The cleanliness of the recitation rooms, the preservation of school property and the gradual improvement of the grounds were marked. The final exercises at Friendship Church were very creditable to the institution. The subjects of the speeches and essays were appropriate, without political bearing, and they were delivered and read in a becoming manner. Comparing the examinations with preceding ones, we are satisfied that the University is steadily on the up-grade, and that it is becoming a centre of great interest among the colored people. The religious training of the pupils appeared to be excellent. The Normal feature of the institution we regard with especial interest. In no way can education be so rapidly extended, or its improved methods so effectually multiplied, as by the special training of teachers. This we believe to be the great educational want of our State. We have one suggestion to make, viz: as the oral recitation has been now so satisfactorily developed, would it not be beneficial to introduce some written examination work in the higher classes, as affording a better comparative test, and as advancing the examinations fully up to the modern standard? It is your committee’s opinion, based upon the foregoing, that the State has acted wisely in her appropriation to the Atlanta University, and that a continuance of it is to her best interests. Respectfully submitted, H. C. MITCHELL, Chairman Special Committee. T. G. POND, C. M. NEAL. * * * * * On motion the above report was ordered to be submitted to the Governor. H. H. JONES, Chairman of General Board. J. T. WHITE, C. M. NEAL. * * * * * ALABAMA. Why He Likes It. REV. H. S. DEFORREST, TALLADEGA. A minister recently called to one of our schools in the South, gives these reasons for liking his place. 1st. I am needed. This is a great work and the workmen are few. It is not at all here as it used to be, and perhaps now is, in Boston on a Saturday morning, scores of men standing with carpet-bag in hand, waiting for a chance to preach, and many waiting in vain. We have here more of field than we can occupy. On all sides comes up the Macedonian-African cry, “come over and help us.” I am often weary on Saturday and poorly enough prepared for Sunday, but am spared the anguish of not knowing where to go or what to do. Besides, there is so much of self-denial in the work that there are probably not a great many thinking that, if I should die or leave, there would be a vacancy, and if there should be a vacancy they would like to fill it. Not many are interested in my will; few would care for my shoes,—I hope to wear them myself and wear them here. For,