibility of voluntary Churches to the State, as truly as State Churches, for an abuse of their powers or fundamental vio lation of their own law, is clearly shown. Many points of significance to ourselves are adverted to, and the wale drift of the article reminds one forcibly that we are entering upon a period of ecclesiastical reconstruction, in which the founda tions have got to be re-examined and re-laid. " Memories of Baron Bunsen," is suggested by the two volumed Life, just' issued'hy the English lady who remains tamourn the departed German Scholar and Christian. The marked and noble and commanding traits of his character, as well as his serious defects, the strange combination of deep, child-like piety, with a bald rationalism in some important particulars, are clearly brought out. The other articles are: The Greek Idyllic Poets; on Sleep and the History of Writing. PRINTED AT THE Mercantile Printing Rooms JAS. B. RODGERS, Nos. 52 & 64 North Sixth Street. PIHLADBLPEILL "Systematic and Persistent. advertising the Sere Road to Success in Business." T. C. EVANS , General Newspaper Advertisino•9s Ag't 9 No. 129 WASHINGTON STREET, BOSTON, MASS. ADVERTISEMENTS INSERTED AT PUBLISHERS' LOWEST RATES, In all the leading Daily and Weekly Papers throughout the United States. Having SPECIAL CONTRACTS with a large number of the beet Adver tising Mediums in the country, I am enabled to offer special in ducements to Advertisers to give me their business. NOW READY. THE 2D EDITION OF THE ADITETISERS HAND-8008. Revised and enlarged, containing several new Features. Copies sent post-free on receipt of twenty-five cents. Addresses above. TO HOUSEKEEPERS!! PYLE'S SALERATUSI CREAM TARTAR Are acknowledged the most efficient and economical Household ar ticles of ;American production. Each article in ite use will speak for itself. But our claims are supported by the most intelligent classes throughout New England and the Middle States. Among the tens of thoirsands of our patrons are some of the most distin- guilihed personages of the age, a few of whose names are as follow& Hon. Schuyler Colrux. Son. Cyrus Field. Hon. Hermes Greeley. Ben. Theodore OUVI.?, D.D. Rev. Stephen H. Tynan Bev. Thomas firmitage, D.D P. 2'. Barnum, Esq. Editors or the Independent. .Edttora of the Boossfettat. .Zi'ditors of the Christian Advocate. Editors of the ..Eresiing Foist. Editors of the Jotirnal of Coon*iereo. And hundreds too numerous to mention Allfirst•cicisi Groceks keep them. JAMES PYLE, Manufacturer, No, 350 Washington Street, je2s 12t eow J. & F. CADMUS 736 MARKET ST., S. E. Comer of Eighth, PHILADELPHIA, • MANUFACTURERS AND DEALERS IN nooTal, ZOEGE, TRITNKS,_CARPET BAGS AND VALISES. Ladies' Sacs, Bags, Pocket .Books ingreat variety. SPRING STYLES. FINE CUSTOMER-MADE Boots and Shoes , FOR - GENTLEMEN. The only place in the City where all the Leading Styles of Fine Goods may be obtained. PRICES FIXED AT LOW FIGURES. BARTLETT, 83 SOUTH SIXTH STREET, m26-tf ' ABOVE CHESTEL; WHITHAI'S.. CHOCOLATE The Best Chocolate for Family Use, 15 X4NIJFACTITADD aT Tnt. PHILADELPHIA STEAM CHOOOLATE AND • GeGati WORKS ' , .STEPHVAt F. WHITMAN, Proprietor. STORE NO. 1210 MARKET STREET _ Rare and Fashionable CONEECTIONS, STEPHEN F. ViTHITIVIAN, may2l ly 1210 Market Street. ALL FO it One Piece Bleached Sheeting, OR One Piece Brown Sheeting, And Descriptive Slips of SIXTY ARTICLE& for sale at ONE DOLLAR each, will be sent to any person that 'will send us FIVE DOLLARS. This beats all the REVOLUTIONS HIF TRADE ever heard of in the world I WE ARE C.O.MINC TO OFFER BETTER BARGAINS Than any other Dollar Concern In the Country! We send DESCRIPTIVE SLIPS and a PRINTED SCHEDULE of Goods we have for sale at ONE DOLLAR EACH,, FREE OF ALL CHARGES ! We do not require any one to semi us ten cents in advance (or $lO either) and then send a printed slip stating that the person can receive for one dollar a Toy Flute valued at 53, but really worth but 10 cents, or a Perfumed Glove Box worth but 25 cents.. We use no such trash iu 0011 DOLLAR SALE. Our