The importance of the work of the Convention may be indicated by the topics discussed: Education in Rural Districts, Relative Mortality of the Colored Race, Hygiene, Industrial Training, Better Teaching in the Elementary Grades, A Scientific Course in the College Curriculum, Compulsory Education, What Can the Negro Do? What the Ministry is Doing to Elevate the Freedmen. A resume was given of the educational work of the different denominations, mainly by the secretaries of their educational societies. The reports of the colored Methodist churches were especially interesting, as indicating the gratifying extent to which the colored people are taking hold of the work of their own education. No paper of the Convention, however, was received with such spontaneous enthusiasm and applause as the report of Dr. Beard of the work of the American Missionary Association. It was the eloquence of facts. The proceedings of the Association will constitute a large volume, which will soon be published and widely circulated. * * * * * _"AN OPEN PATH FOR TALENT."_ Napoleon said this was the meaning of the French Revolution. He gave promotion in the army not for what a man's ancestry had been, but for what the man himself could do. Who else ever had such efficient subordinates? Opportunities became open generally in France, according to each one's personal ability. The excesses of the revolutionary period were transitory. The enlargement of the nation's power, by removing the fetters of prescription, has been permanent. The recuperative energy displayed by France in the last twenty years is a marvelous example of the strength imparted by liberty. The educational work of the American Missionary Association in the South makes no revolutionary disturbance. It quietly opens a path for talent whose existence had been before unnoticed or denied. It has been already instrumental in bringing forward many men and women to positions of influence. Beginning with the lowest branches of education, it trained the first colored teachers for the State school systems. Its schools for higher education have as yet come far short of supplying the demand for advanced teachers and for educated ministers and other educated professional and business men. We cannot make talent, but opening the door for talent to find development and activity adds rich gifts to the Nation's life. * * * * * _IRRESPONSIBLE INSTITUTIONS._ _The Independent_, in its Symposium of December 11th upon Gen. Booth's Plan, has an article from Charles D. Kellogg, Superintendent of the Charity Organization Society, in which, referring to a certain irresponsible piece of charity, he says: