The anniversary exercises were held in the Fourth Presbyterian Church, Washington City, May 4, when six young men who had completed the regular three years’ course of study received the usual certificate of the department. Five delivered addresses before a large audience, and were subsequently complimented by many of the most judicious friends of the race who were present, for the discriminating and just treatment of their subjects, and for their evident improvement of the advantages of instruction which they had enjoyed. One of the graduates sails in June for Africa, as a missionary of the Presbyterian Board; another is waiting an opportunity to labor on the same continent; the remaining four go to the wide and needy field in the South—each in a different State, so great is the demand for capable laborers. The past year has been one of marked favor and prosperity to the department. Thirty-four students have been under instruction, and there has been no interruption in study, by reason of sickness, either on the part of professors or students. The location of the institution on the high ground north of the city, overlooking both it and the Potomac River, is most conducive to health, while it secures the quiet essential to educational work. With a complete and regularly systematized course of studies extending over three years; with six Professors (thanks to the wise liberality of the American Missionary Association) imparting instruction in all the branches of study pursued in like theological seminaries in this country, pious young men can here be prepared to become effective workmen for Christ, either at home or abroad. As these advantages become better known to those wishing to study for the ministry, we may expect that an increased number will seek to profit by them. And this is desirable for many reasons. With our present facilities we could equally well instruct twice or thrice the present number did the men present themselves having the proper preliminary education for the study of theology. Our greatest need is _scholarships_, both to secure this elementary training and to assist students while in the theological department. Without some aid, but few can obtain a proper education for usefulness in the university. Not much is required, as compared with what white students require and receive, but this little is necessary to stimulate personal effort, and to help them over insurmountable obstacles on the road to useful knowledge. Is there a cheaper or better way for patriots or Christians to solve this social, political, moral and religious problem? WILMINGTON, N.C. BY MR. W. H. THRALL. Perhaps the tendency of this people is to give much prominence to showy performances. We have aimed this year in Wilmington to check this, and not to allow preparations for the “exhibition” to interrupt regular recitation-room work.