The growth of interest among the colored people in our schools is outstripping the growth of conveniences for them, and new dormitory buildings at several points are becoming an imperative necessity. There are many reasons for this condition of affairs. One is the righteous purpose exhibited in the work of the A. M. A. South. Both whites and blacks realize that our institutions are based upon the great fundamental principles of the Gospel. They witness the self-sacrifice of the teachers, their prayerful devotion to the welfare of their pupils, the frequent revivals resulting from their efforts, the large number of students sent forth to teach, and the churches planted and supplied with a responsible and educated ministry. The work done inspires confidence. Some time since, the principal of a colored institution received an honorary degree from a Southern college, whose trustees had observed his work for a series of years. When conferring the degree, they said: “We recognize your fidelity to the principles of those who sent you forth.” It is fidelity to the principles that have actuated the A. M. A. for nearly forty years that is winning the hearts of the people, and every year confirms the conviction that we have only to press forward with renewed energy and perseverance in order to achieve the best results for the whole southern portion of our country. * * * * * The fathers are passing away. The death of Wm. E. Whiting, which occurred June 3, removes one of the most familiar names in the annals of the American Missionary Association. He was chosen member of the Executive Committee at the first election, and no complete list of the officers of the Association has been published since, that does not contain his name. Of that first list but one man survives him (a Vice-President), and of the administrative officers, he was the last. His position has been various; on the Executive Committee from 1846 to 1871; Assistant Treasurer from 1865 to 1875; Vice-President from 1876 till his death. In all Mr. Whiting’s relations to his associates in the office and to the workers in the field he was ever gentlemanly and courteous; in the discharge of his duties he was faithful and conscientious. He was among the first to enlist in the great anti-slavery struggle, and in the martyr age of that contest he bore his share of contumely, reproach and danger. In his private life and as a member of the Church of Christ, he had rendered himself so useful and so beloved that the heartfelt eulogy pronounced upon him at his funeral by his pastor might have seemed overdrawn but for the attesting evidence of the manly and womanly tears that throughout accompanied the eloquent words. * * * * *