country, which required earnest consideration, the solution of which
rests largely with the Negro himself. The presence of so many colored
men and women who had graduated from the institutions of learning they
now seek to foster, including Presidents of colleges and normal schools
and principals and teachers of public schools, professors of Greek,
Latin, mathematics and theology, physicians, lawyers and ministers, was
an object-lesson of the educational progress of the race.

Able papers were read on practical subjects of all phases of educational
work. Industrial work, normal training and higher education, were
fruitful topics of discussion. While each had its advocates, it was the
consensus of opinion that each of these departments has its place, and
that all were needed in the education of our colored youth. Judge
Tourgee addressed the Conference on National Aid to Education; and Hon.
W.T. Harris, the Commissioner of Education, advocated the higher
education of the Negro. National Aid to Education was strongly advocated
by the Conference, and is emphasized in their address to the country.
That address commends itself to the thoughtful consideration of the
friends of education. The report closes with the following appeal in
behalf of the institutions that have been established in the South: "A
crying need at the present hour is the making permanent of the larger
and more central institutions of learning for colored youth in the
South, through permanent endowments, by private contributions. Many of
them have struggled along for a quarter of a century, doing much good,
it is true, but greatly hindered in their progress because of the
uncertainty of their financial support. We appeal to the wealthy and
philanthropic everywhere to contribute of their means to such
endowments."

Four college Presidents were in attendance, and took part in the