The right of the national government to interfere in case a State neglects the education of its children, seems clear on the ground of self-protection. The duty to aid the States struggling to accomplish this work, but unable to do it, because of its vastness, and of its own poverty, seems also clear, and has now become urgent in view of the appalling facts revealed in the last census. Our national Congress is constrained to hear the cry that is coming up from all parts of the country calling attention to this duty. Let not those who feel an interest in this, relax effort or lose heart. It is not a measure to be adopted in a moment. It means much; it involves much. It will bring with it new and seemingly revolutionary conceptions of the functions of the government when it reaches out its strong arms to defend its life, not in the sad work of shooting down ignorant and brutalized parricides, but in the better work of helping to qualify for their children, who are to be charged with duties, the gravest which fall to men, and for positions the highest to which ambition can impel them—the duties and position of a citizen of this free republic. * * * * * Arrangements have been made by the Missionary Society of Connecticut to hold thirty conventions in the State, at which the following benevolent societies supported by the Congregationalists will be represented; American Board, American Congregational Union, American Home Missionary Society, American Missionary Association, American College and Education Society, New West Education Commission, Congregational Publishing Society. The meetings for the first month will be held as follows: Tuesday, Feb. 6, Stamford, morning and afternoon; Wed. the 7th, Danbury, 1st Church, morning and afternoon; Thursday the 8th, Hartford, Park Church, afternoon and evening; Tuesday the 13th, Bridgeport, 1st Church, morning and afternoon; Wednesday the 14th, New Milford, morning and afternoon; Thursday, the 15th, Bridgeport, Park st. Church, morning and afternoon; Tuesday the 20th, New Haven, 1st Church, afternoon and evening; Wednesday the 21st, Ansonia, morning and afternoon; Thursday the 22d, Hartford, South Church, afternoon and evening; Tuesday the 27th, Middletown, 1st Church, morning and afternoon; Wednesday the 28th, New Haven, College st. Church, morning and afternoon. * * * * * BENEFACTIONS. Liberty E. Holden has given $150,000 to Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. John I. Blair has given $15,000 to Iowa College for building purposes. Atlanta University and Berea College have received $5,000 each for endowment purposes from Mr. Tuthill King, of Chicago. The University of Pennsylvania has received $20,000 towards the endowment of a veterinary school in connection with the University.