Our work would not be complete without a more formal and a most cordial recognition of the thanks we owe to the self-denying teachers of our institutions. They are men and women of most admirable culture; they have made the greatest sacrifices; they have entered with the warmest enthusiasm into their work. We have been greatly pleased with the professional enthusiasm of those at the head of some of our excellent normal schools, to whom no words of praise can be extravagant. The progress in nearly all our institutions has been such as to merit our heartiest appreciation. We commend this, our great work, to the generous hearts of our Christian constituency. G. F. WRIGHT, _Chairman_. * * * * * THE HIGHER EDUCATION OF THE NEGRO. BY PRES. E. M. CRAVATH, FISK UNIVERSITY. 1. The negroes are citizens, and vested with all the rights, duties and responsibilities of American citizenship. The ballot is in their hands, and as a necessary consequence they will share the offices of trust and responsibility. There must and will be political leaders among them. It might be better for the country if the colored people would use the ballot purely, with an eye single to the best interests of society; if they should always vote for the wisest, most honest and most capable men, uninfluenced by personal prejudices, race distinction, or the popular excitement of heated political campaigns, and with no aspiration for political distinction or the honors and spoils of office. It might be better for the country if the citizens of other races would do this. But how unlike the Anglo-Saxon or the Celt would be the African if _he_ should do it. But, fortunately, or unfortunately, there is about as much genuine human nature in the American citizen of African descent as there is in those of European; and we must expect essentially the same results under like conditions. It will not prevent colored men from having political aspirations, and from being elected to offices of trust and responsibility, to confine education among them to public, normal and industrial schools. The safer and better way is to give to the young men who have aspirations for a higher education the opportunities and advantages they seek, just as they are provided for the youth of other races.