_Morality and the Mixture of Races._––A general moral improvement is what the Negro himself believes his race is making; and this belief is in itself strong evidence that this judgment is sound. But the dominant opinion is that the black race is already perceptibly disappearing. Colored men are everywhere reported to prefer light-colored women. There is a race pride on the Negro’s side as well as on the white man’s against intermarriage. But the Negro has, nevertheless, reached the conclusion, if these letters are representative of the race’s opinion, as they are believed to be, that the pure African will become rare in a very few generations, and that he is doomed to extinction. It remains to be said that the letters which have been received in answer to these inquiries show not a little mature thought. They show, too, a profound interest in all phases of the subject. The Negro is at least seriously thinking over the problems that his presence presents. Many of these correspondents have expressed great interest in this investigation, and have put themselves to no little trouble to make it full and fair. The sincerity and frankness of these letters have spoken for themselves. A deep moral purpose pervades most of them that is impressive. They emphasize the conviction that the race is making an heroic struggle, according to its opportunities for advancement. That the Negro is true to his race, moreover, is a fact of some importance. The educated are working to educate the rest. It is noteworthy, moreover, that out of all the answers received only two displayed bitterness of race feeling. The Negro’s temper, as shown in this correspondence, is the temper of a patient, charitable worker for a great purpose. And, above all, the Negro has faith in the Negro. It has not occurred to a single correspondent to express doubt of the continued advancement of the whole race.” N. Y. INDEPENDENT. * * * * * RELIGIOUS DOGGEREL. _The Sweet Songster_ is the name of a little hymn book published in Catlettsburg, Ky. It contains verses composed, compiled, altered or amended, according to the sweet pleasure of one Edward W. Billups, D.D. There are some old familiar hymns scattered through the book, but often sadly marred by omission, alteration or addition. Some of the original effusions are ludicrous in the extreme. The poet shows his estimate of education as he describes the Christians of old: Small learning they had, and wanted no more; Not many could read, but all could adore. No help from the college or school they received, Content with his knowledge in whom they believed. Calvinism has to take it hot and heavy. The sweet singer lets sweetness take a vacation, while he pours forth his wrath in song: