themselves, but because of the temptation to spend money which they
could not afford in these hard times, and while complaining that they
could not raise money for the schooling of their children, they must not
spend their nickels in such ways. Take care of their nickels and they
would soon count up to dollars."

Several hucksters and peddlers, who had come with their wares, the
principal succeeded in driving off, and in a region where whisky has
flowed freely and smoking is almost their vital breath, she that day had
an orderly assemblage of nearly a thousand, on uncomfortable seats,
quiet and interested for four and a half hours without any intermission!

It was a very carefully prepared program; speeches, essays, recitals,
dialogues, and such splendid singing as only these trained voices of
colored students can give. It was no easy matter to speak so as to be
heard by such a crowd in the open air, but every girl as well as boy
succeeded admirably, and all showed most careful training and drill. The
themes chosen were very practical and fitted to the occasion.

Tobacco got rough and fearless handling, and liquor-drinking was rebuked
in almost every conceivable way and rubbed in repeatedly. The old and
the modern ways of teaching were compared and illustrated; indeed, every
recitation was evidently selected with reference to its moral effect.

Certainly these huge commencement gatherings are themselves educators
for the fathers and mothers and kinsfolk of these young people, whom
they are proud to see doing so well. The words of all the songs were
thoroughly learned, so they will do service in many another gathering
wherever these students may be. It was the writer's privilege to give
the commencement address on "Making the best use of life as God's plan