The second thing which has struck me, is the improvement in the old churches; or rather the evident straining after something better. There cannot be _much_ change while the present generation of ignorant preachers survives; but the changes recently have all been for the better, and a new Baptist organization has just been started among the people themselves with no outside persuasion, with the avowed purpose of securing an educated minister and maintaining better discipline. It is an interesting fact that the leaders in this last movement are all men who have been in close relations with our church and its work. I think our Northern friends need have no fear of the effect upon our principles of _Southern kindness_ here in Montgomery. The white people let us severely alone, unless they can make a little money out of us. The Presbyterian Pastor, Dr. Petrie, has, called upon me; but, besides that, our only visits have been from business men who wanted patronage. * * * * * TENNESSEE. Le Moyne Normal School—The Year Begins Well. MISS L. A. PARMELEE, MEMPHIS. The first month of school has closed with a larger attendance than during the corresponding month one year ago, while the class of students is much superior in every respect. This is especially true of the young men from other places who attend Le Moyne for the first time. They enter the advanced classes and have capacity for more rapid progress than we have been accustomed to find. We regret the absence of many girls, who prefer teaching to thoroughly fitting themselves for their work. With very limited qualifications, they secure positions in country schools, where they doubtless do fair work for present needs. Some time, they will see the mistake of not pursuing their studies further. Our Thursday evening family readings have been resumed. This week the Alumni joined us. When two or three guests have come, it has been the habit to have an author designated, but this time the circle was so large it was thought best to invite each to contribute any selection he chose. The first offering was Joseph Cook’s remarks upon uneducated suffrage in the South. It provoked very earnest discussion. Every one was surprised at Mr. Cook’s familiarity with the true condition of affairs. A young man who has taught in the neighborhood, was inclined to dispute the educational statistics. “Go out into the country and you will find that most of the children can read a little,” was one remark. He admitted the ignorance of the adults. He is certainly mistaken in applying his statement to the country at large, however true it may be of the region within a radius of thirty miles from this city.