are encouraged to hope that they will be increased during the year to come. * * * * * _FINANCIAL._ Our current receipts for December were nearly $52,000, an increase of $11,000 over those of December, 1889. For the first quarter of our present fiscal year the current receipts amount to $106,000, as against $100,000 for the corresponding period of last year. We thankfully appreciate every enlargement of our resources, and shall continue to use our best endeavors to keep the work within the means provided for it. How difficult this is can be understood only by those who are in constant receipt of numerous exigent calls for work in the great populations among which our service lies. As a matter of record, notwithstanding the utmost care on our part, while our receipts for this quarter have gained $6,000 over those of last year, our expenses have increased $12,000. We are profoundly grateful for the increasing public interest and Christian co-operation in the work of the American Missionary Association, and hope that the gifts of the churches will continue to be accompanied by their counsels and their prayers. * * * * * _THEOLOGICAL INSTRUCTION._ The association is undertaking to supply the serious need, met all along its lines of missionary service, of a more intelligent and consecrated ministry. For the use of our Biblical Training School for the ministry, at Fisk University, we are engaged in the erection of the building; and the work has been taken hold of by the Fisk University Singers, who are meeting with cheering encouragement in the churches. It is our hope that, within the coming year, an adequate structure may be provided for this important work. The theological department at Howard University has received a valuable accession to its faculty in the person of Prof. Ewell. This work will now be re-classified and developed, and will offer unexcelled advantages for practical training in preparation for the gospel ministry. * * * * * _CONFERENCE WITH INDIAN COMMISSIONERS._