The establishment of schools for Freedmen and the encouragement given for institutions for whites in the South since the war, has introduced into that portion of the country a new era. It has given a brighter horizon to the blacks and elevated the aspirations of the whites. In many localities it has afforded an entirely new industry, and given pleasures and pastimes foreign to all the former experiences of the lowly laboring people of that locality. This is especially seen in the anniversaries of the institutions founded through the benevolence of the North. These hold their closing exercises at this season, and in many instances make the country alive with enthusiasm for the progress of the rising generation. There are several features of these occasions that register the tide-mark of a growing civilization, and are, therefore, fitted to encourage those who are watching the destinies of the country and the success of Christ’s kingdom in the world. It is a notable fact that philanthropic people from the North are interested to make journeys South to attend these anniversaries. Something of interest and profit is expected not only by those immediately connected with the schools, but by the citizens of the country where the school exists. Commencement Day is coming to be a general holiday, a time when whole families come in for miles to be present to witness the graduation of children or friends; to hear the fine music, to listen to the addresses, and to observe whatever of interest attaches to the occasion. These great assemblies are inspiring, educative, reformatory. We give an account of nine such in this number of the MISSIONARY, which we trust will be of interest and profit to our readers. * * * * * NATIONAL EDUCATIONAL ASSEMBLY. The second annual session of the National Educational Assembly will be held at Ocean Grove, New Jersey, Aug. 9, 10, 11, 12. The purpose of the session is to bring together on the same platform prominent representatives of popular education, irrespective of section, church or political party; to awaken and direct public sentiment in favor of enlarged national, state and church efforts for the education and elevation of the illiterate masses of our country. The chief subjects for discussion during the Assembly will be National Aid to Common Schools, The Negro in America, the Mormon Question, and the Indian Question. The following, with other well-known persons, are announced to be present and address the meetings: Gen. John Eaton, Frederick Douglas, Bishop Simpson, Rev. A. D. Mayo, Senator Blair, of New Hampshire, Judge Tourgee, Hon. T. W. Bicknell, Bishop Whipple, Secretaries Strieby, Morehouse, Rust and Kendall. The Assembly will be conducted by Rev. J. C. Hartzell, D.D., who can be addressed at Saratoga Springs, N.Y. * * * * * CONFERENCE OF MISSIONARIES