Austin is picturesquely located on the north bank of the Colorado, and is a city of 12,000 inhabitants, half of whom are said to be colored; and the finest, most sightly spot about the Capital has just now been crowned with the much admired “Tillotson Institute.” It is to be opened October 1st. Mrs. E. G. Garland, whose marriage with one of Gov. Davis’ judges did not interfere with her school work, has for several years been in charge of the Evans school-house, built by the Freedmen’s Bureau, and called by her maiden name. The last year, fifty of her scholars were out teaching. Her school numbered the last term 120. Surely, it was time for the living institution to take to itself ampler accommodations, and to advance to a higher grade. With all my heart I commend this struggling enterprise. Texas has been neglected. It must now be brought into the line of our educational work. Rev. Dr. Wright, pastor of the Northern Presbyterian Church, which was planted by Dr. Daniel Baker, is one of the trustees of the Tillotson Institute, and is working for it heartily. A sermon at Paris and a lecture at Memphis will complete the work of the tour. NORTH CAROLINA CONFERENCE. This is the Benjamin of the Congregational Israel. Its first meeting was held one year ago at Raleigh. Its second occurred June 7th–9th at Dudley. The opening sermon was preached by Rev. Geo. S. Smith, a graduate of the Atlanta University, pastor at Raleigh, upon Paul’s determination to know nothing but Christ, and Him crucified. It was an able, stimulating, faithful discourse, urging that ministers in fidelity to this doctrine must not be afraid to preach against current sins. The morning prayer-meeting that followed, throbbed and warmed with the idea of Christ as a present, personal Saviour, and all the meetings had a spiritual glow. Rev. D. D. Dodge was made Moderator, and Rev. D. Peebles, Scribe. The five churches had come to be six, the new one being at Hilltown, in the west part of the State, and having as pastor Rev. Islay Walden, a graduate of the New Brunswick Seminary, ordained by the Dutch Classis of that locality, who had been a slave in the region where now he is preaching the Gospel. A gracious revival, and a meeting-house under way, are the fruits of the first six months of the life of this church. These six churches and the five schools of the A. M. A. in the State, were all represented. McLeansville was fixed upon as the place of the next meeting, where Bro. Connet has his church and high-school. The Conference was favored with the presence of Miss Farrington, lady missionary aided by the ladies of Maine, and located at Wilmington, and also with a visit from Misses Waugh and Barker, located at Newbern as missionaries of the Chicago Baptist Ladies’ Society. These ladies are doing a blessed work in the region round about. In April last, going together, they had traveled 300 miles, and had held 80 meetings.