On Thursday, a class of seven young men presented orations, and received certificates of graduation from the Normal Department of the Institution. These orations were highly commended by the prominent gentlemen who were present from Jackson. In the afternoon, a stirring address was delivered by President De Forest, of Talladega College, upon the topic of “Work.” This was followed by speeches from Capt. Wolf, of Jackson, from Dr. Watkins, the venerable pastor of the Methodist Church at Jackson, and from Dr. Hunter, pastor of the Presbyterian Church of the same city, all of whom expressed appreciation of the good work this Institution is doing. More than a thousand visitors were present at these closing exercises on Thursday, an excursion train running from a point fifty miles distant for their accommodation. The location of the University on this great railroad which passes north and south through the centre of the State, these beautiful groves being only about half a mile from the depot, furnishes rare facility for such a gathering of the friends and patrons of the school. The ignorance among the people in this State is fearful, but it is a very hopeful sign when the colored people are themselves showing an interest in such a school as this one now is, and when they are beginning to appreciate the sort of training given here to their young men and women. Much of this has been brought about through the wise, energetic and progressive management of the President, Rev. G. S. Pope. The promise for the coming year is flattering. The school will probably be crowded even more than during the year just past. The buildings must be in some way enlarged, or new ones provided, in order to have room for all who will doubtless desire to come. There has been little or no complaining by the students on account of very rough, cold and crowded rooms—the only temporary places which hitherto could be provided. Another year, however, ought to bring better accommodations. Here is a place second to none in our country for the doing of great and far-reaching good. A. H. * * * * * HOWARD UNIVERSITY. Theological Department—Sixteen Graduates. REV. W. W. PATTON, D. D., WASHINGTON