It is manifest that the negro has come to stay, and must be taken into our calculations in all estimates for the future of our national life. He need not fade away before us despite heroic efforts to save him. He does not perish even under our discouraging frowns. He will not be suppressed by a somewhat rigorous repressive policy. He has withstood all this, and flourished under it, as did the Israelites under the discouragements of Egyptian legislation. It is not for us humanely to consider, therefore, how we can make comfortable in their decline the lingering remnants of this perishing people. The more momentous question is how this vast and rapidly increasing mass of humanity is best to be fitted for the large part it is to play in our national life. It is not a question whether we shall have it with us or not, but whether we shall allow it to remain a festering, death-exhaling corruption, or whether it can be converted into a much needed element of strength. It could not be a matter of indifference to the most despotic government what is the condition of such a vast body of its citizens. Even when they were slaves, wholly under control of their masters, with no rights to claim and no duties to perform, their very presence as an ignorant and licentious mass of chattles gave great cause for anxiety to the intelligent lover of his country. But now they are citizens and voters, and whether exercising their rights as such or deprived of them, are equally, almost, a source of dangerous power which cannot but fill us with grave apprehensions, if we but think of it. The census tables proclaim loudly that death nor destiny will mitigate this danger; is it not time for a wise statesmanship to undertake seriously the task of dissipating it by a good and ample system of education which will qualify the negro for the duties thrust upon him? * * * * * THE TONIC SOL-FA SYSTEM OF TEACHING MUSIC. BY THEODORE F. SEWARD. That music is one of the special gifts of the colored people has long been known and recognized. How to develop that gift in the wisest manner and to the best advantage of the race, is a question which ought to receive a practical answer, and as speedily as possible. If they are peculiarly susceptible to the refining and elevating influences of such an art as music, it is very desirable that these influences be brought to bear upon them just now, while in the formative stage of their history.