The question as to the spirit of the people will excite interest in the minds of many. The “Fool’s Errand” and “Bricks Without Straw” have prepared some for a doleful statement on this point. I am glad to disappoint them, and in contrast to the above, I rejoice to bear witness to the kindly and even cordial manner with which we have been received. Thus far not one rebuff from the Governor down. The people are not only kindly disposed, but are pleased with the work carried on; they do not all have equal faith, but nearly or quite all acknowledge that it is a work that should be done, that the colored people must be educated. The State is doing something in this line now—not for us, we have not asked for anything—and is bound to do more. I venture the statement that _in ten years, no other State in the Union will, in proportion to the number of her people and area, do so much for the instruction of the young as Texas_. Many are coming to see eye to eye and stand foot to foot on this question of universal education. The completion of the building and fencing the grounds, which is an absolute necessity, with the cost of furnishing, call for at least $2,000 more. This should be provided at once; then land is needed; thousands of colored youth in Texas greatly desire an education; they are worthy, but poor. Yet their highest good requires that they pay for their education. And, since this is not possible in many cases, some means should be provided by which they can. The most practical way is to have land which they can work. The result would be advantageous in two ways: First, it would enable them to maintain their self-respect; they would feel that they were not receiving bounty, but were paying their way; this would make them more manly. Second, it would be a practical school where they would be taught the best methods of agriculture; this would be a priceless benefit to them. But the Institution owns no land save the spot upon which the building stands. There are, however, some 450 acres of the first quality joining the Institution grounds for sale. True, since close to the city it is dear; but when once bought and paid for, these acres become a bank that will never fail, and always pay good dividends. It would be a wise and noble act for some one to buy this land and present it to the Institution; with it the possibilities of Tillotson Institute would be greatly magnified. Who will purchase the farm, and giving it his own name, present it to the youngest child of the A. M. A.? Finally, we are all more than pleased with the field and its work. It exceeds even our expectations; the climate is delightful, the location unsurpassed, the present inspiring, and the future radiant with hope. * * * * *