[Illustration: FACSIMILE OF FIRST GRADE CERTIFICATE REDUCED ONE-THIRD.] The progress of educational work in Mississippi, according to the published statement of Gen. J. A. Smith, Sup’t of Public Instruction for the State, is of a hopeful character. The number of white children in public schools for the year 1880 was greater by 7,037 than in 1879, and the number of colored children 12,914. The average daily attendance shows an increase of 6,500 white children and 11,288 colored. The number of teachers employed was 202 over that of the preceding year, the increase being confined to the colored teachers. The total number of pupils enrolled for 1880 was 112,994 whites and 123,710 colored. The total disbursements were $830,704.79. * * * * * Upon the invitation of the Congregational Union of England and Wales at the hand of Rev. Dr. Alexander Hannay, of London, and by the appointment of the National Council and of this Association, our Secretary, Dr. M. E. Strieby, went over to represent both of these bodies at the Jubilee of that Union, which was held at Manchester in Free Trade Hall, October 4th to the 10th. We learned by cablegram that Rev. Henry Allon, D.D., was made chairman, and that Dr. Strieby, with other foreign delegates, was heard on the 6th. It was fitting that the English people, who had done so much through this Association in the way of aiding students in our Southern institutions, and of raising the fund for the Arthington Mission in the basin of the Upper Nile, should seek and secure a report from our Secretary-in-Chief, of the processes and results of this missionary organization. Great Britain and America both owe a common debt to our Freedmen and to the land of their ancestors. Dr. Strieby is expected to return in season to participate in our Annual Meeting, making report of English public sentiment in respect to this great international missionary enterprise. During his absence, his place has been filled by Rev. Jos. E. Roy, D.D., the Field Superintendent of our Southern work. * * * * *