Circulars state fair ant square the articles which will be sent for the mopey received. Send us $5 and give ns a trial y or be sure and send for a Circular before ordering elsewhere. FARNHAM & CO., No. 24 Friend Street, Boston, Mass, 1625-4 t. MOWING MACHINE SECTIONS.;—Swswr, Ranzas & Co., Syracuse, N. Y., wat furnish &miens, tither smooth or sickled, to repair the knife of any Mowing Machine. In order ing sections send to us by mail a diagram of the 'section wanted, which is easily madety marking around an old one, and through the rivet-holes with a pencil. Where this is done, we win guaran tee the sections we send to fit on the bar, and we can, if requested, send Rliets for putting the Sections on. State the number of sections wanted, and we can usually ship them on receipt of order, t y'express, to collect on delivery. We have one uniform price for Section and Rivets, varying according-to size, viz.: Sections, 13 to 25 eta. each ; Rivets, 25 cts. per pound, or for less quantity, four Rivets for a cent. Address. t SWEET, BARNES & CO., Syracuse, N. Y. GROVER & BAKER'S WITS .1. Tit INSTRUCTION GRATIS, TO ALL WHO APPLY, THE. VERY HIGHEST PRIZE, THE CROSS OP THE LEGION OP HONOR, was conferred on the representative of the (hover & Baker Sewing Machines at the Exposition Universello, *kris, 1867„thtts attesting their great superiority over all other Sewing Machines. OFFICE, 730 CIIESTNIIT STREET. Philadelphia. DAVID H. LOSEY, REMOVED To 906 Race Street, Philadelphia, With a large assortment of GAS AND OIL STOVES. tarAgente for Brown's Metallic and Rubber Weather Stripe. may2B tf 0. K. SOAP LIGHT-HOUSE COTTAGE. Atlantic City, N. J. This well-knowit house has been Removed, Remodeled and much Enlarged AND Dil ROW LOCATED BETWEEN U. S. HOTEL and the BEAM Guests for the house vrill,leave the cars at 11. S. tiotel. The llD designed solicits the continued patronage of his numerous friends ta-NO BAR. JO.?iJI! S^OOTTOJ►, Proprietor. Corner FrEnklin street Edwin S. Johnston, DEALER IN Wall Paper and Linen Window Shades, L. Church, Store and other Large. Shades Manufactured to order. DEPOT: 1033 Spring Garden st., just below 11th. BRANCH-307 Federal St., Camden, N. J. FRANCIS NEWLAND & SON, No: 52 North Ninth Streit, One door below Arch St., PHILADELPHIA. WALL PAPERS, Decorations, • IMITATION FRESCOES, WINDOW PAPERS, ETC- Experiencedlvorknieu sent to all parts or the city and country. apr23 am • E. P. ADAIR„ (Lae of the Finn of Smith & Adair,) MANUFACTURER OP SILVER PLATED WARE: No. 124, South Eleventh Street, mar2B-3m. PHILADELPHIA. SAMUEL K. SMYTH, (OF LATE FIRM OF SMYTH & ADAIR,) Practicallzfanufacturer and WholesalziDealer In every deacriptzon of SILVE a FL iITED WARE, GOLD AND SILVER PLATER, No. 724 Chestnut Street, (21 pLooR,) LATE OF 35 SOUTH 3D ST., Old Ware Repaired and Replated. mayls 3m PHILADELPHIA. CARHART'S BOUDOIR ORGANS . CARHARTS - CHURCH HARMONIUMS! OARHART'S MELODEONS 4 ach Unequalled by' any Reed Instruments in the ricoridi Also Parmelee's Patent . Isolated Violin Prappq.liir anos, a new and beautiful Instrument. Sole age*, H. M. MORRISS, 21 North Eleventh Street. JOSHUA CONVPLOP, Manufacturer and peal 4., Looking Glasses,. tines Large Ornamental alt ang, Walnut Mirrom No. 53 eolith Xowth Streot, Philadelphia. HENRY Y. oown/RID. C. CONNOR COWPLARS. HIGHEST PREMIUM FA iki I I, "Y 1.N.P110 Jet 11 .INT 8. They Stitch, Hem, Fell, Cord, Bind, Tuck, Quilt, Gather Braid and Embroider. No other Machine Embroi ders as well and sews as perfectly. Circulars Containing Samples Post Free GRI.FFITR'S Patent Double Self-acting Archbnecle,an Viti DiVIIVA k 10 I -14 ILO :1 SMOKE CONDUCTOR iTas been applied to thousands of bniliiings within the past four years, including Dwelling houses, Churches, Schools, Factories, Paper rains, Dye-houses, &d., with unparalleled suc cess. Smokey chimneys cured and warranted Sold Wholesale and Retail, by A liberal discount to the trado 1,014 . 1 S DREKA, Stationen; Card `, Enpafar and Plate,. Maier tr 3 STREET, HENRY MIMS, 618 Market St. junial-1y l'lt!ma.‘ituw