It would, we believe, be the judgment of the Faculty and the public, that the past year has been one of exceptional prosperity. Our catalogue shows a roll of 380 names with an average attendance larger than any previous year. The examinations in the Law Department came first in order. The ordeal was severe, certainly a fair test of legal reading, and fidelity to lectures. Ten young men, eight white and two colored, met this ordeal with great credit to themselves and their instructors, and received their degree of Bachelor of Law. They have since been admitted by the Supreme Court to practice in all the courts of the State. It should be mentioned as a sign of growth in public sentiment, that one of the Professors in the Law Department, a native Charlestonian, has lately published a Book on Admiralty Law, and on the title page appended to his name the following: “Professor of Commercial Law, Equity, and Admiralty in Straight University.” The Sumner Literary Society was addressed by Gen. R. B. Elliot, formerly in Congress from South Carolina. He is one of the most eloquent representatives of the colored race. His treatment of the theme “The Advance of Civilization in the United States,” was able, eloquent, and scholarly. It was a rare pleasure to listen to him. He was a friend of Charles Sumner, and the dead statesman had no more eloquent eulogist than he. Our Alumni Association was addressed by Rev. A. E. P. Albert, of the class of ’81. His oration was a careful defense of the negro against the rude and savage assaults recently made upon him. A poem was delivered by Mr. Colwell, of Baton Rouge, of the class of ’79. It possessed real poetic merit, and was gracefully delivered. He was cheered to the echo. It was interesting to observe the hearty enthusiasm of the audience over “the coming poet.” The Annual Exhibition at the University Chapel, under the direction of our most faithful and efficient Dean, was a great success. The Chapel was crowded to excess, and a happier audience is seldom gathered